Technical activities report: Graphite Studies Group -- April 1951
The first series of samples has been removed from the overbored process tube channels at the DR Pile. X-ray C{sub o}-spacing determinations were obtained on these specimens which were mined powder scrapings and solid cores cut from the tube bore and tube block along the channel through the overbored regions and into the central portion of the pile. Similar samples were cut from a conventional channel for comparison and the damage gradient into the pile indicated the maximum crystal expansion to be about thirteen feet in from the front gun barrel. Core samples removed from the DR Pile represent the first successful application of the core borer. Large graphite bars, oxidized in air in a laboratory oven, show significant changes in their mechanical properties with small amounts of oxidation. A number of capsule samples of transverse CSF graphite have been discharged from the D Pile after an exposure of 965 MD/CT at an average temperature of 37 C. These samples showed expansion rates of 0.88%/1,000 MD/CT for physical expansion, which is greater than the rate reported earlier for similar samples exposed under the same conditions but with only a 555 MD/CT exposure. Results from the first discharge of the graphite burnout samples in controlled atmospheres at the F Pile are interesting. Reproducibility of weight losses between samples having similar environments was very poor. Preliminary laboratory tests indicate that the thermal coefficient of thermal conductivity is positive in the range 20--80 C for the C stringer graphite from the B Pile. Similar virgin KC material has a negative coefficient. Work is continuing normally on the controlled temperature exposure of graphite, monitoring and sampling, stored energy, pile gas considerations, structural studies, surface studies, physical length annealing investigations, and the in-pile gas atmosphere project.
- Research Organization:
- Hanford Works, Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 10122298
- Report Number(s):
- HW-21004; ON: DE95007499; TRN: AHC29509%%160
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: DN: Declassified; PBD: 4 May 1951
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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