Journal Published Online: 29 October 2024
Volume 52, Issue 6

Design and Evaluation of a Ring Tension Test Grip for Remote Mechanical Testing of Irradiated Tubular Specimens

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

The ring tension test (RTT) is a mechanical testing method for determining bulk mechanical behavior in the circumferential or hoop direction for tubular materials. The test is especially useful for testing materials with anisotropic mechanical properties, such as zirconium alloys, which are commonly used as nuclear fuel cladding. Anisotropy requires direction-specific testing to determine the hoop strength. Historically, several RTT methods and grips have been used, each method has its strengths and weaknesses, and, in all cases, the measured strength is subject to uncertainty due to variations of the testing geometry and experimental tolerances. Recent analysis has shown that grips with a hemicylindrical mandrel configuration are recommended as the most robust configuration. The two strictest aspects to be controlled are the ability to determine gage region orientation and closely matching the size of the mandrels to the test specimen. This last requirement is particularly challenging when the dimensions of the specimen vary because of environmental effects such as dimensional changes due to irradiation. This paper presents a new RTT grip designed to incorporate this mandrel shape, hold the gage at the desired orientation, be suitable for remote operation in a hot-cell environment, and be adaptable for different sizes or variations in the specimen size. The general description and the unique design features of the test specimen and grips are given in detail. The performance of the grips in mechanical testing, including in a remote hot-cell environment, is also provided.

Author Information

Petersen, Philip G.
Structural Materials Post-Irradiation Examination, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID, USA
Hansen, Robert S.
Structural Materials Post-Irradiation Examination, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID, USA
Cappia, Fabiola
Fuels Post-Irradiation Examination, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID, USA
Kamerman, David
Fuel Development, Performance & Qualification, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID, USA
Baird, Katelyn
Nuclear Remote Systems, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID, USA
Christensen, Cad
Nuclear Remote Systems, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID, USA
Pages: 20
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JTE20240106
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20240106