Experimental observation of 12 α variants inherited from one β grain in a Zr alloy

Local crystallographic orientation characteristics of a Zr alloy after β cooling are investigated by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique. All misorientation peaks and corresponding rotation axes predicted by Burgers relationship are exclusively verified for the obtained basket-weave structure. Furthermore, by correlating microstructures and crystallographic orientations, all 12 possible α variants inherited from one prior β grain are definitely revealed. It is believed that excessive β grain growth in the Zr alloy is responsible for the weak or absence of variant selection during β cooling.