Deformation of zirconium alloy tubes in case of reactor accidient loss of coolant

Reviewed are the effects of structure in phase transitions on the deformability of the cladding material and deformation behaviour of fuel element tubes at high temperatures as well as the effect of the medium on deformation and destruction of zircaloy-2 and zircaloy-4 versus the heating rate and the pressure inside of the fuel element cans. The can oxidation is shown to substantially affect the deformation behaviour of the fuel elements. The data are presented concerning the effect of iodine and can defects on the deformation of the fuel element cans