The behaviour of weldable strain gauges under nuclear reactor core conditions

Electrical resistance strain gauges are a very useful tool to measure mechanical parameters such as deformation, stress, dynamic strain, vibration, etc. This paper presents our experience with strain gauges in nuclear reactor environments. ture of nuclear applications and the desirable characteristics of nuclear strain gauges are discussed. Several in-reactor experiments featuring the use of strain gauges are described. The behaviour of weldable strain gauges under intense nuclear radiation is discussed. Experimental results and techniques for the successful applications of strain gauges in nuclear environments are presented. concluded that weldable stain gauges can be used successfully under the very hostile conditions of nuclear reactor cores if appropriate procedures are followed.