| Abstract Scope |
The safety of nuclear reactors depends, among other factors, on the integrity of fuel rods, especially under extreme conditions such as a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA), which exposes the fuel cladding to high temperatures (typically above 1000 °C in PWR reactors) and an oxidizing atmosphere. To investigate the oxidation resistance of candidate materials for fuel cladding during a LOCA scenario, a vertical tubular furnace was developed to simulate the real conditions of this event, including controlled steam atmosphere, high temperatures, and rapid cooling (quench) by dropping the sample into a water tank. The furnace’s heating tube must exhibit excellent resistance to high temperatures and oxidation in a steam environment to ensure thermal stability and reproducibility of the tests. This work compared AISI 304 and AISI 310 stainless steels, both candidates for the manufacturing of heating elements for this type of furnace, through oxidation tests reproducing the thermal profiles of a LOCA. The samples were characterized to evaluate the morphology and thickness of the oxide layers formed. The analysis indicated significant differences in the oxidation resistance of the materials, which are essential to ensure the durability and accuracy of the furnace. Selecting the appropriate material for the heating element of this furnace, designed for LOCA simulation, is important to ensure the reliability and consistency of oxidative degradation studies of fuel rod claddings, thereby supporting advancements in the safety and efficiency of nuclear reactors. |