The B&W Technical Services, Group, Inc. Fatigue and Fracture Laboratory (F&FL) routinely performs a wide variety of mechanical test methods on metallic samples.
The F&FL is staffed with experienced engineers and technicians and directly supported by the Hot Machine Shop to ensure accurate and reproducible test results. Standard or non-standard specimens are designed by our engineers, machined, and then tested in the F&FL.
Experience
The F&FL has handled more than 40 Reactor Vessel Surveillance Program (RVSP) capsules in the past decade. RVSP capsules are usually irradiated in reactors for various periods of time and then withdrawn from the reactors for testing. The F&FL has also been involved with several projects where highly irradiated components such as vessel internals were removed from a reactor for mechanical testing.
Equipment & Services
Equipment in the F&FL includes two MTS 220 kN servohydraulic test machines and a Satec 240 ft-lb Charpy impact tester. These machines are surrounded by 2" to 4" of lead to provide shielding for operators. Remote handling tools and automatic specimen loading devices are available for transferring and loading of specimens. Mechanical tests are performed in accordance with the appropriate ASTM standards, including:
- Charpy Impact Testing (ASTM E23 and A370)
- Tension Testing (ASTM E8 and E21)
- Fracture Toughness Testing (ASTM E813, E1736, and E1820)
- Low Cycle Fatigue Testing (ASTM E606)
- High Cycle Fatigue Testing (ASTM E466)
- Fatigue Crack Growth Rate Testing (ASTM E647)
- Transition Region Fracture Toughness Testing (ASTM E1921)
- Vickers Microhardness Testing (ASTM E92)
- Miniature Specimen Machining and Testing
For more information, please contact us.
The F&FL tests a variety of specimens, including RVSP capsules.
Elevated Temperature Tensile Testing
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