Swelling rate versus swelling correlation in 20% cold-worked 316 stainless steels

A quantitative correlation of the swelling rate versus swelling is presented. Swelling data of 20% cold-worked 316 stainless steels were analyzed using the power law swelling equation. The prolonged transient region with keeping the suppressed swelling rate was clearly demonstrated for the improved 316 stainless steels like PNC316 and 316Ti. Rate theory analyses lead to the role of precipitates as point defect sinks for retardation of the void growth.