Effect of unloading on crack growth rate of Zr–2.5Nb tubes

Crack growth rates (CGRs) of a heat-treated Zr–2.5Nb tube were determined using compact tension specimens with 60 ppm H at 250 °C under the constant and cyclic loads where the load ratio R was changed from 0.13 to 0.68. CGR was the highest under the constant load and decreased under the cyclic load with decreasing R despite a decrease of the critical hydride length indicating the enhanced rate of hydride cracking. Hence, the decreased CGR under the cyclic load is due to unloading during the cyclic load inducing the compressive stress at the crack tip. This compressive stress suppresses hydride nucleation rate, leading it to govern the CGR, according to Kim’s new model. Evidence is provided by citing Simpson’s experiment demonstrating that unloading from 15 MPa √m decreased the CGR of a cold-worked Zr–2.5Nb tube but annealing did the reverse. This study demonstrates for the first time that the retarded CGR due to an overload during the DHC tests is understood in view of crack growth kinetics using Kim’s model.