초록 ▼

A process for making a cladding for a nuclear fuel rod is disclosed which includes the following steps. First, at least two layers of zirconium-based metals are spray deposited on a generally cylindrical substrate in a manner that provides a rough, cylindrically-shaped, porous billet. The zirconium-

A process for making a cladding for a nuclear fuel rod is disclosed which includes the following steps. First, at least two layers of zirconium-based metals are spray deposited on a generally cylindrical substrate in a manner that provides a rough, cylindrically-shaped, porous billet. The zirconium-based metal for each layer is different from an adjacent layer and is selected to provide a desired combination of properties. Next, the substrate is removed from the spray deposited material, thereby providing an elongated tube hollow. The spray deposited material is then consolidated in a known manner to remove the porosity, densify the tube hollow to substantially full density, and reduce the cross-sectional dimension of the tube hollow to a desired size. In a further step the consolidated tube hollow is annealed under conditions of time and temperature selected to relieve stresses imposed on the tube hollow during the consolidation step and to provide a desired combination of properties in the densified zirconium-based metal layers.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process for fabricating a cladding for a nuclear fuel rod, said cladding having a functionally gradient structure and said process comprising the steps of:(a) forming a porous preform by(1) spray depositing a first metal layer on a cylindrical substrate, said first meta

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process for fabricating a cladding for a nuclear fuel rod, said cladding having a functionally gradient structure and said process comprising the steps of:(a) forming a porous preform by(1) spray depositing a first metal layer on a cylindrical substrate, said first metal layer being formed of a metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium and low alloy zirconium alloys; and then(2) spray depositing a second metal layer onto said first metal layer, said second metal layer being formed of a first zirconium alloy;(b) removing the cylindrical substrate from said porous preform after the first and second metal layers have solidified;(c) consolidating the porous preform to substantially full density to form a tube having a desired cross-sectional dimension; and then(d) heat treating the tube to relieve stresses and to obtain a desired microstructure in each of said first and second metal layers.