Abstract Scope |
Zirconium alloys are extensively utilized as fuel cladding materials in light water reactors. The intricate nanoscale oxide microstructure formed by corrosion has been observed to directly affect the performance of zirconium alloys. In this study, we have compared the oxide structure of three materials: commercial Zircaloy-4, model alloy Zr-2.5Nb, and single crystal pure zirconium using combination of characterization and data processing techniques such as (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopy, Precession Electron Diffraction orientation mapping, and machine learning. Discussions on the formation mechanisms of oxide structures, such as nano-pores, oxide/suboxide morphology and texture, as well as their roles in corrosion process, will be presented. |