Abstract: This is the second progress report on the work performed at Sandia Corporation in the use of spectrographic techniques in plasmajet diagnostics. Typical results of spectrographic data from argon and nitrogen plasmajets are included. For the argon jet, the results from line intensity measurements of ionized and unionized atoms generally give good information. However, results from hydrogen line broadening measurements indicate several unexplained discrepancies. For the nitrogen jet, the N2 (0, 0) and N2 (0, 1) bands from the first negative series were used to determine a rotational temperature.

The following report describes the design and intended function of the tolerance comparator device, a tool designed to aid those engaged in the manufacture and inspection of parts as defined by drawings using positional tolerances.

From introduction: This report describes the objectives, scope, design, drilling and hydrologic history, and the test results collected during permeability testing of sub-horizontal boreholes drilled in the waste-handling shaft (WHS) at the Waste Pilot Plant (WIPP) site located in southeastern New Mexico.

Abstract: "Methods developed by [the Systems Evaluation Department] to analyze circular targets are extended to handle a particular family of casualty curves."

Abstract: "A definition of average conduction resistance for an ignitron is established, and a test bank for determining the value of this resistance is described. Data are reported on four typical ignitron types for several currents in the kiloampere range. Oscillograms are presented to illustrate the change of current with time for a conducting ignitron in a ringing circuit."

From abstract: The PT-750 is designed to be used in conjunction with a production tester which requires automatic recording of test data. This manual provides a source of procedures and reference material necessary in automatic recording and in use of the PT-750.

From abstract: This paper presents the results of a study of the error in radio interferometer measurements of near sources attributable to the use of asymptotic formulae, valid for distant targets.

Abstract: Bechtel National, Inc. has conducted a study of the requirement for, and a preliminary design of, a photovoltaic central station test facility.

Test requirements for several components specifies that surge currents be monitored to determine if the initial peak surge current exceeds a certain predetermined amplitude. This report describes and evaluates two circuits which were developed by Organization 2451 to meet this requirement in production testing.

Acknowledgement: The cumulative Binomial Distribution Computer incorporates valuable suggestions made by supervision and members of the Sandia Corporation Reliability Department.

Proceedings on aerospace nuclear safety.

From introduction: This report describes the procedures used and the results obtained in evaluating the Wiancko type 3-PBM-2 microbarograph system.

Abstract: "Available data on wind persistence and wind forecasting capability have been applied in estimating the probability of a fallout pattern shifting from an uninhabited safe sector into a populated region. Safety probability is computed from win variability, forecasting accuracy, initial height and particle size of radioactivity landing at a point in the predicted fallout pattern, predicted wind speed, length of forecast period, and safe-sector angular width."

Abstract: "Wind observations collected at Yucca Flat since 1951 are analyzed for timewise variability. Variability functions of altitude, season, wind speed, and vector wind are described. Derived variability parameters are incorporated into calculations of fallout safety probability for NTS operations."

Abstact: "Wind tunnel tests were performed to determine pressure distributions and normal force coefficients on three block forms on mounting planes. The dimension ratios of the blocks were 1:1:1, 1:1:2, and 1:1:4. Results are given for variation in Mach number from 0.066 to 0.8, in Reynolds number from 0.28 x 10(exp 6) to 4 x 10(exp 6), and in yaw angle from 0 to 90 degrees. Results show a Reynolds number independence over the range examined. Windward face force coefficients for a given block form are approximately proportional to the ratio of impact to dynamic pressure. Pressure distribution and resultant coefficients are affected by mounting planes."

Abstract: "An exploding copper wire, one millimeter in diameter, 30 centimeters long, has been developed as a fuse component for a Los Alamos capacitor energy source to be employed in controlled thermonuclear research studies. The fuse allows the passage of the high normal duty "action" (13,700 ampere-coulombs per capacitor) at a 20-second repetition rate. However, it interrupts the circuit to a shorted capacitor in 12 microseconds, thereby protecting the faulted capacitor from explosive energy consumption. The initial phase of the development included observations of various metals (copper, silver, iron, and nickel) as well as various configurations (straight wires, helixes, foils, and tubes). Direct scaling of previous small exploding wire studies at Sandia Corporation was demonstrated with scaling factors up to 700,000."

From scope of work: This report investigates the dynamic characteristics of sealed military type relays as affected by applied coil voltage and/or current, temperature, spring tension, contact force, contact overtravel, and mechanical clearances.

Abstract: "The pressure drop associated with the flow of air through a cylindrical bed of spherical pebbles has been investigated experimentally. The results of this investigation are reported here."

Abstract: "The excellent agreement between measured boundary layer thickness and thickness calculated by Sivells and Payne recommends their method for calculating turbulent boundary layer growth in axisymmetric hypersonic nozzles. It was thought worthwhile to adapt their approach to the laminar boundary layer. This analysis, along with a limited amount of corroborating data, is presented herein."

From scope of work: This report investigates the dynamic characteristics of sealed military type relays as affected by applied coil voltage and/or current, temperature, spring tension, contact force, contact overtravel, and mechanical clearances.

From abstract: Many residents of the Nevada area carried film badge radiation dosimeters during Operation Plumbbob in 1957. Badge readings in specific localities appear to follow the logarithmic-normal distribution.

From summary: This report concerns the theoretical evaluation and experimental development of special thermocouples capable of being accurately located at or near the surface of metal structures to permit measurement of temperature distribution through the strictures.

Abstract: "Weights of linear high-explosive charges fired on the Yucca Lake playa of the Nevada Test Site varied from 0.23 to 42.7 pounds per foot. Crater and ditch dimensions and volumes resulting from these shots, fired during the fall of 1959 and spring of 1960, are presented here as a function of charge burst depths. Scaling relationships determined are as expected; i.e., square-root scaling of linear-charge weight per foot for ditch width and depth and a direct linear-charge weight relationship to ditch volume are obtained. Permanent ground surface displacement varies as the -3.22 power of the scaled distance from the charge. Detonation effects, charge shape effects, ditch erosion, and ditch cross sections are discussed. The appendixes present Toboggan data, results of soil investigation, and mathematical treatment given the data."

Abstract: "This report discusses tests conducted to determine the accuracy of meteorological equipment which is used to gather upper air data. Equipment tested was the GMD-2, SMD-1A, GMD-1B, and the WBRT-57. A four-station phototheodolite network was used as a standard for point-in-space determinations."