Zirconium Alloy Cladding Tube Coating Without Recrystallization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods of manufacturing zirconium alloy cladding tubes using arc ion plating (AIP) cause changes in the fine structure of the base material, leading to deteriorated mechanical properties and structural functions due to process heat, which is not addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving vacuum heating, controlled current and voltage conditions, and target size adjustments during the arc ion plating process to prevent recrystallization of the zirconium alloy, ensuring a strong bonding force between the coating layer and the base material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If arc ion plating is used to coat the zirconium alloy cladding tube, then oxidation resistance is improved, but the fine structure of the base material changes due to process heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the arc ion plating process conditions including current density (5-20 mA/cm²), voltage (100-500 V), and gas flow rates to control the deposition temperature and prevent base material structure changes while achieving effective coating
2Force
If arc ion plating is used to apply coating material, then bonding force between coating layer and base material is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates due to fine structure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes process parameters including arc current density (5-20 mA/cm²), bias voltage (100-500 V), and chamber pressure (0.1-10 Pa) to achieve strong coating adhesion while maintaining the mechanical properties of the base material by preventing recrystallization
3Productivity
If high current is supplied to generate arc for coating material evaporation, then coating efficiency is improved, but recrystallization of zirconium alloy occurs on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes optimal current density range (5-20 mA/cm²) and voltage range (100-500 V) to balance coating deposition rate with prevention of base material heating that would cause recrystallization, achieving both productivity and structural stability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents changes in the fine structure of the zirconium alloy cladding tube, enhancing oxidation resistance and maintaining mechanical strength, thereby improving the structural integrity and performance of the cladding tube.
Implementation Method 1
a particle evaporating step of evaporating the particles of the coating material by generating the arc by supplying the current to the surface of the target
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum heating step of disposing the cladding tube and the target in a chamber and vacuum-heating the cladding tube and the target under a preset preheating condition for an initial vacuum
Implementation Method 3
a coating step of uniformly coating the surface of the cladding tube with the coating material ionized by supplying the bias voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure attempts to provide a method of manufacturing a zirconium alloy cladding tube, which is capable of preventing a fine structure of a base material of a zirconium alloy from being changed by process heat, which is generated during a metal coating film deposition process using arc ion plating (AIP), thereby improving a bonding force between a coating layer and the base material, stacking the coating layer closely, and suppressing a change in performance of the base material. The method of manufacturing a zirconium alloy cladding tube according to the embodiment includes a cladding tube preparing step of preparing a cladding tube including a zirconium alloy material, a target preparing step, a vacuum heating step, and etching step, and a coating step and adjusts a change in fine structure to prevent recrystallization of the zirconium alloy on a surface of the cladding tube by adjusting a target condition, a preheating condition, a current condition, and a voltage condition.