bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guidelines for Identification of Concrete in a Materials Property Database
Authors: Oland CB , Frohnsdorff G
Published: March 2009

Guidelines for the identification of concrete in a materials property database are presented to address the complex problem of distinguishing one concrete from another. These guidelines are based on a logical scheme for systematically organizing and subdividing data and information about concrete and its constituents; they reflect consensus recommendations for a multilevel material description and designation system. Aspects of the guidelines include a classification system used to establish a series of primary identifiers, methods for reporting constituent information and mixture proportions, fields describing the source of the concrete and its processing history, and recommendations for reporting baseline or reference properties.
Data Evaluation Methodology for High-Temperature Superconductors
Authors: Munro RG , Chen H
Published: March 2009

During the first seven years of the research effort on high-temperature superconductors, the average publication rate has been approximately 5000 papers per year. As may be expected, this published literature has an abundance of seemingly conflicting results, and there are major concerns about the consistency and the comparability of the reported property values. This paper discusses an evaluation methodology that addresses those issues using a structured evaluation procedure. The procedure applies to each set of data and leads to the assignment of one of seven well-defined data evaluation levels. The general procedure and criteria are discussed first, and then special relations that may result in data of higher quality are discussed. The latter relations consider the roles of material structure, composition, energy levels, and materials property relations. The methodology is illustrated by an evaluation of data for YBa2Cu3Ox for which there is an especially important dependence on composition and crystallographic structure.
Materials Database with Microstructural Information
Authors: Sandström R , Komenda J
Published: March 2009

In material science and technology, computerized systems have been created with information on many types of materials and properties. Many properties, such as mechanical properties, are strongly related to the chemical composition, heat treatment history, and microstructure. Unfortunately, microstructural parameters are represented to a very limited extent in existing databases and then restricted only to a few parameters such as the phase fraction or average grain size. For detailed analysis of property data, this is a serious drawback. Without detailed information about the microstructure, a more complete understanding of properties can never be developed. The aim of the present work is to introduce a representation of microstructures both in qualitative and quantitative form suitable for a material property database. A system with microstructural description and microstructural images of various engineering materials and their treatment data has been developed. Materials in the database are welded simulated stainless steels, sintered high-strength steels, ferritic-pearlitic steels, aluminum-alloybased composite, induction-hardened microalloyed steel, and deformation-dilatometry-tested microalloyed steel. The database covers materials specification, metallographic characteristics, and microstructural images. Later, property data will be added. Both qualitative morphology descriptions of microstructure and the definitions of quantitative parameters are included. Modern automatic image analysis of original structures as well as of database-collected images was used to characterize microstructures. Contents, sizes, and shapes of grains, particles, inclusions, voids, packages, bands, agglomerates, and phases were measured. Examples of database applications are given.
Development of Comprehensive Material Performance Database for Nuclear Applications
Authors: Yokoyama N , Tsuji H , Tsukada T , Shindo M
Published: March 2009

Computer technology has remarkably improved recently, especially the World Wide Web (WWW), which has become the predominant method for accessing the Internet. As the result, it is possible to extract attractive and sophisticated information easily and timely through massive and quick communication of complex materials data.

At Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI), the JAERI Material Performance Database (JMPD) has been developed to utilize various kinds of characteristic data about nuclear metallic materials efficiently. The data entry supporting system is developed to reduce the data input task. Retrieval and graphic presentation are carried out through the WWW. Based on the stored data, analyses are performed.
Materials Information Systems for Open World Problem Solving
Authors: Fujiwara Y , An J , Lai J
Published: March 2009

The information necessary for materials research and development is complicated in its format and is huge in amount. Therefore, neither conventional database management systems nor knowledge bases in artificial intelligence systems can accept information in a way that is sufficiently flexible as required. Another crucial requirement of information systems is to provide functions to process the meaning of information such as analogical reasoning, induction, and abduction. These are essential operational elements in open world problemsolving systems. In other words, next generation systems should have the capability to generate new information as candidate solutions. Accordingly, data in these systems should contain information representing relationships among data that are comprehensive in the domain of concern. Self-organized information is devised to fulfill the requirements and is shown as an example.
Inspection Manual for Existing Septic Systems
Authors: Frekot LLC , Elvebak ML
Published: March 2009

In response to the demand for uniform inspections and conformity of existing Individual Sewage Treatment Systems (ISTS) across the state, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is developing a manual addressing the need for inspection procedures for existing ISTS. In this effort, the MPCA has done thorough research, formed advisory committees, and tested all the different procedures for inspecting existing ISTS. The manual is to be used as an educational tool to complete a comprehensive inspection of an existing ISTS on a property.

