Modelling and validation of Eddy current response to changes in factors affecting pressure tube to calandria tube gap measurement

摘要

Procedures employed to non-destructively examine nuclear power plants must undergo inspection qualification to ensure that they meet their respective inspection specification requirements. Modelling is a powerful tool that can be exploited in the inspection qualification process. The gap between pressure tubes (PTs) and calandria tubes (CTs) in CANDU (CANada Deuterium Uranium) fuel channels is periodically measured, as contact can result in localized cooling and potential cracking. This work shows how an analytical model can be employed to characterize the effects of FT wall thickness and resistivity variation on gap measurement, and details its validation against physical experiments.