Strength of bulk aluminum-boron alloys containing helium produced by 10B(n,α)7Li reaction in nuclear reactor
Kaiguo Chen,
Qi Huang,
Zugen Zhang,
Ping Song,
Yao Shen,
Yuying Yu,
Jiayu Dai
Affiliations
Kaiguo Chen
College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Extreme Matter and Applications, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, PR China
Qi Huang
Department of Material Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
Zugen Zhang
Center for Housing Safety Management, Changsha, 410073, PR China
Ping Song
Institute of Fluid Physics, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, PR China
Yao Shen
Department of Material Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
Yuying Yu
Institute of Fluid Physics, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, PR China
Jiayu Dai
College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Extreme Matter and Applications, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, PR China; Corresponding author. College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, PR China.
The study of metals and alloys containing helium has garnered significant attention within the nuclear energy community. However, there is limited research on the mechanical behavior of bulk alloys implanted with helium. This study investigates the mechanical properties of several Al-Boron alloys implanted with helium using controlled manipulation of helium doses via boron content under a consistent neutron dose. Results show that HemVn may contribute to strength by approximately 8.4–15 MPa and 16.8–23 MPa for helium doses 3.08 × 1019/cm3 and 6.84 × 1019/cm3, respectively, while lattice damages due to neutron-aluminum reaction contribute to strength by 24∼27 MPa. Subsequent annealing leads to the formation of helium bubbles, resulting in a slightly higher strengthening effect compared to HemVn. Additionally, the work hardening behavior of the alloys can be explained by the Voce model, drawing inspiration from the resemblance between helium bubbles and nanoprecipitates in 7xxx alloys. These findings provide insights to the nuclear energy community.
