Losses have been determined for flow through models of various proposed core sub-assemblies as part of a study of the elements of a nuclear reactor. Six core sections and two? axial blanket sub-assemblies have been compared on the basis of drop in piezometric. head or pressure drop. The core sub-assemblies are composed of an entrance nozzle, a lower axial blanket section, the core section, an upper axial blanket section, and a short section for the handling lug. The four parts of the sub-assembly other than the core section are designated as the axial blanket sub-assembly. In each core section there are 144 rods within a container which has a square cross-section. The primary differences between one core section and another are the means qf supporting and spacing the rods. Bars or wires wrapped in spirals around the rods were used as well as a series of grids made up of wires and supported at the four corners. Also, in one core an, inner wall was used to provide an annular flow passage which helps to reduce the difference in temperature at the inner and outer walls of the core. The two axial blanket sub-assemblies tested are similar except ?that themore » second model is characterized by more gradual transitions in changes of cross section. Other parts of this study of the elements of a nuclear reactor have been described in two previous reports dealing with head losses in complete blanket subassemblies and with diffusion studies. « less