Analytical study on micro-indentation method to integrity evaluation for graphite components in HTGR

Sumita, Junya ; Hanawa, Satoshi ; Shibata, Taiju ; Tada, Tatsuya; Iyoku, Tatsuo; Sawa, Kazuhiro

An analytical study on micro-indentation method to integrity evaluation for graphite components was carried out. The indentation method is used as simplicity test to measure mechanical properties of materials. This method is thought to be applicable to evaluate the residual stress from the relationship between indentation load and indentation depth. In this study, in order to confirm the applicability of the micro-indentation method for lifetime evaluation of the graphite component, indentation load-depth behavior under stress/strain condition was evaluated taking account of the specified minimum ultimate strength of IG-110 graphite. Moreover, analytical investigations of indentation load-depth behavior for oxidized graphite and oxidized graphite with residual strain were also carried out. As a result, it can be said that the indentation method is potentially applicable to evaluate the integrity of graphite components.