Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of FeCrNi alloys and IASCC of stainless steels: evaluation using micro-mechanical testing techniques

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Nuclear power is a carbon-free energy source that currently provides 60% of the electrical power in Ontario. While the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is promising, aging nuclear power plants (NPP) in Canada present safety and economic concerns that must be continuously addressed. Paramount to these concerns is the corrosion and degradation of NPP components, which result in costly forced outages for Canadian utilities and, in the worst case, material failure during operation can have severe safety implications for the general public. Metals and alloys in NPPs are required to operate in aggressive environments which are complicated by several variables, such as environment chemistry and irradiation damage. To ensure safe and reliable operation of Canadian NPPs well into the future, the behaviour of nuclear materials in these environments must be understood. Canadian nuclear utilities are particularly interested in this research as reactors approach 60 years, and with the desire for life extension up to 100 years. In partnership with Canadian nuclear utilities, this program aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the mechanical properties of irradiated materials, and evaluate the possibility of cracking at micro-scale, compromised regions. Our novel approach involves application of in-situ micro-mechanical testing techniques, developed in the past 15 years, to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of nuclear materials at the micro-scale. This innovative research is enabled by the combined corrosion testing infrastructure, and state-of-the-art proton accelerator and microscopy facilities available at Queen's University. Materials and environments are selected to simulate Canadian NPP conditions. This innovative approach is particularly well suited to studying nuclear materials with high radiation fields, and helps develop our understanding of materials issues that may arise in current Canadian NPPs or with life extension. Also, HQP will have many opportunities to interact with industry, research practical problems, and develop multi-disciplinary skills.