Abstract: An instrument for determining thermal diffusivity of disc shaped opaque solid or quasi solid materials using a high intensity short duration flash of light from a single LED, a planar LED array, or laser diode source is disclosed. This instrument comprises an axially and radially indexed cylindrical sample holder able to accommodate a plurality of test samples and sequentially bring them into a designated testing position to expose one face of each sample to the flash of light while the obverse face of the disc is observed by a temperature measuring device, for the purpose of recording the attendant thermal excursion. An improved calculating method, based on empirical data observed during each test, is used for calculating thermal diffusivity.

Abstract: An instrument for determining thermophysical properties of a solid sample of uniform thickness is disclosed. The instrument comprises a furnace, an elliptical mirror outside the furnace, a light source at one focus of the elliptical mirror that is closest to the elliptical mirror, a beam guide having one end at the other focus of the elliptical mirror and the other end inside the furnace, a sample holder inside the furnace capable of holding at least two diffusivity samples with the front and back surface of a sample exposed, an indexing system for moving the sample holder so as to place samples held by the sample holder in the path of light leaving the beam guide, and an infrared detector for quantifying changes in the temperature of the back surface of a sample that is in the path of the light. Methods for determining the thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, density, and temperature of a sample using this instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring the deviation from a straight line of an elongated passage having opposing sides. The apparatus comprises a member sufficiently bendable and sufficiently large that it can pass through the passage in contact with both of the sides of the passage. Included is a means for measuring the amount that the member bends as it passes through the passage, means for moving the member through the passage between its opposing sides, and means to indicate, collect, and analyze the resultant electrical signals. The apparatus is most useful in measuring and locating deformations in the tubes of the steam generators of nuclear reactors.

Abstract: A table for use in a hot cell or similar controlled environment for use in examining specimens. The table has a movable table top that can be moved relative to a table frame. A shaft is fixedly mounted to the frame for axial rotation. A shaft traveler having a plurality of tilted rollers biased against the shaft is connected to the table top such that rotation of the shaft causes the shaft traveler to roll along the shaft. An electromagnetic drive is connected to the shaft and the frame for controllably rotating the shaft.