Overview of Computational Methods for Hydrogen Diffusion Coupled With Stress and Temperature Gradients in Zirconium Reactor Components

In order to better understand and predict hydride blister formation and hydride cracking in zirconium alloy CANDU(1) fuel channels, specialized computational methods are required. Hydride blister formation involves the coupled action of gradients in temperature and hydrogen concentration, while hydride cracking involves coupling of stress and concentration gradients. Hydride accumulation and crack growth in a leaking crack involves a complete …