Use of ultrasonic velocity for measurement of density of sintered fuel pellets

Abstract

The possibility of using ultrasonic wave velocity measurements for monitoring sintered density of nuclear fuel pellets has been explored. The variation of longitudinal ultrasonic velocity in sintered uranium dioxide pellets in the range of 89-96% of theoretical density has been studied using an ultrasonic thickness/velocity meter. The longitudinal wave velocity has been correlated with the density of sintered uranium dioxide pellets. The possible applications of this nondestructive evaluation technique in the quality control of nuclear fuels is discussed.