The problem of a blast wave propagating through an inhomogeneous atmosphere is set up for computation by the CRC LORA. Previous treatments of this problem have used various simplifying assumptions such as that of purely radial flow. Since, however, pressure gradients in this situation will not in general be in the direction of rays from the blast center, non-radial flow will exist, and there is reason to believe that for large distances this effect will play a prominent role. Therefore, a program was set up for the numerical calculation (on the CRCLORA) of the propagation of a blast wave from a ground burse with altitude effects and possible tangential flow taken into account. With initial conditions known, the program is designed to give the pressure, density, radial and tangential flow velocities after successive time intervals at 16 equally spaced positions on each of 16 straight rays emanating from the point of burst. These positions are shifted with time to keep up with the shock front. Rehmeyer's and Van Neumann's method is used to handle the discontinuous shock front. In this method an artificial viscosity term is introduced in the the equations of motion in order to smooth out the discontinuity, …

This method essentially consists of analyzing x-ray filtration data in terms of Laplace transforms and obtaining the spectral energy distribution in terms of a sum of the corresponding inverse Laplace transforms. Some of the functions which are especially suited for this application are given and a graphical method of analyzing filtration data in terms of these functions is described. Examples of the practical application of this method to several low energy x-ray machines are included with a discussion of the advantages, disadvantages, and probable uncertainties which are involved.

Part I. Experimental Reactors: The design has been completed for all the major high-pressure and low-pressure components except the reactor pressure vessel. Contained in this report are the most recent revisions of the low-pressure-system flow sheet, a description of important details of the reactor cell, and the final design of the main heat exchangers, the inner dump tanks and separator. the recombiner and recombiner-condenser, and the outer dump tank and reflux condenser. Part II. Thorium Breeder Reactor: An analysis of the relative effects of major process variables on the economics and characteristics of two-region thorium breeder reactors is nearing completion, and the results to date are presented in this report. From these results most of the major reactor characteristics have been determined; they are reported with certain other engineering studies pertinent to the early phases of the program. Part III. Corrosion: One loop was removed from service and cross sectioned for inspection of the internal surfaces. This loop was of type 347 stainless steel pipe and had a cumulative operating time of more than 12,000 hr with uranyl sulfate solutions varying in concentration from 0.004 to 1.34 m. No excessive or localized corrosion attack was noted except in one highly …

Nuclear physics research with 22-Mev protons in the 86-in. cyclotron included angular-distribution measurements of neutrons from (p,n) reactions in nine target elements; measurement of the angular distribution of fission fragments from proton-induced fission of U233, U225, U228, Th230, and Th232; measurement of alpha-particle angular distributions from (p,α) reactions a study of the neutron-deficient isotopes of terbium and completion of an extensive program of the measurement of activation cross sections. Two more targets for cyclotron production of isotopes were developed, and the production yields for 14 radioisotopes are summarized. A new record for continuous beam power on a production target, 36 kw for 5 hr, was achieved. The design of a beam-deflector system for the 86-in. cyclotron has been completed, and several of the components have been fabricated ; a shutdown for installation is scheduled for October 8. The deflected N+++ beam of the 63-in. cyclotron was used in a study of the gain and loss of electrons by nitrogen lens passing through thin foils, and the equilibrium charge distribution of lens as a function of energy was thus obtained. The excitation functions were measured for nitrogen-induced reactions on both nitrogen and oxygen. Assembly restrictions of the prepared 114-in. heavy-particle cyclotron …

This technical report includes (1) World-wide Network (Maps). (2) Fallout of Sr90 at selected sites during August. (3) Comparison of Sr90 collection by gummed paper and pot on the roof of HASL during August. (4) Sr90 contamination of cow's milk in Metropolitan New York. (5) Sr90 content of the upper air during April, May and June. (6) Total activity measurement of the upper air after the Castle Test series. (7) Sr90 content of tap water at HASL before the Castle Test series. (8) Sr90 content of urine and fetal bone in the metropolitan New York area during August.

The index of refraction of PuO2 made by thermal decomposition of PU(C2O2, 6H2O gradually increases from a value < 1.9 to 2.40 as the decomposition temperature is increased from 150 degree to l000 degree C. This change in refractive index parallels a gradual change in the x-ray diffraction pattern from weak, diffuse lines for PuO2 ignited at 150° to sharp, well resolved lines for PuO2 ignited at 1000°C. Similar results are observed for PuO2 made by thermal decomposition of Pu2(C2O4)3*11H2O. The refractive index of PuO2 made from Pu metal at 170°C is 2.40 and is not affected by further ignition at higher temperatures, although crystal growth does occur. The rate of solution of PuO2 in an HCl-KI solution is greatest for samples prepared at low temperatures and decreases markedly for oxides ignited at higher temperatures. These observations hive been interpreted to mean that ignition at higher temperatures causes a gradual perfection of the originally highly distorted and impurity-containing PuO2 lattice obtained by low temperature decomposition of the oxalates and promotes the slow growth of crystallites. Both factors decrease the reactivity of the PuO2.

