Modeling of the Tritium Impact on Mechanical Properties of Structural Materials by Radiogenic Helium and Hydrogen Synergetic Effect Technique

Abstract

The paper presents results of tritium-structural materials interaction modeling by simultaneous exposure to radiogenic helium-3 and hydrogen (both dissolved and external). This method of synergetic effect of radiogenic helium-3 and hydrogen is a radiation-safe technique to study the tritium impact on mechanical properties of structural materials. Applicability of the method is illustrated by technique and research results on the impact of high-pressure hydrogen (80MPa), helium-3 (concentration ~140appm) and their synergetic (hydrogen+3He) effects on mechanical properties of CrNi40MoCuTiAl alloy in temperature range from 20 to 600°C. It has been shown that joint effect of radiogenic helium-3 and hydrogen on mechanical properties of alloy can not be represented as the result of a simple summation of helium and hydrogen embrittlement. Proposed technique of synergetic impact of radiogenic helium-3 and hydrogen allows more correct simulation and investigation in the tritium impact on mechanical properties of materials than individual research in helium or hydrogen embrittlement.