Publications Details
Simulation of hydride formation in Zr-based claddings during dry storage
A hybrid Potts-phase field model to simulate hydride nucleation and growth in Zr-claddings is presented. It simulates nucleation of hydrides at grain boundaries and their subsequent growth by diffusion of hydrogen to precipitates. The model is demonstrated by simulating hydride precipitation in two different cladding of identical composition, but different grain structures. The claddings are supersaturated with hydrogen as would be expected after drying at the beginning of dry storage. The resulting hydrides have distinct morphologies with implications for the mechanical behavior and fracture strength of the claddings after dry storage.