A Study of the Effect of Ion Irradiation on the Mechanical Properties of Eurofer 97 Steel

The hardness values of samples of ferritic–martensitic steel Eurofer 97 in the initial state and after irradiation with 5.6 MeV Fe²⁺ ions up to a fluence of 1 × 10¹⁶ cm^–2 at a temperature of 300°C are compared. The mechanical properties are tested by the method of instrumental indentation using the dynamic mechanical analysis technique. To correct the obtained hardness values, the geometry of the plastic imprints is measured by the method of atomic force microscopy. Irradiation with heavy ions gives rise to an increase in the hardness value in comparison with the initial sample. This indicates a radiation-induced decrease in the plasticity of steel Eurofer 97, which should be taken into account in the case of using it as a construction material for new-generation fusion reactors.