Abstract
Miniature Impact test technique was used to investigate the plausible role of hydride platelet orientation relative to the crack plane on the fracture mechanism of the Zr–2.5%Nb alloy over a wide range of temperatures. Miniature impact samples were fabricated from spools of un-hydrided (UH), circumferential hydrided (CH) and radial hydrided (RH) materials with different combinations of crack plane normal and crack growth direction. The impact tests were carried out between − 50 to 300 °C. Both microstructural (microstructure, texture) and fractographic examinations were carried out. The extent of hydride embrittlement and temperature dependence of the impact toughness were explained in terms of the hydride platelet orientation with respect to the crack plane and solubility of hydrogen in the material at different test temperatures.
Graphical abstract
Variation of impact energy with test temperature for un-hydrided, circumferential and radial hydrided samples for a CA (Radial hydride lying parallel to the crack plane) and b AC (Both circumferential and radial hydride oriented normal to crack plane)
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Acknowledgements
Authors are grateful to Dr. V. Kain, Director, Materials Group, Dr. Madangopal Krishnan and Dr. G. K. Dey, former Directors, Materials Group, BARC for their constant support and encouragement. Authors acknowledge Mr. S. Vijayakumar, former Associate Director (T), Engineering Directorate, NPCIL, for providing the material for this study. Technical assistance provided by Mr. Sandeep A. Chandanshive and Mr. Pramod N. Mandavkar in hydrogen charging and metallography are thankfully acknowledged. The contribution of Dr. P. S. Ramanjaneyulu from Radioanalytical Chemistry Division in hydrogen analysis is sincerely acknowledged. Part of this work has been compiled in the form of BARC Report No. BARC/2021/E/009.
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This work was funded by Grant No. XII-N-R&D-2501.
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Chatterjee, A., Kumar, K., Gopalan, A. et al. Miniature impact test technique to evaluate the orientation dependence of impact toughness of hydrided Zr–2.5%Nb alloy. Int J Fract 233, 195–210 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10704-022-00619-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10704-022-00619-1