Method for making fuel cladding having zirconium barrier layers and inner liners

U.S. Patent Number: 5383228

Abstract: The present invention provides a cladding having an outer circumferential substrate, a zirconium barrier layer metallurgically bonded to the inside surface of the substrate and an inner circumferential liner metallurgically bonded to the zirconium barrier. The inner circumferential liner is more ductile than conventional Zircaloy. The low ductility of the inner circumferential liner is obtained by using a zirconium alloy containing a low tin content (e.g. less than 1.2% by weight) and/or a low oxygen content (e.g. less than 1000 ppm). The inner circumferential liner is less than about 25 micrometers thick.

Inventors: Armijo; Joseph S. (Saratoga, CA), Rosenbaum; Herman S. (Fremont, CA), Williams; Cedric D. (Wilmington, NC)

Assignee: General Electric Company (San Jose, CA)

Application Number: 08/091,672

Issued: 1995-01-17

Expired: 2007-01-17

Classes: 376/409 ; 376/416; 376/417

Field of search: 376/409,416,412,417

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