Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Blocky Alpha Transformation in Zircaloy-4 Weldments

  • Precipitation Mechanisms in Non-ferrous Alloys
  • Published:
JOM Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Blocky alpha can be systematically generated during heat treatment of certain as-welded Zircaloy-4 microstructures. The volume fraction depends upon the exposure time and temperature of the postweld heat treatment. It is necessary to understand the transformation kinetics of the fast-cooled as-welded structure to determine the microstructures present after extended periods of high-temperature operation. An experimental test campaign was devised to observe the evolution of blocky alpha and to understand its transformation kinetics. A number of postweld heat treatments were performed at between 610°C and 760°C to form microstructures with various volume fractions of blocky alpha. Following microstructural analysis, the data were subsequently used to construct a time–temperature transformation (TTT) diagram, capable of predicting blocky alpha formation. The TTT diagram shows that blocky alpha is not expected to form below 600°C in any realistic timeframe and is therefore not an issue at typical civil pressurized water reactor operational conditions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. L. Xu, Y. Xia, A.V. Sandwijk, Q. Xu, and Y. Yang, J. Nucl. Mater. 466, 21 (2015).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. C. Chauvy, P. Barberis, and F. Montheillet, Mater. Sci. Forum 467–470, 1151 (2004).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. W.G. Burgers, Physica, 1, 7–12, p. 561 (1934).

  4. K. Loucif, R. Borrelly, and P. Merle, J. Nucl. Mater. 210, 84 (1994).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. V. Tong and T.B. Britton, Acta Mater. 129, 510 (2017).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. R. Birch, S. Wang, V. Tong, and T. Britton, J. Nucl. Mater. 513, 221 (2019).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. S. Wang, F. Giuliani, and T. Britton, Acta Mater. 169, 76 (2019).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. D.L. Gray, Recovery and Recrystallisation of Zirconium and its Alloys, HW-69679 (Richland, Washington: Hanford Atomic Products Operation, 1961).

    Google Scholar 

  9. J. Humphreys, G.S. Rohrer, and A. Rollett, Chapter 11—grain growth following recrystallization, in: Recrystallization and Related Annealing Phenomena, eds. F.j. Humphreys, M. Hatherly, (Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2017), pp. 375–429.

  10. M.A. Miodownik, Zener pinning, in: Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and Technology, eds. K.H. Jürgen et al. (Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2001), p. 9855.

  11. S. McDonald and G. Sabol, Mechanism of Accelerated Corrosion in Zircaloy-4 Laser and Electron-Beam Welds, (ASTM Special Technical Publication, 1982). https://doi.org/10.1520/stp37064s.

  12. S. Baker, Development of a Time–Temperature-Transformation Curve for Zircaloy-4, FNC 51981/47109R (Frazer-Nash Consultancy, 2018).

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the National Physical Laboratory, specifically Eric Bennett and Sam Gnaniah for performing experimental testing. They would also like to thank Martin Axon at Rolls-Royce plc for carrying out the welding trials and other work supporting the project.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rolls-Royce plc, PO Box 2000, Derby, DE21 7XX, UK

    Helen Taylor

  2. Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Dorking Business Park, Dorking, RH4 1HJ, UK

    Sarah Baker

Authors
  1. Helen Taylor
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sarah Baker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Helen Taylor.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Taylor, H., Baker, S. Blocky Alpha Transformation in Zircaloy-4 Weldments. JOM 71, 2742–2748 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-019-03604-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-019-03604-7

Search

Navigation