Nondestructive evaluation of generator retaining rings

This program at the NDE Center is devoted to nondestructive evaluation techniques for generator retaining rings. Efforts in the retaining ring inspection program this year were directed toward reviewing and evaluating existing examination practices and other new and novel techniques. Realistic mockups of the rotor body at the retaining ring fit have been designed for two different retaining ring/rotor configurations. These will be assembled into the appropriate retaining rings for use in evaluating a variety of test techniques and eventually for use in a vendor qualification program. One assembly has been completed at this time. Modifications have been made to several EPRI-developed test systems, and support tools have been made to allow the use of these test systems for experimental retaining ring examinations using the mockups. The evaluation of these test systems and the evaluation of test methods and techniques currently being applied for retaining ring inspections will be completed by the end of this year