This work studied the feasibility of digitalizing the analog Ex-Core Neutron Flux Monitoring System (ENFMS) being used for APR1400 nuclear power plants (NPPs) and as to which strategies and steps must be taken. A fission chamber neutron flux detection and instrumentation model were designed. Its accuracy was evaluated and proven by comparing the model data with data gathered from tests and plant operations. A conceptual design was proposed through a combined structure that digitalizes only part of the system. The detector signal pre-amplification remains in analog form while the other functions such as reactor power calculation as well as signal conditioning and processing will be digitalized. Simulations showed that the true mean squared voltage (MSV) of the digitalized ENFMS maintained a linear relationship between real and estimated reactor power in the wide range compared to averaged magnitude squared value of analog ENFMS. Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) was also utilized for estimating reactor power and reactor period from measurement signals that are contaminated with gamma ray interaction and electric noise. This study proved that the ENFMS can be successfully digitalized as proposed wherein all functional and performance requirements are satisfied. Simulations results demonstrated that the functions and performance can be improved through the use of digital processing algorithms such as EKF and MSV.

We propose a novel clustering algorithm using fast global kernel fuzzy c-means-F (FGKFCM-F), where F refers to kernelized feature space. This algorithm proceeds in an incremental way to derive the...

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents one modality in atherosclerosis risk assessment, by permitting the classification of carotid plaques into either high- or low-risk lesions. Although MRI is generally used for observing the impact of atherosclerosis on vessel lumens, it can also show both the size and composition of itself, as well as plaque information, thereby providing information beyond that of simple stenosis. Software systems are a valuable aid in carotid artery stenosis assessment wherein commercial software is readily available but is not accessible to all practitioners because of its often high cost. This study focuses on the development of a software system designed entirely for registration, marking, and 3D visualization of the wall and lumen, using freely available open-source tools and libraries. It was designed to be free from “feature bloat” and avoid “feature-creep.” The image loading and display module of the modified QDCM library was improved by a minimum of 10,000%. A Bezier function was used in order to smoothen the curve of the polygon (referring to the shape formed by the marked points) by interpolating additional points between the marked points. This smoother curve led to a smoother 3D view of the lumen and wall.