Modelling of iodine-induced stress corrosion cracking in CANDU fuel

Iodine-induced stress corrosion cracking (I-SCC) is a recognized factor for fuel-element failure in the operation of nuclear reactors requiring the implementation of mitigation measures. I-SCC is believed to depend on certain factors such as iodine concentration, oxide layer type and thickness on th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of nuclear materials 2011, Vol.408 (3), p.209-223
Main Authors: Lewis, B.J., Thompson, W.T., Kleczek, M.R., Shaheen, K., Juhas, M., Iglesias, F.C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Controled nuclear fusion plants
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Exact sciences and technology
Fission nuclear power plants
Fuels
Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy
Nuclear fuels
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Summary:Iodine-induced stress corrosion cracking (I-SCC) is a recognized factor for fuel-element failure in the operation of nuclear reactors requiring the implementation of mitigation measures. I-SCC is believed to depend on certain factors such as iodine concentration, oxide layer type and thickness on the fuel sheath, irradiation history, metallurgical parameters related to sheath like texture and microstructure, and the mechanical properties of zirconium alloys. This work details the development of a thermodynamics and mechanistic treatment accounting for the iodine chemistry and kinetics in the fuel-to-sheath gap and its influence on I-SCC phenomena. The governing transport equations for the model are solved with a finite-element technique using the COMSOL Multiphysics® commercial software platform. Based on this analysis, this study also proposes potential remedies for I-SCC.
ISSN:0022-3115
1873-4820
DOI:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2010.10.063