Application of neutron imaging plate and neutron CT methods on nuclear fuels and materials

Yasuda, Ryo; Matsubayashi, Masahito  ; Nakata, Masahito; Harada, Katsuya ; Amano, Hidetoshi; Sasajima, Fumio; Nishi, Masahiro; Horiguchi, Yoji

Neutron radiography is useful to inspect macroscopic change in nuclear fuels before and after irradiation. We have been investigated the practicality of neutron imaging plate and neutron CT methods for the inspection of the spent fuels. A fresh UO2 fuel rod was examined by those methods. The test results of those samples are available to develop the system of those methods for the spent fuels and to determine the specifications of the system. Some good images of those samples are obtained by those examinations. The shape of the pellets in the fuel rod is clearly recognized in the image. Those images are analyzed to estimate the size of some parts in the fuel pellets.