"The purposes of the program being conducted under the present contract are: 1) To determine the feasibility of cladding zirconium on uranium by a direct casting process. 2) To investigate the diffusion of liquid metals in the fusion zone."

Abstract: This technical report presents design criteria to prevent the brittle fracture of ferritic reactor vessels that cold occur as a result of the rise in NDT caused by fast neutron irradiation. The criteria require that maximum principal stress in the vessel does not exceed 18 percent of yield stress at temperatures below NDT + 60 degree F. Under certain conditions the allowable stress may be based on the irradiated yield stress. A discussion of brittle fracture and an explanation of the criteria are included.

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Low flow calibration tests have now been completed at all old reactors as a part of the program to determine the adequacy of the old reactor last ditch water backup system more accurately. In addition, the high tank discharge line strainer gates have been removed at B, D, and F reactors in order to increase the emergency high tank flow rates to the reactors and thereby increase high tank water backup adequacy. The purpose of this document is to list the results of the last two low flow calibration tests at DR and C reactors (calibration test results at B, D, F, and H reactors are listed in reference 7) and to list the increased high tank flow rates that were obtained at B, D, and F reactors when the strainer gates were removed.

The object of the production test described in this report is to evaluate the operational aspects of a proposed method for reducing minimum downtime. The excess xenon poisoning, which occurs during the first 32--38 hours after the shutdown of a reactor from present equilibrium levels, will be partially overridden by a central enriched zone whose added reactivity contribution would be compensated during normal operation by means of poison splines.

The purpose of the production test was to {open_quotes}investigate the reactivity and temperature effects and the associated operating problems resulting from the use of nitrogen instead of carbon dioxide as a constituent of the K Reactor atmosphere.{close_quotes} This report summarizes the reactivity and reactivity-associated graphite temperature effects observed during the first four months of the test which was initiated at KE Reactor on December 5, 1960.

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Topics include: uranium quality and technology, fuel assembly technology, irradiation experience, E-N program, projection fuel program, overbore fuel program, Ni-plated Al-clad fuel elements, fuel element development, NPR program.

The technical bases for Phase I of the Fission Product Program have previously been presented for Phase I design. This report represents its sequel for Phase II of the program. Phase I provides the means of segregating, concentrating, and aging crude fission product fractions with market value. Phase II is to provide the means for single-line purification and packaging of megacurie quantities of fission products (principally strontium-90). The technical bases for Phase II project scoping studies are presented herein in the form of process flowsheets and tabulated data. Equipment needs are also described. Conceptual processes and flow diagrams for Phase III are presented for the Waste Management Program and the Fission Product Program.

During the 1600--2400 shift on August 7, 1960, the delayed neutron monitor on KER Loop 2 indicated a high coolant activity level. Sympathetic responses were also observed on the Loop 1, 3 and 4 monitors. This indicated a possible fuel element failure in Loop 2 and the KE Reactor began shutdown operations immediately. The purpose of this report is to summarize the events pertinent to this reactor outage and to discuss the results obtained from coolant and coupon samples taken from Loop 2 after shutdown.

This report summarizes the IPD predicted vs. CPD measured values from twelve two-ton test batches. Two sets of comparisons are provided: CPD measured vs. IPD predicated based on techniques used since January 1, 1960 and CPD measured vs. IPD predicted based on techniques used prior to January 1, 1960.

Four bars of NPR core graphite produced by the National Carbon Company were evaluated. Thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, tensile strength, compressive strength, and modulus of rupture data are summarized. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out. It is demonstrated that anisotropy in the bars and the method of sampling affect the measured properties. TSX is shown to be more anisotropic than either CSF or TSGBF graphites used in the construction of some of the present Hanford reactors.

"The magnetic properties of color centers were studied to obtain information regarding electron traps in insulators. Experiments designed to determine the equation governing the recovery of resonance after saturation were carried out. Relatively large samples were prepared by the method of additive coloration. KCl and RbCl crystals were used. Resonance saturation as a function of concentration was investigated and no significant dependence found. Measurements of the unsaturated susceptibility were made at liquid nitrogen and liquid helium temperatures. The bleaching of the F-center to form the B-band produced a different resonance. The equipment for observing the saturation and recovery of a portion of the resonance at 4 deg K is described. A theoretical examination was made of the interaction between the vibration of the ions around a negative-ion vacancy in an alkali halide and an electron trapped at that site. (M.C.G.)."

"This report is written as a supplement to LAMS 2539. It is hoped that one will be able to read LAMS 2539, with emphasis on the fourth part (Memorandum N-4-79OU by 0. Farmer), with this memorandum to bridge the gaps and understand more about the model used and what the KIB Program can be used for. The system is defined by subsystems or subprograms: Thrust System, Heat Exchanger, Neutron Dynamics, Rod Actuator Dynamics, and Thermocouple Dynamics. The original Kiwi-B Flow System is included in the first part of LAMS 2539. This has been replaced by the newer system which includes a turbo-pump (per R, Bohl & E. Wheatley). This system will not be included here. Recommendations are made for improvement and more work in certain areas."

