Multi-scale characterization and modelling of damage evolution in nuclear Gilsocarbon graphite

Abstract

In the present work, the microstructure and mechanical properties of Gilsocarbon graphite have been characterized over a range of length-scales. Optical imaging, combined with 3D X-ray computed tomography and 3D high-resolution tomography based on focus ion beam milling has been adopted for microstructural characterization. A range of small-scale mechanical testing approaches are applied including an in situ micro-cantilever technique based in a Dualbeam workstation. It was found that pores ranging in size from nanometers to tens of micrometers in diameter are present which modify the deformation and fracture characteristics of the material. This multi-scale mechanical testing approach revealed the significant change of mechanical properties, for example flexural strength, of this graphite over the length-scale from a micrometer to tens of centimeters. Such differences emphasize why input parameters to numerical models have to be undertaken at the appropriate length-scale to allow predictions of the deformation, fracture and the stochastic features of the strength of the graphite with the required confidence. Finally, the results from a multi-scale model demonstrated that these data derived from the micro-scale tests can be extrapolated, with high confidence, to large components with realistic dimensions.