In situ observation of crystal reorientation in polygranular graphite

This study, by lead author Thomas Zillhardt of this department*, has used in situ neutron and synchrotron X-ray experiments to demonstrate that reorientation of crystal domains accompanies the accommodation of applied mechanical strain in polygranular graphite.  This is important to its use within structural components in nuclear power generation.

In the paper 'In situ observation of crystal reorientation in polygranular graphite by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and neutron imaging' published in Carbon, new evidence is provided for the crystal deformation mechanisms that contribute to polycrystalline graphite's elastic non-linearity and the development of permanent set.  This may also explain the effects of fast neutron irradiation on graphite elastic behaviour.

*Written in collaboration with STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, HH Wills Physics Laboratory and Diamond Light Source Limited.