Analysis of a link of embrittlement mechanisms and neutron flux effect as applied to reactor pressure vessel materials of WWER

The effect of neutron flux on embrittlement of WWER RPV materials is analyzed for cases when different radiation defects prevail. Data bases on the ductile–brittle transition temperature shifts obtained in the surveillance specimens programs and the research programs are used. The material embrittlement mechanisms for which the flux effect is practically absent and for which the flux effect is remarkable are determined. For case when the phosphorus segregation mechanism dominates the theoretical justification of the absence of the flux effect is performed on the basis of the theory of radiation-enhanced diffusion.