Studies of voids in neutron-irradiated aluminium single crystals: I. Small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy

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Abstract
Small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy experiments have been performed on high-purity (99·9999+ %) aluminium single crystals that were neutron-irradiated to a fluenoe of 1·5 × 1021 n/cm2 (>0·18MeV) at 50°C. The volume changes determined by each technique are in reasonably good agreement. Evidence for scattering effects resulting from faceting of the voids is presented. Assuming a truncated octahedral void shape, the ratios of the third to the second moment of the distribution of void sizes determined by both SAXS and TEM are in excellent agreement. The effects of isochronal annealing on the swelling have been followed to near the melting point. The annealing-out of voids was clearly seen; no evidence was found for bubble formation at elevated temperatures.