Studies of Radiation Embrittlement of Model Alloys by Thermoelectric Measurements and Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

One of the basic mechanisms of radiation embrittlement of steels is due to matrix damage. Embrittlement results in a raise in the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature, which is used as indicator of the degradation status of the material. Further to mechanical tests, other methods, based on non-destructive measurements, can be also used to follow embrittlement. At JRC-IE measurement of thermoelectric voltage using a specially developed method is regularly performed. The positron annihilation spectroscopy in lifetime set-up is used for study the microstructural changes of matrix due to embrittlement. Both techniques were applied to test several model alloys irradiated at different conditions. Obtained results prove that both techniques are good indicators of the change in material properties.

ACOSTA IBORRA Beatriz;  ZEMAN Andrej;  DEBARBERIS Luigi; 

2007-01-26

Inderscience

JRC35946