Some calculations have been made to estimate the characteristics of a neutron-burst type fast reactor similar to Godiva but made up of relatively small component parts--the so-called "layered assembly." One spherical and three cylindrical assemblies have been considered. Critical masses, assuming 5% voids, range from 58 to 65 kg of 93.4% enriched U/sup 235/. For a reactivity addition of 0.33 dollars above prompt criticals bursts between 2 x 10/sup 17/ and 6.7 x 10/ sup 17/ fissions were computed with accompanying temperature rises varying from 514 to 1600 deg C. The burst width at half-maximum was about 12 microseconds. To …
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Some calculations have been made to estimate the characteristics of a neutron-burst type fast reactor similar to Godiva but made up of relatively small component parts--the so-called "layered assembly." One spherical and three cylindrical assemblies have been considered. Critical masses, assuming 5% voids, range from 58 to 65 kg of 93.4% enriched U/sup 235/. For a reactivity addition of 0.33 dollars above prompt criticals bursts between 2 x 10/sup 17/ and 6.7 x 10/ sup 17/ fissions were computed with accompanying temperature rises varying from 514 to 1600 deg C. The burst width at half-maximum was about 12 microseconds. To obtain an idea of the possibilities of stress reduction which might be achieved by layerings an assembly made of small rings was considered. While the critical masses obtained here are believed to be fairly accurates the predictions concerning mechanical energy generated, total fissions, and burst width may be subject to sizeable error due to the many simplitications required to allow hand computations. Neverthelesss considerable improvement in safety and burst-size is indicated by the use of a "layered assembly" instead of an assembly composed of relatively thick parts. (auth)
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Nestor, C.W. & Tobias, M.ANALYSIS OF NEUTRON PULSES IN A GODIVA-TYPE REACTOR,
report,
February 25, 1959;
Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
(https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1024214/:
accessed June 22, 2025),
University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu;
crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.
