The Influence of Graphite Irradiation Creep on Plant Life Optimisation

Graphite has been used as the moderator within some designs of nuclear power station cores for over 50 years and is being considered for future High Temperature Reactor core designs due to its unique ability to withstand high temperatures and high levels of irradiation by fission neutrons. In some of these designs, the graphite also plays a structural role and the integrity of the graphite components has a considerable impact on plant lifetime economics.
This project seeks to improve the understanding of irradiation-induced creep, which is a key process in the forecasts of structural integrity but is one where the underlying process is not presently fully understood. If successful, the project will contribute to security of low-carbon energy supply in the UK and the wider supply chain, whilst placing the UK at the forefront of research for the next generation nuclear plant.