The practicability of nuclear propulsion for marchant vessels has been demonstrated by the successful operation of the N.S.
Savannah (USA). Japan is making a step forward in the same field through her construction of the first nuclear ship, N.S.
"Mutsu".
The present Committee has studied and evaluated the reports of research and developmental work performed in this connection. The aspects of the work reviewed include the general design of the ship hull, the integrated once-through boiler adopted in the ship for its promise of providing a compact marine reactor, safety assessment with reference to corresponding studies made for the
Savannah, the effect of ship movement on the hydro-thermal characteristics of the reactor, shielding problems, and the effect of radiation on the strength of pressure vessel materials. Reports on the test and operation obtained on the
Savannah and
Otto Hahn were also studied. Available information on the general status of nuclear applications to space research published by NASA (USA) were further scanned.
A comprehensive examination was made of the present status and future aspect of nuclear marine propulsion, and the resulting analysis of the present status of development in this domain has permitted the Committee to pinpoint problems calling for future solution.
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