Advanced Laser Ultrasonic Sensor for Fuel Rod Characterization

Advanced sensors and instrumentation are required to extend the life of current nuclear power reactors and for use in the family of next generation reactors. Such sensors must operate effectively in cooling pools and eventually in the harsh reactor environment. Current sensors are mostly intrusive and therefore not always suitable in pools or in the reactor environment. Laser ultrasonic testing will be applied to meet the requirements for in-pool and in-reactor measurements. As an all-optical technique, it is noncontact, with only a small probe positioned near the component being tested. Laser ultrasonic testing can measure wall thickness and strain in the cladding of fuel rods, as well as the internal pressure. The same system can be used to detect and characterize cracks. In Phase I the feasibility of the proposed sensor will be demonstrated by the development of a probe for underwater operation, followed by measurement of wall thickness, strain, and internal pressure in the cladding of surrogate fuel rods. The end users of products developed in this project are the nuclear power utilities, and laboratories with test reactors. There is also potential for use in the ITER fusion reactor and future fusion power reactors. Dual-use commercial markets include conventional (coal-fired or gas-fired) power utilities.