Stability of precipitates in the anisotropic α-Zr matrix under irradiation

The analysis of the stability of β-85 wt% Nb precipitates in an hcp α-Zr (1 wt% Nb) matrix under irradiation is performed here. An anisotropic shape of precipitates is predicted with the smaller dimension in the c-hexagonal crystal direction. The anisotropy of the diffusion of vacancies and interstitials in the hcp lattice is explicitly included in calculations. Precipitate sink strengths for intrinsic point defects are also calculated. (orig.)