Structure of Quenched and Irradiated Metals

作者：Raymond Edward Smallman, Kenneth H. Westmacott · 发表于：Journal of Applied Physics · 年份：1959 · DOI：10.1063/1.1735203 · 被引用次数：63 · 研究领域：Microstructure and mechanical properties、Ion-surface interactions and analysis、Fusion materials and technologies

The effect of introducing point defects into pure metals by (a) quenching and (b) irradiation has been studied using the small-angle x-ray scatter technique. Scattering was obtained from both quenched copper and aluminum after appropriate ageing treatments, from α-irradiated copper after annealing, and from neutron-irradiated copper. The source of scattering has been considered in each case. Direct observation of the scattering defects has been obtained for the quenched, neutron-, and α-irradiated metals using thin film electron transmission microscopy. The quenched copper and aluminum contain dislocation loops of the order of a few hundred angstroms diameter formed by the condensation of vacancies, while the α-irradiated metal contains small cavities. Some additional electron microscopic studies of quenched silver and gold are also mentioned and the results discussed in relation to the mechanical and physical properties of quenched metals. No direct evidence has yet been found in neutron-irradiated copper (because of the difficulties in electropolishing), but the small-angle scattering when considered with mechanical property measurements strongly suggests the existence of small ``regions'' ∼100 A diameter. Direct observation of ``damage'' in neutron-irradiated aluminium is observed, however, and shows the existence of dislocation loops, ``jogged'' dislocations, and ``spiral'' dislocations in agreement with theoretical predictions.