Journal Published Online: 22 June 2005
Volume 2, Issue 8

Influence of Structure—Phase State of Nb Containing Zr Alloys on Irradiation-Induced Growth

CODEN: JAIOAD

Abstract

On account of the search for the optimal composition and structure-phase state of Zr alloys much attention is paid to upgrade the E110 (Zr-1 %Nb) and E635 (Zr-1 %Nb-0.35 %Fe-1.2 %Sn) alloys that have proved well in terms of irradiation-induced creep and growth, high strength characteristics, and corrosion. The difference between the alloy properties is determined by their states related to their compositions. The structure-phase state of the Zr-Nb and Zr-Nb-Fe-Sn systems has been studied after heat treatment in the α-- and α + β- regions and its influence on the irradiation-induced growth (IIG) during BOR-60 irradiation at T =315–350 °C was investigated. A substantial difference has been shown in the deformation effected by IIG of those alloys, it is less for Zr-Nb-Fe-Sn alloys in dissimilar structure-phase states. The incubation period of the accelerated growth stage is determined by the α-matrix composition, the phase state and the initial dislocation structure. Neutron irradiation leads to a redistribution of alloying elements between the matrix and the precipitates, and to changes in the α-solid solution composition. These changes affect accumulation and mobility of irradiation defects, anisotropy and formation of vacancy c-component dislocation loops. The appearance of c-loops usually correlates with an axial direction acceleration of the IIG of tubes conforming to their texture. The basic regularities of the phase transformation have been established: a) β-Nb precipitates in Zr-Nb alloys are altered in composition to reduce the Nb content from 85–90 % to ∼ 50 %, fine precipitates likely enriched in Nb are formed; b) β-Zr precipitates are subject to irradiation-stimulated decomposition; c) Laves phase precipitates change composition (the content of Fe decreases) and crystal structure, HCP to BCC (β-Nb); d) (Zr,Nb)2Fe precipitates having the FCC lattice retain their composition and crystal structure; e) no amorphization of any secondary phase precipitates is observable under the given conditions of irradiation (T = 315–350 °C). Based on the dpa, the results were compared pertaining to Zr-alloy IIG deformation vs. fluence in various reactors at different energies of fast neutrons. The presented graphs enable comparison between the results of numerous experiments and enable predictions of Zr-material behavior in long-term operation and at high burn-up in commercial reactors.

Author Information

Shishov, VN
Federal State Unitary Enterprise A.A. Bochvar All-Russia Research Institute of Inorganic Materials (VNIINM), Moscow, Russia
Peregud, MM
Federal State Unitary Enterprise A.A. Bochvar All-Russia Research Institute of Inorganic Materials (VNIINM), Moscow, Russia
Nikulina, AV
Federal State Unitary Enterprise A.A. Bochvar All-Russia Research Institute of Inorganic Materials (VNIINM), Moscow, Russia
Pimenov, YV
FSS “TVEL,”, Moscow, Russia
Kobylyansky, GP
Federal State Unitary Enterprise State Science Centre of Russian Federation, Research Institute of Atomic Reactors, Dimitrograd, Ulyanovsk Region, Russia
Novoselov, AE
Federal State Unitary Enterprise State Science Centre of Russian Federation, Research Institute of Atomic Reactors, Dimitrograd, Ulyanovsk Region, Russia
Ostrovsky, ZE
Federal State Unitary Enterprise State Science Centre of Russian Federation, Research Institute of Atomic Reactors, Dimitrograd, Ulyanovsk Region, Russia
Obukhov, AV
Federal State Unitary Enterprise State Science Centre of Russian Federation, Research Institute of Atomic Reactors, Dimitrograd, Ulyanovsk Region, Russia
Pages: 18
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JAI12431
ISSN: 1546-962X
DOI: 10.1520/JAI12431