Zircaloy Cladding Embrittlement Criteria: Comparison of In-Pile and Out-of-Pile Results.

摘要

Zircaloy-4 cladding embrittlement data from both in-pile and out-of-pile experiments are compared and correlated with embrittlement criteria based on the fraction of the remaining beta phase, the extent of oxidation (equivalent cladding reacted), and the oxygen concentration in the beta phase. The in-pile data are from the Power-Cooling-Mismatch and Irradiation Effects Test Series performed in the Power Burst Facility reactor at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. The out-of-pile data are from isothermal oxidation experiments conducted at Argonne National Laboratory on simulated fuel rods in high-temperature steam. The zircaloy embrittlement criteria most applicable to severe fuel damage conditions are indentified.