Progress on Pellet-Cladding Interaction and Stress Corrosion Cracking: Experimentation, Modelling and Methodologies Applied to Support the Flexible Operation of Nuclear Power Plants: Report of a Technical Meeting

Flexible operation and power changes can impact fuel integrity through PCI/SCC phenomena, leading to fuel failures in certain conditions. This publication provides an overview of PCI/SCC studies and reports on progress made since the early 2000s.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: IAEA

Fuel integrity is significantly influenced by flexible operation and associated power changes, particularly through the phenomenon of pellet-cladding interaction/stress corrosion cracking (PCI/SCC). This interaction can lead to fuel failures in certain conditions, emphasizing the importance of understanding PCI/SCC behavior. For certain anticipated operational occurrences that affect fuel with small PCI/SCC margins, it is crucial to recognize that fuel failures caused by PCI/SCC cannot be assumed to be benign. In such cases, there is a potential for significant radiological source terms to be generated.

To address this issue, this publication offers an overview of PCI/SCC studies and highlights the progress made since the early 2000s. The information presented is based on presentations and discussions at a related IAEA technical meeting held in October 2019.

The overview begins by providing a general introduction to PCI/SCC, including its causes, mechanisms, and potential consequences. It then discusses the various research efforts and studies conducted in this field, focusing on the development of modeling tools, experimental studies, and numerical simulations.

One of the key areas of progress in PCI/SCC research is the development of advanced modeling tools. These tools enable researchers to simulate the complex behavior of fuel cladding and cladding-pellet interactions, providing insights into the mechanisms behind PCI/SCC and helping to predict the potential for fuel failures.

Experimental studies have also played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of PCI/SCC. These studies involve testing fuel cladding materials under simulated operating conditions to assess their susceptibility to PCI/SCC. By conducting these experiments, researchers can identify the factors that contribute to PCI/SCC and develop strategies to mitigate its effects.

Numerical simulations have also been used to study PCI/SCC, allowing researchers to simulate the behavior of fuel cladding and cladding-pellet interactions in a virtual environment. These simulations can provide detailed insights into the mechanisms behind PCI/SCC and help to optimize fuel design and operating conditions to minimize the risk of fuel failures.

In addition to the progress made in research, this publication also highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and surveillance of fuel with small PCI/SCC margins. Regular inspections and testing can help identify potential issues early on and prevent fuel failures before they occur.

Furthermore, this publication emphasizes the need for collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders in the nuclear industry. By working together, stakeholders can develop best practices and guidelines for managing PCI/SCC and ensure that fuel integrity is maintained throughout the lifecycle of nuclear power plants.

In conclusion, flexible operation and related power changes can have a direct impact on fuel integrity through PCI/SCC phenomena. Understanding the behavior of fuel cladding and cladding-pellet interactions is crucial for preventing fuel failures and ensuring the safe and reliable operation of nuclear power plants. The progress made in PCI/SCC research, combined with ongoing monitoring and collaboration, can help to maintain fuel integrity and ensure the long-term sustainability of nuclear energy as a clean and renewable source of energy.

Weight: 830g
Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789201165213