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U.S. Department of Energy
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AIRCRAFT NUCLEAR PROPULSION PROJECT QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 10, 1952

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4153111

ABS>The most significant ARE modification was the completion of the off- gas system design. Progress is repeated on valves, pumps, instrumentation, and other compcnents of the fluoride-fuel and reflector-coolant circuits. A rotameter-type flowmeter and the modified Moore Nullmatic pressure transmitter were tested. The heattransfer coefficient of a sodium-to-air radiator was increased by 20%. General design studies include a performance sthdy on a Sapphire turbojet engine. Reactor physics studies include those of oscillations in a circulating fuel reactor, a technique for reactor calculations, and the temperature-dependence of a cross section exhibiting a resonance. Measurements in several criticalily tests are reponted. The research on fused-fluoride systems led to selection of the fuel and charging technique for ARE. Continued study of the corrosion characteristics of ZrF/sub 4/ bearing mixtures, hydroxides, and liquid metals is reported. Metallurgy and ceramics research includes work on development of spherical solid fuel elements, creep rupture tests of structural metal; welding and brazing techniques; and cermets and cersmic coatings. Heat transfer and physical properties of several fluoride mixtures were studied. Hadiation damage studies include irradiation of fluoride fuel samples, in-pile sodium-loop measurements, and in-pile creep measurements. Chemical, spectrographic, and petrographic identification of various impurities, corrosion products, and reduction products are reported. (For preceding period see ORNL-1375.) (J.R.D.)

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn. Page(s): 156
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
NSA Number:
NSA-14-018645
OSTI ID:
4153111
Report Number(s):
ORNL-1439(Del.)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English