Nondestructive Characterization of Neutron Induced Embrittlement in Nuclear Pressure Vessel Steel Microstructure by Using Electromagnetic Testing
By using nuclear power for energy generation the pr essure vessel wall is exposed to neutron fluences of different levels depending on the distance to th e core. Hence materials undergo a change in their microstructure in terms of embrittlement, to be mea sured as toughness reduction and shift of the Ductile-to-Brittle Transition Temperature (DBTT) to higher temperatures. Normally plant safety concerning this change in mic rostructure is assured by destructively testing surveillance samples. These are standard te nsile and ISO V-specimen which consist of exactly the same material as the pressure vessel and its we ld metal, being exposed to accelerated irradiation rates within special irradiation channels allowing a pronounced ageing. It is demonstrated that electromagnetic parameters allow to characterize the changes in the microstructure generated through neutron irradiatio n. After a defined calibration process a quantitative characterization of the embrittlement specially in terms of the shift of the DBTT is possible. This has been demonstrated for reactor pr essu e vessel steels used in nuclear power plants o f eastern and western designs. As testing methods 3MA ( icromagnetic, Multiparameter, Microstructure and stress A nalysis) [1] and the dynamic magnetostriction using EMAT (Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers) have been applied in a nondestructive c ombination measurement system. Further experiments show the possibility to measure 3MA and dynamic magnetostriction quantities through an 8 mm thick austenitic stainle ss steel cladding.
Micromagnetic Testing for Rolled Steel
In forming of steel by hot and cold rolling a broad range of semi-finished and final products can be produced with very specific, custom-tailored technological properties. Here, the characteristics of mechanical-technological tests (tensile, hardness, creep, fatigue test) are often of central importance. Obviously the traditionally process orientated steel industry has a strong interest to replace timeconsuming and expensive destructive mechanical tests by non-destructive (nd) methods, which can be applied in closed vicinity or even integrated within the production process. Micro-magnetic testing, i.e. nd material characterization with electromagnetic methods is generally suited for this purpose, because the mechanical properties of a ferromagnetic material and its intrinsic magnetic properties are influenced by the same microstructure parameters. Furthermore the micro-magnetic measuring parameters are sensitive to load-induced and residual stresses. The so called 3MA technique (Multiparameter Micromagnetic Microstructure and stress Analyzer) is a combination of four micro-magnetic methods. After calibration it allows to predict mechanical properties like tensile, yield strength and hardness but also residual stresses in steels. Recently, applications of this technique for different testing tasks in steel industry have been investigated in three research projects, funded by the former European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). A first project was concerned in the improved non-destructive determination of mechanical properties of cold rolled and recrystallising annealed sheet steel. In this context a fully automated 3MA testing system for in-line determination of tensile and yield strength in moving steel strips was implemented in a hot dip galvanizing line. Task of a second project was the determination of mechanical properties in heavy plates. For this purpose a 3MA system was integrated in a remotely controllable testing trolley, which can be applied in a rolling conveyor. Finally in a third ECSC project it was analyzed, if the extension of 3MA by a Dynamic Magnetostriction module allows to precisely monitoring internal stresses in strip and plate.
Heritage Sites of Astronomy and Archaeoastronomy in the context of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention: A Thematic Study
"Following the publication of the first ICOMOS–IAU Thematic Study (“TS1”) in 2010, the IAU requested its Working Group on Astronomy and World Heritage to develop particular case studies in greater detail, so as to explore further and clarify some of the key issues highlighted in TS1 that can arise in the particular case of astronomical heritage sites. In doing so, it would further encourage and aid State Parties in the development of nominations. In collaboration with ICOMOS, nine “extended case studies” were duly prepared for discussion at a workshop held at Mount Cook, New Zealand, in June 2012 and presented at the IAU General Assembly in August of that year. 
 
A particularly complex issue is the recognition and protection of dark skies. Dark sky areas cannot in themselves be considered as potential World Heritage Sites, but a thematic chapter by Michel Cotte considers a range of ways in which dark sky values can be interrelated with broader cultural or natural values of a place and thereby contribute to its overall cultural or natural value and potential OUV. Other issues explored in TS2 include the need to balance archaeoastronomical considerations in the context of broader archaeological and cultural values; the potential for serial nominations, for example among groups of monuments whose astronomical significance is only evident from the group as a whole; and management issues such as preserving the integrity of astronomical sightlines through the landscape. 
 
The case studies included in TS2 include seven-stone antas (prehistoric dolmens) in Portugal and Spain, the thirteen towers of Chankillo in Peru, the astronomical timing of irrigation in Oman, Pic du Midi de Bigorre Observatory in France, Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and Aoraki–Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand. A case study on Stonehenge, already a World Heritage Site, focuses on preserving the integrity of the solstitial sightlines." 
 
Source: UNESCO portal to the heritage of astronomy