Understanding the fretting corrosion mechanism of zirconium alloy exposed to high temperature high pressure water

Abstract

Fretting corrosion of as received and shot peened zirconium alloys exposed to high temperature high pressure water is tested. High resolution characterization techniques are applied to study the microstructure and composition of the worn surface. The results show that shot peening increases the wear resistance of the material, changing the wear mode from abrasive wear plus delamination to abrasive wear. Mechanical wear promotes corrosion of zirconium alloy by forming a thick dual-layer structure oxide scale in the debris buildup area. While the effects of corrosion on the fretting wear depend on the integrity of the oxide scale.