1.

0 SCOPE

This specification establishes minimum requirements for low alloy steel forgings for Reactor Pressure
Vessel used for ISMR 235. The forgings are required to be made from fine grained, killed and vacuum
degassed low alloy steel equivalent to DIN 20MnMoNi55 grade with modified chemical composition.
The manufacturing process adopted shall ensure cleanliness of the highest order, isotropy of the
mechanical, chemical and metallurgical properties, superior fracture toughness and weldability. This
specification is appended with following Annexures (if any).

2.0 CONTENTS

The requirements of this Specification are presented under the following headings

Scope 1.0
Contents 2.0
Applicable Codes & Standards 3.0
Process of Manufacture 4.0
Chemical Composition 5.0
Heat Treatment 6.0
Mechanical Properties 7.0
Tests & Examinations 8.0
Non-Destructive Examination 9.0
Repairs 10.0
Procedures, Plans, Reports & Documentation 11.0
Quality Surveillance 12.0
Simulated Heat Treatment Cycle Fig.1
UT Scanning Direction for Shells Fig.2
UT Scanning Direction for Forged Bars Fig.3
UT Scanning Direction for Dished Ends Fig.4
UT Scanning Direction for forged plate & PWTC Fig.4A
Test Specimen Orientation Fig.5
Test Specimen for Impact Test Fig.6
Test Coupons Location for plate Fig.7
Material Sampling & Testing Plan-Plate Fig.8
Product Analysis & Metallurgical Examination-Plate Fig.9
Test Coupon Location-Ring Forgings Fig.10
Material Sampling & Testing Plan for STC-A- Ring Forging Fig.11
Material Sampling & Testing Plan for STC-B,C,D,E & F Fig.12
Test Coupons Location Dished End Forgings Fig.13
Material Sampling & Test Plan-Dished End Forgings Fig.14
Test Coupon Location- Nozzle Forgings Fig.15
Material Sampling & Test Plan - Nozzles Fig.16
Metallurgical Test Plan - Nozzles Fig.17
Extent of Tests-Plate Table-1
Extent of Tests- Shell & Ring Forgings Table-2
Extent of Tests-Primary Head & Dished End Forgings Table-3
Extent of Tests - Nozzles of ID upto 250 mm Table-4
Extent of Tests-Nozzles of ID over 250 mm Table-5
3.0 APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

The following codes and standards of the issue in effect on the date of issuing the tender document
shall form part of this specification. In case of conflict between the codes/standards listed below and
this specification, generally the specification will govern. The supplier must obtain necessary
clarification from the purchaser in such a case.

i ASME Section II Part A - Ferrous Materials

ii ASME Section III Division 1 - Sub-Section NB
iii ASME Section V Non Destructive examination
iv ASTM Relevant Standards
v KTA
vi

4.0 PROCESS OF MANUFACTURE

4.1 Melting:

The steel shall be made by basic electric process and shall be vacuum degassed to remove
objectionable gases particularly Hydrogen. Vacuum system should be of sufficient capacity to effect
a blank-off pressure which is sufficiently low for sufficiently long duration.

4.2 Discard:

Sufficient discard shall be made from each ingot to secure freedom from piping and excessive
segregation.

4.3 Grain size

Grain size shall be measured as per ASTM-E-112 and shall be 6 or finer. The grain size and
microstructure shall be determined on a notched bar impact test specimen, obtained from simulated
Heat Treated Test Coupons. The examination shall be on the Longitudinal - Normal Section. In case
of determination on an untested side (e.g. Plate, Nozzles), these examinations shall be carried out
on the forging directly. The micrographs for assessing the microstructure shall be made at a
magnification allowing unambiguous assessment (as a rule: X 200).

4.4 Forging Process

The components shall be hot forged as close as practicable to their final finished shape and size by a
press or hammer of sufficient capacity to work the metal throughout its section. The forging ratios
shall not be less than 3. Tube sheet and primary head forgings, where overlay cladding is done, shall
be processed in such a way that the minimum segregation portion shall be identified and kept for
cladding zone. Material flow shall be such as to favourably resist the stresses encountered in service
(Main Working Direction).

