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U.S. Department of Energy
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CRITICAL MASS AND CRITICAL SIZE OF THERMAL GAS COOLED PILES

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4355173
A theoretical treatment of the critical mass and critical size of gas cooled thermal reactors surrounded by reflectors is presented. Many graphs based upon this approach are included for cylindrical reactors having Be, BeO, and C moderators, having various fuels and enrichment, and having many average temperatures. Curves of power output, pumping power, neutron economy, weight of materials, and specific power can be superposed upon the graphs, and an optimum design may be chosen according to the relative importance of the various factors. (L.T.W.)
Research Organization:
Clinton Labs., Oak Ridge, Tenn.
NSA Number:
NSA-12-001079
OSTI ID:
4355173
Report Number(s):
MonN-389
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English