The self-excited waves of deformation localisation and limiting state criterion for Zr–Nb alloys

The deformation of Zr–1% Nb alloy tubes is viewed as plastic flow localisation in the metal. This is one of the most complex phenomena in the theory of materials plasticity. Plastic deformation is accompanied by the initiation of autowaves in the material volume. Much of our information comes from the use of the autowave model of plastic deformation, which allows one to optimise the process of cold metal working, in particular Zr–1% Nb alloy cladding tubes. The investigations conducted enabled us to improve the process of zirconium alloys tube manufacture. As based on the results obtained, optimal processes of cold deformation of Zr–1% Nb alloy tubes have been developed. Use of these processes together with optimal heat treatment regimes provided high cladding tube performance in comparison with other well known manufacturing processes.