ZIRCONIUM TUBE RUPTURE FROM LOCALIZED OVERHEATING

摘要

The test apparatus has been arranged as shown in Figure I, and the tabulation of data in Table I. Results of burst tests using Zircaloy-3, 1.743 O.D. x ,060 wall tubing from a temperature of 500 to 650°F and pressures of 1500 - 2500 psi, respectively, have shown a blister type failure with a pin hole at the peak. Testing at more elevated conditions has shown a complete failure of the tube at the area of the hot-spot. The same tubing machined to a wall of .0U0 inch experienced the same complete failure at lesser pressures as would be expected. It should be noted that this tubing was relatively old, and undoubtedly the manufacturing processes are considerably improved today.