| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/N508482/1 |
| Title: |
Innovative Forging and Fabrication Solutions for the Nuclear Industry |
| Principal Investigator: |
Asquith, Dr DT |
| Other Investigators: |
|
| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
|
| Project Partners: |
|
| Department: |
Faculty of Arts Computing Eng and Sci |
| Organisation: |
Sheffield Hallam University |
| Scheme: |
Technology Programme |
| Starts: |
01 June 2015 |
Ends: |
31 December 2017 |
Value (£): |
138,010
|
| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Energy - Nuclear |
Materials testing & eng. |
|
| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
|
| Related Grants: |
|
| Panel History: |
|
|
Summary on Grant Application Form |
The Sheffield Hallam team will conduct novel experiments to characterise mechanical properties of formed and thick
section components from large forgings. Initial work will focus on developing the specimen design and test strategy using
3D Digital Image Correlation (3DDIC) to obtain Crack Tip Opening Angle (CTOA) resistance curves for the material; post
weld heat treated conditions will be of primary concern. Using CTOA measurements and crack extension data is an
established method of determining both KIc and JIc, using data from 3DDIC has been applied to thin section specimens
and will need adapting for thick sections particularly for uneven crack front phenomena.
Once specimen geometries and test techniques have been established the results will be compared to data for the same
material obtained using standard test methods according to BS EN to the UK Civil Nuclear code. This will serve as
validation of the suitability of DIC to determine fracture properties of the material.
Having validated the technique a series of tests comparing different heat treatment procedures and different regions of
interest in the forging (determined by SFIL) will be evaluated. The results of these tests will be compared to the
microstructural properties of the different specimens and optimal treatments identified.
Running concurrently with DIC based fracture toughness measurements will be a benchmarking fatigue program at
elevated temperature (c.700C) using the current treatment parameters for the material. This will provide baseline high
temperature fatigue properties. Once optimal microstructures are determined based on fracture toughness results a
second set of fatigue tests will be conducted using the ideal structure at elevated temperature to confirm any increase in
performance.
Once initial fracture characterisation is complete development work will start on acquiring high temperature values of KIc
and JIc, the equipment to adapt the currently available DIC hardware at SHU has been factored in and the potential results
are deemed to be of high value both to the academic community and the lead partner. A systematic approach drawing on experience within SHU and LaVision (hardware supplier) and a working relationship with Instron UK will enable trials to
take place with relative ease. Development work is likely to focus on the finer points of obtaining robust correlation from
the high temperature surface, namely speckle pattern retention and reducing interference from the emitted photons from
the specimen.
|
|
Key Findings |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Potential use in non-academic contexts |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Impacts |
|
| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
|
| Date Materialised |
|
|
|
|
Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
| Project URL: |
|
| Further Information: |
|
| Organisation Website: |
http://www.shu.ac.uk |