Measurement of mechanical properties of zircaloy-4 after proton irradiation by nano-scale compression experiment

Abstract

The main research that area is in cladding material, which is directly surrounding nuclear fuel, has focused on irradiated Zircaloy-4, especially chemical composition changes and grain changes. This study is an extension of the past study in the related field. Our research used Nano-compression Test to observe specimens irradiated in a short period and to predict the changes in mechanical properties. One of the most impact features of this experiment are the direct comparison of radiated specimens. The result was similar to those seen with an optical microscope. This means that it is possible to detect consecutive changes in irradiation earlier.