Neutron irradiation-induced creep of helium pressurized 304L stainless steel capsules

Irradiation-induced creep and swelling have been measured on 1.5 m long pressurized capsules of solution annealed Type 304L stainless steel at 3850C to neutron doses of 45 dpa. The core-midplane results (fixed position) which have a constant average neutron energy and dose rate but varying time are compared to data taken along the length of the capsule which have constant time but varying average neutron energy and dose rates. Additionally, the effect of stress on swelling, the stress dependency of in-reactor creep and the correlation of irradiation-induced creep and swelling are analyzed utilizing the data generated in this experiment. The results of these analyses are then used as a basis for appraising current theories on irradiation creep. (Auth.)