EFFECT OF NEUTRON IRRADIATION ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF 316LN STEEL IN CAST AND COLD ROLLED CONDITIONS

The mechanical properties of AISI 316LN steel and its 211L–213L modifications were investigated in both cast and cold- rolled conditions, as well as after neutron irradiation up to a fluence of 2·10¹⁹ n/cm², using the Shear Punch and Small Punch testing methods. The results showed that the modified steels exhibited higher strength compared to 316LN, with 211L demonstrating the most favorable combination of properties. The 2–3-fold reduction in the strength of cast steels was attributed to coarse grain size and casting defects. Neutron irradiation led to significant hardening of cast steels due to the formation of radiation-induced defects, whereas stress relaxation was observed in cold-rolled structures. Microstructural analysis revealed distinct differences in the deformation and fracture mechanisms between the cast and cold-rolled conditions.

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