Ultrasonic detection of laminar-type defects in iridium alloy blanks
Encapsulated isotopic heat sources for use in generating electrical power for space applications require flight-quality hardware material. Iridium is the chosen material for such applications, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been the prime supplier of iridium alloy forming blanks 52 mm in diameter by 0.66 mm thick (1.0 by 0.026 in.). Prior to the work reported here, these blanks were ultrasonically examined by using 0.9-mm-diam (0.035-in.) simulated flaw standards. However, as a result of this effort, the sensitivity of our ultrasonic pulse-echo test system has been increased. The improved ultrasonic test system permits blank inspection at the 0.5-mm-diam (0.020-in.) simulated flaw detection level. This test system was successfully demonstrated on the initial blanks provided via an improved processing route (consumable arc-melting, extruding, and rolling). The equipment modification and/or selection and the specific focused search unit immersion technique developed to provide this capability are described. The improved flaw detection capability also provides data maps of a common type of defect in iridium (delaminations).
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA). Metals and Ceramics Div.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 5422629
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL-6290; ON: DE86015976
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Automatic noise-blanking, pulse-timing discriminator for ultrasonic nondestructive testing
Improved techniques for the ultrasonic characterization of graphite
Related Subjects
IRIDIUM ALLOYS
ULTRASONIC TESTING
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
ENCAPSULATION
DEFECTS
DETECTION
INSPECTION
ACOUSTIC TESTING
ALLOYS
HEAT SOURCES
MATERIALS TESTING
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
PLATINUM METAL ALLOYS
TESTING
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
420500* - Engineering- Materials Testing