Prediction Method of Tensile Properties and Fracture Toughness of Thermal Aged Cast Duplex Stainless Steel Piping

Cast duplex stainless steels of CF8M and CF8 are used in major components because of their superior characteristics, such as corrosion resistance, weldability, and so on. However, these stainless steels are known to have tendency of thermal aging embrittlement after long term service. Therefore, the mechanical properties have been investigated using tensile test specimens and fracture toughness specimens aged at 300 to 450°C for up to 40,000 hours. From the results, the effects of thermal aging on the mechanical properties of these cast duplex stainless steels were identified. The true stress-true strain curve prediction method (TSS model) and fracture toughness prediction method (H3T model) after long term service were established. These prediction methods are used for the evaluation on the plant life management of nuclear power plants in Japan.