Development of nuclear reactor cores having high power density, long fuel life, and low fabrication costs is the objective of this program sponsored by the AEC. Five tasks are in progress: (1) Task 1A-High Power Density Fuel Development, (2) Task 1B-Fuel Fabrication Development. Assembly, (3) Task II-Stability, Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow, (4) Task III-Physics Development, and (5) Task IV-Co-Ordination and Test Planning.

Abstract: This technical report summarizes the data obtained in a recent literature survey conducted to determine the effects of neutron irradiation on the impact and other mechanical properties of both ferritic steels and austenitic stainless steels. The survey was primarily aimed at obtaining sufficient data on the behavior of pressure vessel steels at high integrated neutron flux levels in order that a reference material of construction could be selected for the SM-2 (APPR-1B) reactor vessel. Materials studied in this literature survey included carbon and low alloy steels such as: ASTM A-212B, ASTM A-201, ASTM A-301B (CR-Mo), ASTM A-106 (coarse and fine grained), ASTM A-285, ASTM A-302B (Mn-Mo), ASTM A-353, ASTM A-203 Grade D, E-7016 carbon steel weld metal, USS Carilloy T-1, HY-65 and HY-80. In addition, Types 304 and 347 stainless steels were also investigated as representative austenitic materials which might be used in pressure vessel construction. A careful evaluation was made of the irradiation induced changes in the mechanical properties of the above materials. The ferritic steels were evaluated primarily on the basis of increases in transition temperature due to irradiation and decreases in the amount of maximum energy absorbed prior to ductile failure. Factors such as industrial experience, …