Stress corrosion cracking of U-0.1% Cr in humid helium atmosphere

S. Zalkind, R. Eshkenazy, S. Harush, D. Halperin, D. Moreno, E. Abramov, A. Venkert

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)169-173
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Nuclear Materials
Volume209
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1994
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • General Materials Science
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering

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