why is creating a hydrogen gradiant so important?

Answer 1

The effect of hydrogen on the zirconium cans which contain the graphite moderator in the SRE was investigated. Since these Zr cans are under a thermal gradient, a method of obtaining the hydrogen concentration distribution becomes necessary. The relation between pressure, temperature, and hydrogen content of hydrogen in metals has been derived from statistical mechanical considerations. Figures are given on the distribution of hydrogen in Zr in a thermal gradient from 500 to 960 F. (W.L.H.)

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