Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Plutonium”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 937 records · Page 52
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Increased Plutonium-238 Production via High Flux Isotope Reactor Permanent Beryllium Reflector Redesign

Irradiation of 237Np-bearing targets in the permanent beryllium reflector (PBR) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) results in high-purity 238Pu that can be used as a reliable power source for deep space and planetary National Aeronautics and Space Administration missions. However, HFIR’s 238Pu production capability is constrained by the available irradiation volume in its PBR. In preparation for the HFIR beryllium change-out in 2023, ORNL staff have redesigned the PBR to include six additional irradiation sites, be more versatile with respect to irradiation and scattering experiments, and enhance its thermal-structural performance. The new PBR design offers large potential increases in annual 238Pu production at ORNL.

Chandler, David↗