Effects of High Energy Protons on the Mechanical Properties of Fe-2.25Cr-1Mo and Fe-12Cr-1Mo Steels

Authors: Zihni ÖZTÜRK, Monroe S. WECHSLER

Abstract: The radiation damage effects produced by 800 MeV proton irradiation on the tensile properties of the two iron base alloys, Fe-2.25Cr-1Mo and Fe-12Cr-1Mo (HT-9) were determined. It was observed that work hardening rate and uniform strain decreased upon irradiation. The values of Young's modulus were much lower for the irradiated samples than the unirradiated samples. It is thought that this is not due to proton irradiation but mainly due to the difficulties encountered in the tensile test measurements. Proton irradiation caused an increase in the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength and a slight decrease in ductility. Although the rate of work hardening decreased upon irradiation, both iron base alloys showed some degree of work hardening even under high proton fluence. These results indicate that, both alloys can be used as window materials in proton accelerators and as the first wall and structure-blanket materials in nuclear reactors.

Keywords: Proton irradiation, tensile properties, Cr-Mo steels

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