Microstructural evolution and mechanical behavior of austenitic stainless steels are evaluated for neutron and heavy-ion irradiated materials. Radiation hardening in austenitic stainless steels is shown to result from the evolution of small interstitial dislocation loops during light-water-reactor (LWR) irradiation. The presence of these loops modifies deformation characteristics and prompts a significant increase in yield strength. Available data on stainless steels irradiated under LWR conditions have been analyzed and microstructural characteristics assessed for the critical fluence range...