ASTM WK94766
New Practice for Determining the Temperature in Neutron Radiation Environments using Silicon Carbide Passive Temperature Monitors
1. Scope
This practice provides guidance on the determination of as-run temperatures in neutron irradiation environments through measurements of radiation induced property changes in silicon carbide. It is generally confined to applications where other methods of temperature measurement are inaccurate or impractical because of the limitations of the radiation environment. Multiple techniques are presented and discussed with associated limitations to provide the user with confidence in the utility of silicon carbide passive thermometry. More generally, this information is of value in deducing the fundamental mechanisms associated with the impact of temperature on radiation damage for a wide range of materials and irradiation conditions.Keywords
Temperature monitoring; dilatometry; CTE; silicon carbide; irradiation temperatureRationale
A new standard is needed because many standards relevant to the nuclear industry specify that the temperature of an experiment or surveillance capsule must be known, but leave the calculation of the temperature in an irradiation environment as extrapolation of coolant temperature or measurement of the maximum irradiation temperature as interpreted by melt wires. Many properties of irradiated materials depend on the temperature the material experienced within the radiation environment. In many test reactors or light water reactors, the neutron flux and energy spectrums are well understood and monitored. However, the irradiation temperature is more difficult to determine. This standard will be used by those who wish to determine a time-averaged temperature within a radiation environment in the location of a silicon carbide passive temperature monitor. The users are anticipated to be those in the nuclear industry supporting surveillance capsule testing, laboratory facilities using test reactors for materials irradiations, and the academic community interested in studying the fundamental science of how materials evolve with radiation and temperature.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 05-02-2025
Technical Contact: Stephen Taller
Item: 000
Ballot:
Status: