Journal Published Online: 01 June 2005
Volume 2, Issue 6

Shadow Corrosion Mechanism of Zircaloy

CODEN: JAIOAD

Abstract

The mechanism of Zircaloy shadow corrosion was studied theoretically and experimentally. The theoretical study showed shadow corrosion, with a few exceptions, to be remarkably consistent with a galvanic corrosion mechanism. The exceptions may be explained as radiation effects. An experiment was therefore devised to test the galvanic hypothesis, based on the fact that galvanic corrosion requires a closed current loop. Three pieces of Zircaloy cladding with stainless steel counter electrodes were exposed in-pile. Two of the claddings were galvanically coupled to the counters. The third cladding was well insulated by fitting it to a 100 mm sapphire tube. The claddings were irradiated together in oxidizing water chemistry for one reactor period. The galvanically coupled claddings developed shadow corrosion, but not the well insulated cladding.

Author Information

Lysell, G
Studsvik Nuclear AB, Nyköping, Sweden
Nystrand, A-C
Studsvik Nuclear AB, Nyköping, Sweden
Ullberg, M
Studsvik Nuclear AB, Nyköping, Sweden
Pages: 17
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JAI12374
ISSN: 1546-962X
DOI: 10.1520/JAI12374