THE LIQUID METAL LINEAR GENERATOR

In the utilization of nuclear heat energy, liquid metal could be used in a vapor cycle to propel a column of liquid metal in a jet pump or injector where electrical energy could be extracted by means of a MHD arrangement. The recirculating system is being studied as a means of increasing the efficiency. Results are described briefly for a preliminary run made using steam and water; the efficiency of conversion of steam kinetic energy to liquid kinetic energy was approximates 20%. The possible causes of the low efficiency and some of the methods for decreasing hydraulic losses are outlined. (D.L.C.

THE LIQUID METAL LINEAR GENERATOR

In the utilization of nuclear heat energy, liquid metal could be used in a vapor cycle to propel a column of liquid metal in a jet pump or injector where electrical energy could be extracted by means of a MHD arrangement. The recirculating system is being studied as a means of increasing the efficiency. Results are described briefly for a preliminary run made using steam and water; the efficiency of conversion of steam kinetic energy to liquid kinetic energy was approximates 20%. The possible causes of the low efficiency and some of the methods for decreasing hydraulic losses are outlined. (D.L.C.

DEVELOPMENT OF A PROCESS FOR SODIUM BONDING OF EBR-II FUEL AND BLANKET ELEMENTS

Procedures for assembling EBR-II fuel elements with annular sodium bonds between the uranium rods and the stainless steel claddings are outlined. The results of several meltdown and uranium-settling experiments are given. Bonding experiments were performed: furnace bonding, submerged canning, ultrasonic bonding, centrifuging, pressure pulsing, and vibratory bonding. Vibratory bonding was chosen for the production of the first EBR-II core. (D.L.C.

SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATIONS UPON THE UOsub2sub 2-NaK SLURRY AS A POTENTIAL REACTOR FUEL

A summary is given of studies carried out with the UO/sub 2/-- NaK slurry system to ascertain its potential properties as a fuel for advanced reactor system. Included are the studies of the physical-chemical properties of the slurry, the early loop investigations, in-pile studies, and the exploration of the engineering system behavior of the material. The work was carried out in three different institutions. The Argonne Nattonal Laboratory was responsible for the early loop studies and the in-pile work, as well as some phases of the physicochemical behavior. The engineering studies were carnied out for ANL by the Mine Safety Appliances Corporation, Callery, Pennsylvania, The physicochemical studies were performed by the Armour Research Foundation, Chicago, Illinois. The studies under the program were relatively modest, but they did serve to demonstrate some of the attractive properties of the material as well as its limitations. Specifically, the dropout behavior was demonstrated in piping a tank systems in both conventional and specially designed systems, Hydraulic characteristics were demonstrated, and it was observed that a 10 vol% slurry was the maximum concentration that could convenientiy be handle in conventional engineering systems. In-pile performanc of the slurry was demonstrated and it was concluded that slurries do have potential for application in specialized, advanced systems. (auth

EBR-II FUEL IRRADIATION FACILITIES

Two irradiation facilities, designed for installation within tubular fuel elements, and peripheral experimental thimbles in the CP-5 reactor core are described. Both units are cooled internally by natural convection of D/sub 2/O and feature an inherent variable temperaturecontrol system which permits approximates plus or minus 75-degree central metal temperature variation for a given heat-transfer rate. Heat-transfer rates ranging from 10 tkw (fuel) to 15 tkw (thimble) are possible. External cooling is provided by the reactor D/sub 2/ O moderator. Although designed primarily to simulate an operational environment for the evaluation of EBR-II prototype fuel elements, both facilities can be utilized for the irradiation of other fuel materials of interest, consistent with the internal geometry of each unit. Complementary information includes thermal analyses and mock-up tests pertinent to the ultimate design. (auth