Optimization of Eddy-Current Probes for Detection of Garter Springs in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors

One of the major safety concerns about pressurized heavy water reactors is the assurance requirement that the circular garter springs that surround pressure tubes remain at their specified locations. The eddy-current nondestructive method gives a timely warning when a significant displacement of garter springs occurs. The finite element method is used extensively to model eddy-current phenomena. Since a garter spring is an axisymmetric discontinuity, a two-dimensional finite element method is used to optimize eddy-current probe design parameters for the above application.