Abstract
Behaviour of Zircaloy cladding under stresses imposed by fuel dimensional changes is discussed and results presented which suggest that the correct choice of cladding properties, in particular cold-work level and texture, is important if the probability of low ductility failures in fuel pins is to be reduced. Evidence is presented, based on laboratory tests and post-irradiation examination of cladding, which leads to the conclusion that failure of Zircaloy can take place by stress-corrosion cracking in the presence of fission product iodine and it is further demonstrated that the process is strongly stress-dependent. Consideration is given to the influence of irradiation exposure, strain rate and adverse stress systems, for instance at inter-pellet ridges or fuel cracks, on the cracking susceptibility of Zircaloy cladding. The significance of the results is discussed in relation to a proposed stress-corrosion cracking mechanism.
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