AN INVESTIGATION OF THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND PHASE COMPOSITION OF THE ZR BEARING METALLIC DEBRIS IN A BYPASS CHANNEL OF A BWR FUEL AFTER THE EXOTHERMIC REACTION IN THE CLADS-MADE-04 TEST

抄録

The CLADS-MADE-04 is the next test in the series aiming at understanding of the melt propagation behaviour in the lower core region. In this contribution, recent results of the post-test analysis including microstructure of metallic debris investigated by Electron Probe Micro Analyzer (EPMA) are discussed. During the test, melting of the control blade happened with sudden wave of strong heat release relatively slowly (several cm/min) spread from the hottest area downwards along the degrading control blade and channel box consuming the walls made of Zircaloy-4. A significant damage happened with the sample supporting plate as well. The investigation of microstructure of such metallic debris would allow understanding of a mechanism of enhanced local core degradation. The nature of strong heat release and possibility of spreading to the surrounding materials is to be confirmed after thorough phase identification by EPMA. The difference between Fe-B eutectic debris and Zr-Fe eutectic debris will be outlined. It is especially important for understanding of the lower core plate melt-through and a possibility of a Zr-Fe molten material progression into the lower plenum.