Fracture characterisation of reactor core graphite under biaxial loading

D. Liu, M. Mostafavi, P. E.J. Flewitt, T. J. Marrow, D. Smit

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference PaperOther

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The role of stress state on the fracture properties of a quasi-brittle material are explored using reactor core Gilsocarbon graphite. The objective of the experiment was to study the initial propagation of cracks. Cruciform specimens have been tested by a biaxial flexural loading method. Pre-slots of 10 mm width and up to a quarter of the depth of the specimen were introduced at the centre of the specimen by electric discharge machining. The slots are located between two through-thickness holes, which are designed to guide crack propagation. A loading jig has been designed and built that allows a range of biaxial loading states to be applied by variation of the length of the loading arms. Clip gauges are used to measure the crack mouth opening displacements. Preliminary tests have studied the fracture of specimens under different loading conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Fracture and Damage Mechanics XII
PublisherTrans Tech Publications
Pages485-488
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)9783037858301
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Conference on Fracture and Damage Mechanics (FDM) 2013 - Sardinia, Italy
Duration: 17 Sept 201319 Sept 2013
Conference number: 12th
https://www.scientific.net/KEM.577-578 (Proceedings)

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Fracture and Damage Mechanics (FDM) 2013
Abbreviated titleFDM 2013
Country/TerritoryItaly
CitySardinia
Period17/09/1319/09/13
Internet address

Keywords

  • Biaxial testing
  • Crack mout opening displacement
  • Cruciform specimen
  • Fracture
  • Reactor core grapite

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