SEDL / STP / STP1366-EB / STP12412S

Gamma-Radiation Annealing to Mitigate Neutron-Induced Degradation of Both Model and Structural Reactor Materials

Karpukhin, VI
Leading research scientist, Head of Laboratory, Head of Group, Deputy Director, Russian Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow,

Krasikov, YA
Leading research scientist, Head of Laboratory, Head of Group, Deputy Director, Russian Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow,

Nikolaenko, VA
Leading research scientist, Head of Laboratory, Head of Group, Deputy Director, Russian Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow,

Shtrombakh, YI
Leading research scientist, Head of Laboratory, Head of Group, Deputy Director, Russian Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow,

Pages: 10    Published: Jan 2000

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Abstract

Formation and evolution of radiation defects are determined by the irradiation conditions. Some of these conditions do not get sufficient attention. In particular, this is true for the gamma-annealing process whose role in radiation-induced effects have not been considered in detail previously. Reactor experiments have shown that volume expansion of diamond and silicon carbide depends on the γ-radiation flux value: the higher the gamma-flux, the lower is the expansion. Radiation γ-annealing was also discovered in reactor grade graphite. Analysis has shown that this phenomenon is probably operating in reactor pressure vessel materials. This phenomenon opens a new perspective of radiation effects mitigation and reactor materials life cycle management using neutron and gamma-ray intensity control.