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Influence of scandium on the anomalous self-diffusion in b. c. c. -zirconium

Journal Article · · Acta Metall.; (United States)

For further information on the origin of the anomalous self-diffusion in the b.c.c. phase of IVb metals and alloys the temperature dependence of /sup 95/Zr-diffusion and the isotope effect of /sup 88/Zr and /sup 95/Zr were measured in alloys with 6.7 and 13.6 at. % scandium. The Arrhenius plots are more strongly curved than those for self-diffusion in pure ..beta..-Zr, quite the opposite to previous findings in Zr-Nb alloys. The results of the isotope effect are consistent with a predominant monovacancy mechanism. The diffusion anomaly is explained by phonon assisted diffusion jumps. Induced by the softening of the LA 2/3<111> phonon mode, which results in a continuous decrease of the free enthalpy of migration with decreasing temperature. With this assumption values of the frequency factor and the activation enthalpy representing normal diffusion behaviour are calculated. A systematic variation in the electronic structure when alloying Vb and IIIb metals, respectively, to IVb metals is responsible for the continuous change in the diffusion anomaly of ..beta..-Zr-Nb alloys, pure ..beta..-Zr and ..beta..-Zr-Sc alloys.

Research Organization:
Institut fur Metallforschung, Westfalische Wilhelms-Universitat Munster, 4400 Munster
OSTI ID:
5650682
Journal Information:
Acta Metall.; (United States), Journal Name: Acta Metall.; (United States) Vol. 35:7; ISSN AMETA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English