In this paper, we present a broad comparison of studies for a selected set of parameters for different nuclear reactor types including the next generation. This serves as an overview of key parameters which provide a semi-quantitative decision basis for selecting nuclear strategies. Out of a number of advanced reactor designs of the LWR type, gas cooled type, and FBR type, currently on the drawing board, the Advanced Light Water Reactors (ALWR) seem to have some edge over other types of the next generation of reactors for the near-term application. This is based on a number of attributes related to the benefit of the vast operating experience with LWRs coupled with an estimated low risk profile, economics of scale, degree of utilization of passive systems, simplification in the plant design and layout, modular fabrication and manufacturing. 32 refs., 1 fig., 3 tabs.

A DYNA3D model of the DT-20 shipping container was constructed. Impact onto a rigid steel surface at a velocity of 44 ft/sec (30 foot gravity drop) was studied. The orientation of most interest was a side-drop, but end and corner drops were also studied briefly. The assembly for the baseline side impact contained a 150 lb. payload. During this drop, the outer drum sustains plastic strains of up to 0.15, with most the deformation near the rim. The plywood/Celotex packing is crushed about 3 inches. The inner sealed can sees significant stresses, but barely reaches the onset of yielding in some local areas. Based on hand calculations, the bolts joining the can halves could see stresses near 50 ksi. It is felt that overall, the container should survive this drop. However, detailed modeling of the rim closure and the center bolted joint was not possible due to time constraints. Furthermore, better material models and properties are needed for the Celotex, plywood, and honeycomb in particular. 39 figs., 1 tab.

AISI Type 304L (304L) stainless steel was recommended as a suitable material of construction for the new Hazardous Low Level Waste Processing Tanks (HLLWPT). This report documents the second phase of a coupon immersion test program to determine the susceptibility of 304L to localized attack in a variety of simulated wastes. The coupon test results confirmed the conclusions that were made from the first phase of the test program. First, 304L is a suitable material of construction for the new waste tanks. Second, the agreement between the cyclic polarization tests and the coupon immersion tests demonstrates that cyclic polarization can be used to predict the susceptibility of a material to localized corrosion in these wastes. In addition to the tests performed on 304L, tests were performed on ASTM A537 carbon steel (A537) and Incoloy 825 (I825). Neither 304L nor I825 was susceptible to attack, while A537 experienced varying degrees of attack in the different wastes. Observations on the surface attack and corrosion products on A537 were used to elucidate the mechanism by which A537 corrodes in these wastes.