PARTICLE DISINTEGRATION STUDY FOR RE-ENTERING NUCLEAR AUXILIARY POWER SYSTEMS.
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the oxidation behavior of molten zirconium-10% uranium alloy particles in the presence of air or its components. A theoretical analysis of the aerodynamic and thermodynamic conditions affecting the droplets was carried out. The reaction of molten droplets of 50 to 8000 micron size with nitrogen, oxygen and air was studied at pressures ranging from 3 to 760 torr. The results indicate that the particles of all sizes react more or less completely with the surrounding atmosphere. The reaction of the larger particles is quiet and smooth. The smaller droplets react with explosive violence, disintegrating into very small particles. Only in the latter case, which appears to be limited to particles initially smaller than 400 microns, does the reaction with air contribute to further decrease in particle size. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0607410
Entities
People
- A. H. Malinovsky
- F. E. Littman
- L. E. Bell
- R. R. Koppang
- R. Silvestri
Organizations
- Douglas