ETHAN SPRAGUE
PhD Student - Monash University
Project Title: Understanding texture effects on deformation mechanisms in Zircaloy-4.
Ethan Sprague completed his BEng (Hons) in Materials Science and BSc majoring in Physics at Monash University before commencing his PhD in 2024. Ethan's project involves collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) for modelling expertise and Rolls-Royce for material.
The hexagonal close packed (HCP) crystal structure of Zircaloy-4 leads to complex plastic behaviour and significant deformation anisotropy. Conventional processing techniques produce a strong crystallographic texture that greatly impacts the understanding of plasticity, possibly obscuring underlying deformation mechanisms.
Ethan's project aims to gain deeper insight into the influence of texture by analysing samples with varying texture levels produced via Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), the only known method for producing texture-free HCP metals. Through an integrated experimental and computational approach, Ethan will observe the effect of texture on the tensile stress-strain profile of Zircaloy-4. Discrepancies in the predictive capability of microstructure-based crystal plasticity models will be used to develop novel constitutive equations for describing the plasticity of Zr alloys, ensuring the development of more robust modelling techniques.
“My PhD project allows me to work in an exciting area of science, and contribute to the development of research in the nuclear industry, with the wider aim of helping to create a low-carbon society”