ZryCladdingFailure

Models the failure of Zircaloy-4 cladding due to burst under LOCA conditions.

Description

For modeling failure due to burst of Zircaloy-4 claddings during Loss-of-Coolant Accident simulations, the BISON model ZryCladdingFailure offers six different options:

Overstress Criterion

An overstress criterion, which assumes that the time of burst is reached when the local hoop stress equals a limiting burst stress (Erbacher et al., 1982): (1) where (MPa) is the hoop stress and (MPa) is the burst stress.

The calculation of the burst stress follows the work of Erbacher et al. (1982). Based on experimental evidence, the burst stress is considered to depend on the temperature and oxygen concentration in the cladding and is represented by: (2) where (MPa) and (K) are constants determined experimentally, and (dimensionless) is the oxygen weight fraction in the cladding. An oxygen weight fraction at fabrication, , is used following Erbacher et al. (1982). The current oxygen weight fraction is computed based on the oxygen mass gain from the oxidation model ZryOxidation as where (m) is the cladding outer radius, = 6550 kg/m the density of the cladding metal, (m) the cladding inner radius, g (kg/m) the oxygen mass, see ZryOxidation, and with S (m) as the oxide layer thickness, see ZryOxidation, and R=1.56 is the Pilling-Bedworth ratio for Zircaloy.

The values for the parameters a and b are given in the table for material parameters depending on phase. In the mixed phase () region, linear interpolations of ln(a) and b are made between the values for pure and middle of ( ) phase, and between and pure phase (Erbacher et al., 1982). The volume fractions of each phase are calculated by the phase transformation model described in ZrPhase.

Table 1: Material parameters used to calculate the burst stress of Zircaloy-4 (Erbacher et al., 1982)

Zr Phasea (MPa)b (K)
830
3000
2300

Plastic Instability or Strain Rate Criterion

A plastic instability or strain rate criterion, which considers cladding burst at the attainment of a limiting value for the effective plastic strain rate: (3) where is the effective plastic (creep + plasticity) strain rate and is the limiting value. Following Marcello et al. (2014), we set h s.

Combined Overstress and Plastic Instability Criterion

A combined overstress and plastic instability failure criterion, which establishes that cladding burst occurs when either condition Eq. (1) or Eq. (3) is fulfilled.

Overstrain Criterion

An overstrain criterion, which considers cladding burst once the permanent engineering hoop strain (i.e., creep) exceeds 40%. In BISON true strain is used and therefore the permanent engineering hoop strain limit is given by:

where burst occurs if (4)

Combined Overstress and Overstrain Criterion

A combined overstress and overstrain failure criterion, which establishes that cladding burst occurs when either condition Eq. (1) or Eq. (4) is fulfilled.

commentnote:Strain, Strain Rate or Combined Failure Criteria Recommended

It has been noted that the overstress criterion may lead to unsafe predictions in low-stress situations (Marcello et al., 2014). Also, we note that the formulation for the burst stress was derived from experiments carried out on fresh claddings (Erbacher et al., 1982). When applied to BISON simulations involving pre-irradiation before the LOCA transient, the burst stress approach has been found to be inadequate as it predicts early cladding failure due to an excessively low burst stress in presence of pre-LOCA oxidation. Accordingly, using one of the combined criteria is recommended for fresh cladding simulations, while either the strain rate or overstrain criterion are recommended for other cases.

Rupture Temperature Criterion

A stress dependent rupture temperature was developed by Chapman and summarized in Powers and Meyer (1980). The correlation accounts for ramping rates in furnace tests. The ramping rate effect saturates at a value of 28 K/s. The rupture temperature () is given by: where is the engineering hoop stress (kpsi), is the heating rate ratio given by the supplied heating rate to 28 K/s (i.e., varies from 0 to 1). The cladding is determined to fail when . Since BISON uses SI units and computes true stress and strain by default the conversion to Pa and engineering stress is computed internally.

Example Input Syntax

An example of using the overstress failure criterion is given by:

[Materials<<<{"href": "../../../syntax/Materials/index.html"}>>>]
  [failure_criterion]
    type = ZryCladdingFailure<<<{"description": "Models the failure of Zircaloy-4 cladding due to burst under LOCA conditions.", "href": "ZryCladdingFailure.html"}>>>
    boundary<<<{"description": "The list of boundaries (ids or names) from the mesh where this object applies"}>>> = right #3
    failure_criterion<<<{"description": "Options to determine when the cladding material is considered to have burst"}>>> = overstress
    hoop_stress<<<{"description": "Hoop stress in cladding, in Pa"}>>> = hoop_stress
    temperature<<<{"description": "Temperature in cladding (K)"}>>> = temp
    fraction_beta_phase<<<{"description": "Volume fraction of Zr beta phase"}>>> = fract_beta_phase
  []
[]
(test/tests/solid_mechanics/zry_mechanics/zry_clad_failure/zry_clad_failure_overstress.i)

