SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1976
STP38059S

Microstructural Changes in Ion-Irradiated Commercial Alloys

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The effect of heavy ion bombardment on the microstructural stability of several high-nickel superalloys was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy techniques. The work was intended to simulate the type and magnitude of radiation damage occurring with high-fluence exposure in a liquid metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) core.

Results revealed a general acceleration in precipitation kinetics in alloys with high titanium-to-aluminum ratios, over the temperature range 475 to 725 °C (887 to 1337°F). In the Inconel alloys 706 and 718, for example, bombardment produced the stable overaging precipitate η Ni3Ti at the expense of the preexisting phases γ', γ", and δ. Thermal control data over the same temperature range did not reveal the presence of η. Little or no changes in precipitate microstructure were observed in Nimonic PE16, an age-hardenable alloy with a titanium/aluminum ratio of unity.

Author Information

Bell, WL
General Electric Co., Vallecitos Nuclear Center, Pleasanton, Calif.
Lauritzen, T
General Electric Co., Sunnyvale, Calif.
Darlin, ES
General Electric Co., Vallecitos Nuclear Center, Pleasanton, Calif.
Warner, RW
General Electric Co., Vallecitos Nuclear Center, Pleasanton, Calif.
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Details
Developed by Committee: E10
Pages: 353–369
DOI: 10.1520/STP38059S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5543-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0388-7