Technical report describing that void measurements were made in the 1/2-inch by 1-3/4-inch rectangular channel, for both flow up and flow down, at pressures of 600, 1000, and 1400 psia, and at various flows and quantities. Results at 1000 psia and 20 percent quality show that for the lowest flow both the void distribution and the average void are much different for flow down than for flow up, the void fraction for flow down being much higher. However, when the flow is increased both the void distribution and average void for flow down tend to approach the corresponding values for flow up. At 1000 psia, both flow up and flow down, the void fraction for 5 percent quality increases gradually from the wall to the center of the channel, and peaks at the center. At 20 percent quality, the void fraction increases abruptly from the wall and tends to be constant over the middle 65 percent of the channel. the void fraction for flow down is always greater than for flow up, other things being equal.

This technical report describes the development, design, operation, and performance of a full-circle, radial-vane steam separator for the boiling water section of a nuclear superheat reactor. Steam-water tests of this model have demonstrated that is has vane capacity in excess of that required for the 300-Mx(e) separate superheat reactor and for the 300-Mw mixed spectrum superheat reactor. It is proposed that the vane capacity requirement of the 600 Mw(e) separate superheat reactor may be attained by increasing the nozzle length.

Abstract: The physical property variation of superheated steam differs sufficiently from most other gases to warrant experimental investigation of heat transfer performance. Results are reported here of measurements made in a uniformly heated circular duct with steam at 1000 psi. The data agree very well with the expression use for design purposes, which is based on information in the literature for heating of other gases as well as steam. This work was a continuation of that performed under Task (Heat Transfer) of the Nuclear Superheat Project, AEC Contract AT(04-3)-189, Project Agreement 13.

The physics calculations to be performed on the Consumers On-Line Process Computer are reported. As a result of these calculations, a three-dimensional power shape is simulated, a reactivity balance is approximated, and the neutron exposure of each third of fuel bundle and control rod are accumulated. The work was reported as a part of the Consumers Research and Development Program.

Work performed during the quarter is summarized by direct measurement of fission gas pressure, loop operations, performance of UO2 fuel.

The experimental program described has had as its objective the determination of the pressure exerted by free fission gas in operating UO2-filled reactor fuel elements.

Work performed during the quarter is summarized by direct measurement of fission gas pressure, loop operations, performance of UO2 fuel.

In order to investigate the low frequency strain cycle fatigue for tubular sheath geometries an apparatus was designed and fabricated for laboratory and reactor experiments. The design of this apparatus is described herein.

Quarterly report describing progress on the EVESR Nuclear Superheat Fuel Development Project.

The primary objective of this program is to obtain improved data on the changes in nuclear characteristics with burnup of uranium oxide fuel in a boiling water reactor.

This is the third quarterly report on the work done under Contract AT(04-30-189, Project Agreement No.27, and covers the period August 12 to November 12, 1962.

The raw materials and fabrication procedures employed in preparing thirty two zirconium alloy compositions for evaluation as described in GEAP-3979 are reported. Considerations involved in the extension of reported laboratory procedures to larger scale production are discussed.

Work has continued on the development of accurate nuclear fuel burnup analysis. Work performed during the fourth quarter is summarized here.

The Fuel Cycle Program is an integrated program of investigation in the Vallecitos Boiling Water Reactor (VBWR) and other facilities to improve the technological limits of boiling water reactors.

A digital computer program, FORE, which calculates transients for a fast reactor, has been coded for the TRANSAC 2000 computer. Its purpose is to provide understanding of the dynamics of fast reactors with particular emphasis on large ceramic-fueled fast reactors. The program calculates reactor power and temperatures of fuel, coolant, clad, and structure.

The work described in this report represents progress toward an agreement signed by the United States and the European Atomic Energy Community which provides a basis for cooperation in programs for the advancement of peaceful applications of atomic energy.

Work has continued on the development of accurate nuclear fuel burnup analysis. Work performed by the third quarter of 1962 is summarized.

The Big Rock Point Reactor of the Consumers Power Company went critical for the first time on September 27, 1962. Summarized here are objectives and accomplishments of the pre-operational period as well as an indication of work scope remaining.

Three thin-wall stainless steel fuel specimens made using fabrication processes and materials similar to the Consumers Big Rock Plant research and development fuel rods were power cycled 3000 times between 500,000 and 75,000 BTU/hr-ft2 in the General Electric Test Reactor (GETR) Trail Cable facility. The fuel specimens were exposed to 1000 psi boiling water. All of the fuel specimens withstood the test without failing or without any significant changes in the clad characteristics.

This report is a supplement to GEAP-3759, Plastic Strain In Thin Fuel Element Cladding Due to UO2 Thermal Expansion. Cladding growth results are reported for repetitively irradiated, UO2 pellet-filled, annular capsules: for two UO2 powder-filled, annular capsules: and for six solid cylindrical pellet-filled capsules. Dimensional changes of the capsules irradiated during the entire program were analyzed, and the relationship of these results to the over-all fuel development program were evaluated.

This is the second quarterly report on the work done under Contract AT(04-3)-189, Project Agreement No. 27. The results reported here have to do primarily with the loss in a rectangular (1/2" x 1-3/4") channel in the horizontal orientation, without contraction-expansion inserts.

This report covers the S-I-5-B-M fuel irradiation in the GETR Maritime Loop during the final quarter of fiscal year 1962 plus the month of July 1962 to conclude the irradiation program. The data are summarized in Section II.

The Program fuel element has continued under irradiation in the Vallecitos Boiling Water Reactor, thermal energy group transfer cross sections for UO2 have been computed, and data have been reduced from the resonance wire activations performed last quarter. Future plans are included.

The Fuel Cycle Program is an integrated program of investigation in the Vallecitos Boiling Water Reactor (VBWR) and other facilities to improve the technological limits of boiling water reactors in several areas. This report presents updates on tasks related to those areas.