This report discusses the development of ultrasonic testing, acoustic microscopy, dye-enhanced radiography, holographic interferometry, and infrared scanning techniques for flaw detection in silicon carbide (SiC) heat-exchanger tubing. Both preservice and in-service testing requirements are discussed. An ultrasonic boreside probe and an acoustic microscope stage have been designed for continuous monitoring of SiC tubing. Preliminary results with these acoustic systems are presented. In addition, a novel technique for detecting small surface flaws using holographic interferometry is discussed. Fracture mechanics analysis suggests that detection of flaws on the order of 100 um is necessary to assure good reliability of ceramic heat exchangers. The acoustic and holographic techniques have been shown to be capable of detecting flaws of this size. However, the sensitivity of ultrasonic flaw detection in SiC is affected by the microstructure of the component. The practical considerations involved in the use of these techniques are discussed.

Quarterly report on the activities of the Argonne National Laboratory Materials Science Division regarding economical conversion of coal into clean and usable fuels through the use of durable materials systems. This project is designed to provide part of the materials information necessary for successful operation of coal-conversion systems.

A modified version of the LIFE-III code, LIFE-GCFR, and classical stress-analysis techniques have been used to calculate the stresses in the GCFR cladding under normal reactor operating conditions. Several types of loadings on the cladding that occur during normal operation have been considered. These include fuel-cladding mechanical interaction, thermal stresses induced by radial and axial temperature gradients, and swelling gradient-induced stresses. The combined and individual effects of these loadings, as well as the effect of creep on cladding stresses, have been assessed.

Quarterly report discussing fuel cell research and development work at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). This report describes efforts directed toward understanding and improving the components of moltencarbonate-electrolyte fuel cells operated at temperatures near 925 K.