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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Reference critical experiments. Progress report, April 1, 1977--June 30, 1977

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7289534

Criticality measurements on plastic-reflected arrays of uranyl nitrate solution cylinders and similar measurements in a single minimally-reflected 50-cm-dia tank were performed, completing the experimental phase of Task 4. All of the Task 4 data are summarized, and the best corrected values for solution properties, cylinder dimensions, and critical height are given. Additional calculations to determine driver sizes for low-enriched oxide critical arrays with H/U = 1.5 have been performed, as well as calculations to determine H/U values required for undriven critical arrays. The method to be used for measuring H/U during the course of the experimental program is described, and preliminary results on achieving homogenous oxide-water mixtures are discussed. The fabrication of equipment for the experiments is nearly complete, and preliminary testing is underway. About 40% of the oxide has been pressed into briquettes.

Research Organization:
Atomics International Div., Golden, CO (USA). Rocky Flats Plant
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-04-3533
OSTI ID:
7289534
Report Number(s):
RFP-NUREG-2690
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English