The primary objective of this U.S.-Hungary cooperative research project between Dr. Thomas Kerlin and Dr. Janox Valko of the Central Research Institute for Physics, Budapest, is to draw upon long-term output data from several hundred instrument channels of a Hungarian Paks pressurized water reactor to determine baseline behavior of the power plant. The researchers intend to consider these data along with those of a reactor noise diagnostic system to further advance signal processing techniques useful in monitoring plant subsystems and detecting maloperation. The expected theoretical and implementable results of this collaboration should yield new information on: 1) behavior of reactor process signals; 2) cause of variations in plant signatures; 3) use of signal fluctuating components for instrument fault monitoring; and 4) use of non-invasive tests for component surveillance and preventive maintenance. This project in engineering systems fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and pool research resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.
