Doctoral Dissertations

Keywords and Phrases

Compressed sensing; Computed Tomography; Limited angle CT; Post Irradiation Examination; Sparse view CT

Abstract

The core components (e.g. fuel assemblies, spacer grids, control rods) of the nuclear reactors encounter harsh environment due to high temperature, physical stress, and a tremendous level of radiation. The integrity of these elements is crucial for safe operation of the nuclear power plants. The Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) can reveal information about the integrity of the elements during normal operations and off‐normal events. Computed tomography (CT) is a tool for evaluating the structural integrity of elements non-destructively. CT requires many projections to be acquired from different view angles after which a mathematical algorithm is adopted for reconstruction. Obtaining many projections is laborious and expensive in nuclear industries. Reconstructions from a small number of projections are explored to achieve faster and cost-efficient PIE. Classical reconstruction algorithms (e.g. filtered back projection) cannot offer stable reconstructions from few projections and create severe streaking artifacts. In this thesis, conventional algorithms are reviewed, and new algorithms are developed for reconstructions of the nuclear fuel assemblies using few projections. CT reconstruction from few projections falls into two categories: the sparse-view CT and the limited-angle CT or tomosynthesis. Iterative reconstruction algorithms are developed for both cases in the field of compressed sensing (CS). The performance of the algorithms is assessed using simulated projections and validated through real projections. The thesis also describes the systematic strategy towards establishing the conditions of reconstructions and finds the optimal imaging parameters for reconstructions of the fuel assemblies from few projections. "--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Lee, Hyoung Koo

Committee Member(s)

Liu, Xin (Mining & Nuclear Engr)
Mueller, Gary Edward, 1954-
Alajo, Ayodeji Babatunde
Moss, Randy Hays, 1953-

Department(s)

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Nuclear Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Idaho National Laboratory

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2015

Pagination

xv, 105 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographic references (pages 96-104).

Rights

© 2015 Muhammad Imran Khan Abir, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Nuclear fuel elements -- TestingNuclear power plants -- Quality controlTomography

Thesis Number

T 10748

Electronic OCLC #

921175720

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