Computational Investigation of Sn Addition Effects on Phase Stability and Transformation Kinetics in Zr-Sn-Cr Alloys
Release :
2026/08/30
Language :
en
Year :
2026
Issue :
Vol. 1 / Issue 1
Pages :
26-34
Download Count
86
Abstract:
This study presents a computational investigation into the effects of tin (Sn) content variation on the phase stability, phase transformation behavior, and transformation kinetics of Zr-Sn-Cr ternary alloys. Using the JMatPro thermokinetic simulation software, phase fraction diagrams and time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagrams were constructed for three alloy compositions: Zr-0.1Cr-1.5Sn, Zr-0.1Cr-3.0Sn, and Zr-0.1Cr-6.0Sn (all in wt.%), with chromium content held constant at 0.1 wt.%. The results demonstrate that increasing Sn content significantly enhances the stability and formation temperature of the Zr₄Sn intermetallic phase while concurrently reducing the alpha phase fraction. The C15_FCC (ZrCr₂) Laves phase exhibited minimal sensitivity to Sn addition in terms of phase fraction, though its onset formation temperature increased progressively. Furthermore, Sn enrichment was found to elevate the alpha-beta transformation temperatures while narrowing the beta phase stability range, indicating reduced beta phase stability. TTT diagram analysis revealed accelerated alpha phase precipitation kinetics with increasing Sn content, as evidenced by shorter precipitation times and higher formation temperatures. These findings provide valuable insights for the design of Sn-containing zirconium alloys for nuclear cladding and other high-temperature applications.
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