The effect of neutron dose, irradiation and testing temperature on mechanical properties of copper alloys

The paper presents the results of comparative investigations of radiation embrittlement of UHS-PH copper alloys of Cu-Ni-Be, Cu-Cr-Ni-Si type and the base Cu-Cr-Zr alloy after irradiation to 0.2 dpa at temperatures of 150 degrees C and 300 degrees C. The investigations undertaken and the analysis of changes in the mechanical properties of high-strength alloys of Cu-Ni-Be and Cu-Cr-Ni-Si irradiated to 0.2 dpa at 150 degrees C and 300 degrees C allowed for the conclusion that at low irradiation and testing temperatures alloys are prone to low-temperature embrittlement, which shows up in these alloys in the same way as in ITER base alloy. At elevated irradiation and testing temperatures the high-strength Cu-Ni-Be and Cu-Cr-Ni-Si alloys embrittle, and what is more, demonstrate, when irradiated, a low level of fracture stress (about twice as low as the initial material). (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.