Structure–property relations in graphitic pebbles for nuclear applications

Cureton, Will F.; Gerczak, Tyler J.; Helmreich, Grant; Hunn, John D.; Jellison Jr., Gerald Earle; Wang, Hsin; Curlin, Stephanie M.; Latta, Ryan N.

doi:10.1016/j.nucengdes.2023.112526

Structure–property relations in graphitic pebbles for nuclear applications

Journal Article · Thu Aug 10 00:00:00 EDT 2023 · Nuclear Engineering and Design

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2023.112526· OSTI ID:1995678

Cureton, Will F. ^[1]; ^[1]; ^[1]; ^[1]; Jellison Jr., Gerald Earle ^[1]; ^[1]; Curlin, Stephanie M. ^[1]; ^[2]

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Kairos Power LLC, Alameda, CA (United States)

This work presents an analytical approach for holistically characterizing graphitic matrix pebbles for nuclear applications whereby the macrostructure, microstructure, and thermophysical properties of pebbles are determined. A systematic sectioning method was applied to several pebbles to describe the regional properties of the samples. Intact matrix-only spheres and sections of spheres fabricated by Kairos Power were characterized via optical imaging, x-ray computed tomography, x-ray diffraction, and ellipsometry to determine 2D and 3D macrostructure and anisotropy. The thermophysical properties of these materials were determined via measurements of density, specific heat, thermal expansion, and thermal diffusivity. The results of this study indicate that the pebble fabrication methods and their resultant effect on microstructure have a nontrivial effect on thermophysical properties, confirming the importance of robust characterization of these components. A discussion of the characterization approach and its applicability to nuclear fuel development activities is also included.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725

OSTI ID:: 1995678

Journal Information:: Nuclear Engineering and Design, Vol. 414, Issue 1; ISSN 0029-5493

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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42 ENGINEERING
graphitic pebbles
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