Listening for Trouble

[Marlin]

Listening for Trouble

https://www.engineering.pitt.edu/news/2026/listening-for-trouble/

[Core Content]

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and startup Sensible Photonics tested a fiber-optic acoustic-sensing system to detect cracking and corrosion in dry storage canisters for spent nuclear fuel. The technology underwent field testing at the Idaho National Laboratory, using high-frequency sensors to monitor acoustic vibrations. This capability helps operators identify structural flaws early, preventing potential failures in dry cask storage systems.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering have partnered with Pittsburgh startup Sensible Photonics, co-founded by Pitt professor Paul Ohodnicki, to develop a fiber-optic ultrasonic acoustic-sensing system that can detect corrosion and cracking in steel nuclear fuel storage canisters. From September 8 to 11, the...

"People tend to think about fiber-optics as a way to produce faster internet speeds, but it can be used to continuously monitor everything from bridges to batteries to nuclear waste," said Naeem, technical lead on the demonstrations and a research assistant professor in mechanical engineering and materials science. "We have developed and now demonstrated a system that can detect signals above 100 kilohertz, which can be retrofitted onto casks used to hold spent nuclear fuel. Most conventional...

Read the full article at engineering.pitt.edu:
https://www.engineering.pitt.edu/news/2026/listening-for-trouble/