Advanced techniques for tensile test of irradiated cladding materials

The transverse and longitudinal tensile test techniques are proposed in order to evaluate the mechanical properties of an irradiated fuel cladding in hot cell. The specimen and grip in each technique have designed to meet the requirement for the tensile testing in the transverse and longitudinal direction. Based on the transverse (ring) tensile test results in hot cell, the influence of strain rate, temperature and location of gage section was examined. Using these test techniques, the mechanical properties in the transverse and longitudinal direction can be correctly evaluated. Therefore, the obtained results will be used to update fuel/cladding behavior databases and computer models, to improve predictions of deformation, and to help establish failure criteria