Quarterly report discussing activities of the Maritime Gas-Cooled Reactor (MGCR) Program and the progress of the Program in developing a nuclear-powered marine propulsion system utilizing a high-temperature, gas-cooled nuclear reactor, close-cycle gas-turbine power plant.

Abstract. The region where exact thermodynamic description of the state of matter at high pressure and high temperature is possible is located. In the remaining region various approximate theories and empirical relations are discussed. These considerations are applied to hydrogen to locate the density and pressure at which the diatomic bond collapses. Also the approximate conditions are determined at which no bound electron states exist.

Measurements of k∞, f, p, and ∈ have been performed in the PCTR in support of the EGCR Program. The values listed below were obtained for the 21.875-inch cell used in the PCTR measurements. They are for a nonabsorbing (helium or vacuum) atmosphere.

From abstract: The PT-750 is designed to be used in conjunction with a production tester which requires automatic recording of test data. This manual provides a source of procedures and reference material necessary in automatic recording and in use of the PT-750.

This report is the third in a series of quarterly reports discussing the concept and progression of an improved method in nuclear measuring than the usage of the scintillation counter. This report indicates that in a chopped double beam system, commutation of the detector current permits selection of optimum response time and size of radioactive sources.

The probabilities for nine electronic transitions among the low lying excited states in the C2 molecule are calculated by the dipole moment operator method and are given in the form of oscillator strength (or f values).

Quarterly progress report describing work related to a study of radiation physics problems involved in the design of high-level cesium-137 gamma sources. It outlines work completed and ongoing goals for the project.

This report discusses the mathematical and statistical questions concerned with the estimation of a leak rate from data collected during a reactor containment vessel pressure test such as that performed on the PRTR vessel in May, 1959. A mathematical method is suggested in Section 3 for the construction of a total number of gas molecules in the containment vessel time series using vessel absolute pressure and temperature readings at several positions within the vessel. A formula for the precision of the series is given in terms of the individual instrument precisions. The question of accuracy and its relationship to the temperature gradient within the vessel is also considered.

The feasibility of removing and recovering cesium-137 from various HAPO process solutions by precipitation of Cs2ZnFe(CN)6 has been demonstrated previously. Pilot plant studies of calcination and steam hydrolysis of non-radioactive Cs2ZnFe(CN)6 precipitates by members of the Process Equipment Development Operation are currently in progress. In support of these pilot plant studies, experiments were performed to determine the extent, if any, to which cesium volatilizes during calcination and hydrolysis of Cs2ZnFe(CN)6 precipitates containing cesium-137. Experimental procedures and results are presented in this report.

The work described was undertaken to provide data for nuclear safety studies concerning NPF reprocessing equipment. The original objective was to determine the uranium density and water (hydrogen) content of UO2-H2O mixtures ranging from compact centrifuge cakes to dilute slurries. The scope was later expanded to include mixtures of UO2 with hydrocarbon oil and mixtures of UO3-H2O.

Report issued by the Bureau of Standards over studies on the importance of conductive flooring in hospitals. Types of conductive flooring are compared, and tested. The methods and results are presented, and discussed. This report includes tables, illustrations, and photographs.

The need for criticality control in the proposed reprocessing of slightly enriched non-production fuels at Hanford has led to the development of a geometrically "safe", vertical tube, recirculating dissolver. A study of the nitric acid dissolution of uranium dioxide in a pilot plant dissolver of this type is reported here. The study was pointed toward the comparison of uranium dioxide dissolution rates in a batch and a recirculating dissolver and the definition of hydraulic problems associated with the recirculation of nitric acid, by air lift, technique through beds of reacting uranium dioxide.

A variable-length vacuum-insulated liquid hydrogen transfer line is described. The vacuum system is semi-permanent, and segments of the line are assembled with only threaded vacuum fittings. Thermal stress calculations are presented for a statically indeterminate union coupling.

Report containing "the results of a study which was directed at providing additional experimental loop irradiation space for the AEC-DRD testing program. It was a premise that the experiments allocated to this reactor were those that could not be accommodated in the MTR, ETR or in existing commercial test reactors" (p. 5).

A study and tests of the feasibility and best method of reaming rear face Parker fittings has been made. Flow increase of 8 percent, based on maintaining the same front header pressure, can be obtained at B, D, and F reactors by reaming the rear Parker fittings to .610 inch and using existing rear face hardware. Tests indicate mechanical strength will not be significantly reduced, high frequency vibration will not be increased, and that methods of reaming are available.

This partially annotated bibliography contains 334 references from papers published from 1945 to 1959 and includes references on the consumable - and nonconsumable - electrode vacuum arc melting process. References are also given on electrode preparation, furnace construction and operation, melting, sintering, vacuum techniques, and theory.

Abstract: This report describes an advanced sodium-cooled, graphite-moderated nuclear power plant which utilizes high-pressure, high-temperature steam to generate electricity at a high thermal efficiency.

Current status of the High Flux Isotope Reactor which is being planned for construction at Oak Ridge.

The result of a leak in a PRTR process tube between the flow monitor and the heated section would be to increase the flow through the monitor, but to decrease the flow through the heated section. The concern for the case of small leaks is whether the increase in flow through the flow monitor is sufficient to cause a high flow tip and a reactor scram for the condition where the flow through the heated section is reduced to the point to cause excessive fuel element temperatures.

Specifications including detail dimension, materials, fabrication steps, acceptance criteria, and final assembly steps for the swaged uranium dioxide, 19-rod cluster Plutonium Recycle Test Reactor fuel element.

Abstract: It has been proposed that a fuel element containing porous uranium be used for moderately high temperature applications. In an effort to determine the structural integrity of this type of fuel body, thermal cycling tests have been conducted on porous uranium.

The fabrication processes applied to nuclear fuels are subject to severe limitations because of the conditions imposed by the reactor environment. The combined problems of neutrons fluxes, high heat fluxes, corrosion by the coolant , and embrittlement by hydriding or similar reactions may be minimized through establishing rigorous materials and fabrication specifications for fuel and cladding.

VARI solves on the IBM-650 a system of simultaneous, first-order, ordinary, differential equations. The program was written so that a large number of calculations could be done in a reasonable length of time. The program permits the consideration of the production of the isotope by absorption and/or decay of one or more of any of the other isotopes in the chain.

Abstract: An element by element reactivity check for SM-1 Core II fuel elements and control rod absorber sections was performed and the burnable nuclear poison loading in the SM-1 Core II stationary fuel elements was established. An approach to criticality of the SM-1 Core II was performed by the inverse multiplication method and the critical rod bank position obtained as a function of fuel loading up to the full SM-1 Core II loading. Maximum and minimum core reactivity measurements were obtained by selective loading of stationary fuel elements and the total "excess K" for the core established. Power distribution measurements in the region of the core-reflector interface and the fuel-absorber interface in the control rod assemblies were performed. The effectiveness of europium flux suppressors in the top of control rod fuel elements and the power peaking in stationary elements adjacent to water gaps in control rod assemblies were measured. Survey measurements established the worth of spiking cold clean SM-1 cores with SM-2 elements, and of water holes in the SM-1 core which might be utilized as flux traps for materials irradiation.