Macro-Scale strain localization in highly irradiated stainless steel investigated using digital image correlation

Low-temperature radiation hardening and embrittlement is a major life-limiting effect in austenitic stainless steels (AuSS). A strain-induced phase transformation to martensite observed during plastic deformation of low-Ni AuSS, often increasing strain reducing ductility. However, this paper we show an unexpectedly high ductility 18–37% room-temperature mechanical testing 0.12C–18Cr–10Ni–0.8Ti AuSS (AISI 321 analogue) cut from the hexagonal wrapper fuel assembly irradiated BN-350 sodium-cooled fast reactor located Aktau, Kazakhstan. Using digital image correlation, reveal two completely different mechanisms samples with same chemical composition, very similar doses. The roles martensitic ???? neutron irradiation parameters explain differences between specimens.