The effects of certain process variables on the production of uranium tetrafluoride from U3O8 on the 250 g. (uranium) scale, and smaller scales in a few cases, have been studied. It was found that the initial step (reduction of U3O8 to UO2 by hydrogen) is essentially complete in 15 minutes at 700 degree C. The rate of conversion was shown to be temperature dependent, the greatest increase in rate of conversion occurring in the vicinity of 500 degree C. In the conversion of UO2 to UF4 by hydrogen fluoride, the optimum temperature was found to be abut 600 degree C. For a reaction time of 5-1/2 hours, both higher and lower temperatures yielded less completely converted products. An increase in rate of conversion, both in reduction and hydro-fluorination, resulted when smaller quantities of material were used. Changes resulting from the present study and yielding an increased efficiency in the production process are described.

Discussing the potential for the country of Iraq to be used as a uranium source.

Discussing the occurrence of uranium at the Colquijirca Mine, located in Peru

From abstract: "A composite ultrasonic unit was developed to indicate the size and location of non-bonded areas and the presence of non-transformed regions in flat uranium fuel elements clad with aluminum. A two-dimensional recorder was developed to yield instantaneous, permanent records of the non-bonded areas on electrosensitive paper. Panel lights indicate the presence of non-transformed regions that have not received proper heat treatment. Defects 1/8" in diameter are consistently detected at an inspection rate of approximately 50 sq. in./min."

From abstract: "There were significant increases in radioactivity in the environs of the Savanna River Plant during the period from January 1954 to July 1954. All of these increases were relatively small as compared to the maximum permissible concentration. Although fallout from Pacific tests was the main contributor to the increased activity, some of the increase was due to normal Plant operations."

Abstract: "The results of the investigation of three methods of obtaining transverse stability in linear accelerators for ions are presented and discussed. For electric or magnetic quadrupole focusing the range of stable operation, oscillation amplitudes, and the operation of an actual grid is analyzed from measurements of the field distribution. Finally, the formulas applicable to focusing by axial magnetic lenses are presented."

Abstract: "These notes were written from recordings of a series of lectures which Dr. Montgomery H. Johnson presented to the ARC Research Group of the University of California Radiation Laboratory, Livermore, during January, February and March of 1954. In the lectures he discussed plasma oscillations and the penetration of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields into plasmas. Dr. Johnson plainly did not attempt rigorous or exhaustive treatments of these subjects but rather contented himself for the most part with the introduction of ideas in the simplest manner possible."

Report discussing a study regarding the possibility of using shock ionization as a source for mirror-type thermonuclear reactors. This was tested in a one-inch vacuum system, and though initial ionization and temperature produced was low, the magnetic field extended the time of light emission and compressed the luminous region.

Abstract: "A simple detector for determining the presence of UF6 in a stream of HF, UF4, and dissociated NH3 is described. The basic detection element is a sensitized piece of carbon rod. The unit has proved satisfactory on production equipment."

Abstract: Further work has been done towards developing a high-output hydrogen ion source using the principle of the Ti ion source, the release of ions from hydrogenated titanium. It is concluded that previous efforts had resulted in the production of large quantities of low-energy ions but had failed in the attempt to accelerate a significant fraction of these. A new approach is undertaken that involves an entirely different geometry. Successfully accelerated and focused beams are obtained. Performance data and mass-analysis distributions are given. The problems of extraction and scaling are discussed. Future subjects of investigation are outlined.

Abstract: "In experimental studies, decontamination factors of 1000 to 3000 were obtained by electrostripping deposited radioactivity from stainless steel surfaces, used as the anode, in 2% sulfuric acid at current densities as low as 0.01 amp/in.-2. Stainless steel cathodes were used. The method was successfully applied to contaminated equipment."

"The most hasardous conditions relating to the storage and handling of the SRE fuel are those in which water and fuel form a possible critical assembly. Therefore, this memorandum is primarily devoted to an analysis of the conditions necessary for a critical mixture of water and SRE fuel. Certain special geometries are then analyzed for their safeness."

A report about the occurrence, distribution, and quantities of beryl and other strategic minerals in pegmatites located in the Newry Hill area, Maine.

Report discussing "a direct comparison of helium and lead in nonmetamict zircon crystals".

Report discussing a study of samples taken from "commercially important coal beds and associated rocks in the Pottsville, Allegheny, and Monongahela series of the Pennsylvanian system". The report contains sections on the scope of the investigation, stratigraphy, radioactivity and uranium content of the coal beds and carbonaceous shale, and descriptions of the rock exposures examined.

Abstract: The design and testing of experimental equipment for remotely joining stainless steel tubing by heliarc welding is described. This apparatus consists of a modified heliarc welding torch which is hydraulically controlled to maintain constant arc voltage. A suitable arc voltage sensing and control amplifier circuit was developed for this application.

Abstract: This report is a brief description of a general purpose logarithmic counting rate meter developed at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. The theory of operation and the circuit design are discussed. The use of a diode as a logarithmic element in the integrating circuit allows extremely accurate counting rate determinations over a five decade range.

This is a scale 1:24,000 photogeologic map of Elk Ridge-16 Quadrangle in San Juan County, Utah.