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Studies of mechanical properties and irradiation damage nucleation of HTGR graphites. Progress report, June 1, 1975--January 31, 1976

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7247000· OSTI ID:7247000

An apparatus has been constructed for the examination of the effect of compressive stress on the reaction of graphite with a gaseous mixture of helium, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. The system alloyws for the concentration of each constituent to be independently varied and continuously monitored. Concentrations of CO and CO/sub 2/ are measured using infrared gas analyzers and the H/sub 2/O content by means of a trace moisture analyzer. The graphite specimen is 1-1/2'' long x 3/4'' diameter and is stressed by dead weight loading between an alumina hammer and anvil. The load is applied by a simple lever arm arrangement through a metal bellows on top of a mullite lined furnace. The reaction rate is determined via the concentrations of CO and CO/sub 2/ in the effluent gas. Initial set up and testing of the apparatus is almost completed and initial experience is that the apparatus meets the requirements of the proposed research. Samples of two pyrolytic graphites have been doped with boron to concentrations of 30 and 400 ppM for irradiation at 1300/sup 0/C later in the year in order to determine the possible effect of boron on vacancy nucleation at such high temperatures.

Research Organization:
Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park (USA)
OSTI ID:
7247000
Report Number(s):
COO-2712-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English