Minimizing Hydride Cracking in Zirconium Alloys

Abstract

AbstractZirconium alloy components can fail by hydride cracking if they contain large flaws and are highly stressed. If cracking in such components is suspected, crack growth can be minimized by following two simple operating rules: <list list-type="simple"><list-item>—components should be heated up from at least 30 K below any operating temperature above 450 K, and</list-item><list-item>—when the component requires cooling to room temperature from a high temperature, any tensile stress should be reduced as much and as quickly as is practical during cooling.</list-item></list>This paper describes the physical basis for these rules.