Comparison of the effects of irradiation on iso-molded, fine grain nuclear graphites: ETU-10, IG-110 and NBG-25

Abstract

Selecting graphite grades with superior irradiation characteristics is important task for designers of graphite moderation reactors. To provide reference information and data for graphite selection, the effects of irradiation on three fine-grained, iso-molded nuclear grade graphites, ETU-10, IG-110, and NBG-25, were compared based on irradiation-induced changes in volume, thermal conductivity, dynamic Young's modulus, and coefficient of thermal expansion. Data employed in this study were obtained from reported irradiation test results in the high flux isotope reactor (HFIR)(ORNL) (ETU-10, IG-110) and high flux reactor (HFR)(NRL) (IG-110, NBG-25). Comparisons were made based on the irradiation dose and irradiation temperature. Overall, the three grades showed similar irradiation-induced property change behaviors, which followed the historic data. More or less grade-sensitive behaviors were observed for the changes in volume and thermal conductivity, and, in contrast, grade-insensitive behaviors were observed for dynamic Young's modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion changes. The ETU-10 of the smallest grain size appeared to show a relatively smaller VC to IG-110 and NBG-25. Drastic decrease in the difference in thermal conductivity was observed for ETU-10 and IG-110 after irradiation. The similar irradiation-induced properties changing behaviors observed in this study especially in the DYM and CTE may be attributed to the assumed similar microstructures that evolved from the similar size coke particles and the same forming method.