An all-transistor system has been developed to be used in measuring the reactivity of the reactor in the Sandia Engineering Reactor Facility. In operation, the system triggers a pulsed neutron source (PNS) in the reactor and counts the resulting neutron flux, thus giving a measure of the time constant of the reactor. The counting is done in eleven time-sequenced counting channels. The reactor time constant is a measure of the reactor reactivity.

Report discussing studies on changes within irradiated elemental boron, boron carbide, and zirconium diboride. Materials, methods, and experimental data are included.

Introduction. With the development of fission and subsequently of thermonuclear explosives, a very large source of cheap energy has become available. The problem of using this energy for peaceful purposes safely and economically presents itself as one of the most interesting and important of our time. In explosions the energy is released very suddenly. Conversion of this sudden release of energy at extremely high temperature and pressure into the form of useful work, either mechanical or chemical or thermal, must be accomplished in order for such explosions to have nonmilitary uses. The technical feasibility of such conversions in a number of different instances will be described in this article. At the same time one must be able to control nuisance effects. Examples of these are seismic effects, the blast and heat which at least in the atmosphere always accompany such explosions, and the problem of radioactivity. Even given the technical feasibility of these accomplishments, which in some cases seems quite clear from what is known already, one must prove economic feasibility. That is to say, one must show that the cost of certain nonmilitary undertakings will be considerably less by the use of nuclear explosions than by conventional methods.

Discussing photographs of rocks from Basalt Mesa

The Biology Operation, Hanford Laboratories, required plutonium dioxide particles in five different micron and sub-micron size ranges. These were to be supplied as a water suspension in small containers. It was necessary to design equipment, suitable for hood operation, which would give a satisfactory separation of these particles.

Certain aspects of mating behavior in two different types of Drosophila melanogaster females (Basc and Bv) and wildtype males (Samarkand) have been investigated and compared.

The pion-pion interaction is of great theoretical importance and must be understood before the other and more familiar interactions can be systematically analyzed. Therefore, various experiments to verify the existence of a P resonance in the w w system are proposed.

From introduction: "The contract covers final design of the SM-2 Nuclear Power (PWR) Steam Electric Station, described in the preliminary design report, APAE 40, Volumes I and II."

In the last two or three years there has been a notable improvement in the knowledge and understanding of reactor lattice physics. During this interval, measurements of parameters have been improved and the methods of analysis have been greatly strengthened. It has become apparent that the classical ways for computing the lattice parameters are not sufficient. It is the purpose of this report to publish under one cover as much of the most recent information as possible.

In a previous report the adaptation of Stix's ion-cyclotron-wave-heating scheme to the mirror geometry was suggested. An experiment along these lines has been conducted for the past year by E. Chambers, using a tubular P.I.G discharge to provide the basic plasma. The Chambers experiment has been eminently successful in demonstrating the transfer of rf power along the P.I.G. (as along a co-axial conductor), and the resultant acceleration of ions. The power transfer is evident from the predominantly resistive rf impedance of the P.I.G. (1 - 10 ohms), the production of intense luminosity outside the dc P.I.G channel when the rf is turned on, and by the observation large signals with magnetic pick-up loops. The ion heating is demonstrated by direct measurement of ion current on a probe some centimeters outside the P.I.G., and by the observation of energetic charge-exchange neutrals. At the same time, the characteristic features of heating by ion-cyclotron-waves, as described by Stix, are only partly in evidence. The visible broadening of the P.I.G. channel and such fast-ion phenomena as neutral emission do seem to be maximal near the expected cyclotron resonance point. However, the rf impedance is anomalous both in magnitude and parameter dependence, and there are …

Introduction. High voltage silicon mass transistors have the ability to perform circuit functions similar to the gas thyratron tube. Upon being triggered the transistor junction breaks down, or "avalanches", and can conduct a large current for a short time. The rise time of the avalanche breakdown pulse can be short, and the delay between triggering and avalanching can be short and very consistent. This avalanche action is non-destructive if the amount of peak and average power being dissipated at the junction is limited by the circuitry.

At the present time, high-radioactivity-level wastes at Hanford are neutralized and stored as liquid in underground tanks lined with mild steel. This method of storage is relatively inexpensive and is satisfactory on a short-term basis. However, on a long term basis, liquid storage is less desirable than solid storage because of the greater mobility of the liquid. In addition, storage as aa solid would significantly reduce the volume of waste stored. Consequently, various research and development studies have been undertaken in an attempt to develop a practical waste solidification.

The purpose of this document is to describe the design and construction of a full-scale, electrically-heated model of a 19-rod PRTR fuel element for use in heat transfer experiments.

In the continuing search for better methods of effecting the secondary fusion welded closure in Alsi bonded aluminum clad uranium metal fuel element, an article on "The Twin-Argon Welding Process" by J. A. Donellon was recently found in the September 1954 issue if the British Welding Journal. From a review of the article, the process appeared to have enough possibilities to warrant exploring it. Communication were established with the General Electric Company, Ltd..

Investigation of aqueous and steam corrosion at elevated temperature has been carried on at Hanford for several tears. A number of reports have been published on various phases of the corrosion program but, except for monthly reports, little has been written on the progress of the Corrosion and Coatings Operation alloy development program. This interim report will outline the more important current phases of the aluminum alloy program.

The solution of the monoenergetic Boltzmann equation in an infinite homogeneous, nonmultiplying medium with linearly anisotropic scattering and an isotropic plane source is given and compared with the corresponding solution for isotropic scattering. The effective source strength for the asymptotic flux turns out to be the same as that for isotropic scattering to first order in Σa/Σ.