High temperature properties of nuclear reactor coolants and thermodynamic power cycle working fluids

New data on compressibility and expansivity of molten sodium were obtained, several other property values were refined and/or prepared for distribution, and brief programs previously planned and initiated on surface tension and incipient cavitation damage were continued. The program already commenced on high temperature properties of lithium as a coolant for fusion reactors yielded its first results as vapor pressure data up to 1965 K. A new apparatus for the surface tension of lithium, important in heat pipe design, etc., was designed and initially tested in the sodium program. Partially supported programs on development of a physical mechanism for transition boiling, useful in emergency core cooling and blow-down analyses, was continued, and the thermal conductivity study of saturated and superheated mercury vapor up to 1000 C and 3200 psia was completed.