Abstract
In this paper, crack propagation in Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) graphite bricks with ageing properties is studied using the eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM). A parametric study for crack propagation, including the influence of different initial crack shapes and propagation criteria, is conducted. The results obtained in the benchmark study show that the crack paths from X-FEM are similar to the experimental ones. The accuracy of the strain energy release rate computation in a heterogeneous material is also evaluated using a finite difference approach. Planar and non-planar 3D crack growth simulations are presented to demonstrate the robustness and the versatility of the method utilized. Finally, this work contributes to the better understanding of crack propagation behaviour in AGR graphite bricks and so contributes to the extension of the AGR plants’ lifetimes in the UK by reducing uncertainties.
Highlights
A GR cores are composed of thousands of graphite bricks
The results obtained in the benchmark study show that the crack paths from X-FEM are similar to the experimental ones
Part of the research program conducted at EDF Energy R&D UK Centre relies on studying the capabilities to model graphite brick crack propagation using the X-FEM in Code_Aster, an open source finite element software package developed by EDF R&D since 1989
Summary
A GR cores are composed of thousands of graphite bricks. After years of service, the heterogeneous irradiation and temperature fields gradually modify both the microstructure and internal stresses of the bricks. Crack propagation in Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) graphite bricks with ageing properties is studied using the eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM). 3D crack propagation; Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor; Graphite brick; eXtended Finite Element Method; Code_Aster; Strain energy release rate.
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