Annual report for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Research Division describing work completed by programs at Nuclear Metals, Inc.

Radioactive debris from nuclear detonations may fall out over an extensive area. A rapid evaluation of the distribution of such surface contamination cam be obtained by an aircraft mounted detector. The gamma field measured in the aircraft can be related to the intensity on the ground. The HASL Top Hat'' system measures the radiation intensity, in an aircraft, at any altitude up to 1500 feet. The data are continuously compensated to the reading that would be obtained if the measurements were taken at three feet from thc ground surface. It will record the ground radiation field intensities from 0.01 mr/hr to 1000 r/hr. The Telepulse Coding Unit converts this information to a signal suitable for transmission to a plotting center via a standard voice radio transmitter. The transmitted signal is decoded by a Telepulse Receiving Unit and is automatically recorded on a strip chart. The radiation data must be correlated with the aircraft position to determine the location amd intensity distribution of the contaminated area.

From introduction: This report describes the program of research on mineralogy and petrography of certain uraniferous vein deposits in the Boulder batholith of western Montana.

From abstract: "On the 86-inch cyclotron a 41-kw beam has been calorimetered at a net ion loading efficiency of 40%; the average proton current was 1.85 ma at 22.5 Mev. Practical specific yields have been determined for (p,2n) reactions on zinc and bismuth. The investigation of products of proton-induced fission of uranium has been continued and new techniques are being used in measuring angular distribution of reaction products. The 63-inch heavy particle cyclotron is now in operation; N+++ particles have been accelerated to ~25 Mev. In preliminary tests, induced activities have been detected in carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen targets. A hot-cathode ion source is ready for test operation. The 22-inch cyclotron is being used in an investigation of the problems associated with the use of rf and dc electrodes for the acceleration of protons from the ion source into the dees. Radiation-induced corrosion in Inconel tubing containing #21 eutectic (ANP) has been produced by proton irradiation in the 86-inch cylclotron; it is shown that the corrosion was not due to thermal effects. Approximately 150 grams of highly purified U 238 (< 5 ppm U 235) have been prepared, and two grams of thorium 230 (ionium) has been enriched to 90.6%."

Abstract: Uranium associated with peat humus was discovered in a boggy meadow in the Sierra Nevada of Kern County, California, in the fall of 1955.

Introduction: Atomic Energy Facts is designed to serve as an introduction to nuclear operations in the United States and as a handbook of related information for the use of industrial firms and other active or interested in atomic energy.

It is the intent of this paper to discuss briefly the characteristics and significant naval architectural features of the nuclear powered passenger-cargo ship.

Introduction: In September of 156, Gilbert Associates, Inc., entered into a contract with the United States of America, acting through the United States Atomic Energy Commission, for the study and preliminary design of a nuclear power plant being considered for integration into a central station power system at an overseas site.

Purpose: A reconnaissance was conducted during parts of August and September, 1956, of an area about two miles square in the southern Carrizo Mountains where the Permian Cutler formation, including its DeChelly member, and the Triassic Shinarump member of the Chinle formation, are exposed. The purpose was to appraise the uranium potential of the area and to determine the cause of bleaching in the DeChelly. Extensive uranium mineralization in the Salt Wash member of the Morrison formation around the Carrizo Mountaind suggested that the Shinarump, a good producer in other areas on the Colorado Plateau, might be mineralized here as well. Bleaching, as shown in the DeChelly; has proven such a useful guide to uranium at other localities as to merit investigation here.

Abstract: Mine mapping of the tyuyamunite-type deposits In the Salt Wash member of the Jurassic Morrison formation of the Lukachukai Mountains, Apache County, Arizona revealed recognizable spatial relationships between ore mineralization and: fractured areas, sedimentary features, and interstitial carbonate.

From introduction: A subsurface exploration program was undertaken to investigate the concentration of uranium and vanadium in or near the base of the Shinarump member of the Chinle formation in the Flatirons locality, and to develop criteria whereby adjacent unexplored areas could be evaluated as to potential production capacity from study of geological and mineralogical features at the host rook outcrop. An earlier study of the area by C. G. Evensen of the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission had shown that geological conditions favorable to the accumulation of commercial uranium deposits were present in the Flatirons area.

Abstract: Napier Drilling Company of Dallas, Texas drilled 53,998.0 feet for exploration purposes, under Contract No. AT(05-1)-256. This footage was drilled in 508 holes during the period from June 21, 1954 through May 13, 1955.

Subject: This report presents an investigation of a reportedly large low-grade ore body in the vicinity of Cameron, Arizona.

From purpose and scope: This report is designed to summarize the available information on the geology and ore reserves of the uranium deposits. Detailed geological work has been confined largely to those areas which contain the more promising uranium occurrences with at least 80 percent of such work being concentrated in the Sierra Ancha district.

Background: The series of papers in this session will treat an area of separations development capable of immediate application to the design and operation of facilities for reprocessing irradiated reactor fuels.

Abstract: The discovery and exploration of primary uranium mineralization in the Sierra Anchas of east-central Arizona made possible an analysis of the structural ore controls.

Abstract: An IBM-650 computer has been used to calculate series terms required for the area analysis of Doppler-broadened neutron cross section resonances according to the formulation of G. M. Roe.

Abstract: The design and construction of a slide rule for calculating the solid angle subtended by a rectangle at a point located on a line perpendicular to the center of the rectangle are described.

From introduction: The primary purpose of this report is to record the bases chosen in setting the Commission's policy on processing charges to assure that individual charges are on a consistent basis in conformance with the policy. Secondly, it may aid reactor operators in estimating the AEC processing charges for a variety of fuels and reactor conditions. It may also be of interest to potential chemical processors by showing the approach followed in developing these charges.

From acknowledgement: This report was prepared as a joint effort by the personnel of Yankee Atomic Electric Company, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation for the purpose of preparing an operating license application.

Abstract: On July 16, 1953, a diamond core-drilling program was begun in the Pumpkin Buttes area to secure geologic information.

Abstract: A program of airborne radiometric reconnaissance for uranium was conducted in eastern Fremont and western Natrona Counties, in central Wyoming, during the summer and fall of 1954, by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.

From abstract: A study, consisting of field and laboratory work, was undertaken in an endeavor to establish possible structural mineralization controls associated with the copper-uranium occurrences in the Willaha area, Coconino County, Arizona. Uranium mineralization, apparent at present, is localized along small fissures and vugs and in certain beds and lenses of the middle member of the Kaibab formation(Permian). It is associated with copper and iron oxide staining. Though no definite ore controls were disclosed by this study, at least a limited program of shallow drilling is warranted on the property. This sub-surface exploration should determine possible extensions of known mineralized areas, explore surface radiometric anomalies, and provide data for the determination of possible guides to ore. Deeper exploration may encounter mineralization in other horizons of the Kaibab limestone.

From introduction: This report details the results of the post-irradiation examination of a test involving one defected rod and one undefected rod.