Effects of irradiation on mechanical properties of HIP-bonded reduced-activation ferritic/martensitic steel F82H first wall

HIP-bonded regions in the first wall of a fusion blanket are subjected to intense neutron irradiation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of radiation damage on the tensile properties of the HIP-bonded regions. Tensile tests have been performed on specimens taken from a HIP-bonded mock-up structure, made to simulate the different fabrication processes. The neutron irradiation was carried out at about 423 K and 523 K to doses up to about 2 dpa. The tensile tests were performed at room temperature, irradiation temperatures and at 623 K. The main results are as follows: (1) Before irradiation, the tensile properties in the HIP-interface were equivalent to those of the matrix region. (2) Rupture did not occur at the HIP-interface of irradiated material. (3) The tensile properties in irradiated material were not notably affected due to manufacturing/fabricating histories. (4) Changes in properties produced by irradiation at 423 K show significant recovery for a test temperature of 673 K.