Features of high-rate plastic deformation of Zr and Zr-Nb alloys under loading by spherical converging stress waves

X-ray diffraction, optical and transmission electron microscopy were used t o study the features of high-rate plastic deformation of Zr and Zr-Nb alloy s under loading by spherical converging stress waves. It was established th at the defects of different types (deformation twins, dislocations, ASBs, r egions of unstable plastic flow and cracks) are produced during loading. Th e distribution of these defects was studied depending on the loading intens ity, the niobium content and the depth of the layer in the sphere.