The manual will be used by individual sewage treatment system professionals and local unit of government employees to systematically investigate ISTS to determine which systems meet current Minnesota state standards. It was created to be user-friendly and comprehensive, with sections appropriate for copying and use directly in the field. The manual includes the definition of failing systems according to Minnesota Rule, Chapter 7080, and provides a methodology for inspecting ISTS. It also describes the available equipment used to investigate systems, dye tracer use, safety, a protocol for public involvement and recordkeeping.
Comparison of Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity and Percolation Rate: Implications for Designing Septic Systems
Authors: Amoozegar A
Published: March 2009

Methods for measuring saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) of soils are standardized, but the regulations governing the percolation test vary considerably among states. The objectives of this paper are to present an overview of selected procedures for measuring Ksat, and to compare Ksat obtained by the constant-head well permeameter method with percolation rate values for different conditions. Three different models for calculating Ksat were compared and the Glover solution was selected for comparison with percolation rate. Using various hole diameters (2r) and depths of water in the hole (H), different flow rates were used to calculate a Ksat value and a percolation rate for each r and H combination. In general, the relationship between percolation rate and Ksat obtained from the rate of water flow from a given hole is logarithmic. However, this relationship is not unique and depends on r and H. for any given Ksat value, percolation rate increases linearly with increasing r. As a result, for a given soil, different values of percolation rate can be obtained by changing the radius of the test-hole and the required depth of water in the hole within a given set of regulations. For designing septic systems, the percolation test must be standardized or Ksat measurements be used for determining and/or confirming loading rates.
Mounding Analysis in the Vadose Zone for Designing Large Septic Systems
Authors: Amoozegar A , Martin KC
Published: March 2009

Large septic systems are used for places such as schools and apartments in the rural areas. The objectives of this paper are to discuss data collection and present a mounding analysis protocol as part of a multi-stage soil/site evaluation for designing large septic systems. One large septic system in an area with shallow water table and one in an area with a slowly permeable layer in the vadose zone are discussed in this paper. A design for each system was prepared after a preliminary soil/site characterization as specified by state regulations. After selecting a loading rate for the type of the septic system, a comprehensive characterization of the drainfield area of each system, including measurement of the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) of various horizons, was performed. For each system, the rates of water flow from the trenches and through the vadose zone were compared with theoretical flow rates calculated by Darcy's Law using measured Ksat values. Using measured data, a ground water mounding analysis was performed for the site with shallow water table. For the site with a slowly permeable layer under the drainfield, lateral water flow above the layer and vertical flow through it were assessed. Based on the analyses performed on these systems, a set of steps for assessing soil/site suitability for septic systems is recommended.
Potable Water Treatment and Reuse of Domestic Wastewater in the CMHC Toronto ‘Healthy House’
Authors: Townshend AR , Jowett EC , LeCraw RA , Waller DH , Paloheimo R , Ives C , Russell P , Liefhebber M
Published: March 2009

In order to demonstrate ‘unplugged’ housing, two adjoining three-bedroom houses were built in downtown Toronto on very small lots which have no sewer or water services. Electricity is supplied by photovoltaic generators with battery storage in one house and two-way grid supply in the other. A design 120 L/day rainwater supply is collected in cisterns, buffered with limestone gravel, and passed through a multi-media gravel, sand, and activated carbon filter. After ultraviolet disinfection the water is distributed on demand for potable and other uses (actual use ∼265 L/d). Wastewater is treated by a septic tank with effluent filter below the carport, a recirculating tank below the basement, and a Waterloo Biofilter™ housed in a sealed stainless steel enclosure in the basement and ventilated by forced air vented through the heat recovery unit. A 120 L/day portion is disposed of on-site in a leaching bed, and the design 600 L/day remainder is further treated for reuse in the house (actual ∼325 L/d, total 590 L/d). For reuse, the wastewater is polished with two multi-media filters and ozone disinfection. Reclaimed water is presently for the non-potable uses of toilets, laundry, gardening, but potentially baths and showers. The system is working well at the single-house scale it was designed for and will find application where water supply is expensive or scarce, and where tight soils and small lots make disposal of a standard household flows difficult.
Design of Recirculating Sand Filters Using a Standardized Methodology
Authors: Ball JL , Denn GD
Published: March 2009

The recirculating sand filter is a successful wastewater treatment system for producers of small to medium (2 to 4000 m3/day or 500 to 1,000,000 gallons/day) wastewater flows. This cost effective, low-maintenance technology provides ideal treatment systems for parks, schools, office complexes, resorts, and even small communities with effluent sewer collection systems. Space requirements are reasonably small, construction costs are moderate, and maintenance and monitoring do not require highly trained personnel. The recirculating sand filter purifies septic tank effluent sufficiently that it can be disposed subsurface in most soils, or, where allowed, disinfected and disposed into surface waters.

In the recirculating sand filters investigated by the authors, the quality of effluent is remarkably similar, even though designs, installation costs, and operational costs vary significantly. Incorporation of the most cost-effective methodologies into a standardized RSF design will reduce all those costs without sacrificing efficacy of the treatment.

