<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify">H2020 project entitled “Fracture mechanics testing of irradiated RPV steels by means of sub-sized specimens (FRACTESUS)” has commenced on 1st October 2020. The aim of this project is to demonstrate the applicability of miniaturized compact tension specimens in fracture toughness testing of the reactor pressure vessel steels under hot cell conditions. Validation of this method in an industrially relevant environment will be an important step to acquire of the acceptance by the nuclear authorities, and finally,&nbsp; its prospective usage by the nuclear power plant operators. Successful implementation of miniaturized specimens testing technique will result, among others, in optimization of surveillance materials usage and noticable savings in irradiated materials testing. The general project overview showing its structure, partners involved and main deliverables was published elsewhere. Here, we focus on some technical aspects being of the utmost importance in the initial stage of the project and which will have crucial impact on its overall progress. The general consideration on the selection of the best available materials for testing are discussed on the examples of 73W weld and A533B LUS. Moreover, the general scheme of testing process which is planned within the project is briefly presented as well as the basic assumptions on numerical modeling task directed to rationalize experimental findings.</p>

FRACTESUS Project: General Framework of Materials Selection and Testing Processes

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/PVP/PVP2021/volume/85314

ASME 2021 Pressure Vessels & Piping Conference (PVP2021)

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