The Tritium Performance of Alloy 22-13-5

Previously published studies of the performance of high strength austenitic steels and superalloys in tritium have demonstrated significant shortcomings in toughness and sensitivity to decay helium in the metal matrix. The alloy 22Cr-13Ni-5Mn exhibits high cracking thresholds in hydrogen, and promising performance in tritium-charged and aged smooth tensile specimens. It is readily forged to strengths beyond 690 MPa, and is commercially available. The tensile performance of 22-13-5 is compared to that of 21-6-9 and JBK-75. Aspects of a development program are outlined