465. How radiation affects engineering materials: Richard E. Bowman, Materials in Design Engineering, 78, 119–134, July 1960

Abstract

A summary is given of the ways in which radiation affects structural materials, inorganic nonmetallics. elastomers. plastics. and organic fluids. Most radiation effects, transient or permanent, are caused by gamma rays and neutrons. Structural materials are not so susceptible to radiation damage as the other materials. Radiation effects can be minimized by decreasing radiation dose, or increasing temperatures during irradiation. The damage can be repaired or removed by annealing. The effects of neutron irradiation on the tensile properties of metals are sunnmarized in tables. Inorganic materials show many changes in physical and mechanical properties. The inorganic materials studied include graphite, carbides, glass, ceramics, and related materials. Elastomers vary widely in radiation resistance owing to the use of filters, additives, and radiation-resistant resins. In general, the radiation resistance of plastics was found to be equal to, or better than, that of elastomers. Composition adjustment in organic fluids was used to increase radiation resistance. (M.C.G.)