ASTM International

Standard Guide for Development of Specifications for Fiber Reinforced Carbon-Carbon Composite Structures for Nuclear Applications
 N C1783

Annotation

This document is a guide to preparing material specifications for fiber reinforced carbon-carbon (C-C) composite structures (flat plates, rectangular bars, round rods, and tubes) manufactured specifically for structural components in nuclear reactor core applications. The carbon-carbon composites consist of carbon/graphite fibers (from PAN, pitch, or rayon precursors) in a carbon/graphite matrix produced by liquid infiltration/pyrolysis and/or by chemical vapor infiltration.

This guide provides direction and guidance for the development of a material specification for a specific C-C composite component or product for nuclear reactor applications. The guide considers composite constituents and structure, physical and chemical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties, performance durability, methods of testing, materials and fabrication processing, and quality assurance. The C-C composite materials considered here would be suitable for nuclear reactor core applications where neutron irradiation-induced damage and dimensional changes are a significant design consideration. (1-4)2

The component specification is to be developed by the designer/purchaser/user. The designer/purchaser/user shall define and specify in detail any and all application-specific requirements for necessary design, manufacturing, and performance factors of the ceramic composite component. This guide for material specifications does not directly address component/product-specific issues, such as geometric tolerances, permeability, bonding, sealing, attachment, and system integration.

This guide is specifically focused on C-C composite components and structures with flat panel, solid rectangular bar, solid round rod, or tubular geometries.