Report discussing variations in comparative tests of portland cements that could lead to the rejection of a material fully conforming to specification requirements, or the acceptance of a material with undesirable chemical or physical properties. Many of the causes for variation in chemical analyses and physical test results are listed in this discussion, and remedies for some of the more frequently encountered deficiencies in apparatus and methods are suggested.

The intent of this work was to explore more fully the pressing of sinterable UO2 powders into cylindrical compacts in the hope that a more precise prediction of green density in terms of powder properties, pressure, and geometry could be evolved.

Measurements of the interfacial tension between water and tributyl phosphate solutions were made for application to the analysis of Marengoni effect in solvent extraction. A 24 hr flame calcination run to product Th02 particles yielded 40% as product and 54% collected from the furnace walls and from a coarse particle trap. The elution rates of uranyl ion from Dowex 21K using sodium nitrate could be approximated by assuming apparent diffusion coefficients of 1.67 x 10^-7 and 1.18 x 10 ^-7 cm^2/sec, respectively for 960µ and 820µ resn while the corresponding apparent coefficients using sodium chloride were 1. 78 x 10^-7 and 1.27 x 1-^-7 cm^2/sec. The reacting surface of ThO2 Universal Match Co. pellets was determined as a function of fraction dissolved. The lead scews and companion nuts from both the multipurpose saw and dejacketing machine were coated with a baked on lubricant. In Zirflex decladding studies using 4.5 M NH4F - 0.5 M NH4NO3, the average dissolution rate of Zircaloy-2 was decreased only 10% when the overhead condensate was withdrawn and 1.0 M NH4OH was added to maintain the volume.

Five irradiated and five unirradiated wafers were analyzed. Each wafer was analyzed for samarium by emission spectrography. The unirradiated wafers were analyzed for uranium by coulometric and potentiometric methods and for uranium isotopes by mass spectrometry. The irradiated wafers were analyzed for uranium and plutonium by coulometric methods, for plutonium isotopes by the 256-channel alpha pulse analyzer, and for the isotopes of uranium and of plutonium by mass spectrometry. The methods of preparing wafers for analysis are discussed; the data are tabulated.

The feasibility of improving the mechanical properties at 1700-1800°F of oxidation-resistant Fe-Al-Cr alloys by means of a refractory dispersion has been explored. A literature search was conducted, preliminary experimental determinations of properties of the alloy and its oxides were carried out, and certain mathematical relations between dispersion characteristics and metallurgical variables were derived. The results indicate that the alloys can be strengthened sufficiently by using a dispersion with an interparticle spacing of about 2-3 µ. High-temperature native oxides of the Fe-Al-Cr alloy consist largely of Al2O3 and in theory would serve as a satisfactory second phase.

It is proposed in this report to describe a new two-phase flow mixing length model. It consists of treating the two-phase system as a continuous medium and applying to it the methods and assumptions so widely accepted in single-phase turbulent flow. Because it reduces a two-phase problem to an equivalent one in single-phase flow, the proposed model can be readily used to predict the effects of flow rate, channel geometry, and channel direction in two-phase flow.

"Dust and gas masks and respirators have been an effective method under certain environmental conditions to reduce the inhalation of toxic aerosols. Under many conditions, however, their efficacy has been seriously questioned. It is the purpose of this study to evaluation over-all respirator performance on fine aerosols and to develop equipment whereby a greater degree of respiratory protection may be assured with reliability for highly toxic atmospheres."

From abstract: "The study evaluates the utilization of superheat and moisture separation techniques in the SM-2 design to improve the steam plant reliability and thermal efficiency. Ease of packaging, steam plant transient response, and capital costs are also considered. The reference design used for comparison is the steam cycle employing saturated steam at 600 psia described in APAE No. 40, Volume II."

Abstract: This technical report contains a description of the nuclear analysis performed upon the SM-2 core and vessel for the period September 1, 1958 to December 31, 1959. Calculations are given for core reactivity, power distributions, lifetime, reactor control, kinetics, radiation problems, fuel and poison burn-ups, and the nuclear effects of poisons, temperature, and geometry. Wherever possible, experimental data is included in order to test the validity of the analytical models. The SM-2 nuclear analysis was performed by Alco Products, in. under Tasks 1, 8, and 10 of Contract No. AT(30-2)-326 for the Atomic Energy Commission.

A brief series of experiments was performed to study the high temperature reaction of the Zircaloy-uranium-aluminum system at the request of Reactor Engineering Operation, Irradiation Processing Department. Knowledge of the high temperature behavior of this combination of materials is important to the evaluation of reactor behavior during possible accidental over-heating of a fuel channel.