Subtask 12F3: Effects of neutron irradiation on tensile properties of vanadium-base alloys

Abstract

The objective of this work is to determine the effects of neutron irradiation on the tensile properties of candidate vanadium-base alloys. Vanadium-base alloys of the V-Cr-Ti system are attractive candidates for use as structural materials in fusion reactors. The current focus of the U.S. program of research on these alloys is on the V-(4-6)Cr-(3-6)Ti-(0.05-0.1)Si (in wt.%) alloys. In this paper, we present experimental results on the effects of neutron irradiation on tensile properties of selected candidate alloys after irradiation at 400{degrees}C-600{degrees}C in lithium in fast fission reactors to displacement damages of up to {approx}120 displacement per atom (dpa). Effects of irradiation temperature and dose on yield and ultimate tensile strengths and uniform and total elongations are given for tensile test temperatures of 25{degrees}C, 420{degrees}C, 500{degrees}, and 600{degrees}C. Effects of neutron damage on tensile properties of the U.S. reference alloy V-4Cr-4Ti are examined in detail. 7 refs., 10 figs., 1 tab.