Acoustic emission and guided ultrasonic waves for detection and continuous monitoring of cracks in light water reactor components

R. M. Meyer, J. Coble, P. Ramuhalli, B. Watson, S. E. Cumblidge, S. R. Doctor, L. J. Bond

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Acoustic emission (AE) and guided ultrasonic waves (GUW) are considered for continuous monitoring and detection of cracks in Light Water Reactor (LWR) components. In this effort, both techniques are applied to the detection and monitoring of fatigue crack growth in a full scale pipe component. AE results indicated crack initiation and rapid growth in the pipe, and significant GUW responses were observed in response to the growth of the fatigue crack. After initiation, the crack growth was detectable with AE for approximately 20,000 cycles. Signals associated with initiation and rapid growth were distinguished based on total rate of activity and differences observed in the centroid frequency of hits. An intermediate stage between initiation and rapid growth was associated with significant energy emissions, though few hits. GUW exhibit a nearly monotonic trend with crack length with an exception of measurements obtained at crack lengths of 41 mm and 46 mm. Coupling variability and shadowing by the electrodischarge machining (EDM) starter notch set the lower limit of detectability.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants 2012, ICAPP 2012
Pages1131-1140
Number of pages10
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants 2012, ICAPP 2012 - Chicago, IL, United States
Duration: Jun 24 2012Jun 28 2012

Publication series

NameInternational Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants 2012, ICAPP 2012
Volume2

Conference

ConferenceInternational Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants 2012, ICAPP 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago, IL
Period06/24/1206/28/12

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Acoustic emission and guided ultrasonic waves for detection and continuous monitoring of cracks in light water reactor components'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this