EXAMINATION OF 304 STAINLESS STEEL CLADDING FROM COLD-SWAGED AND ROLLED FUEL RODS

摘要

The properties of 304 stainless steel cladding for uranium dioxide fuel have been examined in the as-received condition and following cold swaging and tandem rolling. Metallographic examination of the cladding showed an expected cold work texture, as well as some limited amount of UO2 penetration of the clad ID. The maximum penetration was limited to about 20 per cent of the wall thickness. Mechanical tests at both room temperature and 650°F show that these cold working operations increase the yield and ultimate strengths. The mechanical properties in the cold worked cladding at 650°F also are greater than in the as-received material at room temperature.