Effects of neutron irradiation on vanadium-base alloys
- 1 March 1994
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Plasma Devices and Operations
- Vol. 3 (1-2) , 167-179
- https://doi.org/10.1080/10519999408201813
Abstract
Vanadium-base alloys of the V-Cr-Ti-Si system are attractive candidates for use as structural materials in fusion reactors. The vanadium-base alloys exhibit relatively low long-term activation, irradiation induced afterheat and neutron-induced helium transmutation rates. Because of favorable physical properties these alloys can accommodate higher surface heat fluxes than the steels. The current focus of the U. S. program is on V-(0–10%)Cr-(0–5%)Ti-(0–1%)Si alloys. In this paper we present experimental results on the swelling, microstructure, and mechanical properties of selected alloys after irradiation in fission reactors to displacement damages of up to 125 dpa. Titanium additions of 3–5 wt.% are highly effective in reducing swelling. The effects of Si and nonmetallic elements (O, N and C) on the swelling and microstructure are presented. Two types of irradiation induced precipitates have been identified in alloys containing Ti; Ti2O and Ti5Si3. Swelling is strongly influenced by the precipitation of the latter type. Tensile properties of the alloys exhibit saturation of irradiation induced hardening and loss of ductility at 30–40 dpa at irradiation temperatures of 420, 520 and 600°C. Impact and creep properties of these alloys are also presented.Keywords
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