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U.S. Department of Energy
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ARMY REACTORS PROGRAM PROGRESS REPORT

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4801397· OSTI ID:4801397
Research and development on metallurglcal aspects of pressurized-water systems is summarized. A survey was made of the methods of determining fuel burnup. The mechanisms and kinetics of the loss of boron during heating at 1135 deg C in various dynamic environments were determined. A model was developed to quantitatively characterize the UO/sup 2/ dispersion microstructure of roll-clad fuel plates relative to an ideal'' dispersion. In order to avoid the loss of boron from UO//sub 2/- stainless steel dispersion fuel plates during fabrication, studies were carried out on a refractory glass containing 4 wt.% B/sub 2/O/sub 3/. By using lowsilicon elemental powder, the undesirable reaction between Eu/sub 2/O/ sub 3/ and Si was eliminated; and 13 full-size SM-1 absorbers were fabricated. Work was continued on the borongradient neutron absorber concept. A design was studied for preparing a composite control rod having an upper section made of a boron-gradient dispersion and the lower tip made of Eu/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and stainless steel. Two fuel elements were examined after significant exposure in SM-1. The examination of the miniature boron-iron samples in the final phase of the MTR irradlation test was performed. Twelve miniature test specimens containing 20, 30, or 40 wt % Eu/sub 2/.O/sub 3/ were placed in the ETR for test. No defects were found in a control rod rack of 17-4 PH stainless steel removed after 3 years of operation in the SM-1. M.C.G.)
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
NSA Number:
NSA-16-011234
OSTI ID:
4801397
Report Number(s):
ORNL-3231
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English