A Study for the Development of Accident Tolerant Fuel Cladding

After Fukushima disaster, Accident Tolerant Fuel cladding has been studied/developed to prevent hydrogen explosion under accident environment of a nuclear power plant. High temperature steam condition induces excessive hydrogen generation and heat flux. Hence, many researchers have been studying to find a method about how to retard this reaction, especially by focusing on coating materials on the surface of existing cladding due to its economical merit.<br/>We are also working on an improvement of oxidation resistance by Cr-Al coating on commercial zirconium alloy cladding using AIP method. In order to achieve desired properties, (i.e., mechanically and microstructurally robust Cr-Al coating layer), high quality layer is required as well as an optimized AIP process.<br/>In this ATF cladding work, highly improved Cr-Al coated cladding was acquired. Surface analysis and microstructural analysis were employed to investigate enhanced qualities of Cr-Al layer deposited under various conditions (bias voltage, arc current, etc.) along with a manufacturing process study.