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A capsule has been designed that permits four specimen sets to be irradiated in an RB* location in the High Flux Isotope reactor (HFIR) with distinct temperature histories. During the reporting period critical component prototyping was completed. The results have lead to some design and operational changes from that previously reported. The primary design changes are (1) compression seals in the specimen holes of the beryllium holders, and (2) oxide-dispersion strengthened aluminum alloy (DISPAL) specimen sleeves in all holders. Details of the capsule design are presented in the previous issue of this publication. Four, axially displaced temperature zones are independently controlled. Holder temperatures are monitored by thermocouples and controlled by a combination of adjustable temperature control gas mixtures and auxiliary heaters. The high temperature holders are located in the center of the experimental region, which is centered on the reactor mid-plane, and the low temperature holders are located at the ends of the experimental region.

A collaborative DOE/Monbusho series of irradiation experiments is being implemented to determine, in situ, the effects of irradiation on the electrical resistivity of ceramic materials. The first experiment, TRIST-ER1, has been designed to irradiate 15 Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} test specimens at 450{degrees}C in an RB position of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). Each test specimen is located in a sealed vanadium subcapsule with instrumentation provided to each subcapsule to measure temperature and resistance, and to place a biasing voltage across the specimen. Twelve of the specimens will be biased with 200 V/mm across the sample at all times, while three will not be biased, but can be if so desired during the irradiation. The experiment design, component fabrication, and subcapsule assembly have been completed. A three cycle irradiation, to a fast neutron (E>0.1 MeV) fluence of about 3x10{sup 25}n/m{sup 2} ({approx}3 dpa in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}), is expected to begin early in March 1996.