4.5 Machining

Prior to the heat treatment, forgings shall be contour machined as close to the finish dimensions as
possible.

5.0 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION (weight percentage)

 C Mn Si Mo Ni Cr Cu(max) V Co(max) Al(tot)
(max) (max) (max)

0.17- 1.2-1.5 0.15- 0.44- 0.5-0.8 0.20 0.08 0.02 0.03 0.01-
0.23 0.3 0.55 0.03

Sn(max) As(max) Sb P(max) S N(tot) H2 O2

(max) (max) (max) (max)

0.01 0.015 0.007 0.010 0.008 0.013 1 ppm 20 ppm

The above chemical composition slightly differs from DIN 20 Mn Mo Ni 55 grade. Subject to the
approval by the purchaser, minor deviations may be permitted provided all other requirements of
the specification are met. In the likelihood of the above limits being exceeded, the guaranteed
maximum values shall be indicated in the bid itself.

Note (1) - If these figures are exceeded and check analysis levels of up to P :S 0.015%, S :S 0.015%,
Mo :S 0.63%, Cu :S 0.18%, Sn :S 0.016% and N (tot) :S 0.015% are accepted, the inspection agency
shall determine until further notice whether heat affected zone simulation tests and, where
applicable, tangential section examination are required. If intermediate annealing at 550° C is
planned in the course of further processing the permissibility of this annealing temperature shall be
demonstrated in the course of the aforementioned tests/examinations. Extent and implementation
of testing shall be agreed upon with the Inspection Agency.

6.0 HEAT TREATMENT:

6.1 Sufficient vacuum degassing and Argon Lancing in LRF prior to ingot casting stage shall be given
to bring the Dissolved H2 ≤ 1 ppm. Dissolved H2 shall be analysed in pony ladle sample also.
Hydrogen sample analysis
shall be done on the
solidified Ingot casted on
top and bottom discard.
The Homogenisation
treatment of the ingot as
outlined below , however ,
with prior experience with
the supplier this can be
modified based on the
Laddle (LRF) sample
analysis, shall be imparted.
The Hydrogen content shall
be less than 1 ppm.

Additionally Sulphur print

and the classification of
segregations and
solidification structure to be
obtained on the sample size of one ingot longitudinal section to reveal the a) Chill zone b)Columnar
zone c) A-segregation zone d) Equiaxed zone(V-segregation zone) e) Sedimental zone (Negative
segregation zone) f) Positive segregation zone.

The hot forging operation shall be done above 1250℃ and forming operation shall not be done
below 1050℃ . Minimum forging ratio of 3 to be maintained. The forgings shall be supplied in
quenched and tempered condition. The forgings, after contour machining near to finish dimensions,
shall be heated to a temperature which produces an austenitic structure and then quenched in a
suitable liquid medium ensuring uniform cooling. The tempering temperature shall be between 650
to 680°C. The measured highest temperature during stress relief heat treatment shall not be higher
than the measured lowest temperature during tempering. The uniformity of temperature during
any of the heat treatment shall be proved by continuous temperature recording instruments with
the help of thermocouples attached to the component.

(sample QT graph)

[ quenching in higher rate means it shall be cooled as fast as possible while quenching in water and
the water temperature shall be maintained using cooling mechanism]

Simulated Heat Treatment (SHT)

The simulated heat treatment (SHT) is intended to simulate the heating cycles which the actual
component may experience during the course of fabrication. Such heat treatment is given to some
of the test coupons called Simulated Heat Treated Coupons (STC). Heating and cooling rates shall be
as indicated in the figure below:

6.2 Simulated Heat Treatment (SHT)

The simulated heat treatment (SHT) is intended to simulate the heating cycles which the actual
component may experience during the course of fabrication. Such heat treatment is given to some
of the test coupons called Simulated Heat treated Coupons (STC). Heating and cooling rates shall be
as indicated in the figure below:
7.0 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES:

7.1 The mechanical tests shall be conducted as per ASTM A-20 and ASTM A-370 (DIN 50115, DIN
50125 and DIN EN 10002-1). Following minimum requirements shall be met with both in Quenched
and Tempered and simulated heat treated condition for all products except manhole cover /
handhole cover wherein minimum requirement shall be met in Quenched & Tempered condition.

