Fast neutron irradiation effects on the tensile properties of 20 percent cold-worked Type 316 stainless steel are presented to fluences of 3.6 × 10²² neutrons (n)/cm², E > 0.1 MeV (3.6 × 10²⁶ n/m², E > 16 fJ), at irradiation temperatures of 700 to 1125°F (644 to 880 K). The tests were performed over the range of room temperature to 1600°F (1144 K) employing strain rates of 1.82 × 10^-3 to 1.82/min (3 × 10^-5 to 3 × 10^-2/s).

Irradiation defect hardening at irradiation temperatures below 900°F (755 K) resulted in strength increases. Thermal annealing of the original cold-work operated to reduce the strength of material irradiated near 1000 and 1100°F (811 and 866 K), in the fluence range investigated. Elongation values initially increased at most irradiation temperatures and then decreased with fluence beyond 10²² n/cm² (10²⁶ n/m²). Both strength and ductility decreased with increasing temperature at fluences beyond 10²² n/cm² (10²⁶ n/m²). The 450°F (505 K) unirradiated elongation level was maintained or improved for all irradiation conditions investigated, which suggests that low ductility will not present a problem during refueling operations.