High Temperature Compression Studies of a Zr-2.5Nb Alloy using Deformation Dilatometer

Data recorded in uniaxial compression for a Zr-2.5Nb alloy deformed at temperatures of 650C, 675C, 700C, 725C, 750C, 775C, 800C, 825C and 850C, at strain rates of 10-2.5, 10-2, 10-1.5, 10-1, 10-0.5 and 1 s-1, to 50% height reduction, using TA Instruments DIL 805 A/D/T Quenching and Deformation Dilatometer. The cylindrical samples measured 5 mm diameter and 10 mm height. The Zr-2.5Nb specimens were machined from the centre of an as-received forged plate manufactured at Wah Chang, with a beta-transformed starting microstructure. Si3N43 platens were used for all tests, with graphite lubricant applied at the ends of the sample to minimise friction. Tests were conducted in an inert He gas atmosphere. Temperature was controlled using an S-Type thermocouple spot-welded to the centre of the samples.

Data recorded at high acquisition frequency during deformation is stored in the 'deformation_files' folder and saved with the format: ' test number (001 to 191)_temperature_log(strain rate)_repeat number (01 or 02)'.  Data in the 'basic_files' folder is recorded at a lower acquisition frequency, but includes recording of the entire themomechanical cycle, including both heating and cooling stages, as well as deformation. The 'software_files' folder includes metadata stored in the form of a parameter file (.par and .pad), along with a Windows data file (.D5D) that can be loaded and analysed within the dilatometer user interface.

An accompanying python script will allow the user to plot the stress-strain data using the Jupyter Notebook application, along with generating 'processing maps' of the material. A critical assessment of the application of 'processing maps' is included in the accompanying paper;

C. S. Daniel, P. Jedrasiak, C. J. Peyton, J. Quinta da Fonseca, H. R. Shercliff, L. Bradley, and P. D.Honniball, “Quantifying Processing Map Uncertainties by Modeling the Hot-Compression Behavior of a Zr-2.5Nb Alloy,” in Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry: 19th International Symposium, ed. A. T. Motta and S. K. Yagnik (West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International, 2021), 93–122. 10.1520/STP162220190031