Evolution of structure and mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steels under damageing dose increase within a wide irradiation temperature range

The mechanical properties, radiation swelling of 0Kh16N15M3B steel irradiated as fuel cans in BOR-60 reactor in the range of 350-720 deg C up to damage doses of 78 dpa were examined. With elevation of swelling value up to level over 7-10 % the tendency to embrittlement was observed in the maximum swelling temperature range of 500-550 deg C. With increasing the damage dose it was shown the existence of high-temperature maximum of swelling at 650-720 deg C. The interrelation of changes in mechanical properties of irradiated steels with parameters of microstructure in particular interparticle distance is analyzed. 15 figs