RESULTS OF NS SAVANNAH CORE 1 FUEL ROD IRRADIATION PROGRAM

An irradiation test program was undertaken to confirm the Core 1 fuel rod design of the N.S. Savannah. This program provided data on the behavior of the UO2 fuel and stainless steel cladding materials tested in the range of Core 1 operating conditions. Irradiations were conducted in a high temperature and pressure dynamic water loop and in static capsules. UO2 fuel rods clad in stainless steel performed satisfactorily during irradiation. Heat ratings, thermal conditions, and burnup conditions bracketed Core 1 design maximum and average conditions. Loop irradiations were conducted in a test loop at a water temperature and pressure of 500 F and 1500 psi. Seven fuel rod specimens were irradiated. No harmful effects were noted. Fuel burnup ranged from 550 to 1100 MWD/tonne of oxide. The static tests were conducted in open process water and in sealed capsules. Fuel rod specimens were irradiated to burnups of 350 to 16.500 MWD/tonne of oxide. There was no evidence of cladding failure or distortion. A sublimation-condensation process caused some fuel redistribution at the higher heat ratings. Fission gas release varied from 4% at low heat rating to 10% at the higher heat ratings.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document is available for review at the Department of Commerce Library, Main Commerce Building, Washington, D.C., under reference number BAW-1247.
• Corporate Authors:

  Babcock and Wilcox Company

  Atomic Energy Division
  Lynchburg, VA  United States  24504
• Authors:
  • Burkart, C A
  • DeBoskey, W R
• Publication Date: 1962-4

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 207 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Nuclear fuels; Nuclear powered ships; Nuclear reactor cores
• Subject Areas: Energy; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00026548
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Maritime Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: BAW-1247
• Contract Numbers: AT(30-3)-274
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: May 11 1973 12:00AM