• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.529-539
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• 2024

A high-level nuclear waste (HLW) repository is designed for the long-term disposal of high-level waste. Positioned at depths of 500-1000 meters, it offers an alternative to the insufficient storage space for spent fuels, providing a long-term solution. High-level waste emits heat and radiation, causing structural deterioration, including strength reduction and cracks. Therefore, the use of piezoelectric sensors for structural health monitoring is essential for evaluating the safety of the structure over time. Unlike other structures, the HLW repository restricts human access after the disposal of HLW, rendering sensor replacement impossible. Therefore, it is necessary to assess both the lifespan and suitability of sensors under the disposal conditions in the HLW repository. This study employed an accelerated life test (ALT) to assess the sensor's lifespan under disposal conditions. Failure modes, failure mechanisms, and operational limits were analyzed through accelerated stress test (AST). Additionally, the parameters of the Weibull life probability distribution and the Arrhenius accelerated life model were estimated through statistical methods, including the likelihood ratio test, maximum likelihood estimation, and hypothesis testing. Results confirmed that the sensor's lifespan decreases significantly with the increase in the temperature limit of the HLW repository. The findings of this study can be used for improving sensor lifespan through shielding, development of alternative sensors, or lifespan evaluation of alternative monitoring sensors.

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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• 2005.07a
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• pp.377-380
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• 2005

In this paper, accelerated stress test(AST) for Magnetic Switch (MS) are applied to assure specified reliability of the products. Magnetic contactor that functions with over-current relay is called MS. Magnetic contactor closes and opens the motor load with ON/OFF switch of electronic contactor. It is also used for protecting and controlling the load. Magnetic contactor detects the over-current flow in the load with a over-current relay and disconnects the load by opening its control power. In this study, AST for product assembly are developed in order to improve the weak point so that increase the product reliability. Also we will show the basic information for the accelerated life test(ALT). The proposed AST results and procedures may be extended and applied to testing similar kinds of products to reduce test times and costs of the tests remarkably. Finally the results of this study will contribute to improving reliability of products and strengthening competitiveness of our products in the world markets.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers P
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.462-466
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of a wire connector fabricated for the effective installation of a lighting fixture including its contact resistance, insulation resistance, withstanding voltage characteristics, etc., and to provide the basis for the analysis and judgment of PL(Product Liability) dispute by presenting a damage pattern due to a general flame and overcurrent. This study applied the Korean Standard (KS) for the incombustibility test of the connector using a general flame and performed an overcurrent characteristics test of the connector using PCITS (Primary Current Injection Test System). The contact resistance of the housing connector was measured using a high resistance meter and the insulation resistance was measured using a multimeter. In addition, a supply voltage of AC 1,500V for testing the withstanding voltage characteristics was applied to both ends of the connector. Measurement was performed on 5 specimens and the measured values were used as a basis for judgment. Since the connector is fabricated in the form of a housing, it can be connected and separated easily and has a structure that allows no foreign material to enter. In addition, since it has a structure that allows wires to be connected only when their polarity is identical, any misconnection that may occur during installation can be prevented. When the incombustibility test was performed by applying a general flame to the connector, it showed outstanding incombustibility characteristics and the blade and blade holder connected to the housing remained firmly secured even after the insulation sheath (PVC) was completely destroyed by fire. In addition, the mechanism of the damaged connecting wire showed a comparatively uniform carbonization pattern and it was found that some residual melted insulation material was attached to both ends. In the accelerated life test (ALT) to which approximately 500% of the rated current was applied, the connector damage proceeded in the order of white smoke generation, wire separation, spark occurrence and carbonization. That is, it could be seen that the connector damaged by overcurrent lost its own metallic color with traces of discoloration and carbonization. The contact resistance of the connector at a normal state was 2.164mV/A on average. The contact resistance measured after the high temperature test was 3.258mV/A. In addition, the insulation resistance after the temperature test was completed was greater than $10G\Omega$ and the withstanding voltage test result showed that no insulation breakdown occurred to all specimens showing stable withstanding voltage and insulation resistance characteristics.