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U.S. Department of Energy
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A STUDY OF THE WEAR AND GALLING OF AUTOCLAVED ZIRCALOY-2 BY VARIOUS MATERIALS. Interim Report No. 3

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4045084

Twelve metals and ailoys and four grades of graphite were wear tested on autoclaved Zircaloy-2 as prospects for fuel element support-bearing surface materials. Sheffield steel shows a tendency to scratch through the autoclave film on the Zircaloy-2 under conditions approaching point contact unless an oil and water mixture is used as a lubricant. Of the several other alloys tested, including a cast iron, electrolytic iron, vanadium, and low carbon steels, the latter show the best results. Under laboratory testing conditions, 1010 and 1020 plain carbon steels in combination with a proper support surface design do not scratch the autoclaved film of the Zircaloy-2. Graphite bearing surfaces appear favorable from wear considerations but fabrication and attachment are serious problems. There is no indication of galvanic or serious gross corrosion of the Zircaloy-2 in contact with the graphite, cast iron, and low carbon steel. (auth)

Research Organization:
General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
NSA Number:
NSA-15-022718
OSTI ID:
4045084
Report Number(s):
HW-65962
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English