Qualification of beta beat-treatment of uranium fuel rods using ultrasonics

Qualification of heat treatment for engineering components is carried out b ased on assessment of microstructure and mechanical properties of coupons w hich are heat-treated along with the components. The underlying assumption in this approach is that components and coupons are subjected to identical thermal exposure, which may not always be true. Hence, there is a need to s tandardise a non-destructive rest method to qualify heat-treatments which c an be directly used an the components without affecting their serviceabilit y. Ultrasonic parameters viz, velocity, attenuation and backscatter amplitu de, were monitored on metallic uranium fuel rods at different stages of fab rication (for example cast, rolled and beta heat-treated). Results obtained indicate the feasibility of screening out properly heat-treated fuel rods based on ultrasonic characterisation.