The zirconium alloys used in nuclear industry include mainly Zr–Sn and Zr–Nb alloys of
different chemical composition, microstructure and susceptibility to both hydrogen …

Zirconium (Zr) hydrides threaten the reliability of fuel assembly and have repeatedly induced
failures in cladding tubes and pressure vessels. Thus, they attract a broad range of research …

Hydrogen embrittlement is an important degradation mechanism affecting the lifetime of
engineering components. The diffusion of hydrogen atoms into the metal lattice can be …

In the spent fuel storage phase, nuclear fuel cladding is subjected to increased
embrittlement owing to a large amount of hydride precipitation. This study compares the …

Residual stresses in the Zr-2.5 Nb pressure tube (PT) significantly affect its resistance to
hydride embrittlement. This work aims to study the influence of residual stresses on hydride …

The fracture behavior of Zr-2.5 Nb pressure tube (PT) material containing radial hydrides
with hydrogen concentrations between 30 and 300wppm was evaluated between 25 and …

Hydride reorientation can occur in spent nuclear fuel cladding when subjected to a tensile
hoop stress above a threshold value during cooling. Because in these circumstances the …

The mechanical integrity of post hydride reorientation cladding was investigated for various
amounts of charged hydrogen and their morphologies. The specimens were charged with …

Pressure tube spools fabricated from Zr-2.5% Nb alloy, were subjected to gaseous hydrogen
charging and stress reorientation treatment to form radial hydrides in a specially designed …

Abstract As-received, 250 ppm and 500 ppm hydrogen-charged Zr–Nb alloy cladding tubes
were employed to evaluate the effects of cooling rates on the extent of radial hydride …