The results of this study are tabulated in Summary Tables A and B below. For the most part, these values were read from smoothed curves drawn thru the plotted experimental data. The values for aluminum (i.e., 0 w/o Li) were taken from the 1948 Edition of the ASM Metals Handbook. The room temperature properties are reported for lithium contents of 0, 3.5, 7 and 10 weight per cent. In the case of the high temperature properties, there were insufficient data to allow extrapolation and interpolation to pre-chosen compositions: these properties are therefore reported only for the compositions of the actual samples.

This technical report describes experimental nuclear physics, mass spectroscopy, crystallography, experimental reactor physics, theoretical physics (general), reactor theory, electronic digital computers, and applied mathematics and computations (general).

Thermal cycling tests on uranium have shown that the dimensional changes that occur on cycling in the alpha range are directly related to both the texture of the material and its grain size: cold rolled rods generally elongate in the direction of rolling, while the same rods, after a beta-treatment, grow at rates several orders of magnitude lower. This considerable improvement by beta-treatment has been attributed to the texture randomization accompanying the heat-treatment. In the course of this heat-treatment, however, considerable grain growth occurs, which ahs the effect of causing surface roughening on cycling (also referred to as "bumping"); fine grained material generally retains a smooth surface. These observations led to the speculation that the most desirable structure in uranium, from standpoint of dimensional stability, is one that combines both a random texture and a fine grain size. Heat treatment of rolled rod offered no easy method to obtain such a product; powder metallurgical techniques, however, appeared ideally suited for the purpose. To this end, early in 1949, the Sylvania Electric Products Company initiated a program to develop suitable techniques for producing uranium powder compacts having the above-mentioned desired characteristics. Because of the availability of thermal cycling equipment at Argonne, …

Theoretical and experimental investigations of the use of soluble poisons (neutron absorbers) to supplement mechanical control rods are summarized. Experimental evaluation of poisons of interest includes in-pile and out-of-pile tests simulating anticipated reactor operating conditions. Other phases of the investigation included methods of poison injection, removal, and cleanup of poison-diluted reactor systems, as well as studies to evaluate possible application of soluble poison control in existing and proposed reactors.

The feasibility of the coated metal crucible as a container for eutectic Al-Si alloy has been proven by test. Small, enamel-coated cast iron pots has been proven by test. Small, enamel-coated cast iron pots have successfully withstood the chemically aggressive Al-Si alloy and the adverse influence of an oxidizing atmosphere for a period of 3 months at 725°C. A similarly coated castiron crucible containing 450 pounds of eutectic Al-Si alloy was successfully tested for 144 days in a jacketing operation conducted at 595°-650°C. Under the same conditions, the normal service life of clay-bonded graphite and silicon carbide crucibles rarely exceeds 45 days. The coating material is a commercially available enamel capable of withstanding temperatures up to 790°C (1450°F). It is readily applied to the surface of a variety of ferrous metals and alloys; however, best results are obtained with alloys low in chromium and nickel which also have a low thermal expansion coefficient.

From Introduction: "In 1954, the AEC presented the "five-year plan" for power reactor development, briefly outlined in Table I-1. The program proceeded and other reactors were added as a result of the incentives indicated in the outline."