Lattice-spring modeling of graphite accounting for pore size distribution

Lattice models allow length scale dependent micro-structural features and damage mechanisms to be incorporated into analyses of mechanical behaviour. They are particularly suitable for modelling the fracture of nuclear graphite, where porosity generates local failures upon mechanical and thermal loading. Our recent 3D site-bond model is extended here by representing bonds with spring groups. Experimentally measured distributions of pore sizes in graphite are used to generate models with pores assigned to the bonds. Microscopic damage is represented by failure of normal and shear springs with different criteria based on force and pore size. Macroscopic damage is analysed for several loading cases. It is shown that, apart from uniaxial loading, the development of micro-failures yields damage-induced anisotropy in the material. This needs to be accounted for in constitutive laws for graphite behaviour in FEA of cracked reactor structures. © (2014) Trans Tech Publications.