On Some Differences of the Thermoelectrical Effects in BN-600 and Superphenix

The paper discusses specific electromagnetic effects observed in the large circulating masses of liquid metal inherent in the heat transport systems of the commercial fast breeder reactors. It was explained why the criterion Lu of the magnetic field self-excitation in the liquid metal coolant has limiting conditions, determined by the balance nature of the thermoelectric currents circulating in reactor.

Microstructure Refinement Effect on EUROFER 97 Steel for Nuclear Fusion Application

In Europe EUROFER 97 has been recognised as reference steel for the nuclear costructions under high radiation density for first wall of a fast breeder reactors as well as in other high stressed primary structures such as the divertors, blanklet and vessels. Following to this a EUROFER 97 detailed knowledge of the microstructure evolution after thermo-mechanical processing is required, because the material mechanical properties are interesting also for innovative solar plants, i.e. NEXTOWER project. A detailed knowledge of process optimisation is mandatory because EUROFER 97 steel mechanical properties and microstruture are heavily influenced and improved (and easily affeted) by thermomechanical treatments. In this paper the effect of thermo-mechanical parameters on the grain refinement of EUROFER 97 has been investigated by cold rolling and heat treatment on pilot scale.

Austenitization and Tempering Temperatures Effects on EUROFER 97 Steel

EUROFER 97 is considered as standard steel for the nuclear applications in the case of high radiation density for first wall of a fast breeder reactors. Based on such consideration the microstructural behaviour of EUROFER 97 after thermo-mechanical processing is fundamental, since such materials properties are interesting also for innovative solar plants. In this paper the effect of thermo-mechanical behavior on the mechanical properties of EUROFER 97 has been analyzed by hot rolling followed by heat treatment on laboratory scale.A strong effect of reheating conditions before rolling on the material strength, due to an increase of hardenability following the austenite grain growth is found. A limited effect of the hot reduction and of the following tempering behavior is found in the considered deformation-range investigated. A loss of impact toughness is detected together with the hardness improvement.Mechanical properties are depending on the tempering temperature and an improvement of tensile yield stress (YS) and ultimate stress (UTS) was determined in tensile test carried on at T=550°C and T=650°C, e.g.: YS increase from about 400 MPa for standard EUROFER 97 [1] to about 550 MPa in samples treated by a tempering temperature of 720°C instead of the standard 760°C for EUROFER 97. Same trend has been found for UTS results.