Electron-irradiation-induced structural change in Zr–Hf–Nb alloy

The structural change in the Zr–Hf–Nb alloy during MeV electron irradiation was investigated using high voltage electron microscopy (HVEM). The nano-crystalline structure, which had a diffraction pattern similar to that of an amorphous phase, could not be maintained under the irradiation. The irradiation-induced structural change was observed after high dpa irradiation (about 10 dpa). The irradiation-induced structural change was sensitive to the irradiation temperature. The difference in the irradiation damage evaluation process between conventional crystalline materials and multi-component alloys was discussed on the basis of the structures of the defects.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The structural change in Zr–Hf–Nb alloy during MeV electron irradiation was investigated by HVEM.
► Nano-crystalline phase in a Zr–Hf–Nb alloy could not maintain its original structure under the irradiation.
► The irradiation-induced structural change was observed in a Zr–Hf–Nb alloy.
► The effect of multi-component alloys on the evaluation of the irradiation damage was investigated.