Effect of thermal neutron irradiation on thermocouples and resistance thermometers

ONE OF THE most important measurements in a nuclear power reactor is temperature. The accuracy and reliability with which temperature can be measured determines to a considerable extent the maximum power at which a nuclear reactor may be operated. An additional desirable requirement for the temperature measuring elements is that their accuracy and reliability be assured over the life of the reactor. After a review of the literature and discussions with individuals from various organizations, it appeared that adequate experimental data were not available for appraisal of the performance of temperature measuring elements in high nuclear fluxes and for long periods of time.