The results of a destructive examination of 29 fuel elements from 15 different fuel bundles are described. These elements have been stored under water for 3 to 17 years. No deterioration of either the Zircaloy sheaths or of the UO2 could be attributed to the water storage. Experiments on unirradiated Zircaloy-4 suggest that fission product induced stress corrosion cracking is unlikely. The examination was part of a continuing program to demonstrate the safety of storing irradiated nuclear fuel under water for at least 50 years. Extrapolation of present data suggests this target time could be safely exceeded.

Subject
Water, Stress intensity, Reactors, Storage, Corrosion detection, Metallographic examination, Oxide surfaces, Defects, Elements, Grain, Stress corrosion cracking, Hydrogen, Oxidation
© 1981 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1981
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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