Effect of zirconium hydrides on cyclic deformation behavior of Zr–Sn–Nb alloy

The effect of zirconium hydrides on cyclic deformation behavior of Zr–Sn–Nb alloy are investigated at room temperature. The friction and back stresses are determined by the analysis of hysteresis loops. It is found that zirconium hydrides influence the cyclic softening, the friction stress and the low cycle fatigue property of the alloy, but have no influence on the back stress. The mechanisms responsible for these phenomena are discussed.