Phase stability and precipitation modeling in neutron irradiated Zr–2% Nb alloy

Abstract

Abstract Precipitation at thermal treatment and radiation induced precipitation in zirconium alloy with low concentration of Nb is studied. A corresponding phase field model by taking into account ballistic mixing and dynamics of point defects with their sinks (dislocation loops) is developed. Analysis of precipitation dynamics and statistical distributions of precipitates with local rearrangement of non-equilibrium vacancies around precipitates is provided. It is shown that the competition between ballistic mixing and the thermodynamic force plays a major role in kinetics of radiation induced precipitation and precipitates dissolution. The estimation of mechanical properties of the material at irradiation at reactor conditions is provided.