Characterization and modeling of creep mechanisms in Zircaloy-4

• Published in: Journal of nuclear materials Vol. 353; no. 3; pp. 177 - 189
• Main Authors: Moon, J.H., Cantonwine, P.E., Anderson, K.R., Karthikeyan, S., Mills, M.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.07.2006; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fission nuclear power plants; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; Z0100; E0300; T0100; C1100; D0400; Transmission electron microscopy; Creep; Zircaloy; Experimental study; Microstructure; Modeling; Nuclear reactor
• ISSN: 0022-3115; 1873-4820
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnucmat.2006.01.023

The deformation microstructure and creep mechanisms of Zircaloy-4 have been investigated. Four Zircaloy-4 specimens were tested at different temperatures and stress levels and the deformation microstructures of these specimens were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. On the basis of microstructural observation of a-type screw dislocations in prismatic slip systems, the modified jogged-screw model has been applied as a rate controlling mechanism for creep of Zircaloy-4. In addition, the stress dependency of dislocation density, jog spacing, and jog height has been evaluated via modeling and experimental observations. The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed understanding of the creep deformation of Zircaloy-4 and prediction of creep rates in this alloy based on the microstructural information obtained from TEM analysis.