Product form Test Temp Mechanical Properties 20 MnMoNi 55 Unit

℃ (location)
Plate RT Rm L, Tr, N 560-700 N /mm
2

Top & Bottom R p 0.2 L,Tr,N 441-445 N /mm

2

Head A5 L,Tr,N 22-25 %

Shell ring
Z L,Tr 69-70
Nozzle Ring
Z N SV:60 %
Flange
AV:65-70
Impact value at 0°C L,Tr,N SV:60 J
AV:90
68 Joule at RT NDT
+33℃
Plate 350℃ Rm L, Tr, N 540 N /mm
2

Top & Bottom R p 0.2 L,Tr,N 386 N /mm

2

Head A5 L,Tr,N 20-21 %

 Shell ring Z L,Tr 70-72
Nozzle Ring Z N SV:60-72 %
Flange AV:72
Note: Sampling location: Sampling location T/4 & T/2

Rm=Tensile strength
R p 0.2=Yield Strength (0.2 % offset
A5 =% Elongation on 5d (in 50 mm minimum gauge length)
Z=% Reduction in area
L=Longitudinal; Tr= Transverse; N=Normal; SV=single value; AV=average value

7.1 Mechanical Properties

7.1.1 General

All the mechanical requirements stipulated here are minimum

requirements.
Compliance with these requirements shall be met in “Quenched &
Tempered Condition” and “Simulated HeatTreated Condition”, except
for Manhole cover, wherein the minimum requirements shall be met
in “Quenched & Tempered Condition”. Specimens for conducting tests
shall be made from coupons taken from the sampling locations (see
paragraph 6.1 through 6.4) representing the component / part / final
product.

7.1.2 Mechanical Strength Values

 Unless otherwise stated SA-370 / ASTM E-21 shall be applicable for the
various tests.

Sl. At RT At 3500C
Tensile Requirements
No.
1. Tensile strength, MPa 550-725 550 min.
2. Yield strength, minimum [0.2% offset], MPa 345 285
3. Elongation in 2” or 50 mm, minimum, % 18 16
4. Reduction of area, minimum, % 38 To be
reported
RT: Room Temperature;

Notes:
(i) The above minimum values are applicable to all test
specimen orientations viz. Longitudinal/ Transverse/
Normal or Radial/ Tangential/ Axial.
(ii) Testing scope for Manhole covers in quenched & tempered
condition shall be same as that of, STC-B‟ of shell forgings.
Testing scope for Production Weld Test Coupon (PWTC) plates
in both quenched & tempered and simulated heat treated condition
shall be same as that of ,STC-B‟ of shell forgings. Notes:
(iii) The above minimum values are applicable to all test specimen
orientations viz. Longitudinal/ Transverse/ Normal or Radial/
Tangential/ Axial.
(iv) Testing scope for Manhole covers in quenched & tempered
condition shall be same as that of „STC-B‟ of shell forgings.
Testing scope for Production Weld Test Coupon (PWTC) plates in
both quenched & tempered and simulated heat treated condition
shall be same as that of STC-B‟ of shell forgings
.
 7.1.3 Fracture Toughness Requirement

Fracture toughness of the material shall be determined as per the requirements of

Class I vessels in line with NB-2300 of ASME B&PV Code Section III Sub-
section NB.

7.1.3.1 Nil Ductility Transition Temperature (TNDT)

The nil ductility transition temperature (TNDT), as determined by drop weight

test in accordance with ASTM-E-208, shall be less than or equal to (–)15°C
[ie. TNDT ≤ (-)15°C]. See Figure-13 and annexure-A

7.1.3.2 Reference Nil Ductility Transition Temperature (RTNDT)

RTNDT shall be less than or equal to (–)15°C. Three Charpy V-notch (Cv)
transverse specimens shall be tested at +18°C (ie. RTNDT + 33) for certification of
RTNDT. The minimum absorbed energy and lateral expansion shall not be less
than 68 J and 0.89 mm respectively, for any of the specimens. The
percentage shear fracture shall be reported.

