Abstract
The evaluation of elastic-plastic fracture characteristic was investigated in ferrite steel SA 516- Gr70 used for reactor coolant piping elbow and support skirt of pressure vessels. This paper describes the effect of temperature on J-R curve characteristic of this material. The elastic-plastic fracture mechanics parameter J is obtained with unloading compliance method. The test method were analyzed according to ASTM E 813-89 and E 1152-89. Unloading compliance $J_{IC}$ tests were performed on 1 CT specimens at varied temperatures from $25^{\circ}C$ to about $400^{\circ}C$ using a high temperature extensometer. At all temperature, valid $J_{IC}$ measurements could be made and $J_{IC}$ decreased with increasing temperature. SEM fractography schematically illustrates microvoid initiation, growth and coalescence at the tip of a preexisting crack.