Application of the miniature specimen technique to material irradiation tests and surveillance for reactor components

Yield strength, tensile strength and uniform elongation of unirradiated and irradiated reactor pressure vessel steels were determined by the modified miniature specimen test (MMST). The facility and conditions for irradiating the miniature specimens are described. The results were compared with conv entional tensile test data. Empirical formulas for correcting result errors caused by the deviation of specimen thickness were established. The applic ation of the MMST technique to radiation surveillance for pressurized water reactor components is addressed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.