Defects in a lattice of pure nickel subjected to fast-neutron irradiation followed by annealings: Neutron-diffraction examination

Abstract

Nickel specimens subjected to fast-neutron irradiation followed by annealings have been examined using neutron and X-ray diffraction. The type of structural defects, which result from the fast-neutron irradiation of nickel crystals, has been first identified using neutron diffraction and the experimental dependence of the lattice parameter on the concentration of interstitial defects has been determined. It is shown that the changes in the lattice parameters due to both irradiation and annealings are primary related to the variations in the concentration of interstitial atoms in the lattice.