Void Formation in Proton Irradiated Stainless Steel

Abstract

Voids have been produced by 1.2-MeV proton irradiation at 500 C in Type 316 stainless steel containing 2 appm helium. The proton fluence was 6×1018 p/cm2. Observations of electron microscope foils obtained at various positions along the proton path length have shown that the volume swelling increased with increasing number of atom displacements. Calculated volume swelling ranged from 0.2 to 5 percent. In addition to voids, irradiation produced dislocation loops and small precipitate particles on dislocations have been observed.

Void nucleation and growth in heavy ion and electron bombarded pure metals. Progress report, March 1--December 1, 1974

“…(23,24) The object of this work is to determine experimentall y the role of He in the nucleation of voids in high purity aluminum bombarded with Al ions.…”