Failure analysis of the latch ram ball and the C-ram ball with the trade name AFBMA Gr. 50 Colmonoy No. 6, has been performed to identify the root cause of the failure. The study required the extraction of the both failed and normal balls from the nuclear fuel exchanger. Microstructures of both balls were examined after polishing and etching. Breaking tests of both the ball revealed similarity in cleavage surfaces. Fracture surfaces of both failed ball and normal ball after breaking test were examined with SEM and EDX. Microstructure of the ball revealed an austenite phase with coarse Cr rich precipitate. Indented marks observed on the surface of the failed ball are believed to be produced by overloading. In the light of the afore mentioned observations and studies, the failure mechanism of the ball in nuclear fuel exchanger seem to be caused by impact or mechanical overloading on ball.
Supported by : MOST