None

None

A large fraction of the effort on high-energy physics this quarter was devoted to the study of K particles. Ten of the fourteen external laboratory groups, as well as seven of the internal laboratory groups, used the K{sup {+-}}-beam facilities. These experiments included measurements of lifetimes, modes of decay; and excitation functions. Counters and cloud-chamber techniques were used in addition to nuclear emulsions. Measurements of total and differential cross-sections for {pi}{sup -} mesons continued. Work on proton-proton scattering was extended to 4.8 Bev. Radiochemical investigations of spallation products in light and heavy elements were extended. A new target plunger, a 4-inch quadrupole magnet, and two new steel collimators were added to the experimental facilities. Accelerator development this quarter included experiments on increasing the acceptance time of the Bevatron, self-tracking of the radiofrequency equipment, and the substitution of an analogue computer for the 3D-point curve corrector.

None

The purpose of the present document is to specify the design basis which is to be used for reactor pressure vessels for Naval service which are built for Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Bettis Plan.

The effect of pantothenic acid deficiency on the rate of C{sup 14}O{sub 2} excretion and on distribution of radioactivity in liver fractions has been studied in rats given sodium acetate-2-C{sup 14} and sodium heptanoate-7-C{sup 14} The rate of excretion of breath C{sub 14}O has been measured by use of a method in which a sensitive ionization chamber and electrometer directly and continuously record carbon-14 excretion. The labeled fatty acids are more rapidly metabolized to C{sup 14}O{sub 2} in PAD rats than in normal rats. CoA depresses the C{sup 14}O excretion 2 in both normal and PAD rats in experiments with either labeled acid. There are differences in the oxidation of these two fatty acids, and the differences are consistent with postulated metabolic schemes. CoA increases radioactivity deposited in the fat of the liver, but does not appreciably change the radioactivity incorporated in the protein and nonsaponifiable lipid fractions.

None

This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for February 1955. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Real Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.

In order to evaluate the performance of uranium slugs canned by the hot press method, several tubes of this metal were charged at C Pile and scheduled for irradiation until a specified number of ruptures had occurred. At the present time, all scheduled ruptures of hot-pressed slugs have been obtained. This report summarizes the irradiation experience under this test and the results obtained to the present time, and presents conclusions which are drawn from this experience.

The following studies were approved: 8501 - non-destructive testing, 8502 - 300 Area process development, 8503 - new fuel element fabrication, 8504 - protective coatings for new fuel elements, 8505 - corrosion, 8508 - instrument development in 300 Area, 8514 - instrument development in 100 Area, 8515 - instrument development in 200 Area, and 8524 - new LM elements. Information and Safety agreements are listed, and information in appended on the following topics: financial status, instrument development program, metallurgical development program, and Technical Division study status.

The following report is the minutes of the Technical Division steering Committee meeting October 11, 1955, at the Savannah River Laboratory.

This chapter covers process tubes; it is divided into: philosophy of safety factors, mechanical properties of available materials (C steel, mo steel, Cr-Mo steel, ss-304, ss-347), and costs (zircaloy-2).

None

In order to produce a substantially oxide-free chloride. a specialized technique, based on the chemical characteristics of the ammonium thorium chloride complexes, has been found optimum. The procedure involves the formation of a solution of thorium chloride and ammonium chloride, evaporation of the solution to form a hydrated ammonium thorium chloride complex, dehydration of the complex by low-temperature drying, and ignition of the complex, after inter-mixture with an alkali chloride, to remove ammonium chloride and to form a thorium alkali chloride mixture for electrolysis. (L.T.W.)

None

One of the potential operating plans considered at HAPO involved the irradiation of an E--N loading for simultaneous plutonium and tritium manufacture. The conditions of the study required that the ``25`` content of the E slugs be the maximum compatible with their recovery in existing or slightly modified separations facilities. This memorandum reviews the status of knowledge and best guesses concerning this operating scheme.

None

Three independent measurements of the work function of uranium have been reported. The values obtained were were made with uranium wire and since, as shown by the authors, uranium is very readily oxidized at pressures of 10/sup -7/ mm Hg to give a relatively non-volatile oxide, one surmises that some of these determinations were subject to error because of vacuum conditions. Attempting to investigate the validity of this criticism, the authors have measured the thermionic properties of a uranium wire in such a manner that some information regarding the cleanliness of the surface can be deduced. The two types of measuremente accomplished were the change in the thermionic constants of the Richardson equation with time of heating in hydrogen, and the dependence of current on the retarding potential. (auth)

The results of theoretical studies on the effect of inertial pressures in water boiler transients are summarized as follows: (1) derivation of the equation for transient pressures in a partially enclosed container of water, (2) development of the equation of state for a mixture of water and radiolytic decomposition gas, (3) calculation of peak power as a function of reactor period, and (4) discussion of the effect of limited void space above the solution. It is intended that these results should serve as an indication of the magnitude of the inertial effects as a guide for planning the experimental program for KEWB. It is concluded that the attainable pressures represent no hazard to equipment, personnel or environs. (auth)