Applying micro-computed tomography for porosity analysis of polypropylene modified with microspheres

Porosity of polypropylene samples was investigated by applying X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), which is getting more and more popular as a non-destructive method. Microspheres were applied as a blowing agent at three concentrations: 3%, 6% and 9% by weight. Tensile testing specimens were obtained by injection molding technology and its central, measuring part were examined by micro – CT. Results were compared to porosity calculated based on difference in porous and solid material density. Pore size distribution curves were discussed as well.

Stress Analysis of the Lower Head of Central Measuring Shroud Under Thermal Striping and Thermal Shock Conditions

The central measuring shroud, as an important in-vessel component, provides guidance and protection for control rods and measuring equipment in a sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR). The lower head of central measuring shroud (LHCMS), which is located above the core outlet, is only 500mm away from the core outlet. Therefore, the LHCMS is affected by the liquid sodium from core outlet for a long period, especially the temperature effects of the following two types. On the one hand, under the operating condition of the SFRs, the uneven distribution of the core power causes the phenomenon of thermal striping, which may cause high cycle fatigue and even initial crack. On the other hand, under the scram condition, the coolant temperature at the core outlet is sharply reduced due to the decrease of the core power, inducing the phenomenon of thermal shock that may cause large thermal stress and low cycle fatigue. Therefore, stress and fatigue analyses of the LHCMS under the thermal striping and thermal shock conditions are very necessary. In the paper, finite element model of the LHCMS was first established, and then according to the temperature curves under thermal striping conditions and thermal shock conditions, the thermal stress of the LHCMS was simulated. The results showed that although the temperature fluctuation outside the LHCMS is severe, the stress caused by thermal striping only slightly fluctuates at 123MPa level, the maximum stress range is 11MPa. Besides, at 20s, there exists the maximum stress difference between thermal striping and thermal shock conditions, the maximum stress caused by thermal shock is about 3 time larger than that caused by thermal striping. According to high cycle and low cycle fatigue analyses, the fatigue damage factor of thermal striping is only 0.0078, while the fatigue damage factor of thermal shock is 3.416, which should provide a reference for the design of the LHCMS.