Optimization of the procedure for determining integral texture parameters of products from zirconium-based alloys using the orientation distribution function

Integral texture Kearns parameters, or f-parameters, are the one of the characteristics that is controlled during the tube production of Zr-based alloys now. These parameters define the anisotropy of physical and mechanical properties of the products. f-parameters are the sum of effective fractions of basal normals aligned in a selected sample direction. However, so far there is no standardized procedure for their calculation. The widespread availability of X-ray diffractometers, the high statistical significance of the results and the software development for texture analysis causes the optimality of the f-parameters determination by complete pole figures (0001) calculated through orientation distribution function (ODF). Accuracy analysis of the ODF extraction by several incomplete pole figures using LaboTex software was carried out in this paper. The comparison of the calculated data was performed with experimental complete pole figures (0001) obtained by «sewing» method. Various texture types, different number and combinations of incomplete pole figures were considered. For this purpose, 6 incomplete pole figures - - were registered for each of three mutually perpendicular surfaces of the CANDU-tube sample. By comparison of experimental and calculated by ODF complete pole figures as well as f-parameters, procedures of their determination were optimized for products from Zr-based alloys.