In this paper the authors discuss a standard design technique for a modular recirculating sand filter, developed to simplify the design process and to reduce equipment, installation and operating costs. This design strategy allows original construction to be limited to a size that accommodates existing flows and defers capital costs of additional capacity until it is warranted by increased flows. Variations in the standard design that may be used to meet special performance or site-specific criteria are also discussed.
Design and Performance of Septic Tanks
Authors: Bounds TR
Published: March 2009

More than forty million people in the United States currently use onsite wastewater disposal or decentralized sewerage collection and treatment that rely on septic tanks for primary treatment. There is a good reason why, in this age of advanced technology, the septic tank is still in use. It works. More than 45% of ultimate treatment can be accomplished in the septic tank. Advanced onsite and effluent sewer technologies have established their environmental importance by bringing highly reliable, affordable and permanent wastewater treatment to users worldwide. In short, passive—energy free—septic tanks provide the most cost efficient form of primary treatment available for nonindustrial sewage.

Decentralized sewers and onsite alternatives have advanced us to a new era of wastewater treatment and management where designers must be able to rely on the many essential components of the system. System components must be designed and constructed with the same permanency and quality expected of any long-term option. Because the septic tank is an essential ingredient to the success of these systems, a new generation of structurally-sound, watertight septic tanks is evolving.
A Review of the Field Performance of Chamber Leaching Systems
Authors: Dix SP , May R
Published: March 2009

There are very few studies in literature that evaluate the field performance or failure rate of any type of leaching component of a septic tank/leachfield system. The advent of graveless, chamber leaching systems raises the question about the field performance of these systems and how that may compare to the performance of gravel systems. Proponents of chamber systems argue that on the basis of laboratory, pilot, and field data, that a chamber system can be properly sized at 50 to 60% of the size requirement of gravel filled systems. The problem of establishing these requirements at a laboratory scale relates to experimental difficulty; however, several field studies in Maine, Georgia, Texas, Washington, and Illinois support the performance claim for chamber systems.
On-Site Sewage Disposal for a Subdivision in a High Groundwater Area
Authors: Tyre BW , Dennis MC
Published: March 2009

The Lightning “W” Ranch has been operated by the Weise family in a small valley in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, about 30 miles (48 km) south of Reno, Nevada for over 40 years. The Ranch has been supplied by surface water and three irrigation wells over that period irrigating over 300 acres (121 ha) of pastureland. Although annual rainfall is less than only 12.6 in. (32 cm), a perennial stream flows through the property and groundwater may be found as shallow as 2 ft (0.6 m) below the ground surface. Plans for a 107-unit residential community with private golf course were stalled as a result of concerns over potential groundwater impacts by septic systems. Authorities from the local Health Department and the State Division of Environmental Protection assisted private sector engineers in developing a plan using a combination of standard shallow septic systems in engineered fill, recirculating sand filters, and an artificial wetlands to provide sewage treatment for homes, golf clubhouse, and golf course restrooms. Meanwhile, the owner and his team of designers blended grading plans for the septic leach fields, the golf course, and flood control into a reconfiguration of the ranch landscape that left only 40 acres (16 ha) of original ground and resulted in over 1 000 000 yd3 (764 656 m3) of material moved.
Drip Irrigation Onsite Wastewater Systems—Colorado
Authors: Church EO
Published: March 2009

For 16 years “drip irrigation” onsite wastewater systems (OWS) have been used in Colorado. Drip irrigation systems were developed as an alternative to sand evapotrans- piration (ET) systems in clay soils with poor percolation characteristics. Drip irrigation OWS have effectively provided a wastewater treatment and dispersal alternative through: (1) realistic definition of subsurface conditions which start with percolation rates greater than 35 minutes per centimeter (MPcm) [90 min. per in. (MPI)], (2) designs based on criteria greater than minimum requirements, (3) willingness of governmental agencies to try new systems, (4) experienced and innovative installers, and (5) proper operation and maintenance of systems.
Oxidative Induction Time — A Review of DSC Experimental Effects
Authors: Blaine RL , Lundgren CJ , Harris MB
Published: March 2009

Over the past several years, a number of ASTM committees have explored a wide variety of experimental parameters affecting the oxidative induction time (OIT) test method in an attempt to improve its intra- and inter-laboratory precision. These studies have identified test temperature precision as a key parameter affecting OIT precision. Other parameters of importance are oxygen flow rate, specimen size, specimen pan type, oxygen pressure and catalyst effects. The work of Kuck, Bowmer, Riga, Tikuisis and Thomas are reviewed as well as the collective work of ASTM Committees E37, D2, D9 and D35.
Oxidation Studies of Lubricants from Dornte to Microreactors
Authors: Perez JM
Published: March 2009

Friction, wear and the oxidation of lubricants are concerns in most mechanical systems. Selection of the best current thermoanalytical method to evaluate the oxidative performance of a lubricant for an application is an ongoing problem. The variability and complexity of mechanical systems makes correlation with bench tests difficult. The oxidative environment in automotive applications may vary from nil in sealed-for-life components to severe oxidative conditions found in piston, ring, and liner zones. The researcher's task is to develop useful and meaningful bench tests to allow the engineer to concentrate his effort and resources on developing better lubricants for a given application. This paper reviews the evolution of oxidation test methods for the past 50 years from large complex systems to the current microanalysis methods. The mechanism of oxidation has changed very little but our understanding of additive interactions has advanced significantly. Additive depletion and the resulting oxidation process can be studied using the microthermooxidative methods. Often, a combination of methods can be used to obtain a better understanding of the thermal and oxidative processes occurring. Some comparisons of the methods and their applications are described.
Further Studies on Oxidative Induction Test on Medical Polymers
Authors: Woo L , Ding SY , Ling MTK , Westphal SP
Published: March 2009

We have published previously initial results on the application of the oxidative induction test to a wide variety of medical polymers. This is a continuation and further elaboration on the earlier study.

