Results of a continuing effort to investigate High Temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR) core support structure reliability ore described. This study identifies graphite material and core support structure component physical, mechanical and strength properties required for the reliability analysis. Also described are experimental and associated analytical technique3 for deter¬mining the required properties, a procedure for determining number of tests required, properties that might be monitored by special surveillance of the core support structure to improve reliability predictions, and recommendations for further studies. Emphasis in the study is directed towards developing a basic understand-ing of graphite failure and strength degradation mechanisms;and validating analytical methods for predicting strength and strength degradation from basic material properties.
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