Several failures have occurred in reduction bombs used in metal production operations. A test program is being initiated to evaluate new metals for the construction of the bomb. In the test program, a tensile specimen is cycled through temperatures simulating operating temperatures, and the time to rupture is recorded in order to estimate the life in operation of a reduction bomb made with the candidate metal. In order to find the worst stress condition, the compressive, hoop, and bending stresses must be considered.

Pursuant to Dr. Kingdon's request for specific information concerning the donut pictured on pages 26-29 of WAPD-64, a close examination of this defect on Failure No. 14 was made. The slug was examined through 10 inches of Pb-glass and photographs were made. A clay impression of the surface area containing the donut was obtained, and using this impression, an Armstrong's Adhesive replica of this can wall surface area was cast.