SEDL / STP / STP888-EB / STP33001S

Failure Strain for Irradiated Zircaloy Based on Subsized Specimen Testing and Analysis

Adamson, RB
General Electric Company, Vellecitos Nuclear Center, Pleasanton, CA

Wisner, SB
General Electric Company, Vellecitos Nuclear Center, Pleasanton, CA

Tucker, RP
General Electric Company, Vellecitos Nuclear Center, Pleasanton, CA

Rand, RA
General Electric Company, San Jose, CA

Pages: 14    Published: Jan 1986

Download this paper for $25 PDF (244K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

This paper describes specimen geometries that have proven useful in characterizing the mechanical behavior of irradiated Zircaloy components. In many cases, small plane strain-type specimens obtained from the component of interest have been chosen. Specimen fabrication techniques are discussed. Failure strains for the various types of specimens are compared and analyzed in terms of the microdeformation mechanisms that occur in irradiated Zircaloy. Finite element analyses of specimens are conducted to determine details of the strain distribution just before the initiation of plastic instability. Results of these analyses are used to determine the maximum principal plastic strain at the failure initiation point.