Neutron Irradiation Effects on the Mechanical Properties of HY-80 Steel
Abstract
HY-80 steel is a high strength steel used by the U.S. Navy in constructing nuclear submarine hulls. The need to know the effects of neutron irradiation on its mechanical properties is evident because the steel will acquire a fast neutron dose over the lifetime of the vessel. Future construction of reactor vessels and components is expected to rely, to a higher degree, on the use of these high strength steel alloys. The mechanical properties of HY-80 steel is affected by neutron irradiation when bombarding neutrons collide with the material's atomic structure. Radiation defects caused by this damage hinder or prevent dislocation movement through the structure, which in turn hardens the steel. Previous research on this subject has concluded that irradiation levels on the order of 3 X 10 to the 19th power n/sq cm can increase the steel's strength by as mush as 50%, and raise its ductile-brittle transition temperature several hundred degrees. Few previous studies have shown measurable effects on the mechanical properties of HY-80 steel if irradiation levels are below 1 X 10 to the 17th power n/sq cm. The research discussed in this paper found that irradiation levels of 5 X 10 to the 17th power n/sq cm do result in measurable effects on the strength and hardness of HY-80 steel, and that increasing irradiation fluence levels increases the magnitude of these effects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA174712
Entities
People
- William F. Nold
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University