Abstract
The microstructure of cold-rolled zircaloy-2 sheet has been studied by X-ray diffraction line-broadening and transmission electron microscopic techniques. The largest percentage changes in particle size, microstrains and hardness occur in the first 10% deformation. The dislocation densities estimated from the particle size and micro-strain measurements are comparable. Transmission electron microscopic observations of heavily cold-rolled sheet revealed dislocation cell structure containing numerous dislocations within the cells. The deformation was inhomogeneous in the material.
