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Research on plasma core reactorsExperiments and theoretical studies are being conducted for NASA on critical assemblies with one-meter diameter by one-meter long low-density cores surrounded by a thick beryllium reflector. These assemblies make extensive use of existing nuclear propulsion reactor components, facilities, and instrumentation. Due to excessive porosity in the reflector, the initial critical mass was 19 kg U(93.2). Addition of a 17 cm thick by 89 cm diameter beryllium flux trap in the cavity reduced the critical mass to 7 kg when all the uranium was in the zone just outside the flux trap. A mockup aluminum UF6 container was placed inside the flux trap and fueled with uranium-graphite elements. Fission distributions and reactivity worths of fuel and structural materials were measured. Finally, an 85,000 cu cm aluminum canister in the central region was fueled with UF6 gas and fission density distributions determined. These results are to be used to guide the design of a prototype plasma core reactor which will test energy removal by optical radiation.
Document ID
19780018914
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Jarvis, G. A.
(Los Alamos Scientific Lab. NM, United States)
Barton, D. M.
(Los Alamos Scientific Lab. NM, United States)
Helmick, H. H.
(Los Alamos Scientific Lab. NM, United States)
Bernard, W.
(Los Alamos Scientific Lab. NM, United States)
White, R. H.
(Los Alamos Scientific Lab. NM, United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Princeton Univ. Partially Ionized Plasmas, Including the 3rd Symp. on Uranium Plasmas
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
78N26857
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-13755
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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