Modelling of the Zr-2.5Nb alloy properties with hydrides

Abstract

Fuel channels of RBMK-1500 reactors are the major structural elements of the reactor core. Hydrogen absorbed by zirconium alloy during corrosion process is one of the main factors determining lifetime of Zr-2.5Nb FC. Therefore the evaluation of the influence of hydrides on fracture parameters of zirconium alloy is important.
The volume part of the hydrides at different hy-drogen concentration was evaluated. The volume of the hydrides was specified from metallographic investigation. The modelling of the influence of hydrides on mechanical properties of zirconium-2.5niobium alloy was performed using finite element method. The prognosis results were compared with the experimental data. The results of inves-tigations demonstrated that the Finite Element method could be used for the modelling of material properties of fuel channels.