Introduction: "Knowledge of the mechanical properties of uranium at elevated temperature is essential in order to understand and predict the fabrication characteristics and pile behavior of this metal. This report presents the experimental data obtained from beta heat-treated specimens which were originally machined from one production, alpha-rolled uranium rod."

This following report discusses certain topics pertinent to the x-ray photometric method, such as the optimum size of sample and of sample concentration, the technique of measurement for high precision, the use of easily prepared uranium standards for future calibrations and corrections for extraneous substances, and it compares results obtained by both x-ray and chemical assays.

Abstract: "Experiments were performed to characterize the types of nitro compounds that might be formed by reaction of Shell Spray Base with nitric acid, to determine the extent of their formation, if any, and their path under conditions of nitric acid recovery in the Purex Process. It is concluded that the instability of Shell Spray Base to nitration, under conditions to prevail in the plant, presents neither a disposal problem nor a safety problem."

The following report deals with the application of the water boiler neutron source to the exponential experiments in an attempt to speed up lattice testing measurements.

This report discusses the calcination or heating of UO₃. When UO₃ is heated, it loses ionic impurities and can produce uranyl peroxide.

This report follows a manuscript report made in January 11, 1952, and provides results of a survey that gives corrections as well as suggestions for new and local sources of aggregate material in comparison to the original report. These reports were made in response to a heavy desire of improvement in reactor design and shielding.

Report describing data resulting from dynamic tests to determine applied potential corrosion of aluminum.

Report discussing a possible solution for providing a remotely operated way of handling samples at an irradiation facility. Explanation of operating requirements, equipment, and a possible layout is included.

Report discussing a test aimed at determining if high velocity water could cause severe pitting in 72-S aluminum. This test was designed after an increase in the amount of pitting-caused water leaks in reactors.

The following report is one of a series of rolling tests to establish the rolling process for Feed Materials Production Center at Fernold, Ohio. The primary objective of this program is to find a mechanically feasible process for continuous rolling of uranium.

The following report describes a countercurrent extraction column, which employs timed solenoid valves and pressurized feeds to provide a pulsing action to disperse the phases. This report further describes the 4-stage cycle of the column operation.

Report discussing the properties of plutonium and plutonium's distribution between hexone and aqueous phases, which relates to the function of Redox plants

The following report provides data from corrosion tests meant to evaluate the performance of Type 3098Cb stainless steel in BiP04 process dissolver solution containing mercuric ion.

Purpose: "This test was conducted to gain information and experience in the handling of heavy aggregate concrete. The results from this test were to establish procedures for a subsequent program -- "Construction Test of High Density Concrete Shielding.""

Report summarizing corrosion tests meant to determine the corrosion rates of bronze, mild steel, T-304 stainless steel and 2S aluminum in 10% potassium tetraborate solution. Tests were completed under the boiling point of each solution except for 2S aluminum, which was tested at 40C, the approximate temperature in a pile.

"The attached report summarizes the work performed in the establishment of an improved spectrographic method for determining iron in plutonium."

For many years effort has been directed toward the development of means for the practical utilization of the heat evolved from the radioactive decay of certain fission and irradiation products. Fission products, in view of their availability in the plentiful, high-level wastes resulting from the processing of irradiated, nuclear reactor fuels have been most intensively studied for applications where their heat of decay might be converted into useful energy such as electricity for the operations of certain devices in place of chemical batteries . In addition other materials having desired radioactive properties may be produced by neutron bombardment of readily available elements.

It is desirable that a reactor exhibit a self-regulating effect. If this were not true any disturbance to the reactor would result in a continual increase in the magnitude of the disturbance and the reactor would be unstable. In this investigation the reactor is considered to have two reactivity feed-backs: metal temperature and water temperature reactivity effects. These two variables through a metal temperature coefficient and water temperature coefficient determine not only the reactor stability but also determine many operational characteristics.

In support of the Plutonium Recycle Program at Hanford, the properties of PuO2 are being investigated. This paper reports sintering studies on PuO2 and PuO2-UO2 mixtures and solid solutions; melting studies on PuO2 and UO2; thermal expansion data to 1000 C; and irradiation data on PuO2-UO2 mixtures. The existence of a continuous series of solid solutions formed during sintering has been established for the system UO2-PuO2. A linear relation between lattice parameter and composition exists. Extensive sinterability data on the isomorphous compound UO2 and PuO2 and their intermediate compositions has been obtained. The effect on sintered density of temperature, time, and concentration for both physical additions of PuO2 and additions of UO2-PuO2 solid solutions to UO2 have been studied. Evaluation data are supported by microscopic examination and X-ray diffraction.

Relatively frequent agitator failures in HAPO Separations Plants have interfered with process continuity, contributed to process difficulties, and resulted in considerable maintenance expense. Predominantly the failures have been because of gear-reduction drive unit break-down or because of metallic fatigue and degeneration of the shaft-paddle assemblies. A simplified, slow-speed, direct drive agitator, previously described in HW-52755, proved to be quite durable and satisfactory during extended testing, operating without incident for over 10,000 hours. Subsequent operation of the agitator in the Redox Plant has been equally smooth. Total operating time (combined test and production use) is now in excess of 21,000 hours. Since the slow speed agitation principle has been adequately demonstrated at Redox and Purex canyon applications. This report describes the development and testing of such a "universal" agitator.

This is the sixth in a series of interim reports describing various phases of the study of fuel element rupture kinetics and mechanisms. Previous reports issued are: No. 1- Experimental Methods and Procedures, HW-61378, No. 2- Coextruded Rod Elements with Pinhole Defects, HW-61379, No. 3 - Mechanism of the Uranium-Water Reaction, HW - 61799, No. 4 Coextruded Tube Elements with Pinhole Defects and Various Annular Spacings, HW- 62348, No. 5- Comparison of In-Reactor and Ex-Reactor Ruptures, HW-62766. This work is being done in cooperation with the Fuel Element Design Operation of the Hanford Laboratories Operation. J. W. Goffard has been particularly helpful in supplying samples and useful discussions of the results.

The current interest in a tube-in-tube type Zircaloy-2 clad UO2 fuel element for use in the power reactors provided the incentive for a study of the dissolution of cladding from an annular space. The objectives of the study were to compare the estimated rate of dissolution in the annuli with rates on fully exposed metal. Because of an interest from the design standpoint, heat balance data from the study are reported.

The PRP Critical Facility is an experimental reactor for use in determination of basic nuclear constants of heterogenous reactors recycling plutonium, and exponential and criticality studies at power levels up to 100 watts and neutron fluxes of about 109 nv. Provision is made for changing reactor lattices using irradiated and unirradiated fuel elements with either a light or heavy water moderator.

Thermal spikes occurring during the life of a slug in a pile cause a momentary destruction of the original configuration of atoms in the metal. This process occurs at such a rate that in a thermal neutron flux of 10(13) neutrons per square centimeter per second each atom in the metal will be subject to temperatures above the melting point of uranium every 40 minutes.