Zirconium Fabrication and Junction Between Zirconium or Titanium and Stainless Steel

The procedures employed in irradiated fuel reprocessing installations have led to the use of zirconium for the fabrication of certain components because of its excellent behavior in nitrate solutions. This paper deals with (1) the forming of zirconium from semi-finished products, forming limit curves for deep drawing, hydroforming, and isostatic forming; (2) the weldability of large size zirconium, components outside the glovebox, influence of structural modifications on mechanical properties; and (3) the design of heterogeneous joints required for connection to the austenitic stainless steel pipes.