Effect of ion irradiation on the rate dependence of plastic deformation of extruded Zr-2.5%Nb

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the properties of Zr-2.5%Nb pressure tube material in the transverse direction. Through testing at room temperature, material properties such as the strain hardening, strain rate sensitivity and apparent activation volume were investigated. The effects of Zr+ ion-implantation occurring at 300°C, simulating irradiation-induced damage, and the strain rate of loading on these properties were also investigated. Two methods of testing were performed: in-situ micro-pillar compressions and nanoindentation testing. Ion-implantation was observed to increase material strength and hardness. However, certain implanted micro-pillars displayed early localized failure that reduced strength. This finding warrants further investigation, particularly as irradiation occurs at high temperatures in reactor conditions. Displacement rate change tests yielded an increase in stress with increased displacement rate, while tests performed at constant indenter displacement rates provided mixed results on the effect of strain rate.

Name thesis:degree_name

M Eng Sci

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Western Ontario

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Mazurkiewicz, Konrad P

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Klassen, Robert J.
• St. Lawrence, Sterling

• Micro-pillar compression testing
• nanoindentation
• strain rate change
• Zr+ ion implantation
• Zr-2.5%Nb
• CANDU pressure tube

Language dc:language.iso

en_ca

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14721/32841

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uwo.scholaris.ca:20.500.14721/32841