New paper on 'Micromagnetic Characterization of Operation-Induced Damage in Charpy Specimens of RPV Steels' published

In this study, the NOMAD partners Fraunhofer, EK and SCK CEN, investigated the influence of neutron irradiation on the mechanical properties of nuclear pressure vessel materials using two independent methods of nondestructive magnetic testing. A correlation was found between magnetic characteristics and neutron irradiation-induced damage, regardless of the applied measurement technique. Additionally, by merging the outcome of both testing methods and applying a calibration/training procedure, the damage to reactor steel was successfully predicted. The results are helpful for the potential future practical application of these techniques to the regular inspection of nuclear reactors.

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