Physics calculations have been made for various combinations of the four types of fuel assemblies to be used in the EBWR core. Two thicknesses of plates, 0.205 in. and 0.274 in., including the two 0.020-in. cladding layers, are to be made of both natural U and U containing 1.44% U235. A total of 148 assemblies, 74 natural and 74 enriched, are to be fabricated with six identical plates each. Various configurations of these fuel assemblies will be used to (1) change the critical size of the core, (2) change the power distribution in the core, and (3) change the amount of reactivity corresponding to a given stream volume in the core. The physics calculations show that uncertainties in critical mass are adequately covered by the number and variety of fuel assemblies and that the possible changes in core characteristics with the different fuel assemblies should provide valuable information about the factors affecting maximum power density and stability in a boiling water reactor.

From Introduction: "The Fast Reactor Test (FARET) program is part of the United States Fast Reactor Program directed toward the demonstration of breeder reactors essential to the long-range goal of utilizing fertile fuels. (1) With-in this program is the current thinking that the early construction and operation of two or three prototype nuclear power plants of the order of 250 Mw(e) will lead eventually to the construction of practical and economic full scale breeder reactors by the early 1980's. (2)"

Report issued by the Argonne National Laboratory discussing meteorological data collected between 1952 and 1953. Wind, temperature, pressure, and precipitation studies are presented. This report includes tables, illustrations, and a map.

The gastight steel building (400,000 cu ft) in which all radioactive components are to be housed has been completed by the Graver Tank Company. This structure was tested for strength at 18.75 psig (20% above design pressure) and then tested for leaks. No leaks were found in soap bubble testing of all welded seams. Continuous measurements of temperature and pressure over a ten-day period showed the leakage, if any, to be less than the 500 cu/ ft/day at 15 psig specified. The gastight cylinder was, therefore, accepted. General construction work by the Sumner Sollitt Company on the remainder of the plant has begun.

A preliminary design study, Phase I of the ALPR project, has been made in accordance with the Army Reactors Branch specifications for a nuclear "package" power plant with a 200-260-kw electric and 400 kw heating capacity. The plant is to be installed at the Idaho Reactor Testing Station as a prototype for remote arctic installations. The "conventional" power plant as well as the exterior reactor components are described in the accompanying report and cost estimate by Pioneer Service and Engineering Company, Architect-Engineers for the project."Nuclear" components of the reactor are designed by Argonne National Laboratory as described in the present report.