Integral LOCA fragmentation test on high-burnup fuel

Development of Standardized Property Requirements, Measurement Methods, and Reporting Guidance for Coatings

“…Long-term or very high-temperature oxidation tests have been performed to confirm the calculations of the oxide growth and to investigate the impact of a growing Cr2O3 layer, but it is unclear how closely these observations will match those expected under the more complex oxidation environment encountered during in-core service due to radiolysis and other factors [70]. Recently, Capps et al [71] capable of testing irradiated samples to various in-core conditions, including high temperatures, steam, and direct quenching [72,73]. These tests will be valuable for screening the impact of oxidation on critical performance metrics for irradiated coated cladding.…”

Advancements in modeling fuel pulverization and cladding behavior during a LOCA

“…Historical integral LOCA tests leveraged infrared lamps to heat rodlets at a constant rate of 5°C/s [29,28]. However, this may not be representative of in-reactor LOCA conditions.…”

FY21 burst activities with coated Zircaloy-4 under accident conditions

“…The current goal of accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) material development is to improve reactor safety, especially during accident scenarios, and to boost the cost effectiveness of nuclear fuel in the reactor core by increasing the allowed burnup [1,2,3,4]. Cladding materials are being developed as part of the ATF materials system.…”