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Commercial graphites are used for a wide range of applications. For example, Gilsocarbon graphite is used within the reactor core of Advanced Gas Cooled Reactors (UK) as a moderator. In service, the mechanical properties of the graphite are changed as a result of neutron irradiation induced defects and porosity arising from radiolytic oxidation. In this paper, we discuss measurements undertaken of mechanical properties at the micro-length-scale for virgin and irradiated material. These data provide the necessary inputs to an experimentally-informed model that predicts the deformation and fracture properties of Gilsocarbon graphite at the centimetrelength-scale. The results provide an improved understanding of how the mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of this type of graphite change as a result of exposure to the service environment.

In this paper, we explored the relationship between thermal aging and the residual stresses developed within a thermal barrier coating (TBC) and the underlying thermally grown oxide (TGO). Superalloy model specimens (CMSX4) with a curved geometry designed to simulate key features of turbine blades coated with air plasma sprayed (APS) 7 wt.% Y2O3-stabilised ZrO2 applied to an Amdry 995 bond coat were oxidised in the temperature range 900°C to 975°C for various lengths of time. Stress measurements on both the TBC and the underlying TGO were made at positions of known curvature using Raman and photo-stimulated piezo-luminescence spectroscopy (PLPS). The residual stress values reflect the interaction between TGO and TBC, which has the potential to be used as an indicator of service lifetime. The results are discussed with respect to the origin of the stress changes and the long term integrity of the coating.

Raman spectroscopy has been used by various workers to provide a measure of the stresses within the oxides grown on metal substrates at high temperatures. In this paper, we consider thermally grown oxides produced on a Type 316 austenitic stainless steel and an iron 3% silicon ferritic steel. The oxides were grown in air at temperatures of 950oC and 650oC respectively over a range of times. These oxides have been characterised by producing cross-sections using focused ion beam milling. The variation of the Raman spectra wave number (He, Ne laser; λ = 633nm) for the oxides produced on the polycrystalline austenitic stainless steel and the ferritic steel were measured as a function of oxide thickness. This shift in wave number was a function of stress. For a fixed oxide thickness on the stainless steel substrate the specimen has been subject to a bending force. A back face strain gauge fixed to the metal substrate provided a measure of the applied strain. The peak wave number varied with applied strain. The results are discussed with respect to the potential to characterise the stresses produced in thermally grown oxides and as a tool to monitor applied stress.

A trial part through-section excavation manual metal arc repair weld, designed with a view to minimising residual stresses, was prepared by using a critical combination of weld metal strength, bead size and deposition pattern. The repair was in a low alloy ferritic CrMoV steel plate, and the weldment was made using a lower strength C-Mn steel weld metal. Residual stresses have been measured to a high spatial resolution, 1.5mm, across the weldment using the X-ray diffraction technique with Cr Ka X-radiation. Peak tensile stresses have been identified in the heat affected zone in the parent plate adjacent to the weld metal. Further measurements have been made using the rosette strain gauge centre hole relaxation and deep hole drilling techniques. Results from the experimental techniques are compared and the measured residual stress profiles are discussed with respect to the predictions of a finite element model for this particular multi-pass repair weld.