Creep Behavior of Zr-1.5Nb-0.4Sn-0.1Fe-0.1Cu Alloy

Creep behavior of the Zr-1.5Nb-0.4Sn-0.1Fe-0.1Cu alloy sheet is investigated from 300°C to 400°C in the stress range from 50 MPa to 180 MPa along the rolling direction. The measured strain rates range from 8.8 × 10−10 s−1 to 4.7 × 10−7 s−1. The activation energies are estimated to assess the creep deformation mechanisms in this alloy. The strain rate is slightly di erent at low stress, while it shows a distinct di erence at high stresses. Stress exponents of this alloy increase with increasing applied stress at all testing temperatures. It is concluded that the creep deformation of the Zr-1.5Nb-0.4Sn-0.1Fe-0.1Cu alloy is controlled by the di usion creep at low stress region and by the climbing of dislocations at high stress region.