• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.510-517
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• 2001

This paper describes an initial study for the application of eddy current pattern recognition approaches to more realistic flaw characterization in steam generator tubes. For this purpose, finite-element model-based theoretical eddy current testing (ECT) signals are simulated from 5 types of OD flaws with the variation in flaw size parameters and testing frequency. In addition, three kinds of software are developed for the convenience in the application of steps in pattern recognition approaches such as feature extraction feature selection and classification by probabilistic neural networks (PNNs). The cross point of the ECT signals simulated from flaws with non-symmetric cross-sections shows the deviation from the origin of the impedance plane. New features taking advantages of this phenomenon are added to complete the feature set with a total of 18 features. Then, classification with PNNs are performed based on this feature set. The PNN classifiers show high performance for the identification of symmetry in the cross-section of a flaw. However, they show very limited success in the interrogation of the sharpness of flaw tips.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.374-382
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• 2009

Steam generator(SG) tube, as a barrier isolating primary to the secondary coolant system of nuclear power plants(NPP), must maintain the structural integrity far the public safety and its efficient power generation capacity. And SG tubes bearing defects must be timely detected and taken repair measures if needed. For the accomplishment of these objectives, SG tubes have been periodically examined by eddy current testing(ECT) on the basis of administrative notices and intensified SG management program(SGMP). Stress corrosion cracking(SCC) on the SG tubes is not easily detected and even missed since it has lower signal amplitude and other disturbing factors against its detection. However once SCC is developed, that can cause detrimental affects to the SG tubes due to its rapid propagation rate. Accordingly SCC is categorized as prime damage mechanism challenging the soundness of the SG tubes. In this study, reproduced EDM notch specimens are examined for the detectability and quantitative characterization of the axial ODSCC by +PT MRPC probe, containing pancake, +PT and shielded pancake coils apart in a single plane around the circumference. The results of this study are assumed to be applicable fur providing key information of engineering evaluation of SCC and improvement of confidence level of ECT on SG tubes.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.50 no.7
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• pp.1160-1167
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• 2018

Detectability of the loose parts (LPs) in steam generator (SG) was studied with eddy current testing technique such as X-probe, bobbin and rotating coils ($MRPC^{(R)}$) as a function of LP size and spacing between LP and tube or between LP and support structures. SG mockup simulating SG tube and support structures with LP was fabricated. The X-probe showed slightly better detectability than $MRPC^{(R)}$ for LP of ferrous (F-LP) material and vice versa for LP of nonferrous (NF-LP) material. In terms of feasibility, inspection rate and other predictable features of the SG tubing inspections, X-probe can be used reliably for monitoring the LPs and the flaws formed by LPs on SG tubes.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.501-509
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• 2001

For the enhancement of ECT reliability on the primary water stress corrosion cracks of nuclear steam generator tubes, of which the occurrence is on the increase, it is important to comprehend the signal characteristics on crack morphology and to select an appropriate probe type. In this paper, the sizing accuracy and the detectability for the inner wall axial cracks of tubes were quantitatively evaluated using the following specimens: the electric discharge machined notches and the corrosion cracks which were developed on the operating steam generator tubes. The difference of eddy current signal characteristics between pancake and axial coil were also Investigated. The results obtained from this study provide a useful information for more precise evaluation on the inner wall axial tracks oi stram generator tubes.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.529-536
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• 2015

A defect could be generated in bolts for a use of oil filters for the manufacturing process and then may affect to the safety and quality in bolts. Also, fine defects may be imbedded in oil filter system. So it is very important that such defects be investigated and screened during the multiple manufacturing processes. Therefore, in order effectively to evaluate the fine defects, the FEM simulations were performed to make characterization in the crack detection of the bolts and the parameters such as number of turns of the coil, the coil size, applied frequency were calculated based on the simulation results. Simulations were carried out for the defect signal of eddy current probe. Exciter and receiver were utilized. In this paper, the FEM simulations were performed in both bobbin-type and pancake-type probe, both probes were optimized under Eddy current FEM simulations and the results of calculation were discussed.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.201-208
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• 2005

In this paper, absolute and differential eddy current signals from various defects in the steam generator tube are numerically predicted and their signal slope characteristics are investigated. The signal changes due to frequency increase are also observed. After studying signal patterns from various defects and frequencies, the analysis of mixed defect signals affected by the presence of a ferromagnetic support plate is attempted. For the signal prediction, axisymmetric finite element modeling is used and this leads us to the slope angle analysis of the signal. Results show that differential signals are useful for locating the position of a defect under the support plate, while absolute signals are easy to presume and interpret even though the effect of support plate is mixed. Combined use of these two types of signals will help us accomplish a more reliable inspection.

