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Detection of Radiation Damage in Low Alloy Steel Using a Squid Sensor

Otaka, M
Senior Research Scientist,Mechanical Engineering Research Laboratory, Hitachi Ltd.,

Shimizu, S
Engineer,Hitachi Works, Hitachi Ltd.,

Morinaka, R
Engineer,Hitachi Works, Hitachi Ltd.,

Maeda, N
Director,JAPEIC Research Center, Japan Power Engineering and Inspection Corporation,

Yamaguchi, A
Director,JAPEIC Research Center, Japan Power Engineering and Inspection Corporation,


Pages: 8    Published: Jan 1999


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Source: STP1325-EB


Abstract

The magnetic properties of A533B low alloy steel irradiated up to 3 x 1023 n/m2 in a nuclear reactor were measured using a SQUID sensor. The SQUID sensor used in the test is the type with a first-order axial gradiometer. Test specimens were irradiated to 0.5 x 1023 and 3.0 x 1023 n/m2, and then magnetized in a 0.2 T field until saturation before measurement. The specimens were put on a scanning table in a hot laboratory and the SQUID output was recorded while each specimen was gradually moved in a horizontal direction under the SQUID sensor. A superconducting magnet was used to put the test specimen under a magnetic field that changed from +0.01 T to -0.01 T to observe the relation between magnetic field intensity and coercive force (B-H curve). The B-H curve shows a definite tendency towards a higher coercive force for test specimens with higher neutron fluence. The test result also shows a good relation between mechanical properties, such as yield strength, tensile strength, and the Charpy impact test result, with SQUID output. This proves that there is a very good chance of developing a non-destructive evaluation system for nuclear reactor structure. This kind of evaluation system would be a great help in making plant life management even more reliable and reasonable.


Keywords:
superconducting quantum interference device, SQUID, low alloy steel, radiation damage, nuclear reactor, magnetic property

Paper ID: STP13888S
Committee/Subcommittee: E10.07
DOI: 10.1520/STP13888S
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