Open AccessTHE PERFORMANCE OF A MOTOR, A SWITCH, AND TWO TYPES OF PRESSURE PICKUP IN A HIGH-GAMMA-FLUX ENVIRONMENT
Author(s) -
J.E. Ayer,
G. J. Pokorny
Publication year - 1961
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/4043781
Subject(s) - pickup , irradiation , materials science , radiation , condensation , quartz , gamma irradiation , radiochemistry , composite material , physics , chemistry , optics , nuclear physics , computer science , thermodynamics , artificial intelligence , image (mathematics)
To determine the effects of gamma radiation upon transducers, switches, and motors, two test assemblies were irradiated in the ANL Gamma Irradiation Facility at levels of 1.50 x 10/sup 5/to 2.10 x 10/sup 6/ rad/hr to a total dose of 1.0 x 10/sup 9/ rad. The components tested were a motor, a straingage pressure pickup, a quartz pressure pickup, and a high-temperature switch. The performances of the straingage pickup and snap switch were highly satisfactory over the test period. The quartz pickup, however, exhibited a sensitivity to radiation which rendered it ineffective for use in such an environment. Radiation damage to the motor was manifest as degradation of insulation, and evaporation and condensation of some of the products of degradation upon the walls of the test containment shell. As a result, the motor lost power, indicating a need for insulation more resistant to gamma radiation. Radistion damage to paints, varnish, grease, and conventional insu lations was noted, but the extent of this effect was not considered detrimental to the test. (auth