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    Development of continuous cooling transformation diagrams of zirconium-niobium alloy phase transformations within the Kolmogorov-Johnson-Mehl-Avrami framework

    Author
    Kautz, Elizabeth J.
    View/Open
    172670_Kautz_rpi_0185N_10304.pdf (41.69Mb)
    Other Contributors
    Lewis, Daniel J.; Duquette, D. J.; Hull, Robert, 1959-; Ballard, Jake;
    Date Issued
    2014-05
    Subject
    Materials engineering
    Degree
    MS;
    Terms of Use
    This electronic version is a licensed copy owned by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY. Copyright of original work retained by author.;
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    URI
    https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13015/1109
    Abstract
    Microstructure and chemistry of zirconium alloys have a major influence on material performance, including mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly understand processing required to obtain desired microstructures for application in commercial nuclear reactors. Zirconium-niobium alloys are of particular interest for commercial nuclear applications (e.g., in boiling water reactors, pressurized water reactors, Canadian deuterium uranium reactors) due to increased corrosion resistance in aqueous environments over other zirconium alloys. Heat treatments of zirconium-niobium alloys affect overall microstructure, precipitate distributions and size, and ultimately determine material performance.; A mathematical model was developed utilizing the Kolmogorov-Johnson-Mehl-Avrami theory that accurately describes phase transformations upon continuous cooling in zirconium-niobium binary alloys. This model relates fraction of phase transformed to kinetic parameters that were calculated from experimental test results in order to model the phase transformation for various cooling rates from 10-40°C/minute.; Phase transformations in zirconium-niobium alloys were modeled for a range of niobium concentrations and heat treatment conditions, by conducting controlled experiments. Heat-flux differential scanning calorimetry was performed and data was collected and analyzed for zirconium-niobium alloys with niobium content ranging from 0.6-3.0 weight percent. Continuous cooling transformation diagrams were constructed for slow cooling rate conditions (9-34°C/minute) based on calorimetry test results. A standard operating procedure for performing these calorimetry tests and corresponding data analysis technique was developed specifically to study the zirconium-niobium material system.;
    Description
    May 2014; School of Engineering
    Department
    Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering;
    Publisher
    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
    Relationships
    Rensselaer Theses and Dissertations Online Collection;
    Access
    Restricted to current Rensselaer faculty, staff and students. Access inquiries may be directed to the Rensselaer Libraries.;
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