THE CORROSION OF MINIATURE FUEL PLATES IN SIMULATED REACTOR COOLING WATER

摘要

The corrosion resistance of miniature fuel plates vas evaluated in 0.005M hydrogen peroxide at 85℃. The individual plates con¬sisted of an uranium-aluminum core clad with a layer of 2S aluminum and 72S aluminum. The fuel plate samples were in four groups, each of which represented a different processing practice in the fabri¬cation of fuel plate assemblies. The corrosion test vas conducted for 3 months with monthly sample inspections. All four groups of samples exhibited good corrosion resistance during the first month of exposure, hut localized corrosion attack became prominent on several groups during the last two months of the test. Corrosion rates, calculated on the assumption that corrosion vas of a uniform nature, were 0.18 mil/year and less on all groups at the end of 3 months. Of major significance, however, vas the formation and development of pitting attack. Test results and data indicate that J penetration of the protective aluminum cladding to the uranium-aluminum core occurred in one instance.