Evaluation of Short Term Creep-Rupture Strength of High Temperature P122 Boiler Material

The complex thermal-mechanical loading of power-generating plant components usually comprises of creep, high-cycle and low-cycle fatigue which are thermally induced by start-ups, load changes and shut-downs, producing instationary temperature gradients and hence creating strain as well as stress fields. In order to select the correct materials for these hostile environmental conditions, it is vitally important to understand the behaviour of mechanical properties such as creep rupture properties of these materials. This paper reports the results of standard creep rupture tests of P122 (HCM12A or 12Cr-1.8W-1.5Cu) high temperature boiler material. P122 is one of the latest developed materials for high temperature environments, which has the potential to be successful in hostile environments. The tests were conducted at temperatures ranging from 550°C to 700°C at 50°C intervals with stress levels ranging from 80–400 MPa using a locally made creep rupture testing machine. The results are found to have stable creep-rupture strength at short term creep stage for over 800-hours at elevated temperatures. Creep life prediction from Larson-Miller relationship was also carried out and the accuracy of life prediction is demonstrated. Moreover, the fracture mode assessments strongly revealed a typical ductile transgranular fracture mode with dimples and voids.