Microelectronics Reliability, Vol. 81, PP. 22-30, February, 2018

Risk of Tin Whiskers in the Nuclear Industry


Chien-Ming Huanga, Daniel Nunezb, James Coburnc, and Michael Pecht a
a CALCE, Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20740, USA
b Department of Reliability Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
cFischell Department of Biongineering, University of Maryland, College Park, United States

Abstract:

This paper identifies tin whisker-related faults and failures that have been reported in the nuclear power industry and discusses the unique reliability and safety challenges faced by nuclear power plants. Specific areas of concern include supply chain and parts selection, fault reporting, regulations and measurement techniques, and the adoption of lead-free legislation. Issues of parts availability and obsolescence are also discussed. The paper concludes with strategies and recommendations that can be used to mitigate and manage risks from tin whiskers in the nuclear industry.

This article is available online here and to CALCE Consortium Members for personal review.



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