摘要 |
<p>A method of testing new fuel rods for assemblies for nuclear reactors. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted in the canning tube of the fuel element disposed in the open, with an oblique incidence with respect to the axis of the tube, from one region of the side wall of the tube. By reflection at the walls of the canning tube, these waves produce plate waves or Lamb waves. These Lamb waves are picked up after a certain distance has been covered along the length of the canning tube and the attenuation undergone by these Lamb waves is measured. From this, by comparison with the attenuation results obtained at another part of the length of the tube or with a standard tube, data on the possible presence of moisture in the fuel rod is deduced. The invention particularly applies to the testing of fuel rods of assemblies for a pressurized water nuclear reactor.</p> |