Current NDT research & development for NPP inspections
Year: 2022
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The current dynamic process in computing, microelectronic s, smart sensors and automation provide NDT system engineers with challenging opportunities for improved NDT solutions. We focus on the quantification of inspection results with r espect to flaw type, flaw location and flaw size, at high inspection speeds. We strive to conquer tradi tional inspection limitations, such as the ultrasonic inspection of non-accessible component areas, and we may be able to assess the variations of material conditions caused by fatigue or by radiation-induced embrittlement, to name a few. For nuclear engineering, risk based NDT has become an i mportant procedure to optimize the contribution of NDT to nuclear safety concepts. We pres ent first results of a 3-Dimensional Ultrasonic Tomography technique with high-resolution discontinuity images comprising all arbitrary scan angles at standard inspection speeds, which will help to evaluate findings in pressurized components and will help to avoid repairs that may even cause further degradation in the component’s quality. Quantitative NDT (QNDT) may become part of a general probabilistic approach to assess the failure risk, and will also help ga in to understand the value of NDT in quantitative figures. Based on integrated computing tools, we present a manually performed ultrasonic inspection with 3-dimensional tomography images, comparable to conventional manipulator-controlled inspections. The ultrasonic signals are analyzed to dete rmine transducer positions and their changes at the accuracy required to apply synthetic apert ure focusing techniques (Acoustic Mouse). To analyze neutron embrittlement, we discuss initial id eas to measure this type of material degradation with scanning techniques. We evaluate the embrittlem ent through the cladding by analyzing the magnetostrictive properties of the material .
Authors: Bieder, P., Dobmann, G., Kröning, M., Liu, J., Ribero, J.G.
Institution: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W206559758