Perspectives on radiation effects in nickel-base alloys for applications in advanced reactors

• Published in: Journal of nuclear materials Vol. 392; no. 2; pp. 341 - 352
• Main Authors: Rowcliffe, A.F., Mansur, L.K., Hoelzer, D.T., Nanstad, R.K.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.07.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: ALLOYS; Applied sciences; BREEDER REACTORS; Controled nuclear fusion plants; CORROSION; DUCTILITY; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fission nuclear power plants; Fuels; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; IRRADIATION; MATERIALS SCIENCE; NEUTRONS; NICKEL BASE ALLOYS; Nuclear fuels; RADIATION EFFECTS; RADIATIONS; RADICALS; REACTOR MATERIALS; SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS; Corrosion; Swelling; Fast breeder; Radiation effect; Fast reactor; High temperature; Radiation damage; Nickel alloy; Strength; Reactor core; Nuclear reactor
• ISSN: 0022-3115; 1873-4820
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnucmat.2009.03.023

Because of their superior high temperature strength and corrosion properties, a set of Ni-base alloys has been proposed for various in-core applications in Gen IV reactor systems. However, irradiation-performance data for these alloys is either limited or non-existent. A review is presented of the irradiation-performance of a group of Ni-base alloys based upon data from fast breeder reactor programs conducted in the 1975–1985 timeframe with emphasis on the mechanisms involved in the loss of high temperature ductility and the breakdown in swelling resistance with increasing neutron dose. The implications of these data for the performance of the Gen IV Ni-base alloys are discussed and possible pathways to mitigate the effects of irradiation on alloy performance are outlined. A radical approach to designing radiation damage-resistant Ni alloys based upon recent advances in mechanical alloying is also described.