Acoustic instrumentation of the new generation of MTR: effect of nuclear radiation on modified Bismuth Titanate piezoelectric elements

Abstract

In this article we present a first part of the results obtained during an irradiation campaign conducted at the Jozef Stefan Institute to observe the behaviour of piezoelectric materials under gamma and neutron flux. Specific instrumentation has been developed and has enabled the monitoring throughout the irradiation of several materials such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or modified Bismuth Titanate (BiT) in either massive or thick film form. Various parameters such as resonance frequency, electromechanical coupling coefficient, electrical capacitance, dielectric losses were measured as a function of the flow and dose received. The results obtained confirm that the samples work up to doses of 10 18 n°/cm2 and that the behaviour of the samples varies according to their composition and form.

Keywords

• harsh environment
• ultrasonic sensors
• material test reactor
• piezoelectric materials
• radiation effects