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The effect of neutron spectrum on the mechanical and physical properties of pure copper and copper alloys

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/219451· OSTI ID:219451
 [1]; ;  [2]; ;  [3]; ;  [4];  [5];  [6]
  1. Efremov (D.V.) Research Inst. of Electrophysical Apparatus, St. Petersburg (Russian Federation)
  2. Scientific Research Institute of Atomic Reactors, Dimitrovgrad (Russan Federation)
  3. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
  4. Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
  5. Risoe National Lab., Roskilde (Denmark)
  6. Max-Planck-Institut fuer Plasmaphysik, Garching (Germany). International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Team
The electrical resistivity and tensile properties of copper and oxide dispersion strengthened (DS) copper alloys have been measured before and after fission neutron irradiation to damage levels of 0.5 to 5 displacements per atom (dps) at {approximately}100 to 400{degrees}C. Some of the specimens were irradiated inside a 1.5 mm Cd shroud in order to reduce the thermal neutron flux. The electrical resistivity data could be separated into two components, a solid transmutation component {Delta}{rho}{sub tr} which was proportional to thermal neutron fluence and a radiation defect component {Delta}{rho}{sub rd} which was independent of the displacement dose. The saturation value for {Delta}{rho}{sub rd} was {approximately}1.2 nanohm-meters for pure copper and {approximately}1.6 nanohm-meters for the DS copper alloys irradiated at 100{degrees}C in positions with a fast-to-thermal neutron flux ratio of 5. Considerable radiation hardening was observed in all specimens at irradiation temperatures below 200{degrees}C. The yield strength was relatively insensitive to neutron spectrum in specimens strengthened by dispersoids or cold- working. 17 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-96OR22464; AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
219451
Report Number(s):
CONF-950961--16; ON: DE96008660
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English