Manufacturing method for nuclear fuel material made of zirconium alloy

Σ Ai-preparation annealing is applied to a β-quenching under the conditions at a temperature of 620 to 800degC and for a time of 10 hours or less such that the value of an accumulated input heat parameter is determined from 0.2 x 10-18 to 5.0 x 10-17. With such procedures, a nuclear fuel material made of a zirconium alloy having improved nodular corrosion resistance and accelerated corrosion resistance while maintaining satisfactory mechanical properties. Since the attained material has a long lifetime and endures a long time use, it is economical. (T.M.)