Method for experimental modeling of radiation-induced swelling of structural materials of nuclear reactors using combined implantation of high-energy helium ions and protons

This paper presents a specialized method for the experimental modeling of radiation-induced swelling in structural materials, utilizing the technique of high-energy ion implantation. The primary objective of the research is to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of this approach for the accelerated reproduction of radiation damage and volumetric changes that are characteristic of the harsh operating conditions found in nuclear reactor environments. Irradiation experiments were performed on a wide range of materials, including 12X18N10T, St37-3, and EI-847 steels, D16 and VT-6 alloys, as well as zirconium (Zr) and silicon carbide (SiC). The implantation process was carried out within energy range of 400–1500 keV, with fluences varying from (1 · 10¹⁴)–(2 · 10¹⁸) ions/cm². The evolution of surface layer morphology and the formation of radiation-induced steps were investigated using stylus profilometry. Samples were subjected to annealing within a temperature range of 250–550 °C. Based on the profilometric analysis, clear regularities were established regarding the variation of the swelling coefficient as a function of the total radiation dose and the subsequent annealing temperature. The results indicate that the proposed method of ion implantation can be effectively utilized as a reliable tool for the rapid assessment of the radiation resistance of promising structural materials, significantly reducing the testing time required for reactor-grade material validation.

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