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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• 1998.07g
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• pp.2433-2435
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• 1998

원자력발전소의 증기발생기는 기능상으로도 중요한 역할을 하지만 증기발생기 내의 전열관 손상이나 누설은 바로 방사능 누출의 원인이 되므로 원자력 발전소의 안전성 측면에서 보면 매우 중요한 설비이다. 따라서, 증기발생기 전열관은 정기보수시 마다 전열관 각각에 대해 비파괴검사의 일종인 와전류검사(Eddy Current Testing, ECT)를 통해 건전성을 평가하고 있다. 현재는 신호를 취득하고 평가하는 업무가 별개의 기관에서 수행하고 있으며 이를 위해 현장에 관련 인력과 장비가 이동되어야 한다. 그러나, 취득한 신호를 평가자가 on-line으로 받을 수 있고 그 결과를 이용하여 즉시 피드백이 가능하다면 평가기관의 인력은 현장에 있지 않더라도 평가가 가능하다. 그러므로, 원격 평가 환경을 구축한다는 것은 평가자가 굳이 현장에 가지 않더라도 지역에 상관없이 LAN을 활용하여 전국 어디서든 평가가 가능하도록 하고자 함에 있다.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.137-144
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• 2009

In this paper, the signal analysis of eddy current array probe was performed to analyze the electromagnetic characteristics with the variation of FBH(flat bottomed hole) defects size on steam generator tube in NPP(nuclear power plants) using the electromagnetic finite element method. To obtain the electromagnetic characteristic of probes, the governing equation was derived from Maxwell's equations, and the individual problem was analyzed by using the 3-dimensional finite element method. For the simulation FBH defects were used. The depth of FBH defects were 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of steam generator(SG) tube thickness, and it was assumed that the defects were located on the tube outside. And the operation frequencies of 100 kHz, 300 kHz and 400 kHz were used. Material of specimen was Inconel 600 which is usually used for SG tubes in NPP. The signal difference could be observed according to the size variation of depth of FBH defects and operation frequencies. The results in this paper can be helpful when the ECT(eddy current testing) signals from EC array probe are evaluated and analyzed.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2004

Model-based inversion tools for eddy current signals have been developed by combining neural networks and finite element modeling, for quantitative flaw characterization in steam generator tubes. In the present work, interpretation of experimental eddy current signals was carried out in order to validate the developed inversion tools. A database was constructed using the synthetic flaw signals generated by the finite element model. The hybrid neural networks composed of a PNN classifier and BPNN size estimators were trained using the synthetic signals. Experimental eddy current signals were obtained from axisymmetric artificial flaws. Interpretation of flaw signals was conducted by feeding the experimental signals into the neural networks. The interpretation was excellent, which shows that the developed inversion tools would be applicable to the Interpretation of real eddy current signals.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.288-294
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• 2016

This paper aims to compare the ability to detect notch defects existing in the plate and welded area using a flexible ECA (eddy current array) probe with OmniScan MX and MS-5800E. The characteristics of signals with various frequencies and lift-offs were also compared. As a result, when signals of frequencies 500, 1000, and 1500 kHz were used, the amplitude of the signal increased, as the depth of the notch increased, but reduced linearly in accordance with the lift-off variation. In addition, the detection sensitivity of the weld defect was found to be closely related to the contact surface of the probe and specimen. In this paper, it was demonstrated that the detection sensitivity was excellent when the contact surface of the probe and the specimen was sufficient, but it was poor when the contact surface was insufficient.