The phase transformation wave and conditions of its realization in deformable austenitic steels irradiated in a BN-350 reactor

Experimental data on the influence of neutron irradiation on the plasticity characteristics of chromium–nickel austenite steels have been analyzed. Special attention is devoted to detection of anomalously high plasticity levels attained at some parameters of irradiation and deformation, which is explained by the formation and propagation of a “phase transformation wave” in the metastable steel. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the realization of this wave are formulated.