An example of using the plastic instability failure criterion is given by:

[Materials<<<{"href": "../../../syntax/Materials/index.html"}>>>]
  [failure_criterion]
    type = ZryCladdingFailure<<<{"description": "Models the failure of Zircaloy-4 cladding due to burst under LOCA conditions.", "href": "ZryCladdingFailure.html"}>>>
    boundary<<<{"description": "The list of boundaries (ids or names) from the mesh where this object applies"}>>> = right #3
    failure_criterion<<<{"description": "Options to determine when the cladding material is considered to have burst"}>>> = plastic_instability
    effective_strain_rate_creep<<<{"description": "Effective creep strain rate in the cladding (1/s)"}>>> = creep_rate
    temperature<<<{"description": "Temperature in cladding (K)"}>>> = temp
  []
[]
(test/tests/solid_mechanics/zry_mechanics/zry_clad_failure/zry_clad_failure_plastic_instability.i)

An example of using the combined overstress and plastic instability failure criterion is given by:

[Materials<<<{"href": "../../../syntax/Materials/index.html"}>>>]
  [failure_criterion]
    type = ZryCladdingFailure<<<{"description": "Models the failure of Zircaloy-4 cladding due to burst under LOCA conditions.", "href": "ZryCladdingFailure.html"}>>>
    boundary<<<{"description": "The list of boundaries (ids or names) from the mesh where this object applies"}>>> = right #3
    failure_criterion<<<{"description": "Options to determine when the cladding material is considered to have burst"}>>> = combined_overstress_and_plastic_instability
    hoop_stress<<<{"description": "Hoop stress in cladding, in Pa"}>>> = hoop_stress
    effective_strain_rate_creep<<<{"description": "Effective creep strain rate in the cladding (1/s)"}>>> = creep_rate
    temperature<<<{"description": "Temperature in cladding (K)"}>>> = temp
    fraction_beta_phase<<<{"description": "Volume fraction of Zr beta phase"}>>> = fract_beta_phase
  []
[]
(test/tests/solid_mechanics/zry_mechanics/zry_clad_failure/zry_clad_failure_overstress_plastic_instability.i)

An example of using the overstrain failure criterion is given by:

[Materials<<<{"href": "../../../syntax/Materials/index.html"}>>>]
  [clad_failure_criterion]
    type = ZryCladdingFailure<<<{"description": "Models the failure of Zircaloy-4 cladding due to burst under LOCA conditions.", "href": "ZryCladdingFailure.html"}>>>
    boundary<<<{"description": "The list of boundaries (ids or names) from the mesh where this object applies"}>>> = 2
    failure_criterion<<<{"description": "Options to determine when the cladding material is considered to have burst"}>>> = overstrain
    hoop_stress<<<{"description": "Hoop stress in cladding, in Pa"}>>> = hoop_stress
    hoop_creep_strain<<<{"description": "The hoop creep strain in the cladding (-)"}>>> = creep_strain_zz
    effective_strain_rate_creep<<<{"description": "Effective creep strain rate in the cladding (1/s)"}>>> = creep_rate
    temperature<<<{"description": "Temperature in cladding (K)"}>>> = temperature
    fraction_beta_phase<<<{"description": "Volume fraction of Zr beta phase"}>>> = fract_beta_phase
  []
[]
(assessment/LWR/validation/LOCA_IFA_650/analysis/IFA_650_4/IFA_650_4_part1.i)

An example of using the combined overstress and overstrain failure criterion is given by:

[Materials<<<{"href": "../../../syntax/Materials/index.html"}>>>]
  [clad_failure_criterion]
    type = ZryCladdingFailure<<<{"description": "Models the failure of Zircaloy-4 cladding due to burst under LOCA conditions.", "href": "ZryCladdingFailure.html"}>>>
    boundary<<<{"description": "The list of boundaries (ids or names) from the mesh where this object applies"}>>> = clad_outside_right
    failure_criterion<<<{"description": "Options to determine when the cladding material is considered to have burst"}>>> = combined_overstress_and_overstrain
    hoop_stress<<<{"description": "Hoop stress in cladding, in Pa"}>>> = hoop_stress
    hoop_creep_strain<<<{"description": "The hoop creep strain in the cladding (-)"}>>> = creep_strain_zz
    effective_strain_rate_creep<<<{"description": "Effective creep strain rate in the cladding (1/s)"}>>> = creep_rate_aux
    temperature<<<{"description": "Temperature in cladding (K)"}>>> = temperature
    fraction_beta_phase<<<{"description": "Volume fraction of Zr beta phase"}>>> = fract_beta_phase
  []
[]
(assessment/LWR/validation/LOCA_Hardy_cladding_test/analysis/base_input/Hardy_Tube_Test.i)

