Review of Creep-Thermomechanical Fatigue Behavior of Austenitic Stainless Steel

Abstract

Research on the creep-thermomechanical fatigue (CTMF) behaviors of austenitic stainless steel for nuclear power plant pipelines is reviewed in the present paper. The stress response behavior, the main damage mechanisms, including thermomechanical fatigue, creep, oxidation, and dynamic strain aging (DSA), as well as the effects of strain dwell type, dwell time, and temperature-strain phase angle on fatigue life behavior of austenitic stainless steel under CTMF loading conditions are systematically discussed, and the coupled effects of various damage mechanisms are revealed. It is emphasized that CTMF is closer to the actual service condition of nuclear power plant pipes. It is pointed out that the traditional method of life design based on the isothermal fatigue test data is not conservative. Finally, the research on CTMF behaviors of austenitic stainless steel for nuclear power plant is summarized and prospected.