In situ characterization of lattice structure evolution during phase transformation of Zr-2.5Nb

Authors

Kun Yan, University of Wollongong
David G. Carr, Aust Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Saurabh Kabra, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisa
Mark H. Reid, University of WollongongFollow
A J Studer
Robert P. Harrison, Australian Nuclear Science and Tech Organisation
Rian J. Dippenaar, University of WollongongFollow
Klaus-Dieter Liss, ANSTOFollow

RIS ID

38486

Publication Details

Yan, K., Carr, D. G., Kabra, S., Reid, M., Studer, A., Harrison, R. P., Dippenaar, R. & Liss, K. (2011). In situ characterization of lattice structure evolution during phase transformation of Zr-2.5Nb. Advanced Engineering Materials, 13 (9), 882-886.

Abstract

The α–β phase transformation behavior of Zr-2.5Nb (in mass%) has been characterized in real time during an in situ neutron diffraction experiment. The Zr-2.5Nb material in the current study consists, at room temperature, of α-Zr phase (hcp) and two β phases (bcc), a Nb rich β-Nb phase and retained, Zr rich, β-Zr(Nb) phase. It is suggested that this is related to a quench off the equilibrium solubility of Nb atoms in the Zr bcc unit cells. Vegard's law combined with thermal expansion is applied to calculate the composition of the β-phase, which is compared with the phase diagram, revealing the system's kinetic behavior for approaching equilibrium.