Abstract:"The creep resistance of various uranium binary alloys was investigated at 1500 and 1800 F in vacuum. Tests were made on alloys of uranium with beryllium, columbium, molybdenum, tantalum, titanium, and zirconium and on molybdenum-UO2 composites. Of the alloys examined, those of the uranium-molybdenum system exhibited the best creep resistance. At 1500 F, creep rates of about 0.005%/hr were produced in uranium-molybdenum alloys by a stress of 2500 psi and, at 1800 F, similar creep rates were obtained in composites of 90 wt % molybdenum-10 wt % UO2 by a stress of 12,000 psi."

Abstract: Methods are presented for calibrating a peak current gage which was developed at Sandia in the spring of 1953.

Report discussing testing on a scale model of the Convair XF2Y-1 airplane with solid-fuel rocket motors that simulate full-scale turbojet-engine characteristics at a height of 35,000 feet with full afterburning at Mach number 1.53. The model was found to have dynamic lateral instability, but these results were not likely to be found in a full-scale airplane. Information about the pitching moment, directional stability, lift-curve slope, and drag coefficients is provided.

Report presenting component performance data for one modification of a 16-stage compressor and a 3-stage turbine to determine the matched performance characteristics of an engine with those components. The compressor surge line and infinite exhaust-nozzle-area equilibrium operating line restricted the region of matched compressor-turbine operation. Results regarding the engine operation with modified compressor and three-stage turbine, effect of leakage on engine operation, component efficiencies, and operation in the surge region are provided.

Report presenting measurements made on the Bell X-1 airplane to determine the pressures on the fuselage base and rear portion of the fuselage during level flight. Measurements were made in the power-off condition and with the engine operating. Information about the power-off pressures and jet effects is provided.

Report presenting measurements of the intensity of buffeting experienced by the Douglas D-558-II research airplane at a range of Mach numbers. Buffeting was encountered at both subsonic and supersonic Mach numbers and the intensity of the buffeting varied with Mach number and airplane normal-force coefficient.

The effects of one type of camber on the aerodynamic characteristics of rectangular wings at high subsonic and transonic speeds have been studied by applying the transonic similarity rules to the correlation of experimental data for a series of 18 cambered wings having NACA 63A2XX and 63A4XX sections, aspect ratios from 1 to 4, and thicknesses from 4 to 8 percent. The data were obtained by use of a transonic bump over a Mach number range of 0.6 to 1.1.

Report presenting information about spoiler-type ailerons, which are of interest because they give high reversal speeds for the thin, flexible wings now used. A bibliography on spoiler-type controls is also provided.

Flight testing at transonic speeds occurred on two rocket-propelled models of an airplane configuration with 45 degree sweptback wings of aspect ratio 4 and with different stiffnesses. Longitudinal stability, lift, and drag characteristics were determined by analysis of the response of the models to disturbances in pitch. Results regarding lift, model vibrations, aeroelastic effects on lift, static stability, damping in pitch, and drag are provided.

Report presenting comparisons of the aerodynamic characteristics and flow phenomena at transonic speeds for two unswept zero-taper-ratio wing-body combinations. The first had a cylindrical afterbody, while the second had an indented afterbody in the region of the wing-body juncture. Results regarding force characteristics, flow surveys, and an interpretation of the results are provided.

Report presenting an investigation conducted in the 8-foot transonic tunnel to determine the longitudinal stability and control characteristics of a 0.09-scale model of the Bell X-5 research airplane. Lift, drag, pitching-moment, elevator hinge-moment, and pressure-distribution results are presented for a range of Mach and Reynolds numbers. Results regarding lift and drag characteristics, longitudinal stability and control characteristics, dynamic-response characteristics, elevator hinge-moment characteristics, and mass-flow characteristics and pressure distributions are provided.

Report presenting the results of testing of bodies and wing-body combinations by the free-fall method in order to provide information about drag characteristics of airplanes and their component parts at transonic speeds. Two models with a fineness-ratio-12 body of revolution with 45 degree sweptback wings located at different positions were dropped and equipped with improved drag measuring instrumentation and pressure measuring orifices on the portion of the body expected to be influenced by the presence of the wing. Results regarding pressure data and drag data are provided.

Report presenting a determination of the individual stage performance for a 10-stage axial-flow compressor from circumferentially fixed radial rake measurements of total temperature and total pressure obtained at the discharge of each stage. Results regarding compressor performance, stage performance, and some general remarks are provided.

Report presenting an investigation of the effects of wing and tail modifications on the low-speed stability characteristics of a model with thin 40 degree swept wings of aspect ratio 3.5. The main purpose was to improve some of the undesirable longitudinal stability characteristics observed in flight of several airplanes with similar wing geometry. The use of flaps, the position of the horizontal tail, and the use of chord extensions are all explored as possible solutions.

Report presenting an investigation in the high-speed tunnel to determine the static longitudinal and static lateral stability characteristics of a wing-fuselage combination with a triangular wing with an aspect ratio of 2.31 and an NACA 65A003 airfoil section. The tests occurred over a range of Mach numbers from 0.40 and 0.95 and separate testing was also conducted with small notches added to the leading edge of the wings.

Report discussing a study aimed at learning about cell division and the effects of radiation alpha radiation on the process of cell division. This was done by correlating changes in the biochemical state of cells and the inhibition of cell division. Materials and methods are included as well as experimental results and data.

Report discussing the effects of thermal diffusion length and certain details in the design of light water moderated reactors and their effect on reactivity.

Progress report on programs in target research and in accelerator research.

Measurements were taken to provide experimental evidence for determining the feasibility of a proposed method for converting Pu240 to 241 by exposing shielded plutonium to selectively transmitted pile neutrons.

The remodeling, fabrication, and instrumentation of a high vacuum system are described. The faults encountered with the old system and their solution are outlined. Tests were made on diffusion pump oils and on the reduction of pump oil back diffusion. The measurement of high vacuum pressures by a cold cathode ionization gage at various points on a vacuum system are discussed.

This report refutes earlier calculations made in the flux level of exponential piles. The results of the earlier calculations made on subcritical assemblies using critical assembly equations are in error. The calculations used in this report were more successful.

In view of the increasing number of methods for determining plutonium in terms of weight rather than radioactivity, a need has arisen for a plutonium compound that can be used as a gravimetric standard. An easily prepared compound that dissolves readily in nitric acid is desirable. The present study was made to determine the feasibility of using plutonium triflouride as a plutonium standard. The preparation, composition, stability, and ignition of the compound are discuss, as are certain properties of the plutonium dioxide resulting from ignition of the trifluoride.

From introduction: "54 tables are given of the Z coefficients."

"This paper is concerned primarily with the application of the "area rule" to the interpretation and improvement of the drag-rise characteristics of wing-body combinations at transonic and moderate supersonic speeds. Consideration of the general physical nature of the flow at transonic speeds, together with comparisons of the flow fields and drag-rise characteristics for wing-body combinations and bodies of revolution has led to the conclusion that near the speed of sound the drag rise for a thin low-aspect-ratio wing-body combination is primarily dependent on the axial distribution of cross-sectional area normal to the airstream (ref. 1). (The drag rise, sometimes referred to as pressure drag, is the difference between the drag level near the speed of sound and the drag level at subsonic speeds where the drag is due primarily to skin friction.) In order to illustrate the concept, figure 1 shows a wing-body combination and a body of revolution" (p. 1).