HYDRAULIC CHARACTERISTICS OF HNPF 8-ROD FUEL ELEMENT
Pressure drop and vibration characteristics were determined for an 8-rod fuel element model of the design intended for use with uranium carbide (UC) in the Hallam Nuclear Power Facility (HNPF). Measurements with water as the test fluid were converted to equivalent values for sodium, the HNPF coolant, using the principles of dimensional similitude. Initially UC elements will be concluded in an HNPF core loading comprised primarily of 19-rod U-Mo fuel elements. In this core loading, the UC fuel element requires 17.5 lb/sec of sodium coolant at a core pressure drop of 11 psi. The measured fuel element pressure drop ranged from 0.27 to 5.8 psi over the sodium flow range from 3.5 to 17.4 lb/sec. The existing HNPF variable orifice can adjust flow for this fuel element over the range from 5.7 to 21 lb/sec at a core pressure drop of 11 psi. No significant vibration of the fuel rods was induced by the flow of water. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Atomics International. Div. of North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, Calif.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(11-1)-GEN-8
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-035147
- OSTI ID:
- 4673380
- Report Number(s):
- NAA-SR-7475
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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