Gallium in Nuclear Reactors,
Abstract
The unusual operating conditions of nuclear power reactors necessitate the use of unusual coolants. Thus, one desires a coolant which possess a low cross section for absorbing neutrons, good heat-transfer efficiency, a low melting point and a high boiling point. The element gallium possesses some of the requisite properties. It is a unique material, having a very low melting point, and a very high boiling point. Being a liquid metal, the heat transfer characteristics would be good, though not so good as those of some other liquid metals. The absorption cross section of gallium is rather high, which is a severe handicap. Since the cross section might be reduced by proper alloying, and since good coolants need be present in the reactor in only relatively small amounts, one cannot rule out the use of gallium on account of its cross section alone. Since gallium had some promise as a reactor coolant, research on the subject was merited.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1949
- Accession Number
- ADA316708
Entities
People
- B. W. Gonser
- E. A. Fromm
- R. I. Jaffee
- R. M. Evans
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory