SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1974
STP32100S

Development of a Closed-End Burst Test Procedure for Zircaloy Tubing

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The results of a round robin on the closed-end burst testing of Zircaloy tubes for fuel cladding are presented. Sponsored by the American Society for Testing and Materials, the testing program had as its objective the preparation of a suitable burst test procedure for inclusion in the ASTM Specification for Wrought Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Seamless and Welded Tubes for Nuclear Service (B 353-71).

Seventy-five specimens, cut from five lengths of tubing were tested at room temperature. Four laboratories took part and six different test methods were used.

It was found that the closed-end burst test can be used to characterize the biaxial mechanical properties of Zircaloy cladding tubes. The tests identified certain parameters as having a significant effect on the mechanical properties and which must be precisely defined in the specification, these include the internal mandrel geometry, strain rate, and system stored energy. The most desirable burst test apparatus is one which has low stored energy and which provides good control over the volume pumping rate producing a smooth pressure versus fluid volume output curve.

Author Information

Hardy, DG
Fuel and Cladding Performance Group, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Chalk River Nuclear Labs., Chalk River, Ontario, Canada
Stewart, JR
KWU, Erlangen, Conn., West Germany
Lowe, AL
Babcock and Wilcox Co., Lynchburg, Va.
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Details
Developed by Committee: B10
Pages: 14–30
DOI: 10.1520/STP32100S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4640-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0757-1