A rate controlling mechanism for slip in neutron irradiated copper single crystals

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Abstract
The stress dependence of the activation energy, H, and the activation volume, ν*, for slip in neutron irradiated (8 × 1018 nvt) copper single crystals has been determined by tensile and creep measurements using the Conrad and Wiedersich relationships. The experimental stress dependences of both H and ν* are in excellent agreement with that predicted by Fleischer's theory for strengthening by tetragonal distortions. A number of different correlations indicates that slip in these irradiated crystals is regulated by a single rate controlling mechanism. The activation energy for slip was found to be temperature independent. The value of this activation energy at zero effective stress is 3·0±0·5 eV. We conclude that the rate controlling mechanism for slip in these crystals is that given by Fleischer's theory. The tetragonality producing the strengthening is thought to arise from the small vacancy loops found in room temperature irradiated copper.