Plastic deformation localization in commercial Zr-base alloys

The issues concerning the localization of plastic deformation in commercial Zr alloys used in the nuclear power industry are addressed. The possible types of deformation localization pictures corresponding with the respective stages of plastic flow are described. These are shown to be various kinds of self-excited wave processes of plastic flow. The dislocation structure of the material occurring within and in between the nuclei of localized deformation is investigated. The use of the self-excited wave patterns of plastic flow localization as an additional source of information on the mechanical properties of metals and alloys is substantiated.