Abstract: A coating for protecting a Zirconium alloy based layer of a nuclear fuel rod cladding is provided. The coating comprises a primary layer. A microstructure of the primary layer is comprised of a number of grains and is randomized. The primary layer is configured with a density of about 94.5% or greater. A cladding for a nuclear fuel rod and a method for producing a cladding for a nuclear fuel rod are also provided.

Abstract: A method of sampling a multi-layered material and a micro-sampling tool are described. The sampling method includes penetrating a top surface of a material in a component of interest with a micro-cutting tool to a predetermined depth sufficient to include each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base, without cutting through the full depth of the base, undercutting from the depth of penetration through the base to define a micro-sample of the multi-layered material, and removing the micro-sample with each layer of the multi-layered material intact. The micro-sampler includes a cutting tool calibrated to cut to a depth no greater than 2 mm, and in some aspects, no greater than 200 microns into a multi-layered material, the material having a top surface and a metallic or ceramic base and a container for removing and storing a micro-sample cut from the material with each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base intact.

Abstract: A testing arrangement and method of using in performing an in-situ adhesion test of a cold spray deposit on a surface of a structure. The testing arrangement includes a specimen member having a number of apertures defined therein and a loading arrangement coupled to the specimen member. The loading arrangement is configured to provide a mechanical force of a known magnitude to the specimen member. In performing an in-situ test of a cold spray deposit on a structure, the method includes positioning the testing arrangement with respect to a surface of the structure, depositing the cold spray deposit on the surface of the structure, and testing the adhesion of the cold spray deposit to the surface.

Abstract: A method of sampling a multi-layered material and a micro-sampling tool are described. The sampling method includes penetrating a top surface of a material in a component of interest with a micro-cutting tool to a predetermined depth sufficient to include each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base, without cutting through the full depth of the base, under-cutting from the depth of penetration through the base to define a micro-sample of the multi-layered material, and removing the micro-sample with each layer of the multi-layered material intact. The micro-sampler includes a cutting tool calibrated to cut to a depth no greater than 2 mm, and in some aspects, no greater than 200 microns into a multi-layered material, the material having a top surface and a metallic or ceramic base and a container for removing and storing a micro-sample cut from the material with each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base intact.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cold spray system. The cold spray system comprises a nozzle unit comprising a coating nozzle member, configured to apply at least a portion of a metallic coating to a substrate. The cold spray system is configured to pre-heat the substrate before application of the at least a portion of the metallic coating to the substrate. Also disclosed herein is a method for applying a coating via a cold spray technique.

Abstract: A testing arrangement and method of using in performing an in-situ adhesion test of a cold spray deposit on a surface of a structure. The testing arrangement includes a specimen member having a number of apertures defined therein and a loading arrangement coupled to the specimen member. The loading arrangement is configured to provide a mechanical force of a known magnitude to the specimen member. In performing an in-situ test of a cold spray deposit on a structure, the method includes positioning the testing arrangement with respect to a surface of the structure, depositing the cold spray deposit on the surface of the structure, and testing the adhesion of the cold spray deposit to the surface.

Abstract: A method of sampling a multi-layered material and a micro-sampling tool are described. The sampling method includes penetrating a top surface of a material in a component of interest with a micro-cutting tool to a predetermined depth sufficient to include each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base, without cutting through the full depth of the base, under-cutting from the depth of penetration through the base to define a micro-sample of the multi-layered material, and removing the micro-sample with each layer of the multi-layered material intact. The micro-sampler includes a cutting tool calibrated to cut to a depth no greater than 2 mm, and in some aspects, no greater than 200 microns into a multi-layered material, the material having a top surface and a metallic or ceramic base and a container for removing and storing a micro-sample cut from the material with each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base intact.