Correlation of mechanics degradation and thermal aging damage defects in Z3CN20.09M cast austenitic stainless steels

Microstructural characterization and mechanical testing were performed on 400 degrees C thermally aged Z3CN20.09 M cast austenitic stainless steels. A quantitative mathematical model was introduced for the relationship between aging defects and mechanical properties. Charpy impact energy was used as a characteristic mechanical parameter, and the short-range order of the Cr element segregation that induced by spinodal decomposition was chosen as the characteristic defect parameter. The macroscopic mechanical properties and the microscopic thermal aging defects were quantitatively correlated in this model, which has a great reference significance in safety assessment and lifetime prediction of the reactor structural materials.