Effects of water and irradiation temperatures on IASCC susceptibility of type 316 stainless steel

Effects of water and irradiation temperatures on irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) of type 316 stainless steel were investigated. Type 316 stainless steel was irradiated at 333–673 K to a dose level of 16 dpa. Susceptibility to IASCC was evaluated by slow strain rate testing in oxygenated water in the temperature range of 513–573 K. Irradiation at 603 and 673 K caused IASCC in 513 K water, but irradiation below 473 K did not induce IASCC at 513 K. Specimens irradiated at 333 K did not show IASCC susceptibility in 513 K water, but high susceptibility was observed in 573 K water. Effect of irradiation temperature is discussed from the view points of microstructural and microcompositional changes.