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Radiation-enhanced recrystallization in copper alloys

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5981706
Two high-strength copper alloys, cold-worked-and-aged AMZIRC (Cu-Zr) and AMAX-MZC (Cu-Cr-Zr-Mg), were irradiated with 14-MeV Cu ions to a damage level of 10 dpa at temperatures of 100 to 500/sup 0/C. Cross-section examination of the irradiated foils using electron microscopy revealed signs of irradiation-enhanced recrystallization for irradiation temperatures above 300/sup 0/C. The recrystallization temperature for both alloys is about 450/sup 0/C during thermal annealing for a time similar to the ion-irradiation time -1.5 h. A simplified analysis of the results suggests that the accelerated recrystallization kinetics is due to radiation-enhanced diffusion (RED). This process may restrict the maximum operating temperature of fusion reactor components that incorporate these types of alloys to temperatures as low as 200/sup 0/C.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA); Wisconsin Univ., Madison (USA). Dept. of Nuclear Engineering
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
5981706
Report Number(s):
CONF-860421-27; ON: DE86009515
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English