Expanding plug wedge test for evaluating hoop tensile properties of fuel cladding

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

An expanding plug wedge test method was developed to determine hoop tensile properties of irradiated fuel cladding in a hot cell [1]. Ring specimens with the plug-wedge insert were fabricated based Finite Element Analysis (FEA) design. After several design and modification iterations, the protocol was validated for M5 and Zr-4 cladding. Results show that tested ring specimens have uniform radial expansion deformation in the gage section. The test data processing procedure was developed based on the energy approach to generate hoop stress-strain correlation. α factor estimated from FEA was used to remove dissipated friction energy. With the proposed method, optimized specimen design, and data processing procedure, the protocol validates that the measured piston load, plug extension, and ring radial expansion can be effectively and accurately converted into the hoop stress-strain curve for clad tubing structural material characterization. Validation proved that the expanding plug wedge test method is robust and can be easily performed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMaterials and Fabrication
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791857991
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
EventASME 2017 Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference, PVP 2017 - Waikoloa, United States
Duration: Jul 16 2017Jul 20 2017

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pressure Vessels and Piping Division (Publication) PVP
Volume6A-2017
ISSN (Print)0277-027X

Conference

ConferenceASME 2017 Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference, PVP 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWaikoloa
Period07/16/1707/20/17

Funding

This research was sponsored by the Fuel Qualification Program of the US Department of Energy and was carried out at Oak Ridge National Laboratory under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725 with UT-Battelle, LLC. The authors would like to thank program managers Bruce Bevard and Don Spellman for providing guidance and support to this project, James Hemrick for testing advice, Chris Steven for performing the Zr-4 tensile test, and Randy Parten for machining and sample preparation. Notice: This submission was sponsored by a contractor of the United States Government under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725 with the United States Department of Energy. The United States Government retains, and the publisher, by accepting this submission for publication, acknowledges that the United States Government retains, a nonexclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this submission, or allow others to do so, for United States Government purposes.

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