An experimental study on the burst strength of fuel cladding tubes under loss of coolant accident conditions in water cooled power reactors

Abstract

Experimental study has been carried out on the burst strength of fuel cladding tubes of stainless steel and zircaloy under simulated loss-of-coolant accidents in water-cooled power reactors. The results of high-temperature tensile tests and high-temperature burst tests conducted under static and dynamic loading conditions are analysed. The effect of absorbed hydrogen on the mechanical properties of the tubes is investigated.