Phase-field simulations of the effect of temperature and interface for zirconium δ-hydrides

Abstract

Hydride precipitation in zirconium cladding materials can damage their integrity and durability. Service temperature and material defects have a significant effect on the dynamic growth of hydrides. In this study, we have developed a phase-field model based on the assumption of elastic behaviour within a specific temperature range (613 K–653 K). This model allows us to study the influence of temperature and interfacial effects on the morphology, stress, and average growth rate of zirconium hydride. The results suggest that changes in temperature and interfacial energy influence the length-to-thickness ratio and average growth rate of the hydride morphology. The ultimate determinant of hydride orientation is the loss of interfacial coherency, primarily induced by interfacial dislocation defects and quantifiable by the mismatch degree q. An escalation in interfacial coherency loss leads to a transition of hydride growth from horizontal to vertical, accompanied by the onset of redirection behaviour. Interestingly, redirection occurs at a critical mismatch level, denoted as q c, and remains unaffected by variations in temperature and interfacial energy. However, this redirection leads to an increase in the maximum stress, which may influence the direction of hydride crack propagation. This research highlights the importance of interfacial coherency and provides valuable insights into the morphology and growth kinetics of hydrides in zirconium alloys.