This report for March, 1947 describes progress regarding chemical and spectrographic analysis, chemical work, physical methods of analysis, and ore dressing and pyrometallurgical studies,

Final report documenting a high-sensitivity airborne gamma radiation and magnetic field survey of the Lovelock National Topographic Map segment (NK 11-10 quadrangle) including a description of the program and results.

Abstract: High Velocity disturbance are observed to propagate in advance of the plane shock front along the walls of a high-explosive-operated shock tube. Experiments were performed which indicate that the disturbance proceeds at a constant velocity relative to the shock front, and carries a considerable amount of energy as evidenced by its ability to penetrate metal plates. The velocity of a similar disturbance observed along a rod placed on the axis of the shock tube normal to the plane shock front was essentially independent of the rod material and diameter. This phenomenon was observed when shock tubes were filled with argon or chlorine but was absent when air or helium was used.

It was suggested that radon concentrations in air and potassium fertilizers on the ground contribute appreciably to natural background radiation levels. The effect on natural background gamma radiation from radon and its associated daughters in equilibrium and from potassium in fertilizers has been calculated and found to be negligible. Background radiation intensities have been assumed to be on the order of 10 [mu]rad/hr.

Abstract: A detailed description of the PM-2A reactor, primary system and instrumentation is presented. A general description of the secondary system and plant arrangement at Camp Century, Greenland is included. The results of the startup physics, shielding, thermal and hydraulics and radiochemistry test are presented. the analysis performed on the shielding and thermal and hydraulic tests is included. The shielding problem at startup and the shielding modification made to the plant are described along with the radiation measurements made in these areas.

Abstract: This technical report contains a summary of experimental and analytical work performed on cold clean SM-1 Core II with special components and PM-2A Core I each with thermal shield and vessel mockups. The purpose of this work was to define the neutron intensity and spectra to which the pressure vessels are subjected in order to assess the effect of irradiation on the vessel lifetimes. The radial distributions of the energy dependent neutron flux per unit power in the core and vessel mockups are presented. The uncertainties associated with the measurements are also given. In addition to graphical and tabular presentations of the test results, discussions are provided on the experimental techniques and theory. A review of the analytical models is provided in addition to the calculational results. A special analytical study of the the PM-2A Core I power distribution and absolute power level determination is given. A comparison of the experimental and analytical results is made and conclusions and recommendations presented.

Pathfinder atomic power plant progress report.