Design Requirements for Ultrasonic Deformation Sensor for TREAT Experiments
Ultrasonic measurements of deformation can provide nondestructive measurements of dimensional changes rapidly (within tens to hundreds of microseconds). Further these methods are sensitive to both microstructural changes due to damage (from thermal, mechanical, and irradiation environments) and gross structural changes (such as swelling). As a result, ultrasonic methods have been applied to address needs in the nondestructive evaluation of structural components in nuclear power plants (including fuel cladding) during periodic pre-service and in-service inspection inspections. Ultrasonic measurements have been successfully used for nondestructive materials characterization, including nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of degradation and damage, microstructure characterization, and process control. Ultrasonic NDE is a critical element of the nuclear power industry’s in-service inspection program for maintaining the integrity of the pressure boundary, and is being actively investigated for post-irradiation examination of fuels. Ultrasonic measurements, typically performed at 10 MHz or higher, performed post irradiation show that fuel microstructural parameters, such as porosity and grain size, can be correlated to ultrasonic velocity. Ultrasonic methods historically have seen limited applicability to environments with high temperatures and irradiation. Though some environmental factors (such as temperature) affect the measurement (sound speed, for instance), the limitation is primarily due to the probes themselves. Most commonly, lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) is used as the piezoelectric sensor material for ultrasonic nondestructive measurements. PZT is limited in its applicability at elevated temperatures (approximately above 300C). However, recent tests (through DOE-NE’s NEET-ASI program) have identified a number of alternatives that can operate at elevated temperatures (in excess of 400C) and can survive irradiation. Certain grades of PZT have also been demonstrated for use in imaging under-sodium in sodium fast reactors.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-05ID14517
- OSTI ID:
- 1634003
- Report Number(s):
- INL/EXT-18-45209-Rev.000; TRN: US2200815
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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