Stochastic simulation for the propagation of high-frequency acoustic waves through a random velocity field

B. Lu, M. Darmon, N. Leymarie, S. Chatillon, C. Potel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

In-service inspection of Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors (SFR) requires the development of non-destructive techniques adapted to the harsh environment conditions and the examination complexity. From past experiences, ultrasonic techniques are considered as suitable candidates. The ultrasonic telemetry is a technique used to constantly insure the safe functioning of reactor inner components by determining their exact position: it consists in measuring the time of flight of the ultrasonic response obtained after propagation of a pulse emitted by a transducer and its interaction with the targets. While in-service the sodium flow creates turbulences that lead to temperature inhomogeneities, which translates into ultrasonic velocity inhomogeneities. These velocity variations could directly impact the accuracy of the target locating by introducing time of flight variations. A stochastic simulation model has been developed to calculate the propagation of ultrasonic waves in such an inhomogeneous medium. Using this approach, the travel time is randomly generated by a stochastic process whose inputs are the statistical moments of travel times known analytically. The stochastic model predicts beam deviations due to velocity inhomogeneities, which are similar to those provided by a determinist method, such as the ray method.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationReview of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation
Pages1625-1632
Number of pages8
Edition31
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Jul 2012
Externally publishedYes
Event38th Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, QNDE - Burlington, VT, United States
Duration: 17 Jul 201122 Jul 2011

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Number31
Volume1430
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference38th Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, QNDE
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBurlington, VT
Period17/07/1122/07/11

Keywords

  • Modeling
  • Nuclear Plants
  • Random Medium
  • Ultrasonic Telemetry

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