The crystal structure and orientation of hydrides formed within β-Zr (Zr-20 wt% Nb)

The structure and orientation of the hydrides formed within β-Zr have been investigated by neutron diffraction. At room temperature, the hydrides appear to have an orthorhombic structure with Cccm or Pncm symmetry. This structure is stable up to the hydride dissolution temperature. It was also determined that the 'close-packed' planes, the (110) in β-Zr and the (111) in the hydride, exhibit similar texture. (orig.)