Full Scale Calandria Tube Burst Tests at Fast Pressurization Rates

Abstract

Four full scale Zr-2 CANDU calandria tubes with prototypic rolled joints and axial preload were burst while at 170xC. calandria tubes which had been subjected to loading and strain during a pressure tube burst had essentially the same burst pressure as new tubes and no new failure mechanisms were identified. The burst pressures were above the primary system operating pressure of 10 MPa and thus offer some margin to failure in the case of pressurization due to pressure tube failure.