Investigation of In-Situ Flux Effect on Hydride Properties in Zr-2.5Nb Pressure Tubes in CANDU Reactors

In the operation of CANDU reactors, the Zr-2.5Nb pressure tubes holding the cooling water and fuel bundles are susceptible to hydride cracking-induced crack initiation mechanisms, known as delayed hydride cracking and overload crack initiation. It is required to evaluate the likelihood of DHC and overload crack initiation from service-induced flaws to determine whether the pressure tubes are still fit for continued service for the integrity assessment of pressure tubes. Furthermore, the continuous fast neutron irradiation alters the properties of the pressure tubes, which pose potential effect on the formation of brittle hydride and possible crack initiation as well. This proposed experimental work will address hydride cracking mechanism change upon irradiation by using proton irradiation from an accelerator, which is much faster and less expensive compared to in reactor neutron irradiation. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Zhongwen Yao

Student:

Partner:

Kinectrics Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Energy and Utilities; Advanced Manufacturing

University:

Queen's University

Program: