Possibilities of noise analysis for the purpose of early detection of damage in natrium-cooled fast breeder reactors

The basic possibilities of early detection of damage by means of noise analysis in fast breeder reactors emerge from an observation of the development of damage and from the nature of the noise analysis on the one hand. On the other hand, parallels between thermal breeders and fast breeder reactors permit a partial application of investigation results and practical conclusions with regard to the possibilities of early detection of damage for both types of reactors. All things considered, specific investigations of experimental quick breeder reactors and on fuel element models, as well as theoretical examinations on failures relevant to safety, have provided explicit proof that the noise analysis has great potential for the early detection of damage in the quick breeder reactors of the future. Provisions have already been made for reactor monitoring systems based on the noise analysis to be included in the French Superphenix reactors now under construction. (orig./DG)