Solution of an inverse thermal problem by an analytical and impulse response method. Application to the determination of parietal temperature fluctuations inside a pipe

The solution of an inverse heat conduction problem (estimation of parietal temperature fluctuations inside a pipe from external measurements) using transfer functions is proposed. An analytical method and impulse response technique are studied, compared and tested for a pressurized water reactor (PWR) pipe, in working conditions favourable to thermal striping. The study shows the advantages of thermal stress measurements in comparison with temperature measurements for greater efficiency in the inverse method and gives proof of the greater suitability of the impulse response technique for complex geometries. (author)