The calculation of cavity growth in irradiated metals under stress

In this paper the various calculational procedures for the evaluation of cavity growth in irradiated metals under stress are critically examined and limitations to their use are described. Compressive stress reduces cavity growth over the whole temperature range studied (600-750°C). At temperatures in excess of 650°C, in the absence of alternative sinks for gas, cavities grow as overpressurized bubbles. At high temperatures cavity growth rate is sensitive to the presence of even a low density of alternative sinks for gas.