Assessing manufacturing defects in ceramic composites with both simulated and experimental synchrotron computed tomography

Non-destructive testing using X-ray computer tomography (XCT) has been used to assess the applicability of visualising ceramic kernels held within a dissimilar ceramic matrix. Simulations were performed to ascertain the feasibility of CT scans of such samples, and optimise the scanning parameters offline. Corresponding experiments were carried out to assess the defects in the structure that exist as a result of manufacturing methods in zirconium diboride (ZrB2) kernels held within a zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) matrix material. Ceramic–ceramic matrix composites are garnering a great deal of interest in a number of applications, including as nuclear fuels for high temperature gas reactors and the methodology presented has potential to be of use in assessing the position and state of pellets incorporated into a ceramic matrix, whilst being able to detect features such as cracks, porosity and interfaces between kernels and the matrix. Computer modelling of the composites supports the experimental observations and has been used to assess the plausibility of assessing a higher density of kernels held within a ceramic matrix that will support ongoing work, whilst highlighting a valid method for periodical assessment of fuel manufacturing processes.