This report follows a study that was aimed at the collection of experimental data needed to estimate the maximum safe temperatures and dispersed UO2 contents for MoSi2--UO2 fuel elements exposed to air.

Abstract: "Two parallel wires close together with an arc between them form a hairpin-type of current configuration which should magnetically propel the plasma of the arc. By the time-of-flight measurements with probes it has been demonstrated that directed translational energies of 290 ev can be imparted to deuterons in a plasma produced by a high-current pulsed arc at the tips of two titanium wires loaded with deuterium. It is believed that three deuterons are actually magnetically propelled."

Abstract: This proposal describes a parallel-plate capacitor and the discharge tube with which it is hoped that implosion energies of 1000 eV can be given to deuterons by the pinch effect. The discharge tube is to be arranged so that no external series switch is required.

Abstract: "The self-consistent equations have been found for a plasma which lies in a mainly unidirectional magnetic field, which has a circular symmetry and which has a harmonic variation in the direction of the magnetic field. The equations have been solved in two cases, 1) where the harmonic variation of the field is finite and the plasma is weak, and 2) where the plasma is strong but the harmonic variation of the field is weak. The configurations thus found can form an important starting point for calculations of the stability of plasmas."

This study was initiated to determine the minimum safety requirements for safe anchorage of electric pole lines. The objectives were to investigate the suitability of manufactured concrete pole line anchors for use at the Hanford Atomic Products Operation, to design a concrete anchor slug of optimum shape and size for manufacture, to determine by field tests the resistance pullout of the concrete anchor when buried at various depths under the most favorable condition, and to develop a safe design load for the anchors at various depths of burial and angle of pull based on test results.

The Spectroscopy Research Laboratory is concerned with research and development in the fields of nuclear magnetic resonance, microwaves, infrared and optical spectroscopy, spectrochemistry, and x rays. Research is directed toward fruitful methods of isotope analysis; new element and compound analytical methods having application to immediate Laboratory or long-range commission needs; and fundamental research on isotopes, elements, and compounds. The work is reported on a project basis to give a more complete picture of the purpose, activity, and status of each program. More detailed information on reported or inactive projects may be obtained from the previous semiannual report.

A two-etchant surface preparation treatment has been found which insures good adhesion between the zirconium and the nickel or copper electroplate. The etching process requires 1 1/2 minutes.

In connection with the development of in-line analytical equipment for monitoring pH, gamma activity and uranium concentration in process streams, experiments and tests were carried out during the past year and a half in the Metal recovery Plant on a pH monitor for the hydrogen ion concentration in neutralized waste, a continuous gamma activity monitor on the RCU, an automatic photometer for uranium in RAF, and an automatic polarograph for uranium in RAW. This letter is written to present up-to-date diagrams of the equipment used, outline briefly the studies conducted and the main conclusions regarding design and operability of the equipment, and present material which will supplement that included in the previous reports on theses instruments.

A metallurgical examination of several resistance thermometers for 105-KW were examined before startup (1). This examination revealed that the silver brazes joining the type 305 stainless steel blades to the type 416 stainless steel nuts were defective. The braze metal did not penetrate into the joint; the brazes were porous and appeared to be inadequately bonded to the type 416 nuts. After startup of KW, many of the thermometers became inoperative, and several were visually examined to determine the integrity of the units. The presence of corrosion products at the junction of the braze and the nut led to further metallurgical examination of the brazed joints. Twenty units from 105-KW, 12 prototype units from 105-H, and two "new model" units were included in this examination. The examination was conducted to determine the cause and nature of the failures observed on units under service conditions.

Experience in handling and purifying rubidium metal, prior to high-temperature corrosion testing, has been obtained. Some of the physical and chemical properties of this metal are listed. Distillation and filtration experiences are described, and the analysis of samples following such purification procedures are given. Stripping procedures following corrosion testing are discussed briefly. Results of preliminary corrosion experiments indicate that Inconel in a satisfactory container material for boiling rubidium at temperatures up to 1520°F.