7.1.3.3 Impact Energy

As per supplementary requirement S5 and relevant table for Charpy Impact

Requirements in SA-508, Cv impact tests of longitudinal, transverse and
normal (or radial, tangential & axial) specimens at (-)15ºC shall exhibit
following absorbed energies.

Minimum average value of set of 3 specimens : 41J

Lowest value of any individual specimen :34J

7.1.3.4 Cv-Impact Curve

Charpy V-notch impact strength versus temperature curve shall be established. Tests shall be
conducted at least at six different temperatures including
(-)15°C and +18°C, to fully define upper and lower energy shelves. The upper energy shelf shall
have 100% shear fracture and lower energy shelf a maximum of 10% shear fracture. The test reports
shall include absorbed energy, percent shear fracture and lateral expansion, plotted against
temperature. The upper shelf energy shall be more than 100 J. The absorbed energy and lateral
expansion values at +18°C and (-)15°C shall meet the requirements of 7.1.3.2 and 7.1.3.3.
7.1.4 Hardness Requirement

Hardness shall be measured on each forged component after final tempering

and before further processing, on ID (Inside Diameter/surface), OD (Outside
Diameter/surface) and also on top & bottom surfaces. On ID & OD,
measurement shall be carried out on three grid lines 120º apart, and at interval of
approx. 500mm, or as per the approved procedure. The measurement grids on
ID and OD shall be staggered by 60º. The ID & OD grid lines shall be
 extended to top & bottom surfaces and hardness shall be measured at mid of
the thickness and at every 25mm radially towards inward and outward
directions. The difference of the maximum and minimum hardness values
measured on the forging shall be within 40 BHN.

7.1.5 Inclusion Rating

Inclusion rating (Heavy and Thin Series) shall be determined as per ASTM-E 45
(Method A or D) and shall be better than –

A B C D
2.0 2.0 1.0 1.5

7.1.6 Metallurgical Requirements

7.1.6.1Grain size shall be 6 or finer according to ASTM-E-112. Fine grain size

corresponding to ASTM No. 7 - 8 shall be preferable.

7.1.6.2 Through suitable metallurgical tests for which details shall be proposed in the offer
and finalized prior to award of the Contract the following shall be ensured by the
manufacturer:

i) Distribution of elements through thickness at the positions corresponding to

the top, middle and bottom positions of the ingot(s). Segregation of elements to
be minimum to ensure best possible homogeneity of properties.

ii) Metallurgical structure of the forged products shall be suitably tested so as to

ensure cleanliness (level of impurities), austenitic grain size, macro and micro
structure. In addition, Sulfur print (BAUMANN PRINTS) shall also be taken.
However, sulfur print is not required to be taken if the bulk sulfur content as
revealed by chemical analysis is less than or equal to 0.008% both in Ladle
and Product analysis.

8.0 TESTS & EXAMINATIONS

The Contractor/Manufacturers shall arrange to submit complete details for various tests and
investigations which can be carried out by the manufacturers of the forged product. Quotations
should accompany the details regarding facilities available with the suppliers giving the test plans
and complete methodologies.

8.1 Categories of Test Coupons

Compliance of the material with the specification requirements is checked on various categories of
test coupons described as under:

i) Raw Material Test Coupons (RTC) Test coupons obtained from the quenched and tempered
forgings or forging extensions. RTC samples shall be tested first.
ii) Simulated Heat Treated Test Coupons (STC) Test coupons obtained from the quenched and
tempered forgings and subjected to simulated heat treatment described in paragraph 5.3.7.3.

iii) Base Metal Test Coupons (BMTC) These are in the same condition as RTC. RTC and STC shall
be tested at the forging supplier‟s works whereas BMTC shall be dispatched with the ordered items
for production tests at equipment manufacturer‟s works.

iv) Production Weld Test Coupons (PWTC) PWTC wherever required shall be from the same heat.
The PWTC (generally flat plates of approximately 2500mm x 210mm x „t‟ thickness) shall
undergo same amount of deformation and shall be supplied in same heat treatment (Q&T) condition
as that of respective forgings

