A detailed examination was made of one of three plutonium-238 fueled SNAP 3 heat sources which was shipped from Mound Laboratory in May 1961 and returned in May 1963,. Examination of source included radiography, calorimetry, dimensional inspection, radiation measurements, internal pressure measurements, metallographic examinations of the containers, and recovery and impurity analysis of the plutonium fuel. Results showed that the inner tantalum container of the source failed at the weld, allowing the plutonium to the escape and to attack the Haynes Alloy 25 outer container. Failure at the weld was attributed to the fact that the plutonium had become molten …
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A detailed examination was made of one of three plutonium-238 fueled SNAP 3 heat sources which was shipped from Mound Laboratory in May 1961 and returned in May 1963,. Examination of source included radiography, calorimetry, dimensional inspection, radiation measurements, internal pressure measurements, metallographic examinations of the containers, and recovery and impurity analysis of the plutonium fuel. Results showed that the inner tantalum container of the source failed at the weld, allowing the plutonium to the escape and to attack the Haynes Alloy 25 outer container. Failure at the weld was attributed to the fact that the plutonium had become molten at some time during its use and to poor welding of the liner during fabrication of the source, and not to corrosion of plutonium on the tantalum. It was concluded that tantalum is a satisfactory container material for plutonium at temperature below the melting point of plutonium (640°C).
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Wyder, W. C.; Powers, J. A. & Vallee, R. E.Destructive Examination of a SNAP Heat Source,
report,
November 25, 1963;
Miamisburg, Ohio.
(https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1022591/:
accessed February 18, 2026),
University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu;
crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.
