Subsized Bend and Charpy V-Notch Specimens for Irradiated Testing

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Abstract
Characterization of the fracture resistance of structural materials from specimens small in volume is an essential element of fission and fusion reactor design and alloy development. In this study ⅓-sized Charpy V-notch specimens and small bend bars ranging in thickness down to 2.5 mm have been investigated. Techniques have been developed for fabricating these specimens and testing them over a temperature range of 170 to 590 K under static and dynamic conditions. Tests have been performed to extract fracture mechanics parameters (KIc, JIc) and fundamental material parameters (e.g., micro-cleavage fracture stress σ*f) and to examine behavior anticipated in thin wall ferritic structures at temperatures corresponding to the lower shelf.