Stage III recovery in neutron irradiated molybdenum and niobium

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1963 · Philosophical Magazine

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/14786436308211156· OSTI ID:4693297

Peacock, D. E.; Johnson, A. A.

Molybdenum and niobium wires 1 mm in diameter were irradiated to epithermal neutron doses of 1, 2, 3, and 4 x 10/sup 19/ nvt at a temperature of about 40 un. Concent 85% C. The thermal recovery of the increases in electrical resistivity caused by the irradiations was studied by plotting isochronal recovery curves for each neutron dose and metal. These curves revealed recovery stages at about 160 un. Concent 85% C for molybdenum and 120 un. Concent 85% C for niobium. From the results of isothermal recovery measurements it was found that the associated activation enthalpies were 1.25 450 deg C in a 0.08 ev for molybdenum and 1.22 450 deg C in a 0.02 ev for niobium. In both cases a plot of the magnitude of the recovery stage against the neutron dose showed a maximum at a dose of about 3 x 10/sup 19/ nvt. The interpretation of these recovery stages is discussed in terms of a model in which the defects responsible for the recovery, which are probably lattice vacancies, diffuse either to interstitial impurity atoms, where they are trapped, or to defect clusters created by the irradiation, where they are annihilated. In lightly irradiated specimens trapping by interstitial impurities is believed to be the dominant mechanism, but annihilation at clusters probably becomes more important as the neutron dose increases.

• Research Organization: Imperial Coll. of Science and Tech., London
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-17-022248
• OSTI ID: 4693297
• Journal Information: Philosophical Magazine, Journal Name: Philosophical Magazine Journal Issue: 88 Vol. 8; ISSN 0031-8086
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

DEFECTS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
IMPURITIES
INTERSTITIALS
IRRADIATION
LATTICES
MECHANICS
METALS, CERAMICS, AND OTHER MATERIALS
MOLYBDENUM
NEUTRONS
NIOBIUM
RADIATION DOSES
RECOVERY
TRAPS
VACANCIES
WIRES