The reason for initiating the compact drive study for the T7 tanker was to investigate control rod drive size, location, and removal space requirement factors and select the control rod drive mechanism which would allow optimization of the over-all size of the containment vessel. Approximately twelve mechanical/hydraulic control rod drive arrangements were considered during this study.

Abstract: "Pressure vessel steel surveillance programs are performed in nuclear power reactors to provide knowledge of the mechanical properties of the pressure vessel material as neutron irradiation proceeds. A standard surveillance program is described. Design of specimens, capsules, and associated equipment, as well as selection of test material and techniques for special preparation and testing, are discussed."

A research program is being conducted to obtain experimental data in the irradiation of plutonium-enriched fuel to confirm a theoretical model for predicting isotopic composition and reactivity changes in plutonium-enriched, light-water-moderated reactors. All program efforts have been temporarily deferred except for those associated with the irradiation of the program fuel element in the VBWR. The program fuel element was exposed to a burnup of 465 MWD/T during the quarter which brings the total to 2334 MWD/T. On the basis of the computed isotopic composition, the burnup obtained was 1450 MWD/T.