Post-irradiation mechanical properties of austenitic alloys at temperatures below 703 K

At temperatures below 703 K, irradiation increased flow stress and decrease d elongation and fracture toughness in a 316 stainless steel. The residual ductility and fracture toughness after irradiation, however, were still hig h enough for structural applications. The effect of irradiation on the cons titutive equation was evaluated. Results indicate that the alloy work harde ns even after irradiation, and the residual work hardening capability is de monstrated to suppress flow localization. The relationship between residual fracture toughness and yield stress was examined, and irradiation effects on fatigue properties that cause channel fracture were analyzed. (C) 1999 E lsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.