The project objective will, on the basis of the considerable knowledge generated in the previous SCIP programme, generate high quality experimental data that are needed for improving the understanding of the dominant failure mechanisms for water reactor fuels and devise means for reducing fuel failures. The major focus will be on cladding failures that are caused by pellet-cladding mechanical interaction, especially stress corrosion and hydrogen-assisted fracture mechanisms, as well as on the propagation of cladding cracks. Improved understanding based on experiments and analyses is needed in order to reduce the occurrence or the risk of occurrence of fuel failures. This understanding is to be applicable to pellet-cladding interaction conditions that can arise during normal operation or in anticipated transients, as well as during fuel longterm storage. The proposed programme is intended to complement other international projects in the fuel area. Extensive analyses and theoretical modelling of the fracture mechanisms are to accompany the experimental programme.
