Demonstrate embedding of sensors in a relevant microreactor component

Performance of Embedded Sensors in 3D Printed SiC

“…This report focuses on embedding of molybdenum (Mo)-sheathed thermocouples and fused silica optical fiber-based temperature sensors. Previous works describe efforts to directly embed fiber-optic strain sensors and niobium (Nb)-sheathed thermocouples [5,22]. The successful embedding of Mo-sheathed thermocouples, described later in this report, eliminates the need to pursue embedding of Nb-sheathed thermocouples.…”

“…Additive manufacturing (or 3-D printing) technologies are particularly attractive for embedding sensors within components at locations that would be inaccessible using conventional manufacturing techniques [2][3][4][5]. For example, in a traditional light water reactor, the centerline of the UO2 fuel pellets is the highest temperature location in the core.…”

Characterization of Embedded Sensors in Stainless Steel Test Articles and Design/Planning for MAGNET Testing

“…Because UAM generally requires a flat surface to ensure good bonding, the process has historically been used primarily for simple plate-like geometries. Therefore, changes in fixturing were required to embed sensors within the pipes and seven-hole test articles, as described in more detail previously [24]. The testing described in this work was performed on one of the pipe specimens (Figure 3), with a 3 in (76 mm) outer diameter, and 3/8 in (9.5 mm) wall thickness.…”

“…This report briefly describes recent advances in ultrasonic AM (UAM) to embed sensors in relevant microreactor test articles for improved health monitoring, as well as the initial characterization of embedded sensors within SS pipes and a miniature hexagonal test article representing a fraction of a microreactor core block. The test articles were designed for testing at the Microreactor Agile Non-Nuclear Testbed (MAGNET) and Single Primary Heat Extraction and Removal Emulator (SPHERE) facilities at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) [3,24]. MAGNET and SPHERE are non-nuclear testbeds with electrical heaters used to simulate nuclear heating and the resulting temperature gradients that would be observed in microreactors [1][2][3].…”

Embedding Sensors in 3D Printed Metal Structures

“…Additionally, these conventional processes do not offer the same ability to fabricate geometrically complex components with sensors embedded at strategic locations. Petrie et al [14][15][16] used ultrasonic AM (UAM) to embed sensors in metals by using a solidstate process (i.e., no melting was required). However, UAM has limits to part complexity and userdefined specifications.…”