Radiation-induced palladium doping of metals to protect against stress corrosion cracking

摘要: A method for mitigating crack growth on the surface of stainless steel or other alloy components in a water-cooled nuclear reactor wherein solution suspension compound containing noble metal is injected into coolant water while not generating heat, e.g., during shutdown recirculation pump heatup. During shutdown, reaches temperatures as low 120° F., contrast to temperature 550° F. normal operation. heatup, 400°-450° At these reduced temperatures, rate thermal decomposition reduced. However, radiation-induced also occurs inside reactor. In particular, can be decomposed by gamma radiation emanating from fuel core The decomposes under and conditions release ions/atoms which incorporate deposit oxide film formed components. As result, electrochemical potential maintained at level below critical presence levels hydrogen protect against intergranular stress corrosion cracking.