MICROSTRUCTURAL EXAMINATION OF IRRADIATED V-(4-5-PERCENT,)CR-(4-5-PERCENT)TI

Microstructural examination results are reported for two heats of V-(4 -5%)Cr-(4-5%)Ti irradiated in the EBR-II X530 experiment to 4.5 dpa at similar to 400 degrees C to provide an understanding of the microstru ctural evolution that may be associated with degradation of mechanical properties. Fine precipitates were observed in high density intermixe d with small defect clusters for all conditions examined following the irradiation. The irradiation-induced precipitation does not appear to be affected by preirradiation heat treatment at 950-1125 degrees C. T here was no evidence for a significant density of large (diameter > 10 nm) dislocation loops or network dislocations. Analytical investigati ons successfully demonstrated that the precipitates were enriched in t itanium, depleted in vanadium and contained no nitrogen. These results are discussed in terms of future alloy development options. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.