The absolute differential cross sections for elastic scattering of 31- Mev He/sup 3/ ions on Be, Al, Cu, Sn/sup (nat)/, Sn/sup 120/ and Bi were measured in the angular range of approximately 10 to 120 deg in the center-of-mass system. Thin selfsupporting foil targets were chosen to span the parameter A/sup 1/3/, where A is the target mass number. The first excited states of the isotopes of these elements had sufficient energy separation from the ground state to enable elastic scattering to be resolved from inelastic scattering. The detection system, consisting of CsI(Tl) scintillation crystals, was capable of 3% pulse- height resolution and 1 degree angular resolution. Characteristically, the light- element angular distributions show strong diffraction effects. The differential cross section divided by the Rutherford cross section decreases exponentially at large angles for the heavy elements, and the differential cross sections break away from Rutherford behavior at angles which increase almost linearly with increase of atomic number of the target nucleus. A comparison of the results for natural Sn, and Sn enriched to 85% in Sn/sup 120/, indicated that within the experimental uncertainties over the measured angular interval, there were no pronounced isotopic effects. The data are presented both in …

The effect of radiation on the corrosion of metals is reviewed relative to corrosion-resistant characteristics of metals; effects of radiation on the medium and subsequent effect of corrosion of the metal; and the effect of service loads on the corrosion of metals in a nuclear environment. 31 references. (C.J.G.)

This document summarizes the amounts of radioactive contamination discharged to ground from separations facilities through December 1961. Detailed data for individual disposal sites are presented on a month-to-month basis for the period of July through December 1961. Previous publications of this series are listed in the bibliography and may be referred to for specific information on measurements and radioactivity totals prior to December 1961.

Activities are reported in a program to investigate formulations and procedures which may lead to superior plastics and adhesives. In other work, processes for separating and purifying radioelements are being developed and supply sources are being evaluated. Research was initiated to determine the density, viscosity, thermal capacity, and thermal conductivity of Pu and Pu alloys for use in fast breeder reactors. (J.R.D.)

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)

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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)

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.)

A 500 MWe sodium-cooled, PuO2-UO2 fuel, fast spectrum reactor design is presented, which is calculated to have a fuel cycle cost in the civinity of 1 mill/ekw hr, and to have important safety features due to an appreciably negative Doppler effect.

A mathematical model has been developed for estimati the burnup at which mechanical failure occurs in dispersion fuel elements. It is postulated that failure at low temperature, < 900 deg F, occurs as a result of brittle fracture of an elastic matrix when the intensity of the stress locally reaches the ultimate strength of the material. The contributions of fission gas pressure and thermal stress are incorporated in the stress analysis. Because of the complexity of the stress distribution and the failure process, it was necessary to make stringent assumptions in order to have a workable model. Within the framework of the postulates, burnups to failure are predicted for several values of certain important parameters and compared with burnups to failure obtained from a plastic yield model for failure developed by previous investigation. The two models give good agreement for the special cases considered. Of the parameters examined, relative density of the fuel particles has the greatest influence on predictions of allowable burnup. The thermal stress and volume fraction of fuel play minor roles. (auth)

A shearing tool was developed for remotely controlled severing of pipes or structural members. The shear is rotated about its axis in a wrist motion by the pumped hydraulic fluid that also powers the shear blade. It can be used in a stationary mounting or suspended from a crane. A C-shaped support for the shear was designed to pass through a small top opening of a shielded cell. The controls for manipulating the shear pass through or along the Cframe. The shear jaw opens to 5 in. in height and 7 in. in width, and the total weight of the tool is only 575 lb. It was used to cut metal sections 4 3/4 in. thick and 4-in. sched.-40 stainless steel pipe. (auth)

The detection of radioactive air filter fires is discussed. Criteria requirements for a suitable fire detection system were established. The applicability of aircraft-type fire detection systems for this use was evaluated. The operation of a discrete eutectic salt type continuous fire detection tubing system is outlined. (M.C.G.)

The experimental results on the oxidation of H from a He stream with CuO pellets were very close to the predicted behavior based on the mathematical model. Experimental measurements of uranyl sulfate loading rates on chloride equilibrated resin showed little variation with solution concentrations. A tentative flowsbeet was proposed for cost analysis of processing a Pebble Bed Reactor. A U-Zr plate was dissolved in nitrate-free Zirflex solution. An authentic TRIGA prototype was processed in engineering-scale equipment. Three 4- stage leacher model dissolution runs were made, two of which used 8 M HNO/sub 3/ and one used 4 M HNO/sub 3/. Flooding rates and holdup data were obtained for sieve plate pulse columns under 5% TBP - l.8 Mi Al(NO/sub 3/)/sub 3/ flowsheet conditions. A Purex waste calcination run (R-37) was made using sodium anid imagnesium to reduce sulfate volatility. (auth)

BS>The approach taken in measurements on the AGS experimental magnets is discussed, and results of various measurements are examined. Application of information to calibration of beam lenses is also mentioned. Graphs of several magnet properties are included. (D.C.W.)

