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

Mechanical Properties of Zircaloy-4 PWR Fuel Cladding with Burnup 54-64MWd/kgU and Implications for RIA Behavior

CODEN: JAIOAD

Abstract

The PROMETRA material testing program is a support program related to the study of high burnup fuel rod behavior under Reactivity Initiated Accidents (RIA) and to the interpretation of the CABRI REP-Na RIA test results. Hoop and axial tensile tests have been performed on fresh and irradiated Zircaloy-4 cladding alloy first at CEA Grenoble hot labs and now at CEA Saclay in order to assess the cladding mechanical behavior during RIA transients. Efforts have been continuously carried out in order to improve the prototipicallity of the tests for RIA studies involving new specimens and new testing techniques. The corrosion level of irradiated specimens reached up to 130 μm of oxide layer thickness. The influence of in-pile oxide layer spallation has also been addressed. High strain-rate material properties of irradiated Zircaloy-4 and the consequences of hydride embrittlement can be derived from the PROMETRA program.

Author Information

Desquines, J
IRSN, DPAM/SEMCA, Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France
Cazalis, B
IRSN, DPAM/SEMCA, Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France
Bernaudat, C
EDF-SEPTEN, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
Poussard, C
CEA-Saclay, DEN/DMN/SEMI, Gif Sur Yvette Cedex, France
Averty, X
CEA-Saclay, DEN/DMN/SEMI, Gif Sur Yvette Cedex, France
Yvon, P
CEA-Saclay, DEN/DMN/SEMI, Gif Sur Yvette Cedex, France
Pages: 20
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JAI12465
ISSN: 1546-962X
DOI: 10.1520/JAI12465