This report is the third in a series of quarterly reports discussing the concept and progression of an improved method in nuclear measuring than the usage of the scintillation counter. This report indicates that in a chopped double beam system, commutation of the detector current permits selection of optimum response time and size of radioactive sources.

From foreword: This report presents the preliminary design of a gamma irradiator intended for use as an experimental hospital sterilizer.

Quarterly progress report describing work related to a study of radiation physics problems involved in the design of high-level cesium-137 gamma sources. It outlines work completed and ongoing goals for the project.

"The following is an alphabetical listing of terms and units in common usage at Hanford Atomic Products Operation. Other terms and definitions may be added as the need becomes apparent or as revisions or additional terms are issued by the NCRP and ICRP."

Abstract: Irradiated fuel elements from the Organic Moderated Reactor Experiment (OMRE) first core loading have been examined and evaluated to determine: (1) the stability of the floating plate fuel element design, (2) the stability of the stainless steel clad UO2 - stainless steel cermet core fuel plates under irradiation and exposure to the organic coolant, (3) the extent and nature of deposits on the fuel element services, and (4) the distribution of burnup in the fuel elements.

Abstract: This report describes an advanced sodium-cooled, graphite-moderated nuclear power plant which utilizes high-pressure, high-temperature steam to generate electricity at a high thermal efficiency.

Abstract: It has been proposed that a fuel element containing porous uranium be used for moderately high temperature applications. In an effort to determine the structural integrity of this type of fuel body, thermal cycling tests have been conducted on porous uranium.

This partially annotated bibliography contains 334 references from papers published from 1945 to 1959 and includes references on the consumable - and nonconsumable - electrode vacuum arc melting process. References are also given on electrode preparation, furnace construction and operation, melting, sintering, vacuum techniques, and theory.

From abstract: The principal efforts are the furthering of the final design and preparation of specifications for some long-lead components. The entire power plant has been divided, for final design purposes, into 37 subsystems. The status of work on each subsystem at the close of the period is reported.

From abstract: The PT-750 is designed to be used in conjunction with a production tester which requires automatic recording of test data. This manual provides a source of procedures and reference material necessary in automatic recording and in use of the PT-750.

Quarterly report discussing activities of the Maritime Gas-Cooled Reactor (MGCR) Program and the progress of the Program in developing a nuclear-powered marine propulsion system utilizing a high-temperature, gas-cooled nuclear reactor, close-cycle gas-turbine power plant.

From summary: The primary purpose of this project is to determine the feasibility of converting reactor waste Strontium-90 into a safe and useful source of electrical energy. Secondary purpose is physical and environmental testing of the power conversion device or thermoelectric couples. This required actual fabrication of a 100-thermal-watt strontium titanate fuel element

From abstract and summary: Project Stagecoach consisted of the detonation of three 40,000-pound charges. Blocks of cast TNT were stacked to resemble a sphere and, the whole center-detonated.

Abstract. The Tory II-A reactor is a small, air cooled, high power-density reactor which is to operate at quite high temperatures. Design of the reactor is essentially complete. First operation is scheduled for late 1960 at the Nevada Test Site of the Atomic Energy Commission. Since the reactor is unshielded, the control room which houses the recording and indicting equipment is located approximately two miles from the test bunker. Signals from reactor and facility transducers are amplified in the test bunker and transmitted by cable to the control point. The kinds of quantities measures include neutron flux level, temperatures, pressures, vibration amplitudes, strain and air mass flow rate. The recording and indicating system is centered around 258 channels of 1.5 cycle per second, pulse-width modulation tape recording equipment and 72 channels of 120 cps, analogue strip-chart records. In addition, there is a number of the usual meters, scalers and slow-response strip-chart recorders.

Introduction. The Lawrence Radiation Laboratory of the University of California has developed a series of reactor neutronic programs for an IBM 709 Data Processing System.. This paper presents a brief outline of these codes and includes the results of one- and two-dimensional diffusion calculations used to interpret data from a series of enriched-uranium beryllium-oxide moderated critical measurements. These were performed for the specific purpose of evaluating the computer programs. The time-independent neutron diffusion theory criticality codes are 9ZOOM, a one-dimensional multigroup program; and 9ANGIE, a two-dimensional multigroup program. A series of codes, named SOPHIST, are described which prepare neutronic input data for the criticality codes. Examples of modification of the data to account for disadvantage factors, anisotropic scattering and for the (n,2n) reaction of Be9 are given. The critical assemblies include bare and graphite-reflected systems, using atomic BeO/U235 ratios from 247/1 to 7660/1, arranged in simple one- and two-dimensional rectangular parallelepiped arrays. All of the assemblies utilized heterogeneous arrangements of moderator and thin uranium foils. These systems are not truly thermal and are in a range where critical mass is extremely sensitive to size. The constants used in the multigroup (18 energy groups were used) calculations are presented in tabular …

Abstract. The region where exact thermodynamic description of the state of matter at high pressure and high temperature is possible is located. In the remaining region various approximate theories and empirical relations are discussed. These considerations are applied to hydrogen to locate the density and pressure at which the diatomic bond collapses. Also the approximate conditions are determined at which no bound electron states exist.

Measurements of k∞, f, p, and ∈ have been performed in the PCTR in support of the EGCR Program. The values listed below were obtained for the 21.875-inch cell used in the PCTR measurements. They are for a nonabsorbing (helium or vacuum) atmosphere.

A coolant line rupture during operation of a high temperature gas cooled graphite moderated reactor would present a serious hazard. The reactor would immediately depressurize and a great deal of air would be introduced into the coolant stream. As the air passed over the graphite moderator a runaway oxidation reaction would probably ensue unless an adequate safety system were available. This investigation was designed to evaluate chlorine as a reactor safeguard to be used to control a runaway reaction. Throughout this study, a small amount of chlorine in an air stream has demonstrated the ability to substantially reduce the oxidation rate of graphite. This has been the case even where the principal oxidizing agent was molecular oxygen or ozone.

From Introduction: "The present paper contains detailed descriptions of the methods used in calculating both the elastic constants and the statistical parameters. These detailed descriptions have been included for two reasons: (1) To leave no doubt as to the exact procedure, and (2) to act as a guide to other workers who might wish to make similar determinations."

Report issued by the Bureau of Standards over studies on the importance of conductive flooring in hospitals. Types of conductive flooring are compared, and tested. The methods and results are presented, and discussed. This report includes tables, illustrations, and photographs.

Current status of the High Flux Isotope Reactor which is being planned for construction at Oak Ridge.

Report concerning the technical feasibility of induction welding for use in remote maintenance at the Liquid Metal Fuel Reactor Experiment. Includes descriptions of the device used, test procedures, and results.

Report describing parametric studies of eleven fast reactor fuel systems undertaken to determine the design and economic factors for producing electricity. The methods used for making the parametric studies are described, as well as the results of these studies. Appendices begin on page 103.

Report describing the Enrico Fermi Atomic Power Plant, its fast breeder reactor, and heat transport systems.