For medical flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds, the traditional measure of degree of degradation by color formation was found to correlate to measured oxidative induction times. Furthermore, three distinct regimes were also detected. In the initial phase of degradation, little color formation was detected for significant decreases in the induction time. This is followed by a nearly linear regime. Finally in the terminal regime, where the stabilizer were nearly exhausted the color increased exponentially. This observation was interpreted by the established mechanism of PVC degradation.

In another series with polyolefins, several subtle phenomena were observed that may have utility in either optimizing the stabilization package or predicting long term shelf life. It was found that significant antioxidant losses occurred at typical experimental temperatures above 200°C. Much better shelf life predictions can be obtained by collecting data at lower temperatures. And the inflection point on the activation energy plot corresponded to the antioxidant volatilization temperature.
Thermo-Oxidative Degradation of Irradiated Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Wolf CJ , Hager SC , Depke NC
Published: March 2009

The thermal oxidative degradation of the semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), used for electrical insulation was studied as a function of radiation (1.5 MeV electrons), temperature, and contact with a metal surface. The radiation, whose total dose varied from 0 to 48 MRads, produces two effects: (1) cross-linking which enhances the high-temperature mechanical properties of the polymer and (2) degradation which reduces its high-temperature lifetime. Modified wires were constructed by replacing the original silver-plated copper conductor with tin-plated copper to ascertain the effect of metal surface on the degradation process. The rates of degradation of insulation (no conductor), original wires, and modified wires were measured by weight loss and by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The primary degradation products were identified by evolved gas mass spectrometry. A simple model in which the rate of decomposition as a function of temperature, degree of conversion, and radiation dose was developed. The lifetime of the insulation in a thermal oxidative environment is a strong function of the composition of the electrical conductor it surrounds. Silver over copper was a much more effective catalyst in promoting the thermal oxidative degradation of the ETFE than tin over copper. The rate of degradation was a strong function of the total radiation dose regardless of conductor.
Laboratory Simulation of Oxidative Aging of Asphalt
Authors: Memon GM , Chollar BH
Published: March 2009

The Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) was funded by Congress in 1987–1993 to study the most pressing problems in the highway field. One of the major items studied in this program was the aging and changes of asphalt in pavements during construction of and during the life of the pavement.

The objective of this study was to determine the aging characteristics of asphalt mixes, which were mixed and conditioned at times corresponding to times experienced during field mixing. This objective was accomplished by measuring functional group changes of carbonyl and sulfoxide peak areas through infrared spectroscopy techniques of asphalts extracted from mixes subjected to various laboratory and climatic conditioning procedures. Correlations were attempted between these infrared functional group changes of asphalt samples from laboratory aged mixes and that from a pavement mix obtained through drum dryer plant production.

Ratios were taken of these unknown peak areas by dividing them by the area of a peak unchanged by oxidation, i.e., the methyl peak. These ratios were evaluated for asphalt mix samples that had undergone a wide range of treatments (oven heating for 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours). It was observed through the carbonyl group changes of the asphalts that an oven aged period of 2 hours for asphalt mixes was needed to simulate the degree of aging occurring during plant mix production.
Oxidative Induction Time (OIT) Determinations of Polyethylenes: Influences of Temperature, Pressure, and Crucible Materials on the Result
Authors: Truttmann R , Schiano K , Riesen R
Published: March 2009

The standard procedures for the oxidation induction time (OIT) determinations have been developed to get reproducible and comparable results on the same sample by different users. Experimental conditions such as isothermal measuring temperature, pressure of the surrounding oxygen concentration, and type of crucible material are prescribed to avoid large variations. Many difficulties met in the past may be due to improper selection of the mentioned parameters, namely the temperature accuracy and crucible type and cleanliness. Because of the autocatalytic behavior of the oxidation, the accurate temperature calibration is of tremendous importance, since usual calibration is done dynamically, but the measurements are performed isothermally, that is, without dynamic lag between sample and furnace. Therefore, the shift of the OIT by the variation of temperature, pressure (oxygen concentration), and crucible material is investigated.
Targeted Delivery of Pesticides from Matricap™ Compositions
Authors: Levy R , Nichols MA , Opp WR
Published: March 2009

