The effects of irradiation on solids

Abstract

A short survey is given of the reports on the effects of radiation on solids that were given at the Second International Conference on the Peaceful Use of Atomic Energy (Geneva, 1958). Consideration is given to the experimental work devoted to quantitative estimates of radiation damage, and also to questions of the action of neutron radiation on fissionable materials (uranium, plutonium, and certain alloys of these metals). New data are presented on the effect of very high burnups (up to 2 atom per cent) on the size and shape of units made of uranium and its alloys, and also on the increase of volume (swelling) of uranium units under the action of radiation. Detailed attention is also given to data on studies of uranium alloy with 9 per cent of molybdenum by weight, and also of pure uranium, which give evidence of high mobility of the atoms in uranium and its alloys under irradiation. Data are presented on the effects of temperature and of radiation dosage, and also on a number of other factors, on the mechanical properties of steels and other construction materials. Results are presented from studies of the effects of irradiation on nonmetallic materials: BeO, UO2-BeO and UO2ThO2 mixtures, graphite, and so on.