Microstructure alterations in the base material, heat affected zone and weld metal of a 440-VVER-reactor pressure vessel caused by high fluence irradiation during long term operation; material: 15 Ch2MFA ≈0.15 C–2.5 Cr–0.7 Mo–0.3 V Original Research Artic

Within the scope of the EC research project Tacis ’91 (‘RPV-Embrittlement’), trepans were taken from the highly irradiated circumferential RPV-weld of the Novovoronesh power plant unit-2 of the type VVER-440/230. The cumulated fast fluence level in this position reaches up to 6.5×1019/cm2 (E>0.5 MeV). In a joint research work, the mechanical properties, the chemical composition, and the microstructure of the base material, the heat affected zone (HAZ), and the weld metal have been investigated in order to study the influence of irradiation, and of post irradiation heat treatment (475°C, 560°C) on the properties. The examination of the microstructure performed by analytical transmission electron microscopy (200 kV) shows the existence of dislocation loops (‘black dots’), irradiation induced precipitates, and segregation of copper in the carbides. These changes in microstructure, which are due to service affection (neutron irradiation, temperature) have occurred more pronounced in the weld metal and the HAZ than in the base material.