8.2 Test Coupon Location:

The test coupons shall be taken in such a way that the test specimens shall have their longitudinal axis at
least 1/4 t from any surface and with the mid length of the specimens at least 1/2 t (80 mm for shell, plate
and nozzle forging) from any second surface, where 't' is the maximum heat treated thickness of the forging
Top and bottom of the forgings shall be same as respective ends of the ingot. Sufficient material in
the form of integrally forged ring or disc prolongations shall be provided for the purpose of testing.
Prolongations at both ends shall be provided for cylindrical/conical shells and nozzle forgings from
which more than one nozzle is to be made. Dished ends, tube sheets and single
nozzle forgings shall have prolongation on the bottom end. From each coupon, a number of test
specimens are to be made as per the testing requirements mentioned elsewhere in this specification.
Hence the coupons should be of sufficient size to meet all testing requirements including
contingency requirements. Exact requirement for each forging product shall be worked out by the
Manufacturer and submitted for Purchaser‟s review and approval.

RTC, STC and BMTC shall be taken from the adjacent areas at any location of the cross section in
the following manner(Refer Figure – 12):

i) Full circumferential test rings shall be parted off from the forging prolongations after the final heat
treatment. In general, the cross section shall be divided into three sectors (say A, B & C at bottom
and D, E & F at top, as applicable) approximately spaced at 1200, so as to accommodate
test specimens required as per the extent of testing specified elsewhere in this specification.

ii) Each sector shall be suitably marked to accommodate RTC, STC and BMTC, adjacent to each
other. Identification of the coupons shall be ensured by suitable methods prior to their separation
from the test ring and all through the various stages of testing.

iii) The location of test coupons in the top and bottom test ring shall be diametrically opposite to
each other.

iv) Any balance material from the test rings, if in excess of the test requirement shall be marked as
reserve (RES) and preserved for any contingency which may arise during the course of testing/
manufacture of equipment.

v) Test coupons for forged plate for Manhole/ Handhole covers and PWTC shall be taken from one
end of the forged plate. Locations of test coupons for various forging products and material sampling
& testing plan are indicated in Figures 5 to 10. BMTCs, PWTC plates and reserve coupons (RES) if
any shall be dispatched along with the ordered items for final and pre-production tests at equipment
manufacturer‟s works. Any unused/ balance RTC and STC shall also be properly identified, marked,
packed and dispatched along with the product forgings.

8.3 Specimen Directions

The mechanical properties are to be established along the following three mutually perpendicular directions:

i) Longitudinal Parallel to the main working direction

ii) Transverse Transverse to the main working direction
iii) Normal Parallel to the direction of thickness

8.4 Chemical Analysis

Chemical analysis shall be carried out in accordance with ASTM-E 30 & ASTM-E 350. If the ingot is made from
one heat, only one ladle analysis is required. However, in case of an ingot made from more than one heat,
weighted average shall be reported.

For product analysis, samples from each STC shall be analyzed. Samples for chemical analysis shall be taken
from a depth of 1/4t from any tempered wall surface and at least at a distance of 1 /2t from the heat treated
edge of the coupon. Broken mechanical test specimens may be used.

Apart from STC samples, the chemical composition shall also be determined as required by individual
product specifications.

8.6 Mechanical Tests

The extent of tests required for each product has been included in tabular form under the product
specifications.

For tension test, one specimen shall be tested from a sampling point at room temperature and at 350°C.
For impact test, one set of 3 Charpy-V notch specimens shall be tested at a given temperature.

NDT temperature shall be determined using STC Pellini specimens from one location. The NDT temperature
so determined shall also be confirmed by tests on two transverse specimens taken from STC & RTC coupons
from other locations (See Tables I, 2 & 3). However, in case of Nozzle forgings (Table 4 & 5) NDT temperature
shall be confirmed by testing two transverse Pellini specimens from STC coupons as shown therein.

