Fractal-property correlation of hierarchical 3D nanolayered ?/?-Zr networks

Fractal dimension of a microstructural feature is a measure of its geometric complexity, morphological characteristics and irregularities in configurations. The experimental measurements of fractal dimensions of a novel flaky microstructure, comprising the crystals with hierarchical 3D nanolayered alpha/13-Zr networks in Zr-2.5Nb alloy have been performed and correlated with its corresponding mechanical properties as a function of annealing temperature. Image texture analysis has also been performed to understand the stored-energy and thermal stability of these alpha/13-Zr networks. The invasive fractal-character and chaos of these networks have been convincingly revealed.