Flux dependence of cluster formation in neutron irradiated weld material – Small-angle neutron scattering experiments and rate theory simulation


Flux dependence of cluster formation in neutron irradiated weld material – Small-angle neutron scattering experiments and rate theory simulation

Bergner, F.; Birkenheuer, U.; Ulbricht, A.; Weiss, F.-P.

Small-angle neutron scattering was applied to investigate the size distribution of irradiation-induced defect-solute clusters in a reactor pressure vessel weld material containing 0.22 wt% copper. In order to identify flux effects the material was exposed to neutron irradiations at two different levels of neutron flux in such a manner that the same value of neutron fluence was accumulated. We observed a pronounced effect of neutron flux on the cluster size, whereas the total volume fraction of the irradiation-induced clusters was found to be insensitive to the level of flux. The result is compatible with a rate theory model according to which the range of applied fluxes covers the transition from a flux-independent regime at lower fluxes to a regime of decelerating cluster growth. The issue of the effect of flux on the mechanical properties is also addressed.

  • Poster
    IEEE Dresden 2008, 20.-24.10.2008, Dresden, Deutschland
  • Contribution to proceedings
    IEEE Dresden 2008, 20.-24.10.2008, Dresden, Deutschland
    IEEE 2008 Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-11925
Publ.-Id: 11925