Corrosion and hydriding (H2 uptake) in different cladding materials
High priority is given to the development of new fuel cladding materials that exhibit improved reliability and safety margins under reactor operation. Experimental evidence is required showing that the material has improved corrosion behaviour compared with other available materials.
Corrosion and hydriding experiments are conducted under conditions typical of modern reactor plants, and samples can be exposed to different water chemistries in parallel. The test samples are manufactured from various alloys, some of which are taken from fuel rods previously irradiated in commercial plants. Parameters such as sample weight and oxide layer thickness are used to compare the characteristics of the different materials. <br/>
