Identification, classification and characterisation of hydrides in Zr alloys

Mia Maric, Rhys Thomas, Alec Davis, David Lunt, Jack Donoghue, Ali Gholinia, Marc De Graef, Tamas Ungar, Pierre Barberis, Florent Bourlier, Philipp Frankel, Pratheek Shanthraj, Michael Preuss

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Hydride precipitation in zirconium alloys leads to embrittlement, making it essential to understand their prevalence and stability in the microstructure. Dictionary indexing of Kikuchi patterns, along with orientation relationship analysis and x-ray diffraction, confirmed the presence of both delta and gamma hydride phases in Zircaloy-4. Both phases were found to be stable in recrystallised zirconium, with the gamma phase exhibiting a distinct orientation relationship with the matrix. Delta hydride morphology and orientation were influenced by local stresses, resulting in a change in orientation during precipitation. By analysing the orientation relationships, the evolution of hydride phases could be visualised, providing insights into the room temperature stability of both delta and gamma hydrides.

Original languageEnglish
Article number115768
Number of pages6
JournalScripta Materialia
Volume238
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Dictionary Indexing
  • Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
  • Electron backscattering patterns (EBSP)
  • Orientation relationship
  • Zirconium Hydrides

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