Abstract
Irradiation behavior of the reactor pressure vessel SA508 class 3 steel weld metals was examined by Charpy V Notch impact specimens. The specimens were exposed to a fluence of $2.8{\times}1019$ neutrons(n)/$cm^2$(E>1 MeV) at $288^{\circ}C$. The irradiation damage of weld metal was evaluated by comparison between unirradiated and irradiated specimens in terms of absorbed energy and lateral expansion. The specimens for neutron irradiation were welded by submerged arc welding process at a heat input of 3.2 kJ/mm which showed good toughness in terms of weld microstructure, absorbed energy and lateral expansion. The post-irradiation Charpy V notch 41J and 68J transition temperature elevation were $65^{\circ}C$ and $70^{\circ}C$, respectively. This elevation was accompanied by a 20% reduction in Charpy V notch upper shelf energy level. The lateral expansion at 0.9mm irradiated Charpy specimens showed temperature elevation of $65^{\circ}C$ and was greatly decreased due to radiation damage.
