Voids in Irradiated Stainless Steel

Vacancy Cluster: Helium Synergy in Void Nucleation

“…[1,2] High number densities of nanometer-micrometer diameter helium-containing voids (or cavities) were observed. The resulting volumetric swelling percentages were unacceptable in the reactor.…”

A Review of Ion Simulation of High Temperature Neutron Damage and Void Formation

“…It was not long after the 1966 discovery that high temperature neutron irradiation of metals could.cause significant swelling (7), that designers of fast breeder reactors realized the tremendous economic impact of that phenomena. The early expectation of the swelling in 316 stainless steel, the primary cladding material for the U.S. LMFBR program, is shown in Figure 1.…”

1000-MWe LMFBR ACCIDENT ANALYSIS AND SAFETY SYSTEM DESIGN STUDY. TOPICAL REPORT. EFFECTS OF IRRADIATION-INDUCED METAL SWELLING ON THE REFERENCE DESIGN.

“…This has now been revised downward 1 to eleven B&W reports and one report from Atomics International. The single remaining B&W report and the AI report will be transmitted·to you when received and patent-cleared.…”

“…In the annulus between the outside of the neutron shielding and the inside of the reactor vessel are six primary sodium pumps, six IHXs, two rotating fuel decay storage drums, cold traps, and anemergency cooling unit. The top of the reactor vessel is covered by an [1][2][3] annular cover plug 10 feet thick. Three eccentrically mouhted plugs are placed in the cover structure above the core vessel.…”