EFFECTS OF RADIATION ON MATERIALS

IT is only since World War ll that extensive study has been made of the effects of high-energy radiation on materials. However, a lack of fundamental data still prevents the making of any generalizations or detailed calculations of the effects of radiation-induced defects on the bulk properties of metals.

The author discusses the problem from three points of view:

1. 1.
   The effectiveness of materials in absorbing radiation.
2. 2.
   The basic mechanisms of the interaction of radiation and matter—in order to determine the changes on the mechanical properties of materials.
3. 3.
   Radiation as a convenient and economical source of energy for irradiation of chemical systems.

The author thinks, on the basis of the limited data available, that one of the most useful effects of radiation on matter has been the use of ionizing radiation to bring about chemical reactions, especially in organic compounds.