EFFECT OF ROD SPACING ON HEAT TRANSFER BURNOUT. USAEC-AECL Cooperative Program Monthly Progress Report, July 1963

The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of closely spaced fuel rods and high effluent qualities on the heat transfer and hydraulic characteristics of rod bundles. The effects of spacers and both vertical and horizontal oreintation will also be determined. All components of the Star Test Section with the exception of the surroundingrod mockup have been fabricated. The program has been delayed since about May 1, 1963 because the surroundingrod mockup, which was contracted to a vendor, has not been fabricated. A Du Pont inspector visited the vendor's plant and found that it is unlikely that the vendor will deliver the finished mockups. The SRL shop is grinding the tools required to fabricate a surrounding-rod mockup that is expected to be finished by September 13, 1963. A loading test of the central-rod mockup was made with an annular housing tube installed in the pressure shell. The test showed that several minor modifications would have to be made in the loading procedure and equipment in order to keep the central-rod mockup aligned and to prevent breaking of the sapphire spacer pins. (auth)