Strength of bulk aluminum-boron alloys containing helium produced by 10B(n,α)7Li reaction in nuclear reactor

The study of metals and alloys containing helium has garnered significant attention within the nuclear energy community. However, there is limited research on the mechanical behavior of bulk alloys implanted with helium. This study investigates the mechanical properties of several Al-Boron alloys implanted with helium using controlled manipulation of helium doses via boron content under a consistent neutron dose. Results show that He_mV_n may contribute to strength by approximately 8.4-15 MPa and 16.8-23 MPa for helium doses 3.08 × 10¹⁹/cm³ and 6.84 × 10¹⁹/cm³, respectively, while lattice damages due to neutron-aluminum reaction contribute to strength by 24∼27 MPa. Subsequent annealing leads to the formation of helium bubbles, resulting in a slightly higher strengthening effect compared to He_mV_n. Additionally, the work hardening behavior of the alloys can be explained by the Voce model, drawing inspiration from the resemblance between helium bubbles and nanoprecipitates in 7xxx alloys. These findings provide insights to the nuclear energy community.