The purpose of this thesis is to examine the properties of Zr-2.5%Nb pressure tube material in the transverse direction. Through testing at room temperature, material properties such as the strain hardening, strain rate sensitivity and apparent activation volume were investigated. The effects of Zr+ ion-implantation occurring at 300°C, simulating irradiation-induced damage, and the strain rate of loading on these properties were also investigated.
Two methods of testing were performed: in-situ micro-pillar compressions and nanoindentation testing. Ion-implantation was observed to increase material strength and hardness. However, certain implanted micro-pillars displayed early localized failure that reduced strength. This finding warrants further investigation, particularly as irradiation occurs at high temperatures in reactor conditions. Displacement rate change tests yielded an increase in stress with increased displacement rate, while tests performed at constant indenter displacement rates provided mixed results on the effect of strain rate
