Fuel crack volume predictions and measurements. [LMFBR]

Void volume within an LMFBR fuel pin has a substantial effect on calculations of cladding strain and lifetime for transient overpower accident analyses. A substantial fraction of this void volume is contained within startup cracks that are still present during fuel irradiation. The paper discusses a crack prediction method and crack measurement techniques, compares predictions with measurements, and includes a sufficient crack fraction data base to be of use to other fuel pin behavior analysts.