Ultrasonic sensors and methods of using the ultrasonic sensors

Patent · Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 2023

OSTI ID:2222031

Woolstenhulme, Nicolas E.; Daw, Joshua; Jensen, Colby B.; Parry, James R.; Hone, Lance A.

An ultrasonic sensor comprises a transducer in operable communication with a power source, a waveguide comprising a metal and at least one of a fissile material or a fertile material in operable communication with the transducer and configured to propagate and reflect acoustic waves generated by the transducer, the transducer configured to convert reflected acoustic waves to an electric signal, a thermally insulative material proximate the waveguide, and a control system in operable communication with the transducer, the control system configured to determine at least a temperature of the waveguide based on the reflected acoustic waves. Related methods are also disclosed.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-05ID14517
• Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (Idaho Falls, ID)
• Patent Number(s): 11,714,009
• Application Number: 16/582,914
• OSTI ID: 2222031
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 09/25/2019
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English