Transient deformation properties of Zircaloy for LOCA simulation. Final report, Volume 2

The creep/creep rupture anisotropic properties of Zircaloy were determined and compared by analytical techniques with ramp-pressure and ramp-temperature test results. Tests were performed over the temperature range of 6000F (5890K) to 22000F (14770K), with the emphasis on the 8000F (7000K) to 20000F (13660K) temperature levels in low pressure air (6.5 x 10-5 atm) and in a 1 atm mixture of 20 percent oxygen, 80 percent argon. Stress levels of 60 to 95 percent of the ultimate tensile stress were used for the majority of the tests at each of the temperature levels tested, with selected tests performed as low as 30 percent of the ultimate tensile stress. Biaxial and uniaxial testing modes were used to evaluate the anisotropic deformation behavior. The combination of test results and predictive-analysis techniques developed as part of this program make it possible to predict the transient deformation of reactor fuel cladding during simulated LOCA conditions. Results include creep/creep rupture strain numerical constitutive relationships out to 120 seconds, computer codes and ramp test data