SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1975
STP33704S

Dimensional Stability of Tantalum During Fast Neutron Irradiation

Source

Upon irradiating tantalum at 500°C in the Dounreay Fast Reactor (DFR), it was found that the dimensions of the metal increased initially, reaching a maximum of approximately 0.2 percent linear at a neutron dose of 1022 neutrons (n)/cm2 (E > 0.11 MeV) (1.5 displacements per atom (dpa) Half-Nelson model (N/2), tantalum). At higher neutron exposure, the dimensions of the specimens gradually decreased. The initial swelling observed has been shown to be due to the formation of a high concentration of small voids. Possible mechanisms to explain the contraction found at the higher levels of irradiation have been considered, and it is concluded that a combination of void-induced swelling and shrinkage due to the formation of the tungsten by transmutation accounts for the observed dimensional behavior of tantalum during irradiation at 500°C.

Author Information

Murgatroyd, RA
Risley Engineering and Materials Laboratory, United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Lancashire, England
Bell, IP
Risley Engineering and Materials Laboratory, United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Lancashire, England
Bland, JT
Risley Engineering and Materials Laboratory, United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Lancashire, England
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: E10
Pages: 421–432
DOI: 10.1520/STP33704S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4653-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0539-3