Binary mixtures of BeO with the oxides Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, CaO, Li/sub 2/ O, MgO, Sc/sub 2/O/sub 3/, TiO/sub 2/, Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and ZrO/sub 2/ were fired to temperatures in excess of 2050 deg C in an attempt to produce a stabilized cubic crystalline modification of BeO. No evidence was observed in microscopic and x-ray diffraction analyses of the cooled specimens that a cubic form of BeO had formed in the experiment. (auth)

Presented at the Eleventh Professional Divisions Conference of the San Francisco Section of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Noveraber l6, l96l. The MGCR program and its objectives are discussed. The basic MGCR plant is described. The design of the Experimental Beryllium Oxide Reactor is also described. (M.C.G.)

This report for November 1961, from the Chemical Processing Department at HAPO, discusses the following: Production operation; Purex and Redox operation; Finished products operation; maintenance; Financial operations; facilities engineering; research; employee relations; and special separation processing and auxiliaries operation.

Ring-joint flanges were studied in thermal-cycle tests as part of the development work associated with Homogeneous Reactor Experiment No. 2 (HRE-2). The purpose of this study was to provide criteria for design, installation, and operation of joints that would remain leaktight under reactor operating temperatures and pressures. Joints ranging from 1/2 in., l500 lb to 4 in., 2500 lb and with various initial bolt loadings were cycled between room temperature and 636 deg F. It was demonstrated that when joints were made up to HRE-2 standards and specifications, leak rates of less than 0.25 x 10/sup -3/ g of water per day per inch of gasket pitch diameter could be routinely- attained. Undamaged gaskets could be reinstalled or new gaskets used with equal probability of achieving acceptable leak rates. The system installed in HRE-2 was provided with a high-pressure buffer system to ensure that the small amount of leakage to the cell would be nonradioactive. (auth)

Development activities on the large-scale, hightemperature, thoria slurry facility at ORNL were suspended in July 1960. The latest design philosophy, the status of component development, operational procedures, and limitations of each section of the system are presented. The design of the facility would be adequate for a singleregion slurry-reactor experiment on a slurry blanket system with a properly developed blanket flow pattern. The equipment consists of a 330-liter circulating system, including a 32-in.-ID pressure vessel designed for service at 2000 psi and 300 deg C, a 3000-lb- capacity low-pressure system, and the interconnecting lines. Flow sheets are included and materials of construction and recommended instrumentation are discussed. The first five experimental runs in the system, which were made to determine the feasibility of operating with fertile thoria slurry in the blanket region of Homogeneous Reactor Experiment No. 2, either as-built or after minor modification of the original system are summarized. The first run, a heat exchanger test run made at 1800 psi and 300 deg C, was considered inconclusive. Repeated plugging was experienced, but this occurred in the connecting lines rather than in the heat exchanger. The next four runs were investigations of the high-pressure blanket system, with the pressure …

Historical developments of the ORNL dosimeter and the ORNL badge meter, Model II, are discussed. Beta-gamma and neutron dosimetry techniques are described. ORNL film dosimetry experiments are summarized. (M.C.G.)

Tables of electronic radial functions are presented. The finite nuclear size effects and the finite deBroglie wave length effects were incorporated in this work. A brief summary of the formulation of the problem is given. (M.C.G.)

The effect of very high heat fluxes on the corrosion of 1100 and 6061 aluminum alloys by water was investigated. The test conditions generally simulated those expected to exist during operation of the High-Flux lsotope Reactor. At heat fluxes between 1 and 2 x l0/sup 6/ Btu/hr-ft/sup 2/ and with coolant temperatures and velocities in the ranges of 13l to 250 deg F and 3l to 51 fps, respectively, a layer of boehmite ( alpha Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/- H/sub 2/0), which has low thermal conductivity, formed on the water-cooled aluminum surfaces during test. When only relatively thin films formed, the boehmite adhered tightly to the aluminum, but in those cases where relatively thick films formed, some boehmite spontaneously spalled from the surface. The rate at which the boehmite formed on the surface (and consequently the rate at which the aluminum temperature increased) was a function of the temperature at the specimen-water interface and the pH of the coolant. The lower the temperature and the lower the pH (in the range of 5.0 to 6.5 with HNO/sub 3/), the lower the rate of corrosion- product formation. Within the ranges investigated, pressure and flow rate were without effect, and the same results …

The effects of certain pulse-shaping networks on the signal-to-noise ratio of a nuclear pulse amplifier were considered. The shaping networks discussed are: equal RC-integrating and RC-differentiating time constant, single- delay-line clipper and RC integrator, and doubledelay-line clipper and RC integrator. The effects of these networks on the signal, when high count rates and overload pulses are present, were also considered. Equations and curves were developed for the energy resolution (signal-tonoise ratio) and resolving time (related to the ability to operate at high counting rates) of the networks. Experimental results are shown for the energy resolution of the types of pulse- shaping networks considered. (auth)

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