The Evaluation of Deformation and Fracture of Gilsocarbon Graphite Subject to Service Environments: Experimental and Modelling

• Published in: Key engineering materials Vol. 754; pp. 91 - 94
• Main Authors: Schlangen, E., Hallam, K.R., Smith, G.E., Sarakinou, E., Šavija, B., Darnbrough, J.E., Heard, P.J., Flewitt, P.E.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Zurich Trans Tech Publications Ltd 05.09.2017
• Subjects: Deformation; Environment models; Gas cooled reactors; Graphite; Mechanical properties; Neutron irradiation; Oxidation; Porosity; Mechanical Properties; Multi-Scale Modelling; Nuclear Graphite; Neutron Irradiation
• DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.754.91
• ISSN: 1013-9826; 1662-9795

Commercial graphites are used for a wide range of applications. For example, Gilsocarbon graphite is used within the reactor core of Advanced Gas Cooled Reactors (UK) as a moderator. In service, the mechanical properties of the graphite are changed as a result of neutron irradiation induced defects and porosity arising from radiolytic oxidation. In this paper, we discuss measurements undertaken of mechanical properties at the micro-length-scale for virgin and irradiated material. These data provide the necessary inputs to an experimentally-informed model that predicts the deformation and fracture properties of Gilsocarbon graphite at the centimetrelength-scale. The results provide an improved understanding of how the mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of this type of graphite change as a result of exposure to the service environment.