Neutron radiation effect on microhardness of aluminium alloys

Measurements of microhardness before and after irradiation through neutron up to fluences 1.2 x 1020 N/cm2 were carried out at T < 100 deg C in an uniform neutron field on two brands of aluminium alloys (Al - 2.4% Mg - 0.3% Cu and Al - 0.9% Mg - 0.8% Cu). Complex dependence of microhardness on the fluence and form of the measured surface was established. It is assumed that this is related to accelerated diffusion of additions and also to initial defects in crystal structure