The effect of iron on dislocation evolution in model and commercial zirconium alloys
Paper i proceeding, 2018

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 × 1025n • 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)2and 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 〈a〉-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 〈c〉-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 〈a〉 and 〈c〉 loops is described. The implication this may have on irradiation-induced growth of zirconium fuel cladding is also discussed.

Zirconium

BWR

Precipitation

BF-STEM

Proton irradiation

Zircaloy-2

Dislocation analysis

Irradiation growth

Iron

Författare

Matthew Topping

University of Manchester

Allan Harte

University of Manchester

Philipp Frankel

University of Manchester

Christopher Race

University of Manchester

Gustav Sundell

Chalmers, Kemi och kemiteknik, Tillämpad kemi

Mattias Thuvander

Mikrostrukturfysik

Hans-Olof Andrén

Mikrostrukturfysik

Daniel Jädernäs

Studsvik

Pia Tejland

Studsvik

Javier E. Romero

Westinghouse Electric Company

Edward C. Darby

Rolls-Royce PLC

Simon Dumbill

National Nuclear Laboratory

Lars Hallstadius

Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB

Michael Preuss

University of Manchester

ASTM Special Technical Publication

00660558 (ISSN)

Vol. STP 1597 796-822
9780803176416 (ISBN)

18th International Symposium on Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry
Hilton Head, USA,

Ämneskategorier

Annan kemi

Annan materialteknik

Metallurgi och metalliska material

DOI

10.1520/STP159720160068

Mer information

Senast uppdaterat

2022-06-03