Mechanical properties testing of several 800 MeV proton irradiated BCC metals and alloys. [Candidate window materials for SIN beam stop]

A spallation neutron source for the 600-MeV proton accelerator facility at the Swiss Institute for Nuclear Research (SIN) consists of a vertical cylinder filled with molten Pb-Bi. The proton beam enters the cylinder, passing upward through a window in contact with the Pb-Bi eutectic liquid. Investigations are underway at the 800-MeV proton accelerator at LAMPF to test the performance of candidate SIN window materials. Based on considerations of chemical compatibility with molten Pb-Bi, as well as radiation damage mechanisms, Fe, Ta, Fe-2.25Cr-1Mo, and Fe-12Cr-1Mo (Ht-9) were chosen as candidate materials. Sheet tensile samples were sealed inside capsules containing Pb-Bi and were proton-irradiated at LAMPF to two fluences, 4.8 and 54 x 10/sup 23/ p/m/sup 2/. The beam current was approximately equal to the 1 mA anticipated for the upgraded SIN accelerator. Yield and ultimate strengths increased upon irradiation in all materials, while the ductility decreased. The pure metals, Ta and Fe, exhibited the greatest radiation hardening and embrittlement. The HT-9 alloy showed the smallest changes in strength and ductility.