Phase Transitions in High Purity Zr Under Dynamic Compression

Abstract

We present results from ramp compression experiments on high-purity Zr that show the $\alpha \to \omega$, $\omega \to \beta$, as well as reverse $\beta \to \omega$ phase transitions. Simulations with a multi-phase equation of state and phenomenological kinetic model match the experimental wave profiles well. While the dynamic $\alpha \to \omega$ transition occurs $\sim 9$ GPa above the equilibrium phase boundary, the $\omega \to \beta$ transition occurs within 0.9~GPa of equilibrium. We estimate that the dynamic compression path intersects the equilibrium $\omega -\beta$ line at $P=29.2$ GPa, and $T=490$ K. The thermodynamic path in the interior of the sample lies $\sim 100$ K above the isentrope at the point of the $\omega \to \beta$ transition. Approximately half of this dissipative temperature rise is due to plastic work, and half is due to the non-equilibrium $\alpha \to \omega$ transition. The inferred rate of the $\alpha \to \omega$ transition is several orders of magnitude higher than that measured in dynamic diamond anvil cell (DDAC) experiments in an overlapping pressure range. We discuss a model for the influence of shear stress on the nucleation rate. The small fractional volume change $\Delta V/V\approx 0.1$ at the $\alpha \to \omega$ transition amplifies the effect of shear stress, and we estimate that for this case shear stress is equivalent to a pressure increase in the range of several GPa. Correcting our transition rate to a hydrostatic rate brings it approximately into line with the DDAC results, suggesting that shear stress plays a significant role in the transformation rate.