Solid state phase transformation kinetics in Zr-base alloys

TL;DR

This paper introduces a kinetic model for alpha-beta phase transformation in zirconium alloys used in nuclear fuel cladding, accounting for oxidation and hydrogen effects, validated against experimental data, with applications in reactor safety simulations.

Contribution

The paper presents two variants of a kinetic model for phase transformation in Zr alloys, incorporating oxidation and hydrogen effects, suitable for laboratory and reactor accident conditions.

Findings

Model A accurately simulates laboratory heating/cooling experiments.

Model B provides a more general framework for reactor accident scenarios.

Comparison with experimental data shows satisfactory agreement, especially for Model A.

Abstract

We present a kinetic model for solid state phase transformation (alpha<-->beta) of common zirconium alloys used as fuel cladding material in light water reactors. The model computes the relative amounts of beta or alpha phase fraction as a function of time or temperature in the alloys. The model accounts for the influence of excess oxygen (due to oxidation) and hydrogen concentration (due to hydrogen pickup) on phase transformation kinetics. Two variants of the model denoted by A and B are presented. Model A is suitable for simulation of laboratory experiments in which the heating/cooling rate is constant and is prescribed. Model B is more generic. We compare the results of our model computations, for both A and B variants, with accessible experimental data reported in the literature covering heating/cooling rates of up to 100 K/s. The results of our comparison are satisfactory, especially for model A. Our model B is intended for implementation in fuel rod behavior computer programs, applicable to a reactor accident situation, in which the Zr-based fuel cladding may go through alpha<-->beta phase transformation.