Abstract
THE design of even the simplest atomic energy reactor, the water-cooled carbon pile using natural uranium, presents many awkward technical problems. Metallic uranium has properties which make it a difficult material to work with. It melts at about 1,150° C.; but below this temperature it undergoes two transitions, with unusually large volume changes. It is very reactive chemically, and readily attacked by water. For these reasons, and to retain the radioactive fission products, the uranium rods in a pile have to be enclosed in gas-tight sheaths, of materials which are good heat conductors, non-corrosive and do not absorb neutrons appreciably.
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