A novel encapsulation system was developed for controlled delivery of bioactive agents from solid matrices. The efficacy of several encapsulation techniques and polymer or nonpolymer coating/coating-complex formulations in regulating the controlled-delivery duration and profile of the biopesticides Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis or Bacillus sphaericus and the insect growth regulators methoprene or pyriproxyfen from solid carrier matrices such as Biodac or corn cob granules was evaluated against larvae of the mosquitoes Aedes taeniorhynchus, Anopheles albimanus, and Culex quinquefasciatus or nymphs of the German cockroach Blattella germanica. Results of a series of bioassays against mosquito larvae in a variety of water qualities suggested that the solid controlled-delivery compositions could be used to direct the biopesticides or growth regulators to specific surface and/or subsurface areas of a water column to target the feeding zones and/or orientation patterns of each type of mosquito for prolonged periods. Cockroach bioassays indicated that a bait-growth regulator formulation could be encapsulated within several types of polymer-base compositions and slow-released for extended periods.
Dry Concentrate (DC) Spray Adjuvants
Authors: Roberts JR , Underwood AK , Clark A , Mack RE , Thomas JM , Volgas GC
Published: March 2009

Research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of three dry concentrate (DC) adjuvants. COHORT® DC (organic nonionic surfactant) and KINETIC® DC (silicone-based nonionic surfactant) were as effective or more effective than conventional liquid formulation surfactants. NXS ™ DC buffering agent was more effective at maintaining spray solution pH than the liquid buffering agent BUFFER P.S. ™
Mon 37532 Phytotoxicity is Affected by Surfactant and Ammonium Nitrate
Authors: Woznica Z , Nalewaja JD , Szelezniak EF
Published: March 2009

Herbicides often are applied with surfactants and with the addition of 2 to 4% (v/v) 28% nitrogen liquid fertilizer (ammonium nitrate + urea). Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the influence of surfactant hydrophilic:lipophilic balance (HLB) on efficacy of MON 37532, a new herbicide by Monsanto, applied with surfactant alone and with ammonium nitrate. Linear alcohol ethoxylate (LAE) surfactants with C8–10 or C12–14 alcohol were or tended to be more effective with 12 than 8 or 16 HLB. HLB did not influence C16–18 LAE surfactant enhancement of MON 37532 phytotoxicity to oats. However, all LAE were similar in enhancing phytotoxicity to green foxtail, except C12–14 with 8 HLB was less effective. The presence of ammonium nitrate increased or decreased LAE efficacy depending on the specific LAE and varied with species. Ethoxylated alkylphenols, Triton® X, and secondary alcohol ethoxylate, Tergitol® 15-S surfactants generally increased in efficacy as HLB increased. Ammonium nitrate did not enhance efficacy of Tergitol® 15-S or Igepal CO, but with Triton® X often enhanced MON 37532 phytotoxicity to green foxtail. MON 37532 phytotoxicity enhancement from ammonium nitrate was inpart from increase spray retention, and did not appear to relate to droplet deposit.
Measuring Proton Extrusion from Cell Membranes of Barley Calli to Evaluate Surfactant Phytotoxicity
Authors: Manthey FA , Dahleen LS , Nalewaja JD , Davidson JD
Published: March 2009

A technique that measured extrusion of protons by barley (Hordeum vulgare) calli into the incubation solution was developed to detect surfactant phytotoxicity. Parameters for proton extrusion by barley calli were: 0.1 mg/L 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid] in 10% (v/v) L1 medium using 125 mg barley calli in 3 ml incubation solution with continuous aeration. If foaming occurred, the continuous aeration could be replaced by rotary shaking at 100 rpm. Proton extrusion was similar for the three barley genotypes evaluated. Proton extrusion from barley calli and electrolyte leakage from potato (Solanum tuberosum) discs were compared for their ability to detect surfactant phytotoxicity. Anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants were evaluated for phytotoxicity. Phytotoxicity was detected at equal or lower surfactant concentrations when tested by proton extrusion (pH change) from barley calli than by electrolyte leakage (electroconductivity) from potato tubers. Surfactant solutions with high or low pH interfered with the proton extrusion method and made direct comparison difficult, while surfactant solutions with high electroconductivity reduced the sensitivity of the electroconductivity method. Thus, the proton extrusion and electrolyte leakage methods complimented each other and provided more information about surfactant phytotoxicity than either method alone.
Irradiation Hardening of Pressure Vessel Steels at 60°C: The Role of Thermal Neutrons and Boron
Authors: Odette GR , Lucas GE , Klingensmith D
Published: March 2009

