Microstructural and microtextural studies in Zr based alloys

An overview of microstructural and textural changes taking place during the processing of the Zirconium alloys and their role in the hydriding behavior is presented. The linkage between the microstructural evolution and textural development is demonstrated in case of Zircaloy-4 clad tube fabrication. An algorithm is presented for the reconstruction of the high temperature phase microstructure, using which the significant variant selection taking place during the transformation of β-Zr into α-Zr is demonstrated. The role of microstructure on the hydride formation is discussed in terms of effect of grain/phase boundaries. (author)