SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 February 2018
STP159720160068

The Effect of Iron on Dislocation Evolution in Model and Commercial Zirconium Alloys

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Although the evolution of irradiation-induced dislocation loops has been well correlated with irradiation-induced growth phenomena, the effect of alloying elements on this evolution remains elusive, especially at low fluences. To develop a more mechanistic understanding of the role iron has on loop formation, we used state-of-the-art techniques to study a proton-irradiated Zr-0.1Fe alloy and proton- and neutron-irradiated Zircaloy-2. The two alloys were irradiated with 2-MeV protons up to 7 dpa at 350°C and Zircaloy-2 up to 14.7 × 1025 n · m−2, approximately 24 dpa, in a boiling water reactor at approximately 300°C. Baseline transmission electron microscopy showed that the Zr3Fe secondary-phase particles in the binary system were larger and fewer in number than the Zr(Fe,Cr)2 and Zr2(Fe,Ni) particles in Zircaloy-2. An analysis of the irradiated binary alloy revealed only limited dissolution of Ze3Fe, suggesting little dispersion of iron into the matrix, while at the same time a higher -loop density was observed compared with Zircaloy-2 at equivalent proton dose levels. We also found that the redistribution of iron during irradiation led to the formation of iron nanoclusters. A delay in the onset of -loop nucleation in proton-irradiated Zircaloy-2 compared with the binary alloy was observed. The effect of iron redistributed from secondary-phase particles because of dissolution on the density and morphology of and loops is described. The implication this may have on irradiation-induced growth of zirconium fuel cladding is also discussed.

Author Information

Topping, Matthew
University of Manchester, School of Materials, Materials Performance Centre, Manchester, GB
Harte, Allan
University of Manchester, School of Materials, Materials Performance Centre, Manchester, GB
Frankel, Philipp
University of Manchester, School of Materials, Materials Performance Centre, Manchester, GB
Race, Christopher
University of Manchester, School of Materials, Materials Performance Centre, Manchester, GB
Sundell, Gustav
Chalmers University of Technology, Dept. of Applied Physics, Göteborg, SE
Thuvander, Mattias
Chalmers University of Technology, Dept. of Applied Physics, Göteborg, SE
Andrén, Hans-Olof
Chalmers University of Technology, Dept. of Applied Physics, Göteborg, SE
Jadernas, Daniel
Studsvik Nuclear AB, Nyköping, SE
Tejland, Pia
Studsvik Nuclear AB, Nyköping, SE
Romero, Javier, E.
Westinghouse Electric Company, Columbia, SC
Darby, Edward, C.
Rolls-Royce, Derby, GB
Dumbill, Simon
National Nuclear Laboratory, Sellafield, Seascale, Cumbria, GB
Hallstadius, Lars
Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB, Västerås, SE
Preuss, Michael
University of Manchester, School of Materials, Materials Performance Centre, Manchester, GB
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Details
Developed by Committee: B10
Pages: 796–822
DOI: 10.1520/STP159720160068
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7642-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7641-6