Technical Justification during Inspection Qualification: Use of Modelling
Ph. Benoist, CEA Saclay. Gif sur Yvette, France; I. Lecouer, P. Calmon CEA/CEREM, Moret, France
ABSTRACT Ultrasonic Non Destructive Examination plays an significant part in the safety of NPPs by demonstrating that the nuclear components are free from defects able to threaten their structural integrity, both before operation and at intervals during service. That means that NDE methods involved in ISI have to be proved fit for that purpose; this is the inspection qualification. This qualification can be achieved through combination of test piece trials and so called technical justification. This article aims at demonstrating the usefulness of theoretical models as part of the technical justification. First the theoretical principle of the models developed by the CEA are described, then evidence of their accuracy are provided through comparison between computed results and experimental data. Finally, several examples representative for inspection configurations are provided in order to show that the models make it possible to assess the capability of various ultrasonic processes involved in ISI.
Publication Source: First International Conference on NDE in Relation to Structural Integrity for Nuclear and Pressurised Components , 20 - 22 October 1998, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Held by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission.
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing Limited
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