[2F11-15] Next Generation Fuel, Accident Tolerant Fuel

[2F15] Behavior of Chromium-coated Zirconium alloy fuel rods in simulated beyond design basis accident

*Kinya Nakamura¹, Kenta Inagaki¹, Juri Stuckert², Martin Ševeček³ (1. CRIEPI, 2. KIT, 3. CTU)

Keywords:accident tolerant fuel, chromium coating, zirconium alloy, beyond design basis accident, fuel bundle

Single rod and 3×3 type bundle with Cr-coated Zr-based claddings were tested under simulated beyond design-basis accident conditions in high temperature steam environment with a peak cladding surface temperature up to 1600°C. Characterization results such as the microstructure formed between the Cr coating layer and the Zr-based alloy substrate are reported, as well as the ballooning and bursting behavior.