Maps of deformation-induced structures in neutron-irradiated metals and alloys

Using dislocation kinetic equations, maps of deformation-induced structures observed in neutron-irradiated metals and alloys are theoretically grounded. The critical strains and radiation doses for the transition from cellular and chaotic dislocation structures to heterogeneous channel-like deformation structures are found, and the relations of the critical strains and radiation doses to the kinetic coefficients that determine the evolution of the density of dislocations and radiation defects in irradiated materials are established. These relations are used to quantitatively analyze the effect of irradiation on the strength and deformation properties of Ni and martensitic steel A533B available in the literature. The critical conditions for the appearance of irradiation embrittlement in irradiated materials are considered.