In this paper, 40 MeV Zr ion irradiation of Zr-2.5Nb pressure tube alloy was carried out, delivering a damage layer 6.5 μm deep. Uniaxial micropillar compression experiments along the tube axial (AD) and transverse directions (TD) were conducted. Irradiation was found to alter the deformation mechanisms and to increase the yield strength more in the AD oriented pillars than TD pillars for irradiation up to 0.6 dpa. This anisotropy in response is discussed in terms of the limitations of the micropillar compression method and the different deformation mechanisms which are activated in each orientation. The anisotropic hardening effect of <a>-type dislocation loops on prismatic <a>, basal <a>, and pyramidal <c+a> slip systems is also discussed. The micropillar compression results were also compared with nanoindentation results conducted on the same material.

在本文中，对Zr-2.5Nb压力管合金进行了40 MeV Zr离子辐照，产生了6.5μm深的损伤层。沿管的轴向（AD）和横向（TD）进行了单轴微柱压缩实验。对于高达0.6 dpa的辐照，与TD相比，辐照改变了AD定向立柱的变形机理并提高了屈服强度。根据微柱压缩方法的局限性和在每个方向激活的不同变形机制，讨论了这种响应的各向异性。还讨论了<a>型位错环对棱柱形<a>，基面<a>和角锥体<c + a>滑移系统的各向异性硬化作用。