The role of the AEA Springfields Laboratories

This paper describes the history and work of the UKAEA Springfields Laboratories over 25 years of operation. Fuel element development and testing has been and still is its main task, and the history of this is summarized. The factors required in the establishment of a fuel element development programme are considered, and a photograph is shown of fuel elements developed during 1950 to 1976 for various reactor systems. Computer models have been devised for mathematically predicting fuel element behaviour in service. Methods of testing materials are described. The testing of materials under reactor accident conditions has become a vital part of the latest fuel development programmes. The basis of manufacturing and inspection techniques are described. The various laboratory groups are shown in tabulated form. International collaborative programmes are mentioned. Photographs of loops for water reactor fuel testing and for gas cooled reactor fuel testing are included. Finally, whilst the primary role of the Laboratory remains in the improvement of nuclear fuel performance and the reduction of manufacturing costs, in aid of the national nuclear power programme, the available skills and facilities are also being applied to product and process development in many engineering based industries. (U.K.)