Six split melt A533B-type model alloys, with different combinations of copper, nickel and boron contents, were irradiated at 60°C in a neutron spectrum with a thermal-to-fast (E > 1 MeV) ratio of about 370. The resulting yield stress increases were compared to hardening produced by irradiations at a low thermal-to-fast flux ratio. The latter data were obtained in a larger experiment on 60°C hardening that showed: i) a negligible effect of flux; ii) hardening increases with the square root of fluence above a low threshold; and iii) an individually weak, but collectively significant, influence of copper, nickel, manganese, phosphorous and molybdenum. These and other observations have been interpreted to suggest that low temperature hardening is caused by features formed in displacement cascades. However, this interpretation is not consistent with the results of this study which show that yield stress increases are even larger for conditions dominated by low energy PKAs created by thermal neutrons. The thermal-to-fast dpa hardening efficiency factor was estimated to be about 1.7±0.5, which is comparable to the corresponding theoretical ratio of residual defects. The data also suggest that transmutant products from the 10B(n,α) reaction may contribute a small increment to hardening.
Small Angle Neutron Scattering Study of Linde 80 RPV Welds
Authors: Wirth BD , Odette GR , Pavinich WA , Lucas GE , Spooner SE
Published: March 2009

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) results are presented for Linde 80 welds irradiated, as part of the B&W Owners Group Integrated Surveillance Program, at low fluxes (< 1015 n/m2-s) to fluences from 0.29 to 3.5x1023 n/m2 (E > 1 MeV) at irradiation temperatures from 276 to 292°C. The welds all contain about 0.6 Ni (all composition units are in wt.%), 0.009 to 0.18 P and 0.05 to 0.28 Cu. In the welds with significant amounts of copper (> 0.2 Cu) the measured defect scattering cross sections were consistent with either: a) copper rich precipitates (CRPs) alloyed with manganese and nickel; or b) dominant CRP scattering, plus a weak contribution from so-called matrix defect features. Similar weak scattering was observed in a low copper (0.06 Cu) weld. The identity of matrix defect features cannot be determined from the SANS data alone, but the scattering is consistent with the presence of subnanometer vacancy cluster-solute complexes. The general character of the CRPs, and the trends in their number density, volume fraction and average radius as a function of fluence and irradiation temperature, are very similar to those observed in a wide range of pressure vessel-type steels irradiated in test reactors at intermediate to high flux. The SANS data in the surveillance welds is also in unity with: a) thermodynamic-kinetic radiation enhanced diffusion models of CRP evolution; b) mechanical property changes, including predictions of the correlations of the surveillance data base; and c) an atomic scale, atom probe field ion microscopy study into the nanostructure-chemistry of a CRP.
Evaluation of Variability in Material Properties and Chemical Composition for Midland Reactor Weld WF-70
Authors: Nanstad RK , McCabe DE , Swain RL
Published: March 2009

The Heavy-Section Steel Irradiation (HSSI) Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) includes a task, the Tenth Irradiation Series, to investigate the effects of radiation on the fracture toughness of the low upper-shelf submerged-arc welds in the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of the canceled Midland Unit 1 nuclear plant. The welds carry the Babcock and Wilcox Co. (B&W) designation WF-70, a weld which exists in many commercial pressurized-water reactors. Various sections of both the beltline weld and the nozzle course weld were studied. A major part of the study involved the determination of variations in chemical composition and reference temperature (RTNDT) throughout the as-received welds. The RTNDTs, all controlled by the Charpy behavior, varied from -20 to 37°C (-4 to 99°F) while the upper-shelf energies varied from 77 to 108 J (57 to 80 ft-lb). Even though all the welds carry the WF-70 designation, the bulk copper contents range from 0.21 to 0.34 wt % in the beltline weld and from 0.37 to 0.46 wt % in the nozzle course weld. The variation (2σ) of 41-J temperatures for 25 data sets of the Midland weld was 17°C and is comparable to that for the high upper-shelf HSSI weld 72W and that from 13 data sets for HSST Plate 01. Statistical analyses of the Charpy and chemical composition results are discussed.

Although the NDT temperatures and CVN transition temperature ranges were similar for the two welds, the fracture toughness results indicated that the nozzle course weld had a 27°C (49°F) higher transition temperature than the beltline weld. Some postirradiation data are available and are presented in this paper, but the major part of the irradiation effects study will be reported subsequently.
Miniaturized Charpy Test for Reactor Pressure Vessel Embrittlement Characterization
Authors: Manahan MP
Published: March 2009

Modifications were made to a conventional Charpy machine to accommodate the miniaturized Charpy V-Notch (MCVN) specimens which were fabricated from an archived reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steel. Over 100 dynamic MCVN tests were performed and compared to the results from conventional Charpy V-Notch (CVN) tests to demonstrate the efficacy of the miniature specimen test. The optimized sidegrooved MCVN specimens exhibit transitional fracture behavior over essentially the same temperature range as the CVN specimens which indicates that the stress fields in the MCVN specimens reasonably simulate those of the CVN specimens and this fact has been observed in finite element calculations. This result demonstrates a significant breakthrough since it is now possible to measure the ductile-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) using miniature specimens with only small correction factors, and for some materials as in the present study, without the need for any correction factor at all. This development simplifies data interpretation and will facilitate future regulatory acceptance. The non-sidegrooved specimens yield energy-temperature data which is significantly shifted downward in temperature (non-conservative) as a result of the loss of constraint which accompanies size reduction.
The Effect of Heat Treatment on Phosphorus Segregation in a Submerged-Arc Weld Metal
Authors: Beere WB , Buswell JT
Published: March 2009

