Control Rod Drive Mechanism Inner Diameter Annulus Ultra High Pressure Cavitation Peening

摘要

A sealing member is provided to create a sealed region about an annulus formed between an inner body, such as a thermal sleeve, and an outer body, such as a control rod drive housing nozzle. Liquid is introduced into the sealed region to create a flooded region, which is pressurized to a desired level. A nozzle is provided into the flooded region, the nozzle being configured to fit within the annulus. Pressurized fluid is ejected from the nozzle, causing the formation of cavitation bubbles. The nozzle flow causes the cavitation bubbles to settle on the surfaces forming the annulus. The collapsing impact of the cavitation bubbles imparts compressive stress in the materials of the surfaces forming the annulus.

主权项

1. A nozzle for peening the surface materials of an annulus formed between an body and an outer body, comprising:
an elongate body configured to fit within the annulus, said body having a first end with a first width and a first thickness and a second end with a second width and a second thickness, said second width greater than said first width, said second thickness greater than said first thickness, said body having an arcuate profile configured to fit with the annulus, said body having a discharge orifice in said first end; and a base coupled to said body at said second end, said base defining an inlet for connecting a source of peening fluid; wherein said base and said body define a flow path therethrough to said discharge orifice.