[en] Laboratory experiments were conducted to simulate the erosion-corrosion of aluminum fuel cladding in water-cooled, plutonium producing, nuclear reactors. Water quality was critical in causing attack in high temperature pressurized water. Little attack occurred in distilled water, whereas attack was progressively worse in river water and well water. Attack in well water was simulated by dissolving 50 ppm CaCO₃ and 10 ppm SiO₂ in distilled water. A corrosion enhancing synergism was apparent between dissolved bicarbonate and silicate ions. 12 refs