Evaluation of hardening behaviour of ion irradiated reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels by ail ultra-micro-indentation technique

The evaluation of the temperature dependence of irradiation hardening in a reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel (RAFs), F82H (Fe-8Cr--2W-V-Ta) and Ni-doped (1%. 2%) F82H, was performed using single/dual-beam ion irradiation and ultra-micro-indentation technique. In analyzing the load-displacement curve, it was assumed that the elastic modulus did not exceed the original value due to irradiation-induced damage because micro-hardness was defined as a function of composite elastic modulus. Secondly, micro-structural evolution was characterized for irradiation conditions where significant changes in micro-hardness in RAFs were found. Finally, based on these results, the plastic deformation behavior of F82H steels with the irradiation hardening was investigated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.