Influence of oxidation on mechanical properties of zircaloy 4 tubes under compaction - Numerical simulation of crack propagation

Abstract : The aim of this work is to study strain and fracture mechanisms of zircaloy 4 tubes used in Pressurized Water Reactor and submitted to a compaction test. To reach this goal, work hardened zircaloy 4 has been validated - from a mechanical point of view - as a representative material of the irradiated one. A numerical study allows to model the compaction test. Validations are performed on Load/Displacement curves, and special attention is paid to numerical developments in fracture mechanics. Besides, oxidation has been carried out in autoclave in order to study its influence on the mechanical properties of work hardened zircaloy 4.