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Iron, zirconium and copper samples were irradiated at 17.5 K by 10 to 16 MeV protons. The resistivity change was measured as a function of the bombarding dose. Values of the resistivity damage rate are determined from the experimental data and are compared with the corresponding estimates obtained from a modified Kinchin-Pease model and from a vacancy-recombination model. Good agreement is found between the latter model and the experimental results. The data are also compared with other proton irradiation and d-Be neutron experiments.

Stage I recovery is investigated for Fe, Zr and Cu irradiated at 17.5 K with 10,14 and 16 MeV protons. Several sub-stages are measured and analyzed. In relation to published electron and neutron irradiation data, the present results show that 16 MeV protons approximate the damage induced in metals due to fusion reactor spectra. The present results also indicate that the damage state created by protons in metals is similar to an intermediate state between those due to electron and fast-neutron irradiations.

Total scattering cross sections, the related recoil energy distributions, and damage energies are evaluated for 14 MeV neutrons and 10–20 MeV protons on Fe, Ni, Cu, Zr, Nb, and Au. The validity and limitations of using protons to simulate high energy neutron bombardment are discussed.

Iron and copper samples have been irradiated at 17K with 10–16 MeV protons to investigate the damage produced and, where possible, draw conclusions in relation to the use of such bombardments to simulate the damage resulting from the fusion neutron spectrum. The damage-dose behaviour and isochronal anneals appear to support the model of stimulated Frenkel-pair recombination in the vicinity of high energy density cascades.