Monte Carlo modelling of recrystallization in alpha Zirconium

Abstract A Monte Carlo based modelling framework combined with experimental EBSD microstructures was used in order to simulate partial recrystallization taking place during short annealing of moderately deformed hexagonal Zirconium and discuss the role played by Strain Induced Boundary Migration (SIBM). The experimental part started from low alloyed Zr702α which was channel-die-compressed along two different compression directions (Normal Direction - ND and Transverse Direction – TD of initial sample coordinate system) until 17% of strain was reached. As a result, two different microstructure and texture evolutions were witnessed and characterized using EBSD measurements. In particular mechanism of accumulation of local misorientations as well as formation of grain boundaries is analysed. Textures of grain boundary areas also provides important information about the way how new recrystallization grains are formed. Based on EBSD results, a SIBM model of recrystallization is proposed and compared with classical nucleation using Monte Carlo simulations. It is concluded that only simulations performed using the SIBM model provide results which are in a very good agreement with experimental data in terms of texture as well as microstructural evolution.