A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF A DIRECT-CYCLE STEAM-COOLED REACTOR FOR MERCHANT SHIP PROPULSION

摘要

A preliminary study was made of a steam-cooled, water-moderated reactor for a 20,000-shp power plant for a merchant ship. It appears that this plant is not attractive for marine applications because, for maritime service, the hazards associated with the use of radioactive steam in the propulsion and auxiliary machinery appear to outweigh the advantages of the direct cycle. This reactor type does have interesting possibilities for central-station applications, but considerable developmental work would be required.