Oxidation of Matrix Material in Helium with Varied Moisture Content

Tyler J. Gerczak, Cristian I. Contescu, Jo Jo Lee, Robert W. Mee, Austin T. Schumacher, John Stempien, Michael P. Trammell

Research output: Book/ReportCommissioned report

Abstract

Exploration of the oxidation behavior of matrix material from tristructural-isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel elements in moisture environments provides critical data needed to predict the material’s response during off-normal accident scenarios. Near-representative, matrix-only samples were fabricated to facilitate oxidation testing in varied moisture concentrations. Oxidation testing was completed over a range of temperatures and oxidizing environments to obtain the relevant oxidation kinetics parameters and empirical oxidation rates necessary to better predict and understand matrix oxidation behavior at relevant conditions. The acquired oxidations rates were fit to established models for steam oxidation of nuclear graphite, and data were acquired following an established process. The data showed good agreement over conditions typical of the kinetic regime, and they showed a departure from the kinetic model fit at elevated temperatures and steam partial pressures in helium carrier gas. The departure was confirmed to be due to the experimental conditions being beyond the kinetic regime based on destructive analysis.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationUnited States
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

Keywords

  • 36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
  • 11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS

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