2009

Solin, Jussi; Alhainen, Jouni; Karlsen, Wade

Progress in research for clarifying the fatigue mechanism in stainless steels, transferability of data into primary circuit ageing assessment and development of related new research capabilities is summarised by introducing the motivation, challenges and main results. Fatigue properties and microstructural changes in cyclic deformation of Alloy 316 are reported. Secondary hardening and formation of ' martensite was found at very low strain amplitudes. The RT air fatigue endurance data is in conflict with the new stainless steel design curve, which was recently endorsed by the US NRC.