Influence of Irradiation Effects on Mechanical Properties of Austenitic Stainless Steel

The influence of irradiation with heavy ions and electrons on mechanical properties of stainless steel was studied. The small punch method was used in the experiments. It was found that the small punch method is not useful for specimens with thickness of only 0.05mm. Good results were obtained for specimens with thickness 0.25mm. Whereas swift heavy ions were sufficient for penetration of 0.05mm foils, the use of 0.25mm foils required the use of high energy electrons to conduct studies on radiation embrittlement. It was determined that the small punch method can be successfully applied for determination of crack toughness of metals, but the technique is not very precise for evaluation of tensile and yield strengths. (author)