Intergranular fracture (IGF) has been observed in carbon-manganese steels after irradiation or high temperature exposure for prolonged periods. The effect is associated with an increase in the ductile-brittle transition temperature and has been related to phosphorus diffusion to grain boundaries. Phosphorus also diffuses thermally at the temperatures used for post-weld heat treatments such that in principle, the slightly different heat treatments given to different parts of a large vessel could lead to differing grain boundary phosphorus coverage and hence susceptibility to IGF. The effect of typical heat treatments on phosphorus coverage has been investigated using a finite difference model based on a theory that has been fitted to a wide range of constant temperature data. Regardless of previous history, the grain boundary coverage of phosphorus was predicted to depend on the final anneal and cooling rate. These differed insufficiently in the typical heat treatments to produce significant differences in segregation. It was concluded that the ductile-brittle transition temperature in submerged-arc welds would be unaffected in vessels that had seen typical post-weld heat treatments.
Investigation of the Development of Irradiation - Induced Precipitates in VVER-440-Type Reactor Pressure Vessel Steels and Weld Metals after Irradiation and Annealing
Authors: Große M , Nitzsche P , Böhmert J , Brauer G
Published: March 2009

The development of irradiation-induced precipitates in VVER-440 type reactor pressure vessel steels 15Kh2MFA and weld metals SV-10KhMFT during irradiation and post-irradiation annealing is studied by small angle neutron and X-ray scattering. The kinetic conditions for the precipitation of particles, which already exist in the unirradiated state, seem to be improved at temperatures of about 270°C due to the irradiation. The size distribution of the irradiation-induced precipitates depends on the copper content and differs between weld and base metal. A strong correlation between the formation of irradiation-induced precipitates and the irradiation hardening is found. The hardness nearly linearly depends on the number of these precipitates.
Hardness and Microstructural Response to Thermal Annealing of Irradiated ASTM A533B Class 1 Plate Steel
Authors: Reinhart DE , Kumar AS , Gelles DS , Hamilton ML , Rosinski ST
Published: March 2009

Hardness measurements were used to determine the post-irradiation annealing response of A533B class 1 plate steel irradiated to a fluence of 1 x 1019 n/cm2 (E>1 MeV) at 150°C. Rockwell hardness measurements indicated that the material had hardened by 6.6 points on the B scale after irradiation. The irradiation induced hardness increase was associated with a decrease in upper shelf energy from 63.4 J to 5-1.8 J and a temperature shift in the Charpy curve at the 41 J level from 115°C to 215°C. Specimens were annealed after irradiation at temperatures of 343°C (650°F), 399°C (750°F), and 454°C (850°F) for durations of up to one week (168 h). Hardness measurements were made to chart recovery of hardness as a function of time and temperature. Specimens annealed at the highest temperature 454°C recovered the fastest, fully recovering within 144 h. Specimens annealed at 399°C recovered completely within 168 h. Specimens annealed at the lowest temperature, 343°C recovered only ∼70% after 168 h of annealing.

After neutron irradiation, a new feature of black spot damage was found to be superimposed on the unirradiated microstructure. The density of black spots was found to vary from 2.3 x 1015/cm3 to 1.1 x 1016/cm3 with an average diameter of 2.85 nm. Following annealing at 454°C for 24 h the black spot damage was completely annealed out. It was concluded that the black spot damage was responsible for 70% of the irradiation-induced hardness.
Effects of Damage Rate on Irradiation Hardening and Post-irradiation Annealing Characteristics of Carbon Steel
Authors: Suzuki M , Idei Y , Kizaki M , Onizawa K
Published: March 2009

Irradiation embrittlement in a low dose region was studied for an aluminum-killed carbon steel from the point of dose rate effects. The dose rate as low as ∼5x108 n/cm2/s (E> 1MeV) caused a Charpy transition temperature shift of more than 30°C after irradiation to ∼1017n/cm2 (E>1MeV) at 240°C, while a similar amount of Charpy shift was observed after ∼1018n/cm2 (E >1MeV) at higher dose rate (∼7x1011n/cm2/s). The effect of dose rate was obvious in the annealing response on hardness. The recovery characteristics indicated that more stable defects were produced in the material irradiated at a lower dose rate.
Experimental Tests of Irradiation-Anneal-Reirradiation Effects on Mechanical Properties of RPV Plate and Weld Materials
Authors: Rosinski ST , Hawthorne JR , Rochau GE
Published: March 2009