9.0 NON DESCTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION

9.1 Ultrasonic Examination

All forging after the final heat treatment and machining shall be ultrasonically examined in
accordance with SA-388, recommended practice for Ultrasonic Exanimation of Heavy Steel
Forgings and as per Annexure-A. Where ultrasonic examination is not feasible or only partially
feasible due to the final component geometry after machining, examination shall be carried out for
acceptance in the semi-machined condition. The forgings shall be examined for the total volume
using both straight beam and angle beam search units, observing the scanning directions
as indicated in Figure – Figure 2, 3, 4 and 4A. The reference level for the straight beam examination
shall be 6mm diameter flat bottom hole for t>100mm and 3mm for t≤100mm. For angle beam
examination, the reference level shall be a 3mm wide x 12mm long x 0.03 t deep notch (3mm
maximum depth), where t is final thickness of the material.

All Recordable indications (above 20% of reference level), apparently within acceptable limits shall
be investigated to confirm that they are parallel to the forging faces and not in the transverse
direction, i.e. not in the thickness direction. Defect indications under following conditions are not
acceptable.

a) Indication exceeding 20% of the reference level in thickness direction.

b) Indication exceeding the reference level parallel to the forging faces.

When a cluster of small indications are obtained on the screen whose amplitudes cannot be resolved,
then the gain shall be adjusted defect free region. At this gain setting, the cluster of indication
causing loss of back echo shall be a cause of rejection of the forging. Loss of back echo is assumed
when the back reflection falls below 5% of full calibration screen height. Additionally, at such
locations the sound attenuation shall be measured. The sound attenuation at 2MHz shall not be more
than 4DB/Meter of single sound path. Examination of forged bars must be performed from both
thickness faces and from the cylindrical surface with normal beam probes. Additional scanning in
the circumferential direction with 450 and 350 angle beam probes shall be carried out for bars larger
than 120mm in diameter. The acceptance standard shall be as follows
D<60mm C.R.R.-2mm

D>60mm C.R.R.-3mm
D>120mm C.R.R.-4mm
(C.R.R. – Circular Reference Reflector, D – diameter of the bar)
The Manufacturer shall prepare detail Ultrasonic Testing / Examination procedure and submit for
approval

10.2 Magnetic Particle Examination

Each forging after final machining shall be examined by magnetic particle method (MT) in accordance with
ASME Section III, Para NB-2545. The acceptance standards shall be as per para NB-2545.3. The extent of
examination shall be 100%. Demagnetization is required after test.

9.3 Dimensional check

Each forging shall be checked for dimensional compliance with the approved drawings. The actual
dimensions shall be recorded in a sketch/drawing and submitted for final acceptance.

10.0 REPAIRS

Repair of forgings are not permitted. Slight surface defects may be smoothly ground and blended without
impairing the minimum wall thickness. No other repair shall be carried out without prior approval of the
purchaser or his authorized inspection agency. Plans for all repairs requiring heat treatment shall be
submitted to the purchaser or his authorized inspection agency for review and approval, prior to taking up
the job. Repairs involving welding are prohibited.

All non-conformities shall be recorded and reported to the Purchaser to determine their disposal.

11.0 PROCEDURES, PLANS, REPORTS AND DOCUMENTATION

The manufacturer shall prepare Quality assurance plan (QAP), manufacturing, testing, examination
procedures, Fabrication drawings etc. and obtain Purchaser's approval prior to the commencement of
manufacture. The manufacturer shall be responsible for preparation and issue of all certificates, reports and
documents which shall be certified by the Purchaser or his authorized agency. Such certified fmal documents
shall be supplied in bound volumes with proper identification. Final documentation containing all the above
shall also be submitted in soft form (pdf format) with proper indexing.

12.0 QUALITY SURVEILLANCE

The forgings shall be subjected to quality surveillance by the Purchaser or his authorized agency during
manufacture. The forgings shall not be shipped until the shipping release is given by the Purchaser/his
authorized agency.

13.0 MARKING, PACKING AND SHIPMENT

Each forging shall be marked with Product Serial Number, Heat number, Material Specification and main
working direction. In case of forgings accompanied with forged test plates, corresponding test plate
identification shall also be marked on the main forging indicating correspondence with top/bottom of
original ingot.

The forgings shall be protected against corrosion and damage in transit and shall be properly preserved and
packed for sea-worthiness. The supplier shall submit the preservation and packing plan for Purchaser's
approval. Before shipment, suitable rust preventive coating shall be applied on the forgings to ensure sea-
worthiness and tropical storage for two years.
Notes:

1. If testing of the first specimen at RT yields Z <65%, then two more test specimens from the same sampling
location shall be tested.

