Abstract
Rivets were matched into adapted drilled holes in plates, both made of U-0.1% Cr alloy and were placed in different environments containing dry air and helium and humid air and helium for a variety of exposure times. After opening, the most significant amounts of corrosion products were detected in the specimens that stayed for three years in humid helium (5% RH) environment. Radial cracks, developed in the bore edge, were detected in the specimens. X-ray diffraction patterns of the corrosion products gave the composition of UH3 and UO2. The microstructure was examined using light and electron microscopy techniques. The hydride phase that was observed, formed mainly beneath the oxide layer and penetrated into the metal matrix as needle-like forms. The formation of a lower density hydride phase, yielded in a large volume change causing the development of high stresses at the rivet-bore interface. The combination of the high stress and the weakening of the bore edge due to the presence of the brittle hydride phase led to radial crack formation around the bore edge.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 169-173 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Nuclear Materials |
Volume | 209 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 1994 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nuclear and High Energy Physics
- General Materials Science
- Nuclear Energy and Engineering