An examples of using the rupture temperature failure criterion is given by:

[Materials<<<{"href": "../../../syntax/Materials/index.html"}>>>]
  [failure_criterion]
    type = ZryCladdingFailure<<<{"description": "Models the failure of Zircaloy-4 cladding due to burst under LOCA conditions.", "href": "ZryCladdingFailure.html"}>>>
    boundary<<<{"description": "The list of boundaries (ids or names) from the mesh where this object applies"}>>> = right
    failure_criterion<<<{"description": "Options to determine when the cladding material is considered to have burst"}>>> = rupture_temperature
    hoop_stress<<<{"description": "Hoop stress in cladding, in Pa"}>>> = stress_zz
    hoop_strain<<<{"description": "The total hoop strain (-)"}>>> = strain_zz
    temperature<<<{"description": "Temperature in cladding (K)"}>>> = temperature
    fraction_beta_phase<<<{"description": "Volume fraction of Zr beta phase"}>>> = fract_beta_phase
  []
[]
(test/tests/solid_mechanics/zry_mechanics/zry_clad_failure/zry_clad_failure_rupture_temperature.i)

Input Parameters

  • blockThe list of blocks (ids or names) that this object will be applied

    C++ Type:std::vector<SubdomainName>

    Controllable:No

    Description:The list of blocks (ids or names) that this object will be applied

  • boundaryThe list of boundaries (ids or names) from the mesh where this object applies

    C++ Type:std::vector<BoundaryName>

    Controllable:No

    Description:The list of boundaries (ids or names) from the mesh where this object applies

  • comparedless_equalOptions for variable _compared_ to criteria: greater_than greater_equal less_equal less_than

    Default:less_equal

    C++ Type:MooseEnum

    Options:greater_than, greater_equal, less_equal, less_than

    Controllable:No

    Description:Options for variable _compared_ to criteria: greater_than greater_equal less_equal less_than

  • computeTrueWhen false, MOOSE will not call compute methods on this material. The user must call computeProperties() after retrieving the MaterialBase via MaterialBasePropertyInterface::getMaterialBase(). Non-computed MaterialBases are not sorted for dependencies.

    Default:True

    C++ Type:bool

    Controllable:No

    Description:When false, MOOSE will not call compute methods on this material. The user must call computeProperties() after retrieving the MaterialBase via MaterialBasePropertyInterface::getMaterialBase(). Non-computed MaterialBases are not sorted for dependencies.

  • constant_criteria0Numerical value providing criteria value.

    Default:0

    C++ Type:double

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:Numerical value providing criteria value.

  • constant_onNONEWhen ELEMENT, MOOSE will only call computeQpProperties() for the 0th quadrature point, and then copy that value to the other qps.When SUBDOMAIN, MOOSE will only call computeQpProperties() for the 0th quadrature point, and then copy that value to the other qps. Evaluations on element qps will be skipped

    Default:NONE

    C++ Type:MooseEnum

    Options:NONE, ELEMENT, SUBDOMAIN

    Controllable:No

    Description:When ELEMENT, MOOSE will only call computeQpProperties() for the 0th quadrature point, and then copy that value to the other qps.When SUBDOMAIN, MOOSE will only call computeQpProperties() for the 0th quadrature point, and then copy that value to the other qps. Evaluations on element qps will be skipped

  • declare_suffixAn optional suffix parameter that can be appended to any declared properties. The suffix will be prepended with a '_' character.

    C++ Type:MaterialPropertyName

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:An optional suffix parameter that can be appended to any declared properties. The suffix will be prepended with a '_' character.

  • effective_strain_rate_creepEffective creep strain rate in the cladding (1/s)

    C++ Type:std::vector<VariableName>

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:Effective creep strain rate in the cladding (1/s)

  • effective_strain_rate_plasticityEffective plastic strain rate in the cladding (1/s)

    C++ Type:std::vector<VariableName>

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:Effective plastic strain rate in the cladding (1/s)

  • failure_criterioncombined_overstress_and_plastic_instabilityOptions to determine when the cladding material is considered to have burst

    Default:combined_overstress_and_plastic_instability

    C++ Type:MooseEnum

    Options:overstress, plastic_instability, combined_overstress_and_plastic_instability, overstrain, combined_overstress_and_overstrain, rupture_temperature

    Controllable:No

    Description:Options to determine when the cladding material is considered to have burst

  • fraction_beta_phaseVolume fraction of Zr beta phase

    C++ Type:std::vector<VariableName>

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:Volume fraction of Zr beta phase

  • fraction_oxygen_gainWeight fraction of gained oxygen in the cladding

    C++ Type:std::vector<VariableName>

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:Weight fraction of gained oxygen in the cladding

  • function_criteriaFunction name providing criteria value.