2. Chemical composition shall be determined from one sampling location each from top and bottom. At
other location C, Mn, P&S shall be verified.

3. Hardness along a maximum square grid of 1000 mm x 1000 mm on the cylindrical outside surface
and end faces. In case Sulphur print is required to be carried out as specified in clause 8.7 of this
Specification, than it shall be carried out on top and bottom faces at 120° apart and 200 mm long.
 Annexure-A

Nil-ductility transition temperature tests

Tests to determine the nil-ductility transition temperature (TNDT) follow the
requirements of
ASTM E208 using a test specimen like that shown in Figure 13. The specimen is
prepared
by depositing a brittle weld on the surface of the specimen, and then saw cutting a
notch to
serve as a crack starter that, during impact loading, can initiate a brittle crack into the
material to
determine if the material will resist propagation of the crack. The test is conducted by
dropping
a weight onto the un-welded side (bottom side in the figure) of the specimen. By
conducting
tests over a range of temperatures, the temperature that delineates “break” from “no
break”
performance is determined TNDT is defined by ASTM E208 as the highest temperature
where a specimen breaks, provided that two specimens exhibit “no-break”
performance at a temperature at least 10 °F higher

Relevant Paragraphs from ASME Code NB-2300 (2013 Edition)

NB-2321.1 Drop Weight Tests
The drop weight test, when required, shall be performed in accordance with ASTM
E208.
Specimen types P-No. 1, P-No. 2, or P-No. 3 may be used. The results, orientation, and
location of all tests performed to meet the requirements of NB-2330 shall be reported
in the
Certified Material Test Report.
NB-2321.2 Charpy V-Notch Tests
The Charpy V-notch test (Cv), when required, shall be performed in accordance with
SA-
370. Specimens shall be in accordance with SA-370, Figure 11, Type A. A test shall
consist
of a set of three full-size 10 mm x 10 mm specimens. The lateral expansion and
absorbed
energy, as applicable, and the test temperature, as well as the orientation and location
of all
tests performed to meet the requirements of NB-2330 shall be reported in the Certified
Material Test Report.
NB-2322.2 Orientation of Impact Test Specimens
(a) Specimens for Cv impact tests shall be oriented as follows:
(1) Specimens for forgings, other than bolting and bars used for pressure-retaining
parts
of vessels, pumps, and valves, shall be oriented in a direction normal to the principal
direction in which the material was worked. Specimens are neither required nor
prohibited from the thickness direction
NB-2331 Material for Vessels
Pressure-retaining material for vessels, other than bolting, shall be tested as follows:
(a) Establish a reference temperature RTNDT;; this shall be done as follows:
(1) Determine a temperature TNDT that is at or above the nil-ductility transition
temperature by drop weight tests.
(2) At a temperature not greater than TNDT + 60°F (TNDT + 33°C), each specimen of the
Cv test (NB-2321.2) shall exhibit at least 35 mils (0.89 mm) lateral expansion and not
less than 50 ft-lb (68 J) absorbed energy. Retesting in accordance with NB-2350 is
permitted. When these requirements are met, T NDT is the reference temperature
RTNDT.
(3) In the event that the requirements of (2) above are not met, conduct additional Cv
tests in groups of three specimens (NB-2321.2) to determine the temperature, TC, at
which they are met. In this case the reference temperature RT NDT = TC - 60°F (TC -
33°C). Thus, the reference temperature RTNDT is the higher of TNDT and [TC - 60°F
(TC -33°C)].
(4) When a Cv test has not been performed at T NDT + 60°F (TNDT + 33°C), or when the
Cv test at TNDT + 60°F (TNDT + 33°C) does not exhibit a minimum of 50 ft-lb (68 J) and
35 mils (0.89 mm) lateral expansion, a temperature representing a minimum of 50 ft-
lb (68 J) and 35 mils (0.89 mm) lateral expansion may be obtained from a full Cv
impact curve developed from the minimum data points of all the Cv tests performed.
Formula used in this report