Definite identification has been made of an isotope of the element with atomic number 98 through the irradiation of Cm{sup 242} with 35 Mev helium ions in the Berkeley Orocker Laboratory 60-inch cyclotron. The isotope which has been identified has an observed half-life of about 45 minutes and probably has the mass number 244. The observed mode of decay of the 98{sup 244} is through the emission of alpha-particles, with energy about 7.1 Mev, which agrees with predictions, and other considerations involving the systematics of radioactivity in this region indicate that it should also be unstable toward decay by electron-capture. The chemical separation and identification of the new element was accomplished through the use of ion exchange adsorption methods employing the resin Dowex-50. The element 98 isotope appears in the eka-dysprosium position on elution curves containing 4.6-hour Bk{sup 243} (formed by a d,n reaction in the same bombardment) and the bombarded Cm{sup 242} as reference points; that is, it preceded berkelium and curium off the column just as dysprosium precedes terbium and gadolinium. The experiments so far have revealed only the tripositive oxidation state of eka-dysprosium character but practically no attempts at oxidation to possible IV and V states have …

Fission product distribution, fission product activities, and decontamination factors are terms of general usage in the Chemical Development Section. Specific values for some of these terms have been based upon data procured several years ago. In many cases more accurate basic numbers are now available. This report sets forth in tabular form detailed information on fission product activities as a function of decay time for certain conditions. It attempts to quality the use of the theoretical curie as a unit of activity to a unit having a more direct practical significance, the ``countable curie.``

Report presenting an investigation to evaluate the engine service performance of nozzle-diaphragm blades of AISI 321 and AISI 347 stainless steels. Data were obtained from three nozzle diaphragms alternately bladed with each of the two materials. Results regarding a visual inspection, a metallurgical examination, the mechanism of cracking, and the classification of failures are provided.

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NACA instrumentation has been installed in the X-4 airplanes to obtain stability and control data during the acceptance tests conducted by the Northrop Aircraft Corporation. This report presents data obtained on the stalling characteristics of the airplane in the clean and gear- down configurations. The center of gravity was located at approximately 18 percent of the mean aerodynamic chord during the tests. The results indicated that the airplane was not completely stalled when stall was gradually approached during nominally U accelerated flight but that it was completely stalled during a more abruptly approached stall in accelerated flight. The stall in accelerated flight was relatively mild, and this was attributed to the nature of the variation of lift with angle of attack for the 001-614 airfoil section, the plan form of the wing, and to the fact that the initial sideslip at the stall produced (as shown by wind-tunnel tests of a model of the airplane) a more symmetrical stall pattern.