Irradiation-induced low-temperature creep of DS copper alloy

The data are presented on in-pile creep of dispersion strengthened (DS) cop per alloys MAGT 0.2 (Cu-0.2Al(2)O(3)). The experiment was performed in the SM-2 reactor in the Core position at T-irr similar to 80 degrees C and a do se of 5 dpa. Pipe samples loaded by inner helium pressure were irradiated f or 41.2 days. Measurements of the pipe diameter after irradiation demonstra ted that a low-temperature creep is observed in the DS alloy MAGT 0.2, the rate of which at a hoop stress of 117 MPa is as high as 2 x 10(-9) s(-1). The results of TEM investigations of the irradiated specimens structure are presented. The analysis of the obtained results and their comparison with the available data on creep of copper alloys in the unirradiated state allo wed for the conclusion that irradiation increases essentially the creep of DS copper alloys. This effect is to be taken into account when estimating t he life time of the ITER components and units.