INFLUENCE OF NEUTRON-IRRADIATION ON THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF VANADIUM ALLOYS

The influence of neutron irradiation on the mechanical properties of v anadium and the alloys V-10.6 Ti and V-10 Ti-6 Cr-0.05 Zr is investiga ted. Alloy samples are irradiated in the pile of a BOR-60 reactor to a fluence of (0.8-1).10(22) cm(-2) (E > 0.1 MeV) at 350 degrees C. The results show that the irradiation of vanadium and its alloys in these conditions leads to insignificant (less than 0.1%) swelling but change s their mechanical properties (strength and plasticity). The radiation al strengthening is greatest for pure vanadium and least for the alloy V-10.6 Ti. Adding chromium to the alloy reduces the positive effect o f titanium and leads to low-temperature radiational embrittlement in t he range 20-100 degrees C. As shown by electron-microscope investigati on, the change in mechanical properties of the alloys after irradiatio n is associated with the formation of a dislocational structure and wi th radiation-stimulated segregation.