SCC Growth Curve for Austenitic Stainless Steels in BWR In-core Environment

SCC growth rate data obtained in simulated BWR in-core environment are compared with previously proposed SCC growth rate curves for sensitized 304 stainless steel and L-grade stainless steel. As a result, SCC growth rate curves are proposed on low electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) condition as improved BWR environment (ECP≦-100 mV. SHE). On high ECP condition as BWR in-core environment (ECP≧150 mV. SHE), the obtained data are enveloped by SCC growth rate curves mentioned in the Japanese BWR internals code.