MeV electron-irradiation-induced structural change in the bcc phase of Zr–Hf–Nb alloy with an approximately equiatomic ratio

The microstructure and phase stability of a Zr–Hf–Nb alloy with an approximately equiatomic ratio of Zr, Hf, and Nb was investigated. A body-centered cubic (bcc) solid solution was formed in specimens produced by sputtering. MeV electron-irradiation-induced structural changes were investigated in the bcc phase of the Zr–Hf–Nb alloy using high-voltage electron microscopy (HVEM). The polycrystalline phase with a bcc structure showed high phase stability against irradiation damage, and no structural changes due to irradiation damage were observed at 298 K.