Comparative investigations into the methods of producing semifinished products from zirconium alloys

A comparative investigation have been performed into the mechanical properties, macro-and microstructure of the material of blanks of Zr-1%Nb alloy obtained during the hot treatment of ingots by two methods: forging and radial-shear rolling, as well as the quality characteristics of semifinished and finished articles have been estimated. It has been shown that the forging as compared to rolling allows reaching a greater depth in working through the structure, which enables forming the state of the material with higher characteristics of strength and impact strength, as well as ensures its compactness.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]