The strong influence of temper annealing conditions on the neutron-induced swelling of cold worked austenitic steels

The objective of this study is to define the variables that control the radiation-induced evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties in structural metals. Although cold working is known to strongly influence neutron-induced swelling of austenitic stainless steels. Two irradiation studies conducted on AISI 316 stainless steel indicate that increasing the temperature of the intermediate temper anneal leads in general to a shortening of the transient regime of swelling. The evidence is consistent with the influence of both annealing temperature and irradiation temperature on carbide formation and its subsequent influence on the microchemical evolution and swelling of the steel