Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Finite element modelling of the effect of temperature and neutron dose on the fracture behaviour of nuclear reactor graphite bricks

Wadsworth, M.; Kyaw, Si Thu; Sun, Wei

Finite element modelling of the effect of temperature and neutron dose on the fracture behaviour of nuclear reactor graphite bricks Thumbnail


Authors

M. Wadsworth

Si Thu Kyaw

Wei Sun



Abstract

Graphite moderator bricks used within many UK gas-cooled nuclear reactors undergo harsh temperature and radiation gradients. They cause changes in material properties of graphite over extended periods of time. Consequently, models have been developed in order to understand and predict the complex stresses formed within the brick by these processes. In this paper the effect of irradiation temperature and neutron dose on the fracture characteristics, crack initiation and crack growth are investigated. A finite element (FE) mechanical constitutive model is implemented in combination with the damage model to simulate crack growth within the graphite brick. The damage model is based on a linear traction–separation cohesive model in conjunction with the extended finite element method for arbitrary crack initiation and propagation. Results obtained have showed that cracks initiate in the vicinity of the keyway fillet of the graphite brick and initiation time accelerates with higher temperatures and doses.

Citation

Wadsworth, M., Kyaw, S. T., & Sun, W. (2014). Finite element modelling of the effect of temperature and neutron dose on the fracture behaviour of nuclear reactor graphite bricks. Nuclear Engineering and Design, 280, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2014.10.009

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 7, 2014
Online Publication Date Nov 6, 2014
Publication Date Dec 1, 2014
Deposit Date Jul 10, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Nuclear Engineering and Design
Print ISSN 0029-5493
Electronic ISSN 0029-5493
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 280
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2014.10.009
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/738943
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2014.10.009

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations