FIELD: nuclear physics. ^ SUBSTANCE: invention relates to checking outward appearance of nuclear reactor fuel rods at the end of a manufacturing cycle. The device for checking outward appearance of nuclear reactor fuel rods has optical apparatus. These apparatus include at least one camera and are connected to an image reading and processing system. This system can detect presence of geometric defects on each examined fuel rod. The device additionally contains a controlled profilometer. The method of checking the outward appearance of nuclear reactor fuel rods involves two stages. Geometric defects are first detected on each examined fuel rod using optical apparatus. Right after detection of a geometrical defect, its depth is measured using the profilometer. ^ EFFECT: possibility of faster checking rods, since there is possibility of determining presence and depth of defects without scanning the entire surface with a profilometer. ^ 18 cl, 6 dwg
