BeO-Graphite In-Reactor Compatibility at 1500°C and Resulting ⁶Li Distribution

An experimental assembly to study irradiation effects on the compatibility of BeO with graphite at 1500°C held one-inch-diameter rings of BeO and graphite in close contact for nine-months exposure at 1200 to 1500°C for a neutron dose of 1 × 10²¹ n/cm² (E > 0.18 MeV). Postirradiation evaluations indicated that no chemical reaction had occurred. The components of the irradiated assembly were sampled and analyzed for ⁶Li. It was found that a massive BeO component (1-in. diam by 4.5-in. long) retained a major portion of the ⁶Li which was generated within it during the irradiation. No gross radiation-induced physical damage was observed in either the BeO or the graphite components. The physical changes observed were in general agreement with previously reported results.