Abstract
Owing to its low neutron absorption cross-section, large scattering cross section and thermal and chemical stability, graphite is a key component of operational nuclear reactors where it is used as a moderator, reflector and as major structural component for 90% of current UK nuclear plants. It is also of interest for use in developing the future high temperature gas-cooled reactors. The properties of the nuclear graphite are influenced by its structural characteristics, which change as a function of neutron irradiation, temperature and oxidation. The principal structural changes during neutron irradiation that affect the integrity and dimensions of nuclear graphite components, thereby affecting service lifetime, are that the a-axis contracts and the c-axis expands in the crystallites. Characterization of virgin graphite structure and of the damage evolution after irradiation of nuclear graphite has an important role to play in the understanding and development of materials used in current and future nuclear reactors, respectively.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Journal of Physics: Conference Series|J. Phys. Conf. Ser. |
| Place of Publication | London |
| Publisher | IOP Publishing Ltd |
| Volume | 371 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Event | Electron Microscopy and Analysis Group Conference 2011, EMAG 2011 - Birmingham Duration: 1 Jul 2012 → … http://(http://iopscience.iop.org/1742-6596/371/1/012046) |
Conference
| Conference | Electron Microscopy and Analysis Group Conference 2011, EMAG 2011 |
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| City | Birmingham |
| Period | 1/07/12 → … |
| Internet address |