Kinetics of hydride precipitation near a crack tip zirconium (inter-american collarboration in materials research)

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The absorption of hydrogen in zirconium alloys and the potential precipitation of brittle hydrides is a key life controlling phenomenon for these alloys when used in nuclear reactors.  This project represents a new collaboration between leading centres for academic research into the mechanical properties of zirconium in three countries (Canada, USA and Argentina).  This research will provide an improved understanding of the influence of hydrides on crack propagation in these alloys.  Longer term impacts of this research will have potential use on both nuclear power and hydrogen storage applications.Nuclear power represents an important component in the mix of power generation techniques in Canada.  With the rising financial and environmental costs of carbon based fuels, other power generation technologies are becoming more important.  Nuclear power is seeing a resurgence in several countries, as the technology of choice to provide that component of the power supply that is always on.