Influence of gamma radiation on the electrical and mechanical properties of on-board systems cables
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20998/2074-272X.2026.1.10Keywords:
on-board systems, unshielded cable with unshielded twisted pairs, optical cable, absorbed dose of gamma radiation, polyethylene insulation, electrical capacitance, aramid yarns, waterproof compound, mechanical tensile strength, radiation resistanceAbstract
Introduction. Electrical and fiber-optic cables of on-board systems for transmitting monitoring, control and communication signals are increasingly used in nuclear power plants, aircraft systems and military applications. Such operating conditions are characterized by an increased level of ionizing radiation compared to the background: from 10 kGy in space applications to 1 GGy in the corium of a nuclear reactor. Problem. The resistance of polymer insulation to the action of ionizing radiation is determined on the basis of mechanical, thermophysical, physicochemical indicators that reflect the local characteristics of the polymer insulation of electrical cables. Modern special radiation-resistant optical fibers are capable of operating under the action of gamma radiation with a dose of 1 MGy. To ensure mechanical strength and protection of the optical fiber from moisture, high-strength structural elements and hydrophobic fillers are used in the optical cable. The goal of the work consists in establishing the effect of gamma radiation on unshielded cables with unshielded twisted pairs and optical cables with the determination of the dynamics of changes in the electrical properties of polyethylene insulation of conductors and mechanical properties of aramid yarns with a water-blocking coating, respectively. Methodology is based on the determination of the change in the electrical capacitance of each of the 8 polyethylene-insulated twisted pair conductors and the mechanical tensile strength of Kevlar yarns with a water-blocking compound, compared to the un-irradiated state, depending on the absorbed dose of gamma radiation of 100 kGy, 200 kGy and 300 kGy when processing samples of electrical and optical cables in the cobalt-60 (Cо60) installation. Scientific novelty consists in establishing the criterion for achieving the critical state of polymeric polyethylene insulation of insulated conductors and the effect of the influence of a water-blocking coating with ultra-high absorption capacity on the mechanical strength of aramid yarns under the action of gamma radiation on samples of an electric cable in a protective sheath of polyvinyl chloride plastic compound and an optical cable in a protective sheath based on a polymer fire-resistant composition, respectively. Practical value is qualified by the range of radiation resistance of structural elements to ensure the operational functionality and efficiency of cables of on-board systems under the action of gamma radiation. References 50, tables 3, figures 6.
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