Influence of neutron irradiation on mechanical and dimensional stability of irradiated stainless steels, and its possible impact on spent fuel storage

Stainless steels used as cladding and structural materials in nuclear reactors undergo very pronounced changes in physical and mechanical properties during irradiation at elevated temperatures, often quickly leading to an increased tendency toward embrittlement. On a somewhat longer time scale there arise very significant changes in component volume and relative dimensions due to void swelling and irradiation creep. Irradiation creep is an inherently undamaging process but once swelling exceeds the 5-10% range austenitic steels become exceptionally brittle. Other processes also contribute to embrittlement and thereby contribute to difficulty in storing and handling of spent fuel assemblies removed from decommissioned fast reactors. In light water reactors other forms of embrittlement develop prior to reaching significant levels of void swelling. A review is presented of our current understanding of the radiation-induced changes in physical and mechanical properties that contribute to embrittlement