The influence of purity on the strength and ductility in creep of CrMoV steels of varied microstructures

Abstract

Investigations into the effects of enhanced purity on the creep and rupture of CrMoV steels which have been carried out at the National Physical Laboratory are reviewed. Significant benefits in rupture life and ductility have been demonstrated, and these properties together with creep strength are described for steels in a variety of microstructural conditions and compositions. It has been shown that the rupture properties obtained reflect the influence of both purity and microstructure on the intergranular cavitation process leading to failure, and the importance of the interrelation between these factors is discussed.