Localized Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Cracking of Candidate Materials for High-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Containers in U.S.: A Critical Literature Review

ABSTRACTThree iron-based to nickel-based austenitic alloys and three copper-based alloys are being considered in the United States of America as candidate materials for the fabrication of high-level radioactive waste containers. The austenitic alloys are Types 304L and 316L stainless steels as well as the high-nickel material Alloy 825. The copper-based alloys are CDA 102 (oxygen-free copper), CDA 613 (Cu-7A1), and CDA 715 (Cu-3ONi). Waste in the forms of spent fuel assemblies from reactors and borosilicate glass will be sent to a proposed repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The decay of radionuclides will result in the generation of substantial heat and in gamma radiation.