Simulation of irradiation effects with ions on the RFQ linac HIPr

Abstract

Radiation damage is the limiting factor in the choice of structural materials for advanced fission and fusion reactors. Neutron irradiation of materials is a slow and cost intensive process often extending over several years. Heavy ion irradiation is the only viable means to conduct accelerated testing to assess irradiated microstructures at high dpa levels. In the NRC "Kurchatov Institute" - ITEP the specimens of perspective steels and alloys are irradiated at the RFQ Heavy Ion Prototype (HIPr) by a beam of accelerated heavy ions (Fe, Ti, V, ...) up to dose 10 17 ions/cm 2 . During irradiation the investigated specimens can be heated up to 700°C. We have studied the heavy ion distribution on the target. The results of beam profiles measurements for different irradiation modes are presented. To improve the beam control a device was developed and produced. This device is based on the Arduino platform and software for analysing the data received in the streaming mode. The device allows to control all BPM signals together and takes account of these signals for the fluence calculation. Heavy ion irradiated specimens can be analyse with transmission electron microscopy, atom probe tomography and nanoindentation to measure mechanical properties of irradiated surface layers. Results of TEM analysis of Eurofer97 steel irradiated at 300°C to 10 16 ions/cm 2 are demonstrated.