HYDAX – Hydrogen and Hydrides Distribution in Axial Cladding Direction

Experimental investigations are carried out on irradiated and non-irradiated cladding tube samples with and without liner. Specifically, the kinetics of hydrogen diffusion in the axial cladding tube direction and hydride formation will be investigated, taking into account the material texture. This will enable differences in hydrogen diffusion compared to the radial direction to be identified. Temperature and its rate of change also play a role in diffusion. By varying these, the effects on hydride formation can also be studied experimentally. Another effect is the stress and strain in the cladding tube. The influence of this on hydrogen diffusion is also being systematically investigated. By using irradiated and non-irradiated cladding tube materials, the effects of radiation damage to the material on diffusion and hydride formation properties can also be observed and studied.