EDDY-CURRENT CHECKING OF THE RESISTIVITY OF ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS

Using eddy-current structurescopes, we have studied the resistivity of domestic zirconium alloys used in nuclear reactors as cladding and ot her structural materials. The resistivity is demonstrated to be relate d to the chemical composition and other characteristics of the given a lloy. The temperature coefficient of resistivity is determined for var ious alloys and a method is proposed for using it to calibrate eddy-cu rrent structurescopes. The results of inspections of tubes used to cla d fuel elements of VVER water-moderated water-cooled reactors are repo rted.