Auger Electron Spectroscopy Analysis of the Fracture Surfaces of Irradiated Pressure-Vessel Steels.

摘要

Pressure-vessel steels and weldments containing the residual elements copper and phosphorus show a marked tendency toward embrittlement after irradiation at 290C. Auger electron spectroscopy was used to analyze fracture surfaces of these materials to ascertain if segregation of copper and phosphorus during irradiation was responsible for the embrittlement. No evidence of segregation was found. An alternative mechanism is suggested in which the residual elements modify the defect microstructure,with attendant increases in yield strength and ductile-to-brittle transition temperature. (Author)