Irradiation-Induced Changes in the Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of Solution Annealed Austenitic Stainless Steel at Low to Intermediate Temperatures

Abstract

AbstractThe evolution of the microstructure of solution annealed austenitic stainless steels irradiated by neutrons at temperatures less than 300°C is dominated by black spots and Frank loops. This leads to hardening and a degradation of ductility and work hardening accompanied by a loss of fracture toughness. Microscopic flow localization is attributed to the annihilation of loops by their interaction with moving dislocations. The resulting loss of work hardening can lead to flow localization on a macroscopic scale as well in the vicinity of notches, holes and cracks. The combination of macro and microscopic flow localization may have important implications to the failure modes available to structures and to irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking.