Dislocation density-based modelling of plastic deformation of Zircaloy-4

This paper considers the deformation of the zirconium alloy Zircaloy-4. Experimental data for constant strain rate and creep tests in the temperature and stress regime expected during dry storage of spent fuel are presented and modelled. The model used follows the approach of Kocks and Mecking in which the dislocation density is considered as the governing internal variable. The model is extended in a phenomenological manner, to take into …