Hydride reorientation in M5® cladding and its impact on mechanical properties

After the end of their in-PWR life, spent nuclear fuel assemblies (SNF) might be subjected to various stress-temperature-time histories. Ensuring cladding integrity in the SNF is crucial in order to establish regulatory acceptance criteria. Radial hydride formation concomitant to SNA cooling is a key technical issue for zirconium-based fuel rod cladding tubes. Indeed, the precipitation of radial hydrides may degrade the mechanical properties of …