M5Framatome cladding high temperature oxidation behavior during simulated LOCA transients
Résumé
Demonstrating the satisfying cladding oxidation behavior in LOCA conditions and predicting accurately breakaway occurrence is of importance for the cladding producer and its customers. FRAMATOME developed a dedicated facility at his PAIMBOEUF plant in order to perform one- and two-sided oxidation tests in steam, with a tight monitoring (temperature, steam flow). M5Framatome claddings were oxidized at temperatures from 800 to 1100°C for at least 5000 s. Parabolic kinetics, protective oxides and a lack of significant hydrogen pick-up were observed. These tests confirmed the M5Framatome excellent behavior and the absence of breakaway in these conditions. Metallography and SEM observations allowed us to quantify the layers’ thicknesses of the oxide the oxygen-stabilized alpha phases. The metal/oxide interface roughness as well as the oxide porosity were also estimated by image analysis, and are shown to depend on the oxidation temperature. In parallel, Finite Element Modeling of the oxidation and the addition elements’ diffusion was developed. Diffusion equations take into account the evolution of the chemical potentials of the elements, computed thanks to the THERMOCALC software and the FRAMATOME ARTABAZ thermodynamic database. Calculated diffusion profiles are compared to experimental data and discussed.
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