The Performance of Boron-Containing Control Rods in Water Cooled Power Reactors

Boron-containing materials for which fabrication processes are described include boron dispersions in iron, boron-stainless steel alloys, and boron carbide-filled stainless steel tubes. Experience with both satisfactory and less-than-satisfactory materials and fabrication procedures is briefly documented. The present performance of boron carbide-filled tubes, sheathed to make a cruiform control rod, is satisfactory, and continuing improvements are expected.