Research progress on mechanical properties of metal under multi-fields coupling of pre-stress,irradiation, and impact load

In reactors, space stations, and other spacecraft, a large number of structural metals operate under pre-stress conditions while being subjected to high-energy particle irradiation, and may also experience unpredictable impact loads. Those result in significant degradation of mechanical properties of material, which in turn reduce the safety and reliability of structure. However, most existing studies focus solely on the influence of irradiation effects or impact effects on mechanical properties, with limited research on the dynamic characteristics of irradiated materials and even less consideration of the coupled influence effects of pre-stress as a typical operating condition. This article summarizes and reviews in detail the current research status on degradation law, microscopic mechanisms, and theoretical models of mechanical properties of metals under the multi-field effects of irradiation, pre-stress, and impact loads. In addition, this article also identifies deficiencies and numerous challenges in current research, and provides suggestions for scientific issues requiring focused attention and technical bottlenecks needing breakthroughs in future studies. It is hoped that this work will provide a scientific basis for research on degradation patterns, microscopic mechanisms, and theoretical models of dynamic characteristics of metals under pre-stress and irradiation environments involved in reactor life extension, new advanced reactor research, and large-scale national projects such as lunar bases, so as to further enhance their safety and economic benefits.