SM-1A Reactor Pressure Vessel Surveillance: Irradiation of Follow-On Capsules in the SM-1 Reactor,
Abstract
Three capsules containing Charpy V-notch specimens of a duplicate ring-forging of SM-1A reactor pressure-vessel steel were prepared for placement into the SM-1A reactor as part of the continuing vessel surveillance program of that reactor. These capsules plus two more control capsules were irradiated in the SM-1 reactor at 440 degrees F (227 degrees C) to match the SM-1A reactor pressure-vessel transition temperature and fluence conditions prior to the SM-1A annealing. The capsules were then furnace annealed under the SM-1A reactor annealing conditions and were reirradiated in the SM-1 to the fluence and transition-temperature conditions of the SM-1A at the end of Core 3. Control points were established after each step. Significant differences in flux levels at a point in the SM-1 reactor were noted between an earlier flux-monitor irradiation and the subsequent surveillance-capsule irradiations. These differences were found to be directly related to the two different fuel cores in place at those times. Higher fluxes were generated at the core edge during the flux monitor irradiation since the core was old and the center was considerably burned out. Lower fluxes were measured at the same core-edge location during the surveillance-capsule irradiations since a new, smaller diameter core peaked in flux toward the center. The information developed and documented herein will be required for evaluation of the surveillance capsules after they are removed from irradiation in the SM-1A reactor. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 14, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0717618
Entities
People
- Charles Z. Serpan Jr.
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory