Abstract:
This is the first study ever to show the impact of high-energy 160 MeV xenon ion irradiation
on the properties of 100Cr6 bearing steel. The projected range (Rp) of xenon ions is 8.2 µm. Fluencedependent variations in the coefficient of friction and wear of the 100Cr6 steel material have been
observed. These changes correlate with shifts in the crystal lattice constant and variations in the
oxygen, carbon, and iron content in the wear track. Fluence-dependent changes in these parameters
have been observed for the first time. Irradiation reduces stresses in the crystal lattice, leading to
crystallite size increase. The modifications in the properties of 100Cr6 steel result from radiationinduced defects caused by electronic ion stopping. The degree of these modifications depends on
the applied irradiation fluence. Furthermore, the use of a higher irradiation fluence value appears to
mitigate the effects produced by a lower fluence.
