Pile graphite expansion

Abstract

The purpose of this memorandum is to present and analyze, in terms of the current status of knowledge of radiation damage to graphite, the data available at the present time on the expansion status of the graphite in the piles, and suggest, in terms of this analysis, several possibly feasible curative and preventive measures. The portion of the data to be covered in this memorandum consists of that obtained during the last four years from pile motion measurements and from tube bowing measurements, and particularly that from graphite mining operations during the last six months. The objective to be attained is twofold: (1) the information developed here should permit a better understanding of the need for and development of future corrective measures to be applied to the present piles, and (2) this summary will serve as a basis for further experimental work necessary to place the conclusions on a more firm foundation. This memorandum is being issued at this time, although present ideas and conclusions are in a somewhat uncertain state, in the hope that the currently most feasible preventive measure might be applied to the DR Pile before startup.