The effect of 800 MeV proton irradiation on the mechanical properties of tungsten at room temperature and at 475 °C

For the accelerator production of tritium (APT), the accelerator driven transmutation facility (ADTF), and the advanced fuel cycle initiative (AFCI), tungsten is being proposed as a target material to produce neutrons. In this study, tungsten rods were irradiated at the 800 MeV Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) proton accelerator for six months. After irradiation to a maximum dose in the tungsten of 23.3 dpa at Tirr = 50–270 °C, the rods were sliced into sections, hardness tests were performed at room temperature, and compression tests were performed at room temperature and at 475 °C to assess the effect of irradiation on the mechanical properties of tungsten. The results show an increase in strength and a decrease in ductility with dose. Specimens tested at 475 °C had lower yield strength and reduced work hardening capability compared to specimens tested at room temperature.