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Multi-scale characterization and modelling of damage evolution in nuclear Gilsocarbon graphite

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 May 2015

Dong Liu,
Peter Heard,
Branko Šavija,
Gillian Smith,
Erik Schlangen and
Peter Flewitt
Dong Liu
Affiliation:
Interface Analysis Centre, School of Physics, University of Bristol, Bristol UK
Peter Heard
Affiliation:
Interface Analysis Centre, School of Physics, University of Bristol, Bristol UK
Branko Šavija
Affiliation:
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
Gillian Smith
Affiliation:
Interface Analysis Centre, School of Physics, University of Bristol, Bristol UK
Erik Schlangen
Affiliation:
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
Peter Flewitt
Affiliation:
Interface Analysis Centre, School of Physics, University of Bristol, Bristol UKHH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol UK
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Abstract

In the present work, the microstructure and mechanical properties of Gilsocarbon graphite have been characterized over a range of length-scales. Optical imaging, combined with 3D X-ray computed tomography and 3D high-resolution tomography based on focus ion beam milling has been adopted for microstructural characterization. A range of small-scale mechanical testing approaches are applied including an in situ micro-cantilever technique based in a Dualbeam workstation. It was found that pores ranging in size from nanometers to tens of micrometers in diameter are present which modify the deformation and fracture characteristics of the material. This multi-scale mechanical testing approach revealed the significant change of mechanical properties, for example flexural strength, of this graphite over the length-scale from a micrometer to tens of centimeters. Such differences emphasize why input parameters to numerical models have to be undertaken at the appropriate length-scale to allow predictions of the deformation, fracture and the stochastic features of the strength of the graphite with the required confidence. Finally, the results from a multi-scale model demonstrated that these data derived from the micro-scale tests can be extrapolated, with high confidence, to large components with realistic dimensions.

Keywords

x-ray tomographyfracturenuclear materials

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References

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