Evaluation of residual stress relaxation in a rolled joint by neutron diffraction

Hayashi, Makoto*; Root, J. H.*; Rogge, R. B.*; Xu, P. G.   

The rolled joint of pressure tube, consisting of three axial symmetric parts, modified SUS403 stainless steel, Zr-2.5Nb pressure tube and Inconel-718, has been examined by neutron diffraction for residual stresses. It was heat treated at 350C for 30, 130 and 635 hours to simulate the thermal aging of the rolled joint over the lifetime of the advanced thermal reactor at 288C for 1, 5 and 30 years. The crystal lattice strains at various locations in the rolled joint before and after the aging treatments were measured by neutron diffraction and the residual stress distribution in the rolled joint was evaluated by using the Kroner elastic model and the generalized Hooke's law. In the crimp region of the rolled joint, it was found that the aging treatment had weak effect on the residual stresses in the Inconel and the SUS403. In the non-aged Zr-2.5Nb, the highest residual stresses were found near its interface with the SUS430. In the Zr-2.5Nb in the crimp region near its interface with the SUS430, the average compressive axial stress was -440 MPa, having no evident change during the long-time aging. In the Zr-2.5Nb outside closest to the crimp region, the tensile axial and hoop stresses were relieved during the 30 hours aging. The hoop stresses in the crimp region evolved from an average tensile stress of 80 MPa to an average compressive stress of 230 MPa after the 635 hours aging, suggesting that the rolled joint had a good long-term sealing ability against the leakage of high temperature water.