THERMAL EXPANSION OF SNAP MATERIALS

Thermal expansion characteristics were determined for fuel-moderator, reflector, cladding, and engineering erials within the SNAP-2 core vessel. Values were denined for AISI Type 347 stainless steel, Hastelloy N, Zr, ZrH, and zirconium --uranium hydrides, from room temperature to temperatures greater than 1300 deg F. Derived equations were calculated for these materials, using a least squares analysis. Thermal expansion coefficients for the temperature range of 77 to 1200 deg F are: 10.34 x 10/sup 6/ in./ in./ deg F, for Type 347 stainless steel; 7.46 x 10/sup -6/ in./in./ deg F, for Hastelloy N; 9.07 x 10/sup ->/ in./ in./ deg F, for Be; and 6.12 x 10/sup -6/ in-/in./ deg F, for Zr--7 wt% UH with an N = 6.4. (auth