Abstract: "The elastic double scattering of deuterons by complex nuclei has been investigated experimentally. Measurements were made on carbon, aluminum, and copper at around 157 Mev; on lithium, beryllium, and carbon at around 125 Mev; and on carbon and aluminum at 94 Mev. The expected tensor components of the deuteron polarization have not been observed. Measurements have been made of the differential cross section and vector-type polarization as a function of angle for the scattering of deuterons from the above elements, at the above energies. The observed polarizations were larger than would be expected on the basis of the individual nucleon-nucleus interactions. In a second experiment we measured the 169-Mev proton-proton polarization at 10, 15, 22.5, 30, and 35 in the laboratory system. The results indicate that partial waves up to and including L = 3 are important at this energy."

Limitations on the maximum temperature of the pile moderator have been imposed to prevent or control the gasification reaction of the graphite stack with the pile gas atmosphere. An uncontrolled reaction would cause a loss of structural strength, density, and thermal conductivity and would thus result in an unnecessary shortening of the effective operating life of the HAPO piles. Numerous studies have been made to define the rates of reaction of the pile stack with various components of the pile gas and the influence on these rates of various pile operating conditions. Based on these studies, maximum graphite temperature has been so restricted that after 10 years of pile operation the graphic stack has sustained less than 1% oxidation (based on recent experimental data). As pile power levels increased, the maximum graphite temperature has also increased and will increase still more as present and future power level programs are completed. In order to evaluate the effect on the graphite stack of the present programs, and to some extent determine the feasibility of future programs, a more realistic approach to the question of structural integrity and oxidation versus pile life is necessary. It is the purpose of this report to summarize …

A exploratory study was made of a polarographic technique in which an alternating sine or square-wave potential is superimposed upon the applied d.c. potential of the polarographic scan. Recording of the a.c. component of the polarographic current results in derivative-type waves. It was shown that the technique yields greater sensitivity and greater selectivity than normal polarographic technique.

The methods of analysis given in this report are those which were used in the Analytical Chemistry Division of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for analyzing samples which were derived from the experimental work on the separation of the isotopes of boron by chemical exchange. The samples consisted principally of boron trifluoride solutions in anisole (methyl phenyl ether, CH30C6H5). The boron concentration ranged from a few parts per million to 5 or 6 per cent. Boron was determined on all samples. During the early stages of the project, iron and copper were occasionally determined, while a limited number of aqueous solutions and water extracts of anisole solutions of BF3 were analyzed for fluoboric and hydroxyfluoboric acids, boric acid, total boron, and total fluoride. Boron was determined by the use of either a spectrophotometric or volumetric method, depending on the amount available. Initially, if the amount of sample and boron concentration were such as to provide a total of at least 2 to 4 mg of boron, the volumetric method was utilized and found to be satisfactory. For smaller amount, the spectrophotometric method was used. Later, because of its greater speed and simplicity, the spectrophotometric method was used for samples in …

Gradual corrosion and mechanical wear of equipment over a period of years has affected the seals and gasketing of the electric pot calcining equipment in the 224-U Building Cell E to such an extent that the desirable vacuum cannot be maintained in the pots. Air contamination has been gradually increasing, and this, together with a lowering of the mask working limits, has made it necessary to require personnel to wear assault masks continuously. Indications are that, with the increased production now required, the level of air contamination will continue to rise unless measures are taken to prevent it. The Manufacturing Department has requested that a project be established to reduce the contamination level. Several items of improvement are listed for consideration including, in general, the electric pot agitation and sealing, semi-automatic pot unloaders, cell ventilation and air locks, and the nitric acid off-gas system and stacks. Because of the urgency of improving the conditions, the project, at first, is to provide for immediate improvements for the electrical pot agitation, the pot cover leakage, and the nitric acid off-gas system and stack. Additional study will be required to determine the extent of the ventilation and semi-automatic unloading improvements required.

This report presents the best estimate possible on the basis of the available information as to how high an energy would be necessary in order that the gas pressure which could be tolerated would be attainable with present techniques (say 10-(-7) mm Hg.)

Report discussing a plasma containment configuration which appears to have no escape cone. From abstract: "Arguments are given to show how the containment process works, including experimental evidence deduced from published reports on "electromagnetic levitation."

The experiments described in this report were designed to explore the feasibility of precipitating plutonium from 35 percent TBP in Gulf BT using peroxide, fluoride, sulfide, sulfite, sulfate, cocalate, hydroxide, iodate and phosphate ions from anhydrous, dilute and concentrated aqueous sources.

This twenty-fifth quarterly report of the research and development activities of the Radiological Sciences Department, Hanford Atomic Products operation, as before, includes some items charged to control but included for general interest. The previous report of this series was numbered: HW-39624, October 11, 1955. Progress is reported in the following studies: a radiobiological-ecological survey of the Columbia River; the toxic effects of continuous low-level exposure to I¹³¹ in pigs; Pu metabolism in miniature pigs and rats; the tissue distribution and retention of Ru¹⁰⁶ and Cs in rats and mice; the radiosensitivity of the intestine of rats; the pulmonary absorption of radioactive particles and the pathological effects of such particles in the lungs of mice; the uptake of I¹³¹ and other fission products from the soil and from air by plants; determinations of the relative biological effectiveness for yeast cells of Po²¹⁰ alpha particles and P³² beta particles; the development of chemical and radiological monitoring methods; the separation of fission products from waste streams; and improvements in instruments for monitoring and low-level radiation counting. The status of the research programs of the department is reviewed.

The enthalpies and heat capacities of seventeen fluoride mixtures in the liquid state have been determined using Bunsen Ice Calorimeters and copper block calorimeters. The fluoride mixtures were composed of the fluorides of two or more of the following metals: lithium, sodium, potassium, beryllium, zirconium, and uranium. The enthalpies and heat capacities of most of these mixtures were studied in the solid state also. Estimates of the heat of fusion have been made. General empirical equations have been developed which represent the enthalpies and heat capacities of the fluoride mixtures in the liquid and in the solid state.