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U.S. Department of Energy
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AIRCRAFT NUCLEAR PROPULSION PROJECT QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDING MARCH 10, 1953

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4745448· OSTI ID:4745448

The Aircraft Reactor Experiment No. 1 is described and discussed. Tests of valves, seals, pumps, etc., are described. Preliminary results with an ARE fuel circuit mockup are reported. The following studies on the Aircraft Reactor Experiment No. 2 (reflector-moderated, circulating-fuel reactor) are reported: static physics of the reactor, including the effect on core size and the use of various materials in the core and reflector; the results of critica1 experiments; mechanical design envisioned and developmental work initiated to provide a basis for the detailed design of a full-scale reactor; and the shielding work to date. Fast neutron removal cross sections were determined for Al, Be, Cu, Fe, LiF, and W. Air scattering experiments in the Bulk Shielding Reactor are described. The time decays of neutrons and gamma rays from the Bulk Shieiding Reactor for 0 to 6 hours after shutdown are shown. The status of the Tower Shielding Facility is discussed. Research on fused-fluoride systems concerned with purifying and preparing ARE fuel and iuel carrier is reported. Corrosion characteristics of various fluoride mixtures are discussed. Metallurgy and ceramics research includes: the fabrication of various reactor components for use at high temperatures; creep rupture tests of structural metals; development of special alloys, cermets, and ceramic coatings; and tests of welding and brazing alloys. Control and safety rod inserts for the GE reactor and Tower Shielding Facility are described. Physical property measurements of various fluoride mixtures and heat transfer studies of experimental systems as well as aircraft components are described. Chemical, petrographic, and x-ray diffraction studies of impurities, corrosion products, and constituents of reactor fuels are reported. (L.M.T.)

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
NSA Number:
NSA-17-007606
OSTI ID:
4745448
Report Number(s):
ORNL-1515
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English