Irradiation-enhanced creep in SiC: data summary and planned experiments

Silicon carbide composites are under consideration for structural applications in proposed magnetic fusion energy systems. The limited data available suggest that creep of silicon carbide, like that of metals, is enhanced in a neutron environment. Existing irradiation-creep data on silicon carbide are reviewed and the ramifications of these data are discussed. Two experimental approaches to determine the irradiation creep of a silicon carbide composite are described. One of these utilizes a flat, reduced gage section specimen loaded in tension and the other utilizes a pressurized cylinder.