THE USE OF MICROHARDNESS IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE DIFFUSIVITY OF OXYGEN IN ALPHA ZIRCONIUM

摘要

The diffusion coefficient of oxygen in alpha zirconium has been determined in the temperature range 622 to 840 C by a method based on the linear relationship between hardness and oxygen con¬tent of zirconium. Hardness versus distance curves were ob¬tained from the diffusion zones in conventional couples composed of zirconium containing two levels of dissolved oxygen. The diffusivity was found to be independent of oxygen concentration in the range studied.