Fracture of Graphite Fuel Bricks

Graphite is used as the moderator in EDF Energy nuclear Advanced Gas Cooled Reactors. It also plays a structural role and the integrity of graphite components has a high impact on plant lifetime economics. The aim of the project is to gain a good understanding and evaluation of fracture in irradiated graphite components by complementary numerical and experimental approaches. An advanced modelling tool allowing automatic simulation of crack propagation in graphite bricks will be developed. An innovative experimental method will be elaborated to validate these models. Uncertainties related to the whole core mechanical behaviour will also be assessed. By supporting the decisions regarding AGRs plant life extensions, it will participate to the security of low carbon electricity supply in the UK in the next years, at affordable and competitive costs.