About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Symposium
|
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Presentation Title |
Can We Predict Failure Probability Distribution in Irradiated Nuclear Graphite? |
| Author(s) |
Boris Khaykovich, Virgile Jamot, David Sprouster, Sean Fayfar |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Boris Khaykovich |
| Abstract Scope |
Graphite’s resilience to high temperatures and neutron irradiation makes it a critical material for nuclear reactors. However, exposure to radiation degrades its key mechanical properties. Of particular interest is the probability distribution of mechanical failure, which is assessed by destructive measurements under compressive, tensile, and flexural stresses. While the failure data can be fitted to a two-parameter Weibull distribution following ASTM standards, there are no models predicting Weibull parameters across different graphite grades or their evolution under irradiation. To address this gap, we applied several modeling approaches to previously measured failure distributions, aiming to uncover the underlying physical mechanisms. Additionally, we incorporated earlier measurements of porosity distributions and explored analogies with other porous and granular materials. Our analysis suggests that the volume distribution of porosity—characterized by its fractal dimensions—may be linked to the Weibull distribution of fracture stress, offering a potential pathway for predictive modeling. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |