Requirement criteria. Types of materials
Materials for the cladding tubes of pressurized-water reactors

Among the characteristics specific to metallic materials used in nuclear power generation are the following:

• low effective capture and activation cross-section of the various alloying elements ;

• excellent corrosion resistance and low, well-controlled hydration;

• high ductility and good creep and fatigue resistance ;

• suitable thermo-physical properties (thermal conductivity) ;

• chemical compatibility between materials (fuel/cladding, cladding/coolant).

• The main functions of cladding tubes are as follows:

  • maintain the fuel column;

  • isolate the fuel from the heat transfer...