An Assessment of Radiation Effects in Beryllium

Radiation effects in beryllium as produced by fast neutrons and resulting in dimensional changes are reviewed. It is found that helium bubble swelling is the predominant mechanism; however, because of the intrinsic anisotropy of the dislocation structure, bubble swelling is expected to be anisotropic, accompanied by radiation-induced growth. The anisotropy of swelling and plastic deformation at the microscopic level of crystal grains eventually results in microcracking, and the total inelastic deformation should therefore not exceed about 1%.