Identification of dynamic properties of materials for the spent nuclear fuel package at elevated temperatures

This thesis attempts to experimentally identify the dynamic properties of materials for the spent nuclear fuel package at elevated temperatures. The implementation of the project involves a number of steps. First, candidate materials for the nuclear fuel package and the appropriate testing systems were identified [15]. Second, fixtures for tensile testing at elevated temperatures using two machines, namely MTS and Instron Dynatup testing machines were designed and manufactured to make them compatible with the room temperature fixture. Third, experimental procedures for elevated temperature testing of materials are proposed for the two testing machines. Finally, impact testing for the candidate materials and verification of these testing results using finite element analysis is performed. Tests showed that yield and ultimate strength of the three candidate materials decreased with temperature. Tests also showed that strain at failure increases with temperature for Titanium Grade 7 and Alloy 22, but decreased for Steel 316L. Verification of these results using FEA had less than 10% error.