up to 10 years, the circulating coolant could deposit impurities on the wick. Impurities could solidify in the wick and clog the passage. To investigate this possibility further study of lithium cooled systems must be conducted. Another potential problem is the location of the wick. The wick is located in the core; thus it is subjected to a high neutron flux. One of the byproducts of the neutron-lithium interaction is helium. A problem may arise if helium agglomerates and forms a bubble within the wick. Bubble formation in the wick means that the lithium is not entirely wetting the wick, reducing the wick's pumping ability. A further study of helium bubble creation in the stagnant fluid caused by neutron irradiation could significantly contribute towards resolution of this question. Without further experimental observation, the ultimate feasibility of this concept cannot be fully assessed. REFERENCES [1] Heat Transfer, Carryover and Fall Back in PWR Steam Generators During Transients, NUREG/CR-4376, EPRI NP-4298. [2] Dun, P.D. & Reay, D.A. (1982) Heat Pipes (Pergamon Press). [3] Gaeta, M., Georgevich, V., Best, F. & Erdman, C. (1987) Transient Thermal Analysis of a Space Reactor Power System, Texas A&M University, Nuclear Engineering Department Report, December. [4] Georgevich, V., Best, F. & Erdman, C. (1988) Loss of Coolant Accident Mitigation for Liquid Metal Cooled Space Reactors, Texas A&M University, Nuclear Engineering Department Report, December.
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