b'Figure 2. Visual inspections for rodletsAccomplishments: were utilized to test the thermocouple AE compared to historic SPERT-IVThe completion of the RIAperformance. The ATF-RIA-1-E fresh fuel RIA tests commissioning experiments intest utilized two different types the SERTTA capsule demonstrateof thermocouples and the results the renewed capability to performshow good agreement to each other, water-based RIA testing in thebut also revealed challenges of U.S. Figure 2 shows images of thecreating reproducible cladding rodlets compared to similar historicattachment. Figure 3 shows the tests that were performed underthermocouple results with best-the SPERT-IV fresh fuel RIA testsestimate predictions using a coupled program. In all cases, the conditionBISON/RELAP5-3D model. The of the fuel rods shows good agreementexperimental results can be used with historical observations,to improve and validate the BISON providing confidence that testing inmodels applicable to RIA conditions. the SERTTA capsule will meet RIAThermocouple attachment and testing needs. The following para- performance understanding remains graphs highlight a few results froman active challenge for continued the tests. work with hot cell integration.Throughout the commissioningPTE of the rodlets included high tests, many lessons were learnedresolution optical profilometry to with regards to assembly, operation,measure the final cladding diameter. and instrumentation performanceFigure 4 shows the measured and that allowed for improvementspredicted final cladding diameter in later tests as well as future testfor the ATF-RIA-1-E experiment. campaigns utilizing the SERTTAThe large spikes in the measured capsule. Experiments using differentdata show the weld locations on cladding surface thermocouplesthe rodlet. This rodlet experienced 84 2022|AFC ACCOMPLISHMENTS'