The operation of the Fast Reactor is considered in terms of normal equilibrium conditions and normal shut-down. The proposed loading, control rod adjustment and subsequent "floating" operation are discussed. Safety devices and interlocks are described. Temperature and reactivity changes are examined with respect to various system failures, phase changes, and "flashing" of the reactor. Slow changes due to faulty slug cooling are also considered. The calculations were initially based upon 10 kw operation. Performance tests of the mercury system now indicate that 20-kw operation may be feasible.

Abstract: "The critical mass both of an untamped and water-tamped sphere with parabolic radial variation of the intrinsic buckling is calculated by a perturbation method. The result is applied to finding the minimum critical mass of plutonium in water suspension with infinite water temper; the calculations show that the minimum critical mass at constant concentration may be reduced by an amount of the order of 7.6% when the concentration of plutonium is permitted to vary throughout the suspension."

Technical report. Three extractions of a diethyl ether solution of uranyl nitrate with small portions of water are effective in removing rare earths, as is shown by radio-gadolinium and radio-europium tracer experiments. A study of representative ethers, alcohols, ketones, and esters showed that diethyl ether and a mixture of 85% ethyl methyl ketone with 15% xylene are the best solvents for the extraction.

Technical Report: A generalized review of the chemical problems and researches related principally to the heavy water homogeneous pile is presented herewith. The report covers researches performed principally by the Columbia Group who initiated the study. This report contains a chronological outline of the development, a discussion of some special topics whose significance is paramount in any slurry pile discussion, and finally an outline of important research problems remaining, roughly graded in order of their importance. No attempt has been made to be either complete or detailed in the discussion. The emphasis has been principally on furnishing a broad guide to those who may t some future date take up this work.

Technical report abstract. A rapid procedure for the preparation of very pure carrier-free Zr and Nb tracer involves the chloroform extraction of the cupferrides of Zr and Nb activities from process solutions. Zr and Nb form very stable chloroform soluble cupferrides in acid solutions (CK-993) and are separated from other fission elements almost quantitatively to yield pure mixture of Zr and Nb activity. A minimum of operations is required and the method is easily adaptable to remote control.

Abstract. The diffusion length of thermal neutrons in water as a function of the water temperature has been measured. The results are expressed as a linear relation: L = 2.644 + 0.0061T where L is the diffusion length in centimeters and T is the temperature in degrees centigrade.

Abstract. The probability of exceeding assigned values of displacements or forces in simple rod models assembled from slugs picked at random is discussed, and some estimate for the statistical gain resulting from use of shorter slugs is obtained. The probability that a rod with self-warping will touch the top of the tube appears great enough to justify a recommendation of the use of top ribs.

Technical report with short reports from the (A) Crystal Structure Section ; (B) Mass Spectroscopy Section ; and (C) Metallurgy Section.

From introduction: "The discovery of element number 96, curium, was realized by the preparation and identification of the isotope Cm-242 by G. T. Seaborg, R. A. James and A. Ghiorso by cyclotron bombardment of Pu-239 with helium ions."

This report discusses two methods used for experimental determination of the interfacial tension of an immisible aqueous-organic system where the density of the organic phase is less than that of the aqueous phase. The methods discussed are the falling drop method and the Donnan modification/rising drop method.

"The following report is meant to serve a two fold purpose. First, it is the quarterly report of the homogeneous reactor project for the Technical Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Secondly, it is a description and general feasibility discussion of a 200-1000 K.W. pilot model, homogeneous reactor."

Methods of conversion of UF4 to U3O8 by fusion with ammonium oxalate dihydrate and other salts are described.

The following document describes the process of rare beryllium extrusion using graphite introductory cones with the purpose of finding a lubricant which would decrease excessive friction between the billet and prose parts.

Abstract: The applicability of specific mixtures and organic chlorocarbons in general toward the chlorination of TO₃ has been tested by means of reactions is sealed glass tubes. The results show that thionyl chloride mixed with tetrachloroethylene or a bromothane of the tyoe CHBrC12 will produce TCI4 directly. This same result is produced by CBr2C12 alone.

The following report describes methods used to interpret analytical results of the molecular weight of tuballoy pentachloride.

Abstract: "The uranium content of badly contaminated uranium solutions may be determined quickly using visual comparison methods to an accuracy of [...]. This accuracy may be considerably improved by employing the fluorimeter herein described. Interfering ions and their removal using liquid-liquid extractions are considered."

The examination of 3 districts; southeastern Pennsylvania near Chester and Philadelphia, the Williams quarry northeast of Kaston, and the northeastern end of Mt. Pisgah near Mauch Chunk.

Annual report submitted by the Boy Scouts of America to Congress describing highlights from 1946, activities, organizational leadership, membership, finance, programming, public relations and other information about scouting programs.