PM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT--TASK 1.0--CORE 2 REFERENCE DESIGN REPORT

Technical Report · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1962

OSTI ID:4785656

Cox, T; Ellingsworth, K; Lightner, R

The reference design of Core 2, which is being designed primarily as a replacement core for the PM-1 and PM-3A nuclear power plants is described. In addition, the thermal and hydraulic capabilities were investigated; these indicated applicability of the core to higher powered PM-type plants. Core 2, like the first generation cores, utilizes fully enriched uranium-stainless steel fuel elements having a tubular configuration, and it is water moderated and water cooled. External dimensions are identical to those of the PM-1 Code 1, a diameter of 23.1 inches and an active length of 30 inches. Design criteria are discussed. Core nuclear and thermal performance was considerably improved over that of the earlier cores. Lifetime was increased from 18.7 to 26.8 Mw-yr. The core may be shut down cold, with one rod fully withdrawn. Throughout life, the shutdown margin under this condition exceeds 1% DELTA k/k. Thermal output of the core, with a flow rate of 2125 gpm and a mean temperature of 463 F, was increased from 10.4 to 29.7 Mw(t). Core mechanical design was somewhat simplified. The control rod guide rail was revised to provide additional cell locations within the core. The hydraulic resistance of the upper core grid plate was lowered to permit bulk boiling along the hotter fuel elements without compromising hydraulic stability. (auth)

• Research Organization: Martin-Marietta Corp. Aerospace Div., Baltimore
• NSA Number: NSA-16-034069
• OSTI ID: 4785656
• Report Number(s): MND-MD-2543
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BOILING
BURNUP
CONFIGURATION
CONTROL ELEMENTS
FLUID FLOW
FUEL ELEMENTS
HIGH TEMPERATURE
HYDRAULICS
LIFETIME
LIQUID FLOW
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
PERFORMANCE
PLANNING
PM-1
PM-3A
POWER PLANTS
PRESSURE
REACTOR CORE
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
SHUTDOWN
STABILITY
STAINLESS STEELS
THERMODYNAMICS
TUBES
URANIUM
USES
WATER COOLANT
WATER MODERATOR