Gear Test Assembly – Experimental Testing and Gear Analysis (FY2021 Year End Report)

Abstract

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Gear Test Assembly - Experimental Testing and Gear Analysis - FY2022

“…Experimental Campaign #4 tested the original two sets of Inconel 718 (ASM 5664) spur gears, as they showed no obvious signs of failure [4]. Commercially available tapered roller bearings in 52100 bearing steel were used to provide radial support to the shafts.…”

“…After four experimental campaigns, the Inconel 718 gears have completed 14,018 simulated fuel assembly maneuvers (removal from core and insertion back into core) while experiencing negligible mechanical wear. The tapered roller bearings and cylindrical pin thrust bearings have experienced failures after completing a range of simulated fuel assembly maneuvers, as early as 1,266 to as high as 9,800 1 . Summaries of all experimental campaigns completed to-date are provided, along with gear analysis in the form of over-pin dimensions.…”

“…If a failure is detected, testing is stopped, and the cleaning and disassembly phase will begin. Cleaning and disassembly of the GTA is described in a previous report [1]. Testing was paused twice mid-campaign due to external factors.…”

“…Following each experimental campaign, the gear analysis is performed on each of the gears that are submerged in liquid sodium. Novel ultrasonic and electromagnetic techniques have been developed at Argonne National Laboratory and have been used to monitor the health of the over the course of testing [4]. Following Experimental Campaign #4, these analyses were skipped to expedite the rebuild for Experimental Campaign #5.…”

Gear Test Assembly - Experimental Testing and Analysis of Gears and Bearings - FY2023

“…The GTA was the first test article to operate in METL, with the initial experimental campaign beginning in early 2019. A total of six experimental campaigns have been completed to-date with the four previous campaigns discussed in the referenced reports [1], [2], [3], and [4]. This report will discuss the results of the Campaign #5 and Campaign #6 with bearing and gear analysis in the form of detailed photographs and of over-pin dimensions.…”