Influence of fast neutron irradiation on tensile properties of mild steel

Abstract

An investigation has been made on the influence of reactor neutron irradiation on tensile properties of mild steel at ambient temperature. Flat tensile specimens with gauge section 15.5 mm x 2.9 mm x 2.5 mm were exposed to neutron irradiation (E > 0.1 MeV) to three different fluences of 0.6 x 1018, 1.2 x 1018 and 4.8 x1018 n/cm2. The irradiated specimens were tested in tension at room temperature. It was observed that while there was marked increase in the yield strength, there was relatively less increase in the ultimate tensile strength and the work hardening of the material was considerably reduced to due to neutron irradiation. Further, the ductility was also reduced progressively with the increasing fluence of neutron. © 1995, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.