Development of Instrumentation for Use in Nuclear Environments

The nuclear enviroment to be encountered in testing and operating nuclear rocket engines makes the development of reliable instrumentation imperative. A limited program of testing various types of transducers has been undertaken at LASL. A description of the methods and facilities used is followed by detailed descriptions of tests carried out at LASL on various types of pressure-actuated devices. Techniques which may prove effective in improving instrmuent reliability are mentioned, and plans for further research and development in this area are discussed. In conclusion, the nature and scope of the problem are again referred to, with emphasis being made on the need for a better definition of the problem and a greater effort toward its solution.