Feasibility Study of using Fiber Optical Sensor Technologies for Detecting Flow-induced Vibrations on Feeder Pipes

A nuclear reactor to a nuclear power plant is the same as the heart to a living human. Safe operation of the plant is directly related to the health of the reactor. Just as human heart where blood circulates through to deliver oxygen to the other parts of the body, coolant passes through the reactor core and distributes the heat to a other parts of the nuclear power plant to drive the turbine-generator for electricity generation. Similar to blood vessels (arteries and veins) in near the heart, there are many pipes connected to the reactor core. Just as our blood vessels, if there is a break or a blockage, the consequences are disastrous. In fact, it can cause a serious accident. The objective of this project is to explore new technologies based on fiber optic sensors to provide early detection of such events to improve the safety of nuclear power plants in Canada. This project will focus on literature review and feasibility studies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jing Jiang

Student:

Partner:

Kinectrics Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Energy and Utilities; Technology; Information and Communications Technology

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: