Routine monitoring procedures are summarized. Based on samples collected by continuous air monitors, the wcekly average value for air contamiration in the laboratory area was 1.98 x 10/sup -12/ mu c/cc. Radioactive fall-out was determined by measuring the total activity and total number of particles collected on gum paper fall-out trays. Two peak periods of activity in July and September were concluded to be the result of weapons tests. Meteorological data are tabulated. Data are included from a survey of natural radioactive elements in TVA lake waters, activity levels in samples of river and lake waters in the laboratory drainage area, rain water, and laundry decontamination measuremcnts. The combination film dosimeter-personnel identification badge was redesigned. A drawing of the badge and its component parts is included. Design modifications are described which wcre made in an automatic air sampler rized from radiation surveys. (C.H.)

The neutron flux distributions in an EGCR cell containing seven and clusters of 2.0 and 2.6a enriched uranium odde were obtained by using a one- velocity, one-dimensional P-3 solution to the neutron transport equation and adjusting fluxes in the fuel cluster in a manner which is consistent with previous comparisons of experiments and calculated distributions. Flux traverses in the outer rod perpendicular to diameter of the cluster are also presented. (auth)

The concentration gradients of uranyl ion in aqueous and organic solutions were analyzed by taking a macro photograph of the desired gradient by monochromatic (436 m mu ) light transmitted by the solution normal to the gradient in an appropriate diffusion cell. Two Druhm runs were terminated due to malfunction of the sodium metering system and the third run was terminated when the UF/sub 6/ nozzle ruptured. Calculations of particle temperature versus time relations for the flame denitration-calcination method of preparing metallic oxide from nitrate solutions indicate that the times required for heat transfer are controlled by the rate of radiant heat transfer to particle surfaces instead of by conductive heat transfer within the particles. A completed experimental study indicated that electrolysis in a cell with a mercury cathode and a platinum anode is a practical process for removing nickel from HRT fuel solution. The apparent diffusion coefficient of uranium loading on Dowex 21K was shown to be directly related to the resin size. An explosion of sufficient violence to blow apart the Pyrex pipe dissolver occurred during the fifth Darex dissolution of simulated SRE fuel probably from a rapid gas phase reaction between hydrogen and oxidizing gases such as …

The decomposition of N/sub 2/O in a reactor tube containing various fixed-bed catalysts was investigated at 200 to 700 deg C, space velocities of 250, 1250, and 2500 vol. of gas per vol. of catalyst per hr, and various gas mixture compositions. As catalysts, En at 500 deg C and Pd at 650 deg C both gave satisfactory results. NO/sub 2/ was formed with all these catalysts, the amount increasing as the residual N/sub 2/O decreased. (C.J.G.)

In research in support of the GCRE, procedures for the fabrication of stainless steel-clad flat-plate fuel elements having a core of 28 w/o UN dispersed in an iron-18 w/o chromium--14 w/o nickel--2.5 w/o molybdenum matrix were developed. The preparation of UN and its compatibility with the components of the matrix alloy were studied. The UN for the program was prepared by nitriding uranium metal at 850 C and then dissociating the U/sub 2/N/sub 3/ produced to UN in a vacuum at 1300 C. In compatibility studies, UN reacted with nickel alone at 1800 F, but no reaction with nickel was observed when the other matrix components were also present. The effects of fabricational variables were evaluated by metallographic examination, longitudinal and transverse tensile tests, bend tests, and corrosion tests. Studies indicated that minus 200 plus 325-mesh UN dispersed in a minus 325-mesh elemental-powder matrix rolled green vith a 30 per cent initial reduction at 2100 F and then annealed 3 hr at 2300 F produced the best fuel core. (auth)

The diffusion process in uranium and its alloys was studied from 550 to 1075 deg C with diffusion couples of U with Zr, Mo, Ti, and Nb and with the alloys U--Nb and U--Mo. A brief description is given of the experimental methods. Results relative to the concentration-penetration curves are presented, and the coefficients of diffusion are calculated. The equilibrium diagram was established for the U--Zr system. The results obtained by micrographic examination, microhardness measurements, and autoradiography are compared with each other. The mechanisms of diffusion are investigated by studying the Kirkendall effect and calculating the Darken intrinsic coeffi cients in the U--Zr and U--UMo diffusion couples. (J.S.R.)