The Charpy-V (Cv) notch ductility and tensile properties of three reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steel materials were determined for the 288°C (550°F) irradiated (I), 288°C (550°F) irradiated + 454°C (850°F) -168 h postirradiation annealed (IA), and 288°C (550°F) reirradiated (IAR) conditions. Total fluences of the I condition and the IAR condition were, respectively, 3.33 × 1019 n/cm2 and 4.18 × 1019 n/cm2, E > 1 MeV. The irradiation portion of the IAR condition represents an incremental fluence increase of 1.05 × 1019 n/cm2, E > 1 MeV, over the I-condition fluence. The annealing treatment produced full Cv upper shelf recovery and full or nearly full recovery in the Cv 41 J (30 ft-lb) transition temperature. The Cv transition temperature increases produced by the reirradiation exposure were 22% to 43% of the increase produced by the first cycle irradiation exposure. A somewhat greater radiation embrittlement sensitivity and a somewhat greater reirradiation embrittlement sensitivity were exhibited by the low nickel content plate than the high nickel content plate. The IAR-condition properties of the surface vs. interior regions of the low nickel content plate are also compared.
Comparison of BR3 Surveillance and Vessel Plates to the Surrogate Plates Representative of the Yankee Rowe PWR Vessel
Authors: Fabry A , Chaouadi R , Puzzolante JL , Van de Velde J , Biemiller EC , Rosinski ST , Carter RG
Published: March 2009

The sister pressure vessels at the BR3 and Yankee Rowe PWR plants were operated at lower-than-usual temperature (≈260°C) and their plates were austenitized at higher-than-usual temerature (≈ 970°C)- a heat treatment leading to a coarser microstructure than is typical for the fine grain plates considered in development of USNRC Regulatory Guide 1.99. The surveillance programs provided by Westinghouse for the two plants were limited to the same A302-B plate representative of the Rowe vessel upper shell plate; this material displayed outlier behavior characterized by a 41J. Charpy-V Notch shift significantly larger than predicted by Regulatory Guide 1.99. Because lower irradiation temperature and nickel alloying are generally considered detrimental to irradiation sensitivity, there was a major concern that the nickel-modified lower Rowe plate and the nickel-modified BR3 plate may become too embrittled to satisfy the toughness requirements embodied in the PTS screening criterion. This paper compares three complementary studies undertaken to clarify these uncertainties: 1) The accelerated irradiation and test program launched in 1990 by Yankee Atomic Electric Company using typical vessel plate materials containing 0.24% copper at two nickel levels: YA1, 0.63% (A533-B) and YA9, 0.19% (A302-B). These were heat-treated to produce the coarse and fine grain microstructures representative of the Yankee/BR3 and the Regulatory Guide plates, respectively; 2) The BR3 surveillance and vessel testing program: this vessel was wet-annealed in 1984, relicensed for operation till the plant shutdown in 1987, and was trepanned in early 1995; 3) The accelerated irradiations in the Belgian test reactor BR2 of the Yankee coarse grain plates YA1 and YA9 together with BR3 vessel specimens extracted at nozzle elevation, a location with negligible radiation exposure. It is contended that the PTS screening criterion was never attained by the BR3 and Rowe plates, and that the BR3 vessel anneal was neither necessary nor efficient. Furthermore, the practice to index fracture toughness to an absorbed energy level of 41 Joules in the CVN impact test is challenged in light of micromechanical modeling considerations and of supportive three-point slow bend precracked Charpy tests of the BR3 and YA1 plates. Finally, the sensitivity of embrittlement, annealing and post-anneal reembrittlement to irradiation temperature, nickel and other alloying or impurity elements is discussed, with a view to justify reducing the conservatism of regulatory prescriptions for these materials.
Role and Experience with Thermal Monitors in Reactor Vessel Surveillance Capsules
Authors: Lowe AL
Published: March 2009

The surveillance capsule irradiation temperature is important to assure that the data obtained are representative of the reactor vessel beltline materials. Capsules evaluated showed that the temperatures exceed 588°F(309°C) during in-reactor exposure. The monitors melt as the result of normal system operating temperature transients up to 588°F(309°C). The apparent melting of thermal monitors at temperatures greater than 588°F(309°C) is the result of long term exposure to temperatures close to the material melting temperature, causing slumping and the appearance of melting.
A Consideration of Scatter in Radiation Damage Trend Curves for Reactor Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Materials
Authors: Griesbach TJ , Server WL
Published: March 2009

The ability to accurately predict irradiation damage in reactor vessel materials is important for assuring structural integrity of vessels. The present irradiation damage trend curves in Regulatory Guide 1.99, Revision 2 were based on statistical regression analyses of an EPRI irradiated steel database containing approximately 151 shift data points for plates and 65 shift data points for welds and the NRC 177 data points database. Due to data scatter, the accuracy of the correlations is characterized by the observed (i.e., actual — predicted) mean residual error which was determined to be 17°F (9°C) for plates and 28°F (16°C) for welds. Much new data have been gathered since the fundamental database used in developing the original Regulatory Guide 1.99, Rev. 2 correlations. These new data have been included in the EPRI PREP4 database, and hyperbolic tangent curve-fits were performed on all Charpy V-notch data. A calculation of the 30 ft-lb (41 J) shifts was also performed to establish an expanded database for monitoring embrittlement trends. These new shift data values were compared to the Reg. Guide predictions, and mean residual errors calculated for weld and base materials. The results are presented here for comparison to the 2-sigma margin terms used in Regulatory Guide 1.99, Revision 2 which are intended to bound the actual measured data.