Non-flat surfaces analysis by glow discharge spectrometryApplication to Zircaloy 4 assembly cladding tube.
A glow discharge system is developed which allows to evaluate concentration profiles directly on the external surface of tubes while keeping a good resolution in depth, avoiding the flattening of tubes which can lead to cracks and deformation of the surface oxide layer. The geometry and the operating parameters of the device have been optimized for the characterization of Zircaloy 4 tubes used to manufacture a pressurized-water reactor fuel assembly. The principle of that modification can be extended to tubes with other geometries by adjusting the semicircular slit to the diameter of the tube to be analyzed.
Ruste
J
J
Materials Studies Branch, Centre des Renardières - BP 1, Electricité de France, F-77250, Ecuelles, France.
Schwoehrer
F
F