The understanding of the effects of ionising radiation on polymeric materials becomes more and more important for all the work related to dismantling, refurbishing, and decommissioning of nuclear installations.This is especially the case when robotic applications are used. The umbilical link between telemanipulator and control unit has to provide not only the electrical power for the manipulator, but also has to transfer all sensor data from the telemanipulator to the control unit and vice-versa. Is most cases these power and datalines are electrical lines, and the insulation of these cables is almost always some kind of polymer. Often some parts of the telemanipulator as well are of polymeric origin. The seals for lubrificating oils and the friction reducing parts are just a few of the possible examples of polymeric materials that are part of a telemanipulator. The different sensors that are used on the telemanipulator are often build with polymeric materials. Some types of sensors, such as force sensors require the use of a polymer to function properly. A change in the characteristics of the polymer due to radiation drastically changes the performance and the accuracy of the force sensor. Several other examples can be found, where the knowledge of the behaviour of the polymer in radiation environment is essential to provide proper and reliable functionality.
Original language | English |
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Place of Publication | Mol, Belgium |
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Publisher | SCK CEN |
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Number of pages | 27 |
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State | Published - Aug 1995 |
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Name | SCK CEN Reports |
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Publisher | SCK CEN |
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No. | BLG-689 |
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ISSN (Print) | 1379-2407 |
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