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Multicriteria materials selection for extreme operating conditions based on a multiobjective analysis of irradiation embrittlement and hot cracking prediction models

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Abstract

A methodology for evaluating different combinations of materials specifications for extreme environment applications is presented. This new approach addresses the materials selection problem using a multicriteria stringency level methodology that defines several thresholds obtained by analyzing different prediction models of irradiation embrittlement and hot cracking. To solve the conflicts among thresholds as provided by the different prediction models, a multiobjective approach is carried out. Materials for reactor pressure vessels have been considered as case study. It has been concluded that the best option to manufacture a pressure vessel for a pressurized water modern reactor is the selection of German manufacturing standards. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of the proposed methodology has been performed to evaluate the divergences between the single stringency level methodology and the new proposal including multicriteria decision making aspects.

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Abbreviations

A ij :

Requirement i specified by the materials specification j

A + :

Ideal solution

A − :

Anti-ideal solution

CF:

Chemical factor (R.G. 1.99 Rev.2 prediction model)

C +j :

Relative closeness of each material requirement Rij to the ideal solution A +

d +i :

Separation between the requirement i specified by the materials specification j (Aij) and the ideal solution according to the constraints

d −i :

Separation between the requirement i specified by the materials specification j (A ij ) and the anti-ideal solution according to the constraints

L i :

Distance between the solution provided by the upper bounds and the medium point or requirements range as established by multiobjective approach

L s :

Standardized limit (method of stringency levels)

RCC-MR:

French code

r ij :

Normalized stringency level

r j :

Mean value of r ij for the materials specification j

SI i :

Sensitivity index of the output

S + j :

The minimum Euclidean distance of any requirement of the materials specification j from the ideal solution

S − j :

The maximum Euclidean distance of any requirement of the materials specification j from the anti-ideal solution

SL ( Max) :

Maximum value of stringency level according to the defined scale

T r :

Threshold

Y p :

Yield point

σ t , σ l :

Membrane theory stresses (transversal and longitudinal components)

P:

Pressure (in-service)

R, t:

Radius, thickness of vessel

Φ :

Neutron flux (n/cm2)

∆RT DBT :

Shift of ductile-to-brittle transition temperature

ASME B&PV:

American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler & Pressure Vessels

DBT:

Ductile–Brittle Transition

DV:

Decision variable

erf:

Error function

IASCC:

Irradiation-Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking

KTA:

Kern Technischer Ausschuss (German safety council)

MCDM:

Multicriteria decision making

OF:

Objective function

PWR:

Pressure water reactor

R.G.:

Regulatory guide (United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission)

SL :

Stringency level

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Manufacturing Engineering, UNED, Juan del Rosal 12, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    A. Rodríguez-Prieto, A. M. Camacho & M. A. Sebastián

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  1. A. Rodríguez-Prieto
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  3. M. A. Sebastián
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Correspondence to A. Rodríguez-Prieto.

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Rodríguez-Prieto, A., Camacho, A.M. & Sebastián, M.A. Multicriteria materials selection for extreme operating conditions based on a multiobjective analysis of irradiation embrittlement and hot cracking prediction models. Int J Mech Mater Des 14, 617–634 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10999-017-9393-2

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