    C++ Type:FunctionName

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:Function name providing criteria value.

  • heating_rateOptional constant heating rate in K/s. If not provided, the heating rate will be calculated based on time step size and the local change in temperature.

    C++ Type:double

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:Optional constant heating rate in K/s. If not provided, the heating rate will be calculated based on time step size and the local change in temperature.

  • hoop_creep_strainThe hoop creep strain in the cladding (-)

    C++ Type:std::vector<VariableName>

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:The hoop creep strain in the cladding (-)

  • hoop_strainThe total hoop strain (-)

    C++ Type:std::vector<VariableName>

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:The total hoop strain (-)

  • hoop_stressHoop stress in cladding, in Pa

    C++ Type:std::vector<VariableName>

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:Hoop stress in cladding, in Pa

  • temperatureTemperature in cladding (K)

    C++ Type:std::vector<VariableName>

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:Temperature in cladding (K)

  • variable_checkVariable name which is compared to criteria. Example: Var < 0, true=failed

    C++ Type:std::vector<VariableName>

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:Variable name which is compared to criteria. Example: Var < 0, true=failed

Optional Parameters

  • control_tagsAdds user-defined labels for accessing object parameters via control logic.

    C++ Type:std::vector<std::string>

    Controllable:No

    Description:Adds user-defined labels for accessing object parameters via control logic.

  • enableTrueSet the enabled status of the MooseObject.

    Default:True

    C++ Type:bool

    Controllable:Yes

    Description:Set the enabled status of the MooseObject.

  • implicitTrueDetermines whether this object is calculated using an implicit or explicit form

    Default:True

    C++ Type:bool

    Controllable:No

    Description:Determines whether this object is calculated using an implicit or explicit form

  • seed0The seed for the master random number generator

    Default:0

    C++ Type:unsigned int

    Controllable:No

    Description:The seed for the master random number generator

  • use_displaced_meshFalseWhether or not this object should use the displaced mesh for computation. Note that in the case this is true but no displacements are provided in the Mesh block the undisplaced mesh will still be used.

    Default:False

    C++ Type:bool

    Controllable:No

    Description:Whether or not this object should use the displaced mesh for computation. Note that in the case this is true but no displacements are provided in the Mesh block the undisplaced mesh will still be used.

Advanced Parameters

  • output_propertiesList of material properties, from this material, to output (outputs must also be defined to an output type)

    C++ Type:std::vector<std::string>

    Controllable:No

    Description:List of material properties, from this material, to output (outputs must also be defined to an output type)

  • outputsnone Vector of output names where you would like to restrict the output of variables(s) associated with this object

    Default:none

    C++ Type:std::vector<OutputName>

    Controllable:No

    Description:Vector of output names where you would like to restrict the output of variables(s) associated with this object

Outputs Parameters

  • prop_getter_suffixAn optional suffix parameter that can be appended to any attempt to retrieve/get material properties. The suffix will be prepended with a '_' character.

    C++ Type:MaterialPropertyName

    Unit:(no unit assumed)

    Controllable:No

    Description:An optional suffix parameter that can be appended to any attempt to retrieve/get material properties. The suffix will be prepended with a '_' character.

  • use_interpolated_stateFalseFor the old and older state use projected material properties interpolated at the quadrature points. To set up projection use the ProjectedStatefulMaterialStorageAction.

    Default:False

    C++ Type:bool

    Controllable:No

    Description:For the old and older state use projected material properties interpolated at the quadrature points. To set up projection use the ProjectedStatefulMaterialStorageAction.

Material Property Retrieval Parameters

Input Files

References

  1. F. J. Erbacher, H. J. Neitzel, H. Rosinger, H. Schmidt, and K. Wiehr. Burst criterion of Zircaloy fuel claddings in a loss-of-coolant accident. In Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry, Fifth Conference, ASTM STP 754, D.G. Franklin Ed., 271–283. American Society for Testing and Materials, 1982.[BibTeX]
  2. V. Di Marcello, A. Schubert, J. van de Laar, and P. Van Uffelen. The TRANSURANUS mechanical model for large strain analysis. Nuclear Engineering and Design, 276:19–29, 2014.[BibTeX]
  3. D. A. Powers and R. O. Meyer. Cladding swelling and rupture models for LOCA analysis. Technical Report NUREG-0630, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 1980.[BibTeX]