A 3D random pore model for the oxidation of graphite with open porosity

Highlights: • A 3D random pore model has been derived to model the oxidation of nuclear grade graphite, assuming open porosity. • The 3D model can be distinguished from an older 2D model using a JMAK plot of experimental or predicted data. • The 3D model predicts a rate maximum at a pore fraction of 0.49 while the 2D predicts it at 0.39. • Varying the pore size input parameter by an order of magnitude changes the oxidation rates by an order of magnitude. • The model fit the growth order and peak oxidation rates for a set of experimental data, although it over-predicted initial rates.