Radiation-induced phase development in AISI 316

During irradiation at temperatures between 460 and 6500C, the alloy AISI 316 decomposes into an austenite matrix of altered composition and some mixture of six possible precipitate phases. These phases are γ', G, eta-silicide, M23C6, M6C, and Laves. The balance of phases developed is exceptionally sensitive to a large number of material and environmental variables and frequently varies within a single grain. All of these phases are found to be either naturally rich in nickel and silicon or to become progressively enriched in these elements as the irradiation proceeds. The precipitates can be considered to be classified as thermally stable but modified, irradiation-enhanced, irradiation-induced, and irradiation-transformed