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Post-test analysis of TRAN-1 and TRAN-2 final-fuel distributions

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6031413

The phenomena of freezing and plugging of molten core materials in the blanket structure determines whether an LMFBR enters the transition phase in a CDA. In the TRAN series of in-pile experiments, UO/sub 2/ fuel is melted and raised to the desired initial temperature T/sub F/ using neutronic heating in the Annular Core Research Reactor. The melt is then forced upward by an applied pressure P/sub D/ into a steel freezing channel preheated to a temperature T/sub S/. Two such experiments have been performed, in which fuel penetration much farther into the channel was observed, than would be expected based on several current models. Post-test examination has revealed the thickness and relative uniformity of the fuel layer, the absence of steel melting in TRAN-1, and the presence of both fractured and molten fuel beyond the end of the freezing channel. The final fuel distributions in TRAN-1 and TRAN-2 are similar.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6031413
Report Number(s):
SAND-81-1673C; CONF-811103-13; ON: DE81026611
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English