Evaluation of Highly Irradiated Yankee Fuel Cladding

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Abstract
Type-348 stainless-steel fuel cladding removed from Yankee Cores I and II was evaluated to confirm its acceptability and to determine its irradiation stability. Visual and metallographic examination revealed that the surface condition of the irradiated fuel rods was excellent, with no evidence of corrosion, cracks, or other cladding defects. The microstructure of the cladding was essentially unchanged as a result of reactor exposure. Although the cladding showed marked increases in hardness and strength, the remaining ductility was demonstrated to be adequate. It is concluded that the Type-348 cladding performed acceptably during operation in Yankee Cores I and II and that it is capable of higher irradiation exposure.

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