Use of the thin layer activation technique to measure on-line aeronautical components wear

The superficial activation technique was applied in order to study the phenomena odscaling at the level of a reactor bearing. The exterior path of the bearing roller was activated on its whole contact surface and to a depth of 80 μm, according to the reaction 56Fe(p, n)56Co. In spite of a very low rate of activation of 0.5 MBq, the first signs of scaling were detected 30 min before a notable rise in the vibratory level could be recorded. Then, the amount of scaled matter escaping from the outer ring of the roller could be followed continuously, with a precision of 0.2 mg. 5 refs., 7 figs