Radiation-induced structural changes in alloys

Abstract

Development of alloys for reliable performance in extreme radiation environments is vital for the viability of advanced nuclear reactor systems. Over the past decade, there has been a considerable growth in our understanding of the basic processes of radiation damage, the nature of the induced defects, their interaction and migration, and the influence of these on the mechanical behaviour of metals. This understanding has however come mainly from studies in pure metals and dilute alloys, and there are difficulties when applying these concepts to concentrated alloys, particularly of technological interest. The present article, which attempts to bridge this gap, discusses recent research developments and some of the emerging new concepts as applicable to alloy systems. Interstitialcy transport; percolation effects in defect migration; short range and long range ordering and restructuring of alloys; defects and damage behaviour of metallic glasses; synergetic processes and phase instabilities; and finally, swelling, irradiation creep and ductility behaviour of alloy systems are the topics discussed.