The results of electrical resistance measurements have been used as a means of following changes occurring in metals due to irradiation. The electrical conductivity is sensitive to changes in composition and to cold-work or structure damage. In an anisotropic metal, such as uranium, the director of measurement also influences to some extent the values obtained. For these reasons it is essential to use the same material, and if possible the same piece of material, in comparing the electrical properties before and after irradiation. This report is a description of the measurements made on pieces of the same uranium rod before and after an exposure of approximately 150 MWD/T. The results, while preliminary in nature and dealing only with one sample and exposure level, provide data for which a comparison may be made of the electrical resistivity of irradiated and non-irradiated uranium metal.

The gas commonly used in the chamber of the Simpson Proportional Alpha Counter (ASP) is the high grade, 99% pure methane. The cost of the gas has often raised the question of finding an adequate substitute and a number of substitutions have been attempted. Commercial methane has been substituted successfully for 99% pure methane and its use is recommended in ASP counters. Neither commercial nor technical methane caused any significant changes in instrument operation.