Analysis of the Second Zeus Critical Experiment.

Mosteller, R. D. ; Jaegers, P. J.

Technical Information Center Oak Ridge Tennessee

关键词: Uranium isotope cross sections;    Cores;    Ratios;    Energy ranges;    Critical conditions;   

RP-ID  :  PB2001106088

学科分类：工程和技术（综合）

美国|英语

来源: National Technical Reports Library

【 摘 要 】

The Zeus experiments have been designed to test the adequacy of 235 U cross sections in the intermediate energy range. The first Zeus experiment achieved initial criticality on April 26, 1999 with 10 HEU platters and 79 platters of graphite. The second experiment reached a critical condition on October 24,2000, with 9 HEU platters and 54 platters of graphite. The first experiment, which has been described 1 and analyzed 2 previously, had a C/235 U ratio of approximately 52:1.The corresponding ratio for the second experiment was approximately 40:1. This summary describes the analysis of the second Zeus critical experiment. Both Zeus cores contain thin, circular platters of highly enriched uranium (HEU) separated by similar platters of graphite. The cylindrical core is reflected by copper pieces shaped to produce a rectangular exterior. The experiments were carried out on the Comet vertical assembly machine. The upper part of the core is supported by a steel diaphragm, and criticality is achieved by driving the lower part of the core up into the reflector until it reaches the diaphragm.