Deformation mode maps for tensile deformation of neutron-irradiated structural alloys

The deformation microstructures of neutron-irradiated nuclear structural alloys, A533B steel, 316 stainless steel, and Zircaloy-4, have been investigated by tensile testing and transmission electron microscopy to map the extent of strain localization processes in plastic deformation. Miniature specimens with a thickness of 0.25 mm were irradiated to five levels of neutron dose in the range 0.0001–0.9 displacements per atom (dpa) at 65–100 °C and deformed at room temperature at a nominal strain rate of 10−3 s−1. Four modes of deformation were identified, namely three-dimensional dislocation cell formation, planar dislocation activity, fine scale twinning, and dislocation channel deformation (DCD) in which the radiation damage structure has been swept away. The modes varied with material, dose, and strain level. These observations are used to construct the first strain-neutron fluence-deformation mode maps for the test materials. Overall, irradiation encourages planar deformation which is seen as a precursor to DCD and which contributes to changes in the tensile curve, particularly reduced work hardening and diminished uniform ductility. The fluence dependence of the increase in yield stress, ΔYS = α(ϕt)n had an exponent of 0.4–0.5 for fluences up to about 3 × 1022 n m−2 (∼0.05 dpa) and 0.08–0.15 for higher fluences, consistent with estimated saturation in radiation damage microstructure but also concurrent with the acceleration of gross strain localization associated with DCD.