Radiation creep

Graphite will creep imder neutron irradiation and stress at temperatures where thermal creep is normally negligible. The phenomenon of irradiation creep has been widely studied because of its significance to the operation of graphite moderated fission reactors. Indeed, if irradiation induced stresses in graphite moderators could not relax via radiation creep, rapid core disintegration would result. The observed creep strain has traditionally been separated into a primary reversible component ( ,) and a secondary irreversible component (Ej), both proportional to stress and to the appropriate unirradiated elastic compliance (inverse modulus) [69]. The total irradiation-induced creep strain (ej is thus ... 

The use of lead-bismuth as a primary coolant at relatively low core outlet temperature and coolant heatup allows the use of ferritic-martensitic steel EP-823 (12%Cr-Si) as a structural material for the core and steam generator. This steel was checked in practice for resistance against radiation swelling and radiation creep. 

Radiation creep (Figure 4.19) is observed in all types of reactors where the operational temperature 0.57 ni. Increasing the irradiation causes the radiation creep to accelerate, increasing the vacancy concentration and shifting the temperature at which the abovementioned effects occur. At low values of mechanical strain, there is a directly proportional relationship between radiation creep speed and neutron flux [56]. 

For displacement-loaded structures, radiation creep stress relaxation. 

Cold-roUed alloys of lead with 0.06 wt % teUurium often attain ultimate tensile strengths of 25—30 MPa (3625—5350 psi). High mechanical strength, excellent creep resistance, and low levels of alloying elements have made lead—teUurium aUoys the primary material for nuclear shielding for smaU reactors such as those aboard submarines. The aUoy is self-supporting and does not generate secondary radiation. 

Polytetrafluorethylene (p.t.f.e.) This polymer does not absorb water, has no solvents and is almost completely inert to chemical attack molten alkali metals and sodium in liquid ammonia are the rare exceptions. Furthermore it does not soften below 320°C, is electrically inert and has a very low coefficient of friction. It is more expensive than general purpose plastics, requires special fabrication techniques, is degraded by high energy radiation, and has a low creep resistance. 

Good mechanical, chemical and electrical properties rigidity good creep resistance fatigue behaviour fair moisture uptake fair shrinkage heat behaviour with continuous use temperature up to 250°C high-energy radiation behaviour. 

PVC, another widely used polymer for wire and cable insulation, crosslinks under irradiation in an inert atmosphere. When irradiated in air, scission predominates.To make cross-linking dominant, multifunctional monomers, such as trifunctional acrylates and methacrylates, must be added. Fluoropolymers, such as copol5miers of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), are widely used in wire and cable insulations. They are relatively easy to process and have excellent chemical and thermal resistance, but tend to creep, crack, and possess low mechanical stress at temperatures near their melting points. Radiation has been found to improve their mechanical properties and crack resistance. Ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) has also been used for wire and cable insulation. When blended with thermoplastic polyefins, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), its processibility improves significantly. The typical addition of LDPE is 10%. Ethylene propylene copolymers and terpolymers with high PE content can be cross-linked by irradiation. ... 

Fluoropolymers, such as copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), are widely used in wire and cable insulations. They are relatively easy to process and have excellent chemical and thermal resistance, but tend to creep, crack and possess low mechanical stress at temperatures near their melting points. Radiation has been found to improve their mechanical properties and crack resistance.36... 

Creep rates of three glassy polymers are much greater during electron irradiation than before or after. Radiation heating is eliminated as a possible cause. Essentially the same concentration of unpaired electrons and ratio of cross-linking to scission were found in polystyrene samples in the presence or absence of stress. The effects of radiation intensity, stress, and temperature on creep during irradiation are examined. The accelerated creep under stress is directly related to a radiation-induced expansion in the absence of stress. This radiation expansion is decreased by increase in temperature or plasticizer content and decrease in sample thickness. It is concluded that gas accumulation within the sample during irradiation causes both the expansion under no stress and the acceleration of creep under stress. 

The purpose of the present work was to determine if the temporary effect of radiation on the creep rate of polymers could be confirmed using high intensity electron radiation, and if so, to attempt to elucidate the basic cause of the effect. 

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