Abstract
A detailed understanding of the properties of graphite is required to ensure its safe and continued use as a moderator, and as a structural component, in British nuclear reactors. Considerable stresses are generated in graphite components during reactor operation, which can affect the reactor’s ability to cool the fuel and shut down. Therefore, graphite’s response to such stresses must be understood. The behaviour of the pore structure and Young’s modulus are of particular interest, due to their importance to the strength and integrity of the material.A confocal microscope was used to image samples while they were axially stressed, allowing three-dimensional surface profiles to be produced. By taking images at varying levels of stress, changes to the microstructure of the material were observed. Digital image correlation was performed on the micrographs to produce strain maps. These observations formed the basis of an explanation of the behaviour of graphite bricks in nuclear reactors, in response to loading stresses.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Engineering Challenges Associated with the Life of Graphite Reactor Cores |
Place of Publication | UK |
Publisher | emas |
ISBN (Print) | 9780957673052 |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Event | The 4th EDF Energy Nuclear Graphite Symposium. Engineering Challenges Associated with the Life of Graphite Reactor Cores - The National College for Teaching and Leadership in Nottingham, UK. Duration: 6 May 2014 → 9 May 2014 |
Conference
Conference | The 4th EDF Energy Nuclear Graphite Symposium. Engineering Challenges Associated with the Life of Graphite Reactor Cores |
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City | The National College for Teaching and Leadership in Nottingham, UK. |
Period | 6/05/14 → 9/05/14 |
Keywords
- graphite
- AGR
- nuclear power
- PGA
- stress
- porosity