Abstract A system is disclosed which employs the energy imparted to a metal specimen by impact to detect both the rate and energy with which impacts occur. The impact energy is detected by a sensor, at the resonant frequency of a metal specimen, which provides an output representative thereof. The output of the sensor is processed to provide a first and second signal respectively corresponding to the rate and energy with which impacts occur. The energy of each impact is transformed into a pulsed output having an amplitude proportional to the impact energy level. A bandpass filter further refines the system to pass only those signals within the frequency range characteristic of metal impact; thus eliminating background noise which might otherwise obscure the impact response. Additional peak detecting means associated with the second signal provides an indication of the maximum impact energy sustained by the metal specimen over a predetermined period of time.
In combination with an apparatus operating in its intended environment, an on-line monitor for measuring impacts produced on a metal component of the apparatus during the normal operation thereof comprising: a sensor affixedly coupled to the metal component and operable to provide an electrical output representative of the impact energy imparted to the component at the resonant frequency of the component from an extrinsic source existing within the apparatus and impacting on the component during its operation; means associated with said sensor output for providing a first signal representative of the rate at which impacts occur; and means associated with said sensor output for providing a second signal representative of the impact energy level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
In combination with an apparatus operating in its intended environment, an on-line monitor for measuring impacts produced on a metal component of the apparatus during the normal operation thereof comprising: a sensor affixedly coupled to the metal component and operable to provide an electrical output representative of the impact energy imparted to the component at the resonant frequency of the component from an extrinsic source existing within the apparatus and impacting on the component during its operation; means associated with said sensor output for providing a first signal representative of the rate at which impacts occur; and means associated with said sensor output for providing a second signal representative of the impact energy level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The monitor of claim 1 including means associated with said sensor output for filtering out background noise attributed in part to vibrations of the component encountered during operation of the apparatus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The monitor of claim 1 wherein said second signal comprises a pulsed output having an amplitude proportional to the impact energy level.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The monitor of claim 1 including means associated with said sensor output for indicating the maximum impact energy over a predetermined period of time.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The monitor of claim 1 wherein the metal component comprises the external metal enclosure confining the primary coolant of a nuclear reactor steam generating system and said source comprises metal debris suspended within the primary coolant of the reactor system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The monitor of claim 5 wherein said sensor includes a bandpass filter which limits the response of said sensor to a frequency band between 2 kilohertz and 6 kilohertz.