This report, for August 1958 from the Chemical Processing Department at HAPO, discusses the following: Production operation; Purex and Redox operation; Finished products operation; maintenance; Financial operation; facilities engineering; research; and employee relations.

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The deflection and stresses of a medel of the Yankee lower core support structure, conslstlng of two clrcular perforated plates joined together by a clrcular reinforclng rib and 76 cylindrical spacers, were obtained experimentally. The relationships between the tests on the model and reference design were determined by an application of dimensional analysis. Experimental investigations are described in which various design parameters were determined and the structural rigidity of the assembly was obtained. A rational methed of semitheoretical analysis of the problem is suggested based on Reissner's small deflectlon theory which takes into account the effect of transverse shear and normal stress deformation. (auth)

An analysis was made of the problems of control and measuremeat of specimen temperature and heat generation in a NaK-filled capsule containing a fuel specimen. A specific problem is used in this report to demonstrate the large uncertainties normally encountered even in capsules containing thermocouples. This analysis indicates that an improvement by a factor of more than three (i.e., from an uncertainty of plus or minus 7O F to plus or minus 2O F in the example used) may be obtained by use of a differential- thermocouple heatflow meter and by use of a precision thermocoupleplacement clip. Since the irradiation damage suffered by fuel specimens is sensitive to small changes in temperature and burnup, improvements in precision in irradiation testing are of great importance in fuel studies. If the indicated improvement of precision by a factor of three is actually obtained when capsules of this design are irradiated, the experimenter will be able to draw much more reliable conclusions from a given testing program. (auth)

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Thorium Research. The effect of quenching temperature on the hardness of Th--C alloys is described. The effect of quenching temperature and oxygen content on the hardness of Th--O, alloys is discussed. The effects of Be, Cr, and C additions on the properties of pure Th are described. The mechanical properties, recrystallization, and fabrication of Th are given. Preferred Orientation of Uranium. Fabricating conditions, preferred orientation, and examination of alpha-extruded U rods are given. The creep rate of beta-treated normal U and of extruded Th is given. Properties of some high-temperature brazing alloys are given. Welding conditions are given for cone-arc welding of stainless steel tube-to-header joints. Homogeneous Reactor Program. Analysis of various compacts containing B/sub 4/C are given. Preliminary work on the variables involved in welding Ti was started. Experimental work to determine the effects of various impurity elements on the impact properties of Ti and Zr was started. A metallographic examination of Ames Th cold worked and annealed for 60 minutes is presented. Experimental Plate-Cladding Program. The cladding of Th and U with Zr is discussed at length. The cladding of Th with Al is described. Experiments on welding of Th, U, and Zr plates are presented. (W.L.H.)

This memorandum details the recommendation of the Technical Section that the C Pile be started up using alum treated water to which has been added sodium dichromate at a concentration of 2 ppm., and that the pile be purged at monthly intervals despite the expected absence of film formation. During the initial months of operation the necessity of adding sodium dichromate and of purging the pile should be evaluated with the hope that these factors can be eliminated from the process. The reasons for this recommendation, and proposals for water treatment in the current operating piles are discussed.

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