Equation of state of refractory materials at very high temperatures—theoretical and experimental studies

This paper describes some of the theoretical and experimental studies being carried out at IGCAR on the equation of state of refractory materials like reactor fuels at high temperatures (>3000 K). The equation of state is primarily calculated by the principle of corresponding states. The influence of these equations of state on energy release in a hypothetical core disruptive accident in a fast breeder reactor is indicated. Details of an experimental facility based on laser induced vapourization mass spectrometry, which is being developed to measure the vapour pressures of materials at high temperatures is presented. Possible applications of this facility in other fields of materials research are indicated.