Hydrogen in CANDU Fuel Elements

Abstract

Uninadiated and irradiated CANDU fuel cladding was tested to compare the role of stress corrosion cracking and of hydrogen in the development of fuel defects. The results of the tests are compared with information on fuel performance in-reactor. The role of hydriding (deuteriding) from the coolant and from the fuel element inside is discussed, and the control of "hydrogen gas" content in the element is confirmed as essential for defect-free fuel performance. Finally, implications for fuel element design are discussed