Nondestructive evaluation techniques for silicon carbide heat-exchanger tubes. Second annual report, October 1978-September 1979

Technical Report · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1979

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5737420· OSTI ID:5737420

Kupperman, D. S.; Yuhas, D.; Deininger, W.; Sciammarella, C.

This report discusses the development of ultrasonic testing, acoustic microscopy, dye-enhanced radiography, holographic interferometry, and infrared scanning techniques for flaw detection in silicon carbide (SiC) heat-exchanger tubing. Both preservice and in-service testing requirements are discussed. An ultrasonic boreside probe and an acoustic microscope stage have been designed for continuous monitoring of SiC tubing. Preliminary results with these acoustic systems are presented. In addition, a novel technique for detecting small surface flaws using holographic interferometry is discussed. Fracture mechanics analysis suggests that detection of flaws on the order of 100 ..mu..m is necessary to assure good reliability of ceramic heat exchangers. The acoustic and holographic techniques have been shown to be capable of detecting flaws of this size. However, the sensitivity of ultrasonic flaw detection in SiC is affected by the microstructure of the component. The practical considerations involved in the use of these techniques are discussed.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 5737420
• Report Number(s): ANL-79-103
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360204 -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Physical Properties
42 ENGINEERING
420400* -- Engineering-- Heat Transfer & Fluid Flow
ACOUSTIC TESTING
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HOLOGRAPHY
INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHY
INFRARED SURVEYS
MATERIALS
MATERIALS TESTING
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
SILICON CARBIDES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
TESTING
ULTRASONIC TESTING