The influence of reactor irradiation and helium-3 on the mechanical properties of alpha-titanium alloys

An investigation is made of the dependence of the mechanical properties of α-titanium alloys on the test temperature and on neutron irradiation. It is shown that irradiation strengthens the materials and reduces their ductility, although the residual ductility remains at quite a high level. Helium-3 inculcated into the materials during irradiation further lowers their ductility. Recovery of the properties is observed when the test temperature is higher than 500oC. Irradiation of the alloys by fast neutrons up to high doses (1.4.1023 Cm-2) causes considerable softening. (author)