A Bi-In-Sn eutectic multi-layer high temperature ultrasound transmitter with candle-soot nanoparticles for improved photoacoustic efficiency

There is a growing need for non-invasive structural health monitoring in extreme environments. For nuclear power plants, pressure and temperature sensing under hazardous environment plays an important role for coolant system safety and stability management. Current sensing methods are intrusive, and suffer from degradation in the plant environment, limited life cycle, and complicated repair and replacement procedures. In this paper, we present an advanced Bi-In-Sn liquid metal (LM) transducer with the addition of candle-soot nanoparticles (CSNP) for improved photoacoustic efficiency and a metallic stencil for control of the liquid metal layer thickness. The sensitivity of the liquid metal candle-soot nanoparticle (LM-CSNP) ultrasound transmitter was characterized under 2 mJ/cm(2) at 65 degrees C, and 6 mJ/cm(2) at 100 degrees C - 300 degrees C. Compared with existing LM transmitter, the newly presented transmitter showed a sensitivity 6.6 times stronger than previously reported LM only transmitter.

Automated summary

There is a growing need for non-invasive structural health monitoring in extreme environments, especially for nuclear power plants. Current methods for sensing pressure and temperature are intrusive and have limitations in terms of degradation, lifespan, and maintenance. This paper presents an advanced liquid metal transducer with the addition of candle-soot nanoparticles for improved efficiency and control of the liquid metal layer thickness. The newly presented transmitter showed significantly higher sensitivity compared to existing ones.