The solubility of aluminum corrosion product in contact with metallic aluminum in deionized water has been determined over the range 80 to 350/sup 0/C. Evidence is presented to show that oxide dissolution results in the formation of a porous oxide on aluminum exposed in refreshed dynamic systems. Dynamic corrosion rate data have been analyzed on the basis of parabolic film growth and a linear oxide degradation process acting simultaneously on the system. The degradation process has been shown to be a function of refreshment rate.

Data are presented from a study of the effects of indoleacetic acid and kinetin on the growth of Amoeba proteus, Escherichia coli, and two species of yeast. Data are tabulated and reaction mechanisms are discussed. 95 references. (C.H.)

Design and construction are proceeding satisfactorily. Fuel capsule irradiation studies are progressing, and preparation of specifications for fuel elements and assemblies is almost complete. Other design, development, and construction progress is reported. Instrumentation developments are described. Reactor physics studies are reported. (For preceding period see AECU-4013.) (T.R.H.)

An alternate design of the Elk River Reactor was completed during the quarter. Three points were emphasized in the study: performance capability to provide 116 Mw(th) output; fuel costs of the reference design versus alternate fuel media and cladding; and reactor control modifications to provide sufficient reactivlty to eliminate soluble hold down'' poisons, permit higher power operation and obtain a greater fuel life. Work is summarized on fuel element and material development program, reactor vessel and internal components, control rods and drive mechanism, process systems, superheater, buildings and facilities, instrumentation and site construction. (For preceding period see ACNP-ERR-3.) (W.D.M.)

An estimate was made of the fast effect in the lid tank source plate. The number of fast fissions per thermal fission is 0.019. (auth)

Under the New Reactor Concepts Evaluation Program sponsored by the United States Atomic Energy Commission. Advanced Technology Laboratories (a Division of American Radiator & Standard Sanitary Corporation) has undertaken am investigation of the technical feasibility and economic potential of the use of boiling mercury as a coolant for fast breeder reactors The investigation was performed between January 1, 1959, and October 31. 1959. This is the final report on that investigation and is submitted in compliance with the terms of the program authorization, Contract Number AT(04-3)-109, Project Agreement Number 4. (auth)

The fuel element conference provided a favorable medium for presentation and discussion of recent developments in the field of solid fuel elements. The conference was designed to replace the more general Metallurgy Information Meetings held annually in the past. The scope of the meeting embraced the design fabrication, performance, and material problems of fuel elements. (W.D.M)

It is well known that a pinch column with internal H/sub Z/ and external conducting shell can be made grossly stable, but that small-scale instabilities persist; especiaily in the tubular region of maximum current density. To investigate further these small-scale instabilities of the stabilized pinch,'' we are using 12-in.-i.d. linear pinch tube with a 3-in.-o.d. insulated center rod. By controlling a current along this rod, as well as a current along external conducting straps, and a third current in an external H/sub z/ coil, it is possible to create many grossly stable pinch configurations. The small-scale stability of the tubular region of maximum current density can thus be studied for a wide range of internal and external magnetic field vectors. The magnetic field distribution in each discharge is obtained by a string of 10 magnetic pick- up loops. The distribution of plasma density is determined by modulating the inner or outer wall current and measuring the radial velocity of the resultant compressional Alfven waves. In one experiment, an initial H/sub z/ is entrapped in plasma by preionization, and then pushed radially outward from the rod by a rising H/sub theta /. The resultant field distribution, in which H/sub theta / …

The toroidal version of the hard-core pinch tube is created by levitating a ring conductor inside a toroidal shell. The magnitude of induced H/ sub theta / necessary for levi-tation is small in terms of field strengths normally desired for energetic pinches. In a 3-in. glass-and-copper toroid of square cross section a 3/4-in. hollow copper ring has been levitated with a 60- cycle current of 3 kiloamperes. A 12-in stainless steel tube of round cross section is being built. The stability of nearvacuum field hard-core configurations is best investigated in toroidal geometry. At high power levels and low plasma densities, the conventional toroidal stabilized pinch'' is subject to an anomalous plasma energy leakage to the wall, which cannot be explained by the observed ultraviolet radiation alone. A critical question is, therefore, whether the relative stability of some hard-core pinches, as reflected by the smoothness and reproducibility of magnetic probe traces, is reflected by an improved containment of the plasma en-ergy leading to high temperature. A toroidal hard-core tube is also useful in studying the nature of the nonhydromagnetic instabilities observed in the linear inverse stabilized pinch.'' The presence and condition of electrodes appear to have a substantial effect on the …

Data are presented on the mechanical and physical properties of high- purity and normal uranium and for a range of dilute uranium alloys at temperatures up to 700 deg C. The results of thermal conductivity and thermal expansion determinations for a range of alloys are discussed, and some results on the latent heat of fusion and volume change on melting are presented. Results of dilute alloy creep tests are reported and correlated with thermal cycling data and resistence to swelling under irradiation. (J.R.D.)

