Rod pressurization sensing apparatus

摘要

An apparatus is disclosed for determining pressurization in a nuclear fuel rod and the like by measuring the increase in diameter of the fuel rod occasioned by the internal pressurization of the rod, and which includes an elongate receiving member having front and rear ends and an axial opening extending therein. A gauge is positioned in the axial opening and is adapted to coaxially surround the fuel rod and then measure an increase in diameter of a fuel rod caused by a pressure increase within the rod. The gauge is formed from a substantially C-shaped bracket having inner and outer surfaces, spaced distal end portions and a more thin medial portion, and with a strain gauge mounted on both the inner and outer medial surfaces. A microprocessor is connected to the strain gauges so that changes in electrical output from the strain gauges can be measured to determine the increase in diameter of the fuel rod upon pressurization of the fuel rod.