Host: The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers
Name : The 30th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering (ICONE30)
Date : May 21, 2023 - May 26, 2023
In this study, ballooning and rupture behaviors of the FeCrAl cladding tube have been investigated experimentally, which is one of the alternative materials of accident tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding. An experiment facility has been built, and severe accident conditions of the cladding can be physically simulated, including high temperature, high internal pressure, and oxidation with steam outside. Temperature, pressure, and diameter of the cladding can be measured online. Image of the ballooning and rupture process can also be recorded through sight glass.
With this facility, behaviors of the Zr-4 cladding tubes have been tested firstly. Experimental data of the cladding are compared with existing results, and credibility of the experimental results are verified. Ballooning and rupture performance of the FeCrAl cladding tubes are tested. The tube is pressurized to be 2-8 MPa with argon. Then it is heated until rupture, and ballooning occurs before the rupture.
Transient performance of the cladding temperature, pressure and diameter are presented, and rupture temperature in different pressure conditions are summarized. Photographs of the cladding and crevasses are displayed. Experiment results of the FeCrAl and Zr-4 claddings are compared, including rupture temperature, and morphology of the crevasse. Potential influence of the claddings behaviors on scenario of severe accidents are discussed.