Progress in solid state physics is reported on the following topics: theory, metals and alloys, nonmetals, reactor materials, and special projects. Twenty-one separate abstracts were prepared. (M.C.G.)

The electrolytic dissolution of zirconium in HCl-methanol was studied as a function of potential, solution composition, and temperature. The dissolution is characterized by two regions. At high potentials the zirconium is electropolished and complete dissolution is achieved. At low potentials the current is an exponential function of the potential (Tafel behavior). In this region a small amount of finely divided alpha -zirconium which is insoluble in HCl-methanol separates from the bulk metal. The energy of activation for the corrosion reaction (0.0 volt) is 16.5 kcal/mole; in the electropolishing region (1.0 volt) the activation energy is 7.7 kcal/mole. A broad solvent capability for metallic reactor fuels is offered by the HCl-methanol medium since, in addition to zirconium, stainless steel is also dissolved electrolytically while uranium and aluminum dissolve chemically. Other process implications are discussed. (auth)

Work is being carried out to develop and demonstrate on pilot plant scale integrated processes for treatment and disposal of radmoactive wastes. High-level waste calcination, low-level waste treatment, economic and hazards evaluation, engineering evaluation, disposal in deep wells, disposal in natural salt formations, Clinch River studies, fundamental studies of minerals, and White Oak Creek basin study are discussed. (M.C.G.)

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Zirconiurn alloys used in the fabrication of nuclear fuel elements can be disintegrated and converted to insoluble oxides by electrolytic treatment in concentrated nitrate solutions. This reaction shows promise as a technique for reprocessing nuclear fuels clad with Zircaloy-2. For a particular applied voltage, nitric acid achieves the highest rate of attack, but the reaction can be carried out at rates of 2 mg/(cm/sup 2/)(min) or greater in either 7.5M sodium nitrate or 2.3M aluminum nitrate. A reaction rate of 7 mg/(cm/sup 2/) (min) can be easily attained in either 8M nitric acid or 7.5M sodium nitrate. The rate of reaction is a function of the temperature and tho applied voltage. An as-yet unsolved problem is the carry--down of uranium with the insoluble zirconium oxide product. (auth)

A report is presented in which work on the hightemperature chemistry of the Cl--Rh systenm, the Cl--Os system, the Cl--Ru system, and the Cl--Pd is summarized. Other work is described on diffusion and kinetic effects in the transpiration method, and the chemistry of transition metal chlorides. (J.R.D.)

The study of meteorite Murray has been reported in previous Quarterly Reports. This report gives further results with Murray, and information on another meteorite, Orgueil. A sample of Orgueil was sent from the Museum National d Histoire Naturelle, Paris. It fell in several pieces over an area of 2 square miles near Orgueil, France, in 1864. The elemental analysis of this meteorite is shown in Table 1. They extracted a 10.07-g sample of this meteorite with water, using the same procedure as that for Murray. The water extracted 1.32 g, which is at least twice as much material as was water-extracted from Murray. The elemental analysis of the water extract is given in Table II and its uv spectrum is shown in Figure 1. From an x-ray diffraction pattern it was determined that the water extract contained mostly MgSO{sub 4} {center_dot} 6H{sub 2}O with some calcium sulfate. Their spectrum (Figure 2) shows a strong SO{sub 4} band at 1100 cm{sup -1}, = strong H{sub 2}O bands at 1650 cm{sup -1} and 3200-3600 cm{sup -1}, and some unidentified peaks at 2300, 1400, and 980 cm{sup -1}. The approximately 8 g of Orgueil left after the water extraction was then extracted with …

Activities in a program to obtain UC pellets of maximum density for irradiation testing are described. A study was made of the effects of the UC powder thermal history, sintering time, sintering temperature, and additives on the UC sinterability. Preliminary results indicate that the UC powder synthesized under the most severe conditions of temperature and time (1740 deg C, 107 min) was less sinterable than powders prepared at lower temperatures, or at the same temperature for shorter time. It was also concluded that although both temperature and time of sintering pellets affect density, temperature is more important. Additions of Fe (0.1 to 1.0%) improve sinterability and promote grain growth. The final density obtained on sintering in a vacuum was about the same as that resulting from sintering in He at atmospheric pressure. (J.R.D.)

The magnetic properties of color centers were studied to obtain information regarding electron traps in insulators. Experiments designed to determine the equation governing the recovery of resonance after saturation were carried out. Relatively large samples were prepared by the method of additive coloration. KCl and RbCl crystals were used. Resonance saturation as a function of concentration was investigated and no significant dependence found. Measurements of the unsaturated susceptibility were made at liquid nitrogen and liquid helium temperatures. The bleaching of the F-center to form the B-band produced a different resonance. The equipment for observing the saturation and recovery of a portion of the resonance at 4 deg K is described. A theoretical examination was made of the interaction between the vibration of the ions around a negative-ion vacancy in an alkali halide and an electron trapped at that site. (M.C.G.)

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Will Wilson, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Whether, under the mandatory provisions of the Harrison County Road Law, the Commissioners' Court of Harrison County, Texas, is required to employ and have in its constant employ a "registered professional" civil engineer?