SEDL / STP / STP431-EB / STP45162S

2-5 Flight Reactor Materials Development, Self-Weld Studies

Kellogg, L. G.
Atomics International,

Pages: 3    Published: May 1967

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Abstract

The nuclear reactor operating in space provides a unique environment which imposes one of the most stringent materials problems confronting the aerospace designer today. Environmental temperatures around the reactor control system range from 700 to 1300F, with radiation levels, per year, of 10¹⁹ nvt fast neutrons and gamma to 10¹³ rad. These conditions, combined with outer space vacuum below 10⁻⁷ torr, provide opportunity for contacting surfaces to “weld” together.