This meeting is one of a series of Civilian Power Reactor Conferences and was held colncident with an AEC invitation to industry to bid on the construction of a gas-cooled facility. Papers are presented on design studles, hazards, components, costs, materials, and design concepts for specific reactors. (W.D.M.)

ThO/sub 2/-UO/sub 2/ fuels have been studied because of certain advantages possessed by this type of fuel over UO/sub 2/. Pellets of ThO/sub 2/- UO/sub 2/ have been found to be highly stable dimensionally under irradiation. Various experimental assemblies which have been irradiated have included Al, Zircaloy, and stainless steel cladding, with the annulus surrounding the pellet filled with air, He, NaK, or Pb. A full-scale core of pellets lead-bonded to Al tube-plates has been used successfully in the Borax-IV reactor. Preliminary defect tests have shown that solid fission products are retained and that only the gaseous products, Xe/sup 138/ and Kr/sup 88/, are detectable in the reactor coolant system. (auth)

None

A 95-inch experimental Yankee sub-assembly was successfully brazed at 1890 plus or minus 10 for three hours then furnace cooled. All of the joints, outside ferrules, and control rod rubbing strips showed a brazed flllet. Dimensional surveys and joint strength studies indicate that two brazing techniques appear feasible for subassemblies. Codings for computers for use in core design problems are described. A series of criticality calculations for the three water-to-metal volume ratios of the Yankee critical experiments was concluded with the calculatlon of the critical mass of a 4:1 water-touranium metal volume ratio core. Calculations were performed to determine the Mwd/t burnup in terms of unperturbed nvt for 2.7 and 5.4% enriched process water test specimens. Temperature stability experiments were conducted on Rohm and Haas XE- 150 resin by means of water baths at the puriflcatlon system operating temperature of 14O F and at an elevated temperature of 170 F. Data were obtained on corrosion of construction materials. A study was made of the reaction of soluble oxygen with hydrazine in borated water. Performance of criticality experiments on stainless steel clad UO/sub 2/ fuel elements at various water-to-metal ratios are reported. (For preceding period see YAEC95.) (W.D.M.)

A demonstration battery containing an 880-curie polonium-2l0 heat source was constructed and tested. The battery initially had an open circuit voltage of 23.6 volts, a maximum output of 161 milliwatts, and an overall efficiency of 0.57%. Details for the construction of the battery generator are given. (For preceding period see MLM-CF-58-4-59.) (auth)

Experiments are described which were designed to yield information pertinent to the evaluation of the nuclear parameters of various fuel-moderator lattices in the environment of the Sioux Falls Power Reactor (Controlled Recirculation Boiling Reactor) core. The test lattice section was enclosed in an element which replaced one of the fuel elements of the Penn State Reactor. Parameters measured were U/sup 236/ neutron capture cadmium ratio, space-averaged thermal neutron flux ratios, and reactivity coefficients. (W.D.M.)

The results of an investigation to integrate a Na/sup 24/ irradiation processing facility with an operating sodium graphite reactor are presented. An irradiation facility incorporated into a reference SGR (Hallam Nuclear Power Facility, Hallam, Nebraska) is described. Development of the facility application, preliminary design criteria and capital and operating costs are discussed. Recommendations for further development of the technology and economics of this type of irradiation facility are included. (auth)

Twenty-eight of the thirty-five papers presented at the conference are included with discussions. Abstracts of the remaining seven papers are given. The seven sessions were devoted to: radiation effects on graphite, nuclear properties of graphitc, graphite lattice reactivities, chemistry of graphite, chemical reactions between liquid Na and Zr, slug canning fer the ORNL Graphite Reactor, and critical assemblies. Separate abstracts have been prepared for each of the twentyeight papers. (T.R.H.)