Infrared NDT of electrical fuel pin simulators used in LMFBR thermal hydraulic tests

1) regions of abnormal density in the heater core-to-clad insulator, 2) displacement of the heater core away from center, 3) flaws or thinning in the heater core that would cause localized abnormal heat production, 4) thinning and some other types of cladding flaws, and 5) defects in the braze joint between the copper cold ends'' and the nichrome core. Thermal analyses, destructive analyses, and improved performance of the simulators have shown that the infrared nondestructive test results are valid. (auth)