SEDL / STP / STP683-EB / STP38157S

Neutron Irradiation-Induced Defect Structures in Zirconium

Jostsons, A
Leader, Materials Science Section; chief, Materials Division; and experimental officer, Australian Atomic Energy Commission Research Establishment, Lucas Heights, N.S.W.

Kelly, PM
Leader, Materials Science Section; chief, Materials Division; and experimental officer, Australian Atomic Energy Commission Research Establishment, Lucas Heights, N.S.W.

Blake, RG
Leader, Materials Science Section; chief, Materials Division; and experimental officer, Australian Atomic Energy Commission Research Establishment, Lucas Heights, N.S.W.

Farrell, K
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Pages: 16    Published: Jan 1979

Download this paper for $25 PDF (368K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

A transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to study the neutron irradiation-induced defect structures in zirconium from various sources irradiated to fluences up to 1.3 × 10²⁵ neutrons (n)/m^-2 > 0.1 MeV and temperatures in the range 478 to 823 K. Below 673 K the predominant form of damage consists of ⅓ ⟨110⟩ dislocation loops. At higher irradiation temperatures, depending on specimen purity, the defects may include faulted ⅙ ⟨203⟩ loops and voids in addition to the perfect ⅓⟨110⟩ loops. The temperature regime of the stability of the various defects was defined. Quantitative measurements showing the effect of irradiation temperature and specimen purity are presented and discussed.