P.P. Liu

Effect of Deuterium Ion Implantation on Microstructures of Fe-M (M =V, W, Ta) Alloys

To study the effect of tungsten, vanadium and tantalum on the microstructures in CLAM (China Low Activation Martensitic) steel after irradiation respectively, the microstructures of Fe-M (M = V, W, Ta) model alloys were investigated after implanted deuterium ions using an ion accelerator at 773 K. After implanted deuterium ion, TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) observation and EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrom) analysis have been carried out. The result showed that tiny voids were observed in all model alloys after implanted the same dose of deuterium ions. The swelling rate in FeTa alloy was the smallest among the three alloys. Unlike FeW and FeV alloys, there was the segregation in FeTa alloy under a fluence of 5×1017 D+/cm2 at 773 K. A theoretical analysis showed that the void growth in FeTa alloy slowed down due to tantalum segregation near voids. It indicates that tantalum plays an important role in the improved irradiation resistance of CLAM steel.

Synthesis of Beryllium Pebbles Using Plasma Rotating Electrode Process

Beryllium is used as neutron multiplier in the form of a pebble bed. Basic characteristics of the beryllium pebbles are required to the design of blanket. From this point view, production methods and basic characteristics including particle morphology and mechanical properties of beryllium pebbles were investigated. The paper gives a brief description of fabrication technology for the Be pebbles. The Plasma Rotating Electrode Process (PREP) is the method for producing 1–1.2 mm Be pebbles for use as a neutron multiplier. The obtained results indicate the advantages for the fabrication of Be pebbles and the excellent properties of the pebbles.

Microstructure and Nano-hardness of Pure Copper and ODS Copper Alloy under Au Ions Irradiation at Room Temperature

The microstructure and nano-hardness of the pure copper and oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) copper alloy subjected to 1.4xa0MeV Au ions irradiation at room temperature were investigated. After irradiation, dislocation-loops form in both materials, while voids can only be generated in the pure copper. Compared with the irradiated pure copper, larger average diameter and lower number density of irradiation-induced dislocation-loops were detected in the ODS copper alloy, revealing that high-density dislocation and large volume of Al2O3 particles existing in the ODS copper alloy can act as effective sinks for the irradiation-induced defects. It was also detected that irradiation hardening in the ODS copper alloy is lower than that in the pure copper. The microstructure and nano-hardness results reveal that the ODS copper alloy has a better irradiation tolerance than the pure copper. In addition, the average diameter of the Al2O3 particles in the ODS copper alloy decreases after irradiation, because the Al–O chemical bonds are decomposed and the atoms are redistributed in the matrix during the irradiation process. This work reveals that the irradiation tolerance of the copper can be effectively enhanced by adding nano-sized Al2O3 particles into the matrix.