HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT OF ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS

摘要

The process of hydrogen embrittlement of zirconium alloys caused by the pressure of molecular hydrogen in voids formed near threefold junctions of grain boundaries and by volume changes due to formation of hydride phases is considered. The embrittling mechanisms are physically based on the diffusion processes near structural imperfections the leading role among which belongs to threefold junctions of grain boundaries. These structural defects possess strong stress fields and directly adjoin grain boundaries.