Plastic flow localization in commercial zirconium alloys

The behavior of plastic flow curves and patterns of plastic strain localization were studied for tension of samples of Zr – 1% Nb (É110 alloy) and Zr – 1% Nb – 1.3% Sn – 0.4% Fe (É635 alloy) were studied. The relationship of the localization kinetics with the strain hardening law in plastic flow and transition to fracture is established. The dislocation microstructure of the alloys in strain localization and prefracture zones is examined.