Mechanical effects of corrosion: an old problem in a new setting

The conventional metallurgical phenomenon of the deformation of metal components, due to the expansion forces from oxidation, produces serious materials problems in gas and water-cooled nuclear reactors. Three such problems are discussed here namely; fin waving of fuel cans, oxide jacking of steel tubes in the Magnox reactors, and denting of steam generator tubes in the Pressurised Water Reactors. Non-nuclear instances of oxidation-induced deformation are also examined. (UK)