Anisotropic effects of radiation-induced hardening in nuclear structural materials: A review

Radiation-induced hardening (RIH) is an important indicator for understanding the radiation-induced embrittlement and for new materials' selection for the core components in various nuclear energy systems. RIH has been studied mainly based on an assumption that the material has a homogeneous microstructure. However, in practical applications, the microstructure always exhibits an inhomogeneity such as strong texture in crystal orientation, lamellar grain boundary, consequently bringing anisotropy in RIH in these materials. In this review article, the recent anisotropic effects of RIH in nuclear structural materials are summarized, and the possible influencing factors are further discussed. Understanding such anisotropic effects of RIH is considered necessary not only for providing a precise evaluation of the in reactor degradation behaviors of current structural materials, but also for the development of new materials for future nuclear systems.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.