A Relationship Between Equivalent Chromium Content and Irradiation-Induced Swelling in Type 316 Stainless Steel

The equivalent chromium content of Type 316 stainless steel is shown to be directly related to irradiation-induced swelling in specimens that have slightly different chemical compositions. In some cases, increased concentrations of an α-stabilizing minor constituent—silicon, phosphorus, and molybdenum—resulted in decreased swelling. The relative swelling resistance of alloys having the same carbon and equivalent nickel contents will be higher for those alloys with the higher equivalent chromium content.