WG1
This working group is studying data generation, analysis, exchange and assessment procedures used by various European experts. Based on these studies WG1 will make recommendations for testing and data assessment practices to be used in current and future European projects. WG1 will produce guidelines and procedures, which will be published by WG2 (dissemination Working Group run by the Coordinator). WG1 also guides WG3A, B, C and WG4 (data assessment WGs) as to the best methods of data collation and assessment.In particular, WG1 will examine the modelling of creep behaviour and develop guidelines for the generation of creep data to form the basis of model equations which may subsequently be used for the finite element analysis of components.
WG1.1
This is a sub-group and is overseen by WG1. It considers information dealing with post exposure testing for existing materials. WG1.1 aims to improve the credibility and reliability of remaining life assessment (RLA) and life extension procedures used to predict the performance of existing/old plants. It envisages to propose refining of available methods and experiences by:WG1.2
This is the second sub-group responsible to WG1. It evaluates data and issues of creep crack initiation in the presence of design allowable or in-service defects and its effect on creep life. It is studying the comparison of various existing assessment procedures and will make recommendations for the harmonisation of these.WG2
This group's tasks are as follows:Information Dissemination: The group will publish an annual newsletter, and organise two Information Days in years 2003 and 2005. This WG will have the responsibility for dissemination of information produced by the TN.
Publications: WG2 will publish the work presented at the two Information Days and findings of the other WGs in the form of reports and/or folders, as required.
WG2 is also aiming at the creation of interaction between various European Networks in the area of high temperature plant safety, materials properties and plant life (such as PLAN, RIMAP, Safetynet etc.) via the web page.
Training: It is envisaged that during the life of this project a number of young engineers will be trained in data generation and analysis practices at the sites of certain partner organisations.
Data Working Groups
WG 3A, B, C shown below, deal with the projects involved in creep data electronic exchange, and assessment, and in particular, creep strength at various levels of strain. These WGs also review European data on creep ductility, multi-axial test data, creep strain, notch ductility and rupture strength. European data, where necessary, might have to be re-analysed according to the guidelines provided by WG1. Working groups WG3A, WG3B, and WG3C make their recommendations available to European design codes and standards committees and provide assessed data sheets.WG3A
This working group is responsible for dealing with data on ferritic steels. The steels being studied include in particular those used for bolts, piping and tubing applications within the chemical, process, oil refining, power generation and nuclear plant. The network covers all types of existing and new alloy steels such as 1Cr0.5Mo, 2.25Cr1Mo, 0.5Cr0.5Mo0.25V, 5Cr1Mo, 9Cr1Mo and 12CrMoV materials, which have been used extensively in modern plant. The work will in particular cover new advanced materials such as P91, P92, E911 and HCM12A steels. The products considered may include parent, welds, castings, virgin and post-exposure materials.WG3B
This working group is responsible for dealing with data on austenitic stainless steels in a manner similar to WG3A. Austenitic steels are the alloy grades particularly applicable to chemical plant for pipework and reactor vessels, fossil power plant boiler applications and for heat exchangers generally in nuclear plant and advanced (supercritical) fossil plant. The products considered include parent, welds, castings, virgin and post-exposure materials.WG3C
This working group deals with data on turbine materials and in particular nickel based alloys, used mainly in gas turbines, but also being considered as new materials for use in future high temperature steam turbines.Nickel based alloys are used extensively in the manufacture of gas turbines and as new materials in advanced plant steam turbines. Material development for industrial gas turbines has progressed more rapidly than the development of boiler materials largely due to significant increases in efficiency that may be achieved with better blading and disc materials. Rapid expansion in the use of industrial gas turbines, and the interest by steam manufacturers in using nickel-based alloys for advanced designs demonstrate the industrial importance of these materials. Due to the high cost of fully validating new materials, however, design strengths are often based on incomplete datasets or are unnecessarily conservative. There is therefore a strong European requirement to collaborate on turbine materials development, providing better quality and more complete creep data sets.