Three-dimensional characterization and thermal property modelling of thermally oxidized nuclear graphite

The paper presents a novel concept for the automated recognition and identification of different classes of porosity. This is applied to the porosity network in thermally oxidized nuclear graphite samples, which has been observed using computed X-ray tomography. The analysis is used to predict the dependence of thermal conductivity on thermal oxidation-induced weight loss. The model predictions, based on the Euler approach, are successfully compared with experimental measurements of thermal conductivity, obtained using the laser flash method.