The kinetics of transformation of zirconium binary alloys is being pursued. Mechanical property variation as a function of transformation if also being investigated. Zirconium-tin and zirconium-titanium alloys transform very rapidly when quenched from the beta field. These alloys have, generally speaking, been demonstrated to be not amenable to heat treatment in the normal sense of the word. Eutectoid alloys, principally zirconium-molybdenum alloys, have shown a definite response to heat treatment in terms of mechanical property variation. An embrittling agent, probably "omega" phase, is suspect at this time for the brittleness observed in certain molybdenum alloys and the very high hardness levels reached in other alloys such as zirconium-niobium and zirconium-thorium. Work to establish the existence of omega phase is in progress and, it is hoped, suggestions for avoiding the brittle condition associated with it will be forthcoming.

A report about uranium alloys, fuel element development,, zirconium-uranium alloys, zirconium erosion, and the development of reactor materials.

The EBWR loading requires a total of 888 plates. It is anticipated that approximately 1000 plates will have to be produced to obtain the number of acceptable plates required for the loading. To the end of this quarter, 568 cladding billet cores acceptable with respect to chemical composition and physical soundness had been cast; this number represents 78% of the total number of cores cast. Approximately 75% of the Zircaloy-II stock required has been rolled, and about 55% of the cladding components required have been finished. The anticipated number of 495 cladding billets required for the thin (0.210") natural and enriched plates have been assembled, welded, sealed, and jacketed in steel. A total of 310 cladding billets have been rolled to fuel plates; of this number, 142 have been completely finished, and the remaining 168 are in the finish processing stages. The stability of the equipment for measuring the clad thickness of EBWR fuel plates has been improved by placing the phototube and the anthracene scintillator crystals in an insulated box with a temperature regulation of the order of 0.1°F.

Report describing the literature relative to zirconium-uranium alloys. The available data related to zirconium-uranium alloys is analyzed in an attempt to understand the behavior and nature of the alloy. Other aspects of zirconium-uranium alloys are discussed in the report.

The Monthly Operating Report is divided into seven major sections: Summary of Report, Station Activity Schedule, Operations, maintenance, Refueling, Test Program and Training Program.

A report about mechanical properties of dilute uranium alloys are being investigated in an effort to develop a high-strength alloy for fuel elements. Elevated temperature tensile tests were made on two dilute uranium-aluminum alloys, and several ternary alloys were arc melted.

Abstract: "The objectives of this program are the development of zirconium-base alloys possessing exceptionally good corrosion resistance to 680 F water or 750-900 F system and/or improved strength at elevated temperatures. Approximately 100 binary compositions were prepared and screened by corrosion testing in 680 F water; selected compositions were exposed to 750 F steam. The data obtained indicate promising bases for ternary and quaternary alloys. Related investigations involving zirconium purity and heat treatment for improvement of corrosion properties are proceeding. Hydrogen pickup and mechanical properties will be used as acceptability tests on promising compositions."

Abstract: This document is a survey analysis of soil samples from Los Alamos, Pueblo, Bayo, and Mortandad canyons to determine the presence and activities of radioactive contaminants. Also included are the results of analyses of a few samples of grass and of surface water. This survey covers the period from spring 1953 to spring 1955.

A report about aluminum-clad fuel elements, fuel-element development, zirconium uranium alloys, corrosion of zirconium, and reactor material development.

Part 1. The neutron fission cross section of U237 has been measured in a thermal neutron spectrum and in a somewhat degraded fission spectrum. The fission cross section for thermal neutrons is found to be <2 barns; the ratio of the fission cross section of U237 to that of U235 in the degraded fission spectrum is found to be 0.476 +- 15% which corresponds to [formula] in this spectrum equal to 0.66 +- 0.10 barns. Part 2. The average neutron fission cross section of U237 has been measured in a neutron energy range extending from approximately 100 ev to fission spectrum. the average fission cross section in this spectrum is found to be 0.70 +- 0.07 barns. Part 3. The low thermal fission cross section for U237 (<2 barns) indicated that the excitation function for fission probably shows an effective threshold. If the excitation function is like all other heavy element (Z > 90) neutron fission excitation functions, it will exhibit a region of approximate constancy starting at a neutron energy of 0.5 to 1 Mev above its effective threshold and extending to a neutron energy in the neighborhood of 5.5 Mev. A hypothetical excitation function for neutron fission of …

This report of the Battelle Memorial Institute covers information on development regarding various materials.

A report about elevated-temperature properties of dilute uranium-aluminum and uranium-zirconium alloys. Hot-hardness measurements show that small amounts of wither aluminum or zirconium increase the hardness of uranium at elevated temperatures.

A report which discusses the response of dilute uranium alloys to heat treatment with the ultimate objective of developing high-strength fuel elements.

A report about elevated-temperature tensile properties of dilute uranium alloys. Alloys up to 2 a/o aluminum and 4 a/o zirconium have been fabricated to rod and are being tested at temperatures up to 500 C.

Abstract: "As part of a program entitled "Improved Zirconium Alloys" a brief summary of a present zirconium research at various organizations has been prepared. Information was obtained by telephone and personnel contact; and these discussions, along with the organization and personnel, are presented."

A total of nine clad plates, containing uranium -5 w/o zirconium 1.5 w/o niobium alloy cores and clad with Zircaloy-II, were rolled in plain carbon steel jackets, heat treated, physically evaluated, and corrosion tested. All these plates were found to be within predetermined dimensional tolerance in width, thickness, length, cladding thickness, and core distribution. Improved control of wielding variables and of the length of the seal pin projecting above the end plugs resulted in the elimination of frequently observed segmented inclusions at the seal pin interfaces.

A report about the mechanical and physical properties of selected uranium alloys.

A report which concludes information pertaining to WAPD concerned with the development of PWR fuel materials and fuel elements.

The following report describes the high pressure and temperature homogeneous reactor experiment which has been started at Los Alamos, as well as the hazards and safety aspects for the experiments.

Technical report on the activities of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Biology Division for the report period including a list of 346 publication and lectures and 205 short articles by members of the division on their research and activities.