Abstract
Earlier investigations of departure from nucleate boiling (DNB) in a crossed rod matrix show that such a geometry holds promise as a possible configuration for the fuel core in a highly compact and efficient nuclear reactor. This investigation is an extension of Coffield's work, further studying the effect of pressure. The fluid used was R - 113 (C Cl
2 FC Cl F
2).
The coolant pressures for the test were 75, 100 and 125 psig. The subcooling was 40°, 60° and 80°F. Mass velocities ranged from 1.0 × 10
5 to 3.5 × 10
5 lb/hr-ft
2. An increase in critical heat flux of the order of 10 000, 15 000 and 20 000 BTU/hr-ft
2 was obtained for a 25 psi increase for 40,60 and 80°F subcooling respectively. An empirical equation correlated the critical heat flux
q″
crit to within ± 25.0%.