Linking Lattice Strain and Fractal Dimensions to Non‐monotonic Volume Changes in Irradiated Nuclear Graphite
ABSTRACT Graphite's resilience to high temperatures and neutron damage makes it vital for nuclear reactors, yet irradiation alters its microstructure, degrading key properties. We used small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering to study neutron‐irradiated fine‐grain nuclear graphite (Grade G347A) across varied temperatures and fluences. Results show significant shifts in internal strain and porosity, correlating with radiation‐induced volume changes. Notably, porosity volume distribution (fractal dimensions) follows non‐monotonic volume changes, suggesting a link to the Weibull distribution of fracture stress.
Authors
- Anne Campbell (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9109-9541)
- David Sprouster (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2689-0721)
- D.K. Rai (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7257-7210)
- Sean Fayfar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3097-0054)
- Boris Khaykovich (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9490-2771)
- Ján Ilavský (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1982-8900)
- L.L. Snead (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0798-5757)
Institutions
- Argonne National Laboratory (US)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (US)
- Goddard Space Flight Center (US)
- Stony Brook University (US)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Interdisciplinary materials
- Published
- 2025-08-12
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/idm2.70008
- Primary Topic
- Graphite, nuclear technology, radiation studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- U.S. Department of Energy
- Research Foundation for the State University of New York
- Office of Science
- Office of Nuclear Energy
- Idaho Operations Office, U.S. Department of Energy
- Fusion Energy Sciences
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory