Small specimen test techniques for the evaluation of toughness degradation

Abstract The small punch (SP) test was applied to neutron irradiated TEM disks to obtain fracture related mechanical properties (DBTT, J IC ) of low activation ferritic steels of 8Cr-2WV and 8Cr-2WVTa and conventional 12Cr-1MoVW steel. The SP test using 3 mm diameter TEM disks is confirmed to be useful, especially for J IC evaluation. DBTT determination is also thought to be possible with a sufficient number of specimens.