Mechanical properties of zirconium and its alloys

A survey is given of the basic mechanical properties of zirconium and its alloys based on experimental work carried out at the Institute of Nuclear Fuels. This survey provides the basic characteristics of zirconium alloys with regard to their processing and operating load. The effect of alloying elements, oxygen and hydrogen was studied in a sufficiently broad range of concentrations. The evaluation of texture is restricted to the typical state following total reduction achieved by cold forming. The radiation effect on alloys used in a nuclear reactor is not evaluated. (B.S.)