High-temperature irradiation-resistant thermocouple instability model for in-pile reactor use

This article presents an instability model for the high-temperature irradiation-resistant thermocouple (HTIR-TC). Here term defines superposition of both drift and inhomogeneity TC thermoelements occurring simultaneously. The HTIR-TC is advanced (TC) that uses refractory metals niobium molybdenum as sensing generating electromotive force (EMF) in a field neutrons at temperatures upward 1,600°C. In Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) 5/6/7 tests conducted Idaho National Laboratory’s Test (ATR), HTIR-TCs showed low to moderate throughout life test. reveals can, when operating temperature reactor fuel normal, maintain performance 18-month refueling cycle typical nuclear power plants, reflecting less than ±1%. also qualified incorporation into test fixture during testing new fuels.