Characterisation and 3D modelling of Cast Duplex Stainless Steel microstructure: Application to ultrasonic wave propagation simulations

IF 3 2区工程技术 Q2 ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL

International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping Pub Date : 2025-01-20 DOI:10.1016/j.ijpvp.2024.105430

Zakaria Aghenzour , Pierre-Emile Lhuillier , Nicolas Leymarie , Vincent Dorval , Alexandre Imperiale

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Due to their high strength and corrosion resistance, Cast Duplex Stainless Steels (CDSS) are employed in the primary coolant piping of nuclear power reactors. In-service Non-Destructive Evaluations (NDEs) based on Ultrasonic Testing (UT) must be conducted to ensure their safe operation. However, accurately detecting and sizing flaws within CDSS components poses a significant challenge. This is primarily due to their manufacturing process, which results in metallurgical structures featuring coarse grains and complex microstructural features, including a dual-phase composition with various morphological scales. Thus, in these structures, ultrasonic waves undergo scattering at grain boundaries, leading to high attenuation and structure noise echoes that alter the inspection. Modelling these phenomena using 3D numerical simulation tools with a detailed description of the microstructure allows for a better understanding of the multiple wave/microstructure interactions by quantifying the influence of microstructural characteristics on NDE performance. This paper aims to present the results of numerical simulations applied to representative CDSS microstructures. Thanks to the use and development of numerical tools, virtual microstructures of these duplex steels can be generated with different levels of complexity in Representative Elements Volumes (REVs). These REVs are validated to varying scales through comparison with experimental metallurgical characterisations. They are then used to define the propagation media using dedicated Finite Element (FE) software to observe the impact of this microstructure on ultrasonic waves. These FE simulations will then characterise the effective homogeneous media by determining attenuation and phase velocity variations as a function of the wave frequency. The attenuation results obtained from these simulations are compared with experimental attenuation measurements for different frequencies.

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来源期刊

International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping 工程技术-工程：机械

CiteScore

5.30

自引率

13.30%

发文量

208

审稿时长

17 months

期刊介绍： Pressure vessel engineering technology is of importance in many branches of industry. This journal publishes the latest research results and related information on all its associated aspects, with particular emphasis on the structural integrity assessment, maintenance and life extension of pressurised process engineering plants. The anticipated coverage of the International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping ranges from simple mass-produced pressure vessels to large custom-built vessels and tanks. Pressure vessels technology is a developing field, and contributions on the following topics will therefore be welcome: • Pressure vessel engineering • Structural integrity assessment • Design methods • Codes and standards • Fabrication and welding • Materials properties requirements • Inspection and quality management • Maintenance and life extension • Ageing and environmental effects • Life management Of particular importance are papers covering aspects of significant practical application which could lead to major improvements in economy, reliability and useful life. While most accepted papers represent the results of original applied research, critical reviews of topical interest by world-leading experts will also appear from time to time. International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping is indispensable reading for engineering professionals involved in the energy, petrochemicals, process plant, transport, aerospace and related industries; for manufacturers of pressure vessels and ancillary equipment; and for academics pursuing research in these areas.