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Conference Article: The interaction of strain, the coefficient of thermal expansion and dimensional changes in graphite

Marsden, B.J.; Preston, S.D.; Davies, M.A. (AEA Technology, Risley (United Kingdom)); McLachlan, N. (Nuclear Electric plc, Berkeley (United Kingdom). Berkeley Technology Centre)

Abstract

The theory behind the relationship between dimensional change rate, the coefficient of thermal expansion, mechanical stress and irradiation creep is given. Some unexpected results related to elastic stress and the coefficient of expansion are presented. The reason for the change in the coefficient of thermal expansion with elastic and creep strain are postulated to be due to changes in shape and orientation of the graphite crystallites.

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key words: Gas Cooled Reactor, Nuclear Technology
Reference:
Specialists meeting on graphite moderator lifecycle behaviour. Bath (United Kingdom). 24-27 Sep 1995.
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)
IAEA-TECDOC--901, pp:313-319