Nondestructive Testing of NITE-SiC Ceramics for Fusion Reactor Application

Abstract

Ultrasonic test (UT) method is a suitable one for examining the inherent structural defects such as pores and cracks of SiC/SiC composites. In this study, the examination sensitivity limit of UT method based on computerized tomography (C-Scan inspection) was performed by inserting an artificial defect in SiC ceramics material. The artificial defect was simulated interface defect of SiC/SiC composites. A right triangle artificial defect that has approximately 100 μm of thickness was made. The UT inspection was performed in axial and planar direction to investigate the measurement limit of width and depth. The applied transducers were focused-immersion type. The used frequencies ranges were 50 and 80 MHz. The detection limit was decided compare with results of microscope. The reflected intensity of 50% can be reliable value in detection of defects. © Springer 2010.