Abstract
Although the optimization of zirconium-based alloys has led to significant improvements in hydrogen pickup and corrosion resistance, the mechanisms by which such alloy improvements occur are still not well understood. In an effort to understand such mechanisms, we conducted a systematic study of the alloy effect on hydrogen pickup, using advanced characterization techniques to rationalize precise measurements of hydrogen pickup. The hydrogen pickup fraction was accurately measured for a specially designed set of commercial and model alloys to investigate the effects of alloying elements, microstructure, and corrosion kinetics on hydrogen uptake. Two different techniques for measuring hydrogen concentrations were used: a destructive technique, vacuum hot extraction, and a non-destructive one, cold neutron prompt gamma activation analysis. The results indicate that hydrogen pickup varies not only from alloy to alloy, but also during the corrosion process for a given alloy. These variations result from the process of charge balance during the corrosion reaction, such that the pickup of hydrogen decreases when the rate of electron transport or Manuscript received December 25, 2012; accepted for publication June 26, 2013; published online June 17, 2014. Dept. of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Penn State Univ., University Park, PA 16802, United States of America (Corresponding author), e-mail: adrien.couet@gmail.com Dept. of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Penn State Univ., University Park, PA 16802, United States of America. Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, United States of America. ASTM 17th International Symposium on Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry on February 3–7, 2013 in
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call