Silicon\u27s Role in Determining Swelling in Neutron-Irradiated Fe-Ni-Cr-Si Alloys

Two silicon-modified alloy series, one based on Fe-15Cr-20Ni and another based on Fe-15Cr-25Ni were irradiated at target temperatures between 399 and 649°C in EBR-II. The influence of silicon on swelling is more complex than previously envisioned and indicates that silicon plays two or more competing roles while in solution. Radiation-induced formation of γ\u27(Ni3Si), precipitates is dependent on silicon and nickel content, as well as temperature. Precipitation of γ\u27 appears to play only a minor role in void formation