Monitoring microstructural evolution in irradiated steel with second harmonic generation

Kathryn H. Matlack, Jin Yeon Kim, James J. Wall, Jianmin Qu, Laurence J. Jacobs

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

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Material damage in structural components is driven by microstructural evolution that occurs at low length scales and begins early in component life. In metals, these microstructural features are known to cause measurable changes in the acoustic nonlinearity parameter. Physically, the interaction of a monochromatic ultrasonic wave with microstructural features such as dislocations, precipitates, and vacancies, generates a second harmonic wave that is proportional to the acoustic nonlinearity parameter. These nonlinear ultrasonic techniques thus have the capability to evaluate initial material damage, particularly before crack initiation and propagation occur. This paper discusses how the nonlinear ultrasonic technique of second harmonic generation can be used as a nondestructive evaluation tool to monitor microstructural changes in steel, focusing on characterizing neutron radiation embrittlement in nuclear reactor pressure vessel steels. Current experimental evidence and analytical models linking microstructural evolution with changes in the acoustic nonlinearity parameter are summarized.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication41st Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, Volume 34
EditorsDale E. Chimenti, Leonard J. Bond
Pages1570-1575
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780735412927
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Event41st Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, QNDE 2014 - Boise, United States
Duration: 20 Jul 201425 Jul 2014

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1650
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference41st Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, QNDE 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoise
Period20/07/1425/07/14

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