The effect of temperature on the unnotched and notched Charpy impact properties of plutonium was studied in the alpha, beta, gamma, and delta phases encompassing a temperature range of -43 to 330 deg C. Impact energies for unnotched specimens generally increased with increasing test temperature in the alpha and beta phases. Brittle failures were obtained in these phases. The specimen tested in the gamma phase did not fracture but bcnt in ofi U-shape and pulled through the anvil. lmpact energies for the Charpy V-notched specimens were much lower than for the unnotched spcc(mens.dt corresponding temperatures. Brittle failures were obtained in the alpha and beta phases; some ductility was evidenced in the gamma phase while the specimen tested in the delta phase did not fracture but bent in a U-shape. It was concluded that the beta phase is quite sensitive to both strain rate and notch effects. Fracture appearance in the alpha and beta phase is discussed from the standpoint of grain boundary effects and microcracking. (auth)

The general and analytical chemistry of Ir are reviewed and applications to the radiochemistry of Ir are discussed. Topics covered include dissolution of samples containing Ir, counting techniques for radioactive Ir isotopes, radiochemical procedures for Ir radionuclides, and safety practices. A list is included of the radioactive nuclides of Ir. 106 references. (C.H.)

None

Progress is reported in 26 papers on radioactive waste disposal, ecologicah research, radiation physics and dosimetry, internal dosimetry, and health physics technology. Twenty-five separate abstracts were prepared. One paper was previously abstracted for NSA. (M.C.G.)

Separate abstracts were prepared on 11 sections of this report. A list is included of staff publications during the period. (C.H.)

This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation September 1961. Reactor fuels, chemistry, dosimetry, separation processes, reactor technology, financial activities, biology operation, physics and instrumentation research, operations research and synthesis, programming, and radiation protection operation are discussed.