High temperature oxidation behavior of Cr-coated cladding; Progress on oxidation tests under simulated LOCA conditions

Luu, V. N. 

Luu, V. N.

This study investigates the oxidation behavior and post-quench mechanical properties of MDA cladding, with and without Cr coating. Uncoated MDA exhibits oxidation behavior consistent with the Cathcart-Pawel correlation, while Cr-coated samples show significantly reduced oxidation, confirming the protective role of the coating. Quenching conditions, particularly at 700C, enhance ductility in Cr-coated MDA, likely due to Cr enrichment in -Zr and annealing effects. Differences in critical HV values between direct and 700C quenching were observed, suggesting a need for further analysis to understand ductile-to-brittle transitions.