Published 1996 | Version v1
Journal article

The crack growth in the cladding and undercladding materials of the WWER pressure vessel under cyclic loading

  • 1. Ustav Jaderneho Vyzkumu a.s., Rez (Czech Republic)

Description

The growth rates were measured for cracks developing within the base metals and austenitic cladding of a WWER pressure vessel in operating conditions. The tests were performed with nominal (less than 20 ppb oxygen) and oxygen-saturated water. The compliance method was employed to evaluate the crack growth rate. The results showed that for cracks growing from the inner surface through the cladding, the first cladding/base metal interface can reduce the crack growth rate substantially. All data lie below the recommended ASME XI curves (if existing). Fractographic analysis indicated the transgranular mode of failure for the majority of structures and loading conditions. Intergranular cracking was observed in the carbide-enriched zones in the cladding/base metal interface. 2 tabs., 23 figs., 6 refs

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Nucleon
Journal Issue
no.3-4
Journal Page Range
p. 5-16.
ISSN
1210-2660
CODEN
NLEQEM