Nuclear reactor fuel rod thermal simulator
The tubular stainless steel structure of a nuclear reactor fuel rod thermal simulator is heated to nuclear fuel rod operating temperatures by means of a gaseous glow discharge established within the tubular structure. In a preferred embodiment a length of the simulated fuel rod is internally clad with tungsten, or Mo or alloys thereof, hermetically sealed at both ends and filled with a glow discharge sustaining gas such as hydrogen or helium. A center electrode structure, as of tungsten, or Mo or alloys, is centrally disposed within the gas filled tubular envelope. Power is applied between the center electrode and the outer tubular envelope for initiating and sustaining the glow discharge for heating the outer tubular envelope to nuclear fuel rod simulating temperature. 14 claims, 6 drawing figures.
- Assignee:
- Varian Associates
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3988565
- OSTI ID:
- 7306320
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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