Review of oxidation of Nb-1Zr

Technical Report · Sat Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6301456· OSTI ID:6301456

DiStefano, J R

A major objective of the SP-100 Program Nuclear Assembly Test is to demonstrate the performance of a full-scale nuclear subsystem of a 100-kWe space nuclear power supply. The test will be run in a large vacuum chamber to protect the Nb-1Zr components from oxidation during operation. Much information about the oxidation of niobium and Nb-1Zr alloy already exists, and previous work in this area is reviewed. Oxidation of Nb-1Zr can proceed by solution, internal oxidation, and/or film formation. At temperatures up to about 650 K (377/degree/C), oxidation generally follows a parabolic rate law because of the formation of protective oxide(s). At higher temperatures, oxidation becomes linear, but results are extremely sensitive to pressure and other system variables. Results obtained by several investigators could not be predicted using empirical equations developed by one investigator relating the increase in oxygen concentration to pressure, temperature, time, and specimen thickness. Additional data are required to provide more reliable guidelines for system operation that will protect against catastrophic effects. 20 refs., 12 figs., 7 tabs.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6301456
• Report Number(s): ORNL/TM-10907; ON: DE89010299
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
NIOBIUM
OXIDATION
NIOBIUM ALLOYS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
TESTING
ZIRCONIUM
ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS
FILMS
HEAT TREATMENTS
LITHIUM
SPACE POWER REACTORS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
ALKALI METALS
ALLOYS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
METALS
MOBILE REACTORS
POWER REACTORS
POWER SUPPLIES
REACTORS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
210600* - Power Reactors
Auxiliary
Mobile Package
& Transportable
360104 - Metals & Alloys- Physical Properties