Technical report issued as one of a series of reports concerned with corrosion studies for the Materials Resting Reactor, created to both determine the effect of various practices for fuel plate fabrication on corrosion resistance and to determine the extent of penetration of the fuel plates by localized corrosion attack. [From Introduction]

The Spectroscopy Research Laboratory is concerned with research and development in the fields of nuclear magnetic resonance, microwaves, infrared and optical spectroscopy, spectrochemistry, and x rays. Research is directed toward fruitful methods of isotope analysis; new element and compound analytical methods having application to immediate Laboratory or long-range commission needs; and fundamental research on isotopes, elements, and compounds. The work is reported on a project basis to give a more complete picture of the purpose, activity, and status of each program. More detailed information on reported or inactive projects may be obtained from the previous semiannual report.

Nuclear physics research with 22-Mev protons in the 86-in. cyclotron included angular-distribution measurements of neutrons from (p,n) reactions in nine target elements; measurement of the angular distribution of fission fragments from proton-induced fission of U233, U225, U228, Th230, and Th232; measurement of alpha-particle angular distributions from (p,α) reactions a study of the neutron-deficient isotopes of terbium and completion of an extensive program of the measurement of activation cross sections. Two more targets for cyclotron production of isotopes were developed, and the production yields for 14 radioisotopes are summarized. A new record for continuous beam power on a production target, 36 kw for 5 hr, was achieved. The design of a beam-deflector system for the 86-in. cyclotron has been completed, and several of the components have been fabricated ; a shutdown for installation is scheduled for October 8. The deflected N+++ beam of the 63-in. cyclotron was used in a study of the gain and loss of electrons by nitrogen lens passing through thin foils, and the equilibrium charge distribution of lens as a function of energy was thus obtained. The excitation functions were measured for nitrogen-induced reactions on both nitrogen and oxygen. Assembly restrictions of the prepared 114-in. heavy-particle cyclotron …

This technical report presents "a theoretical study of the motion of gas bubbles in a rotating liquid" in order to "make comparison with experimental data from an investigation concerning the removal of gas bubbles from rotating liquids as descriped in ORNL-630." The report presents a literature review of "motion of gas bubbles in liquids" and provides a "summary of extensive experimental studies at the University of Tennessee." It also presents "an expression for the radial velocity of a gas bubble in a rotating liquid based on principles of mechanics." Finally, this report presents "a method for computing the steady state state [sic] gas hold-up in the HRE reactor core under power producing conditions." (From introduction)

Experience in handling and purifying rubidium metal, prior to high-temperature corrosion testing, has been obtained. Some of the physical and chemical properties of this metal are listed. Distillation and filtration experiences are described, and the analysis of samples following such purification procedures are given. Stripping procedures following corrosion testing are discussed briefly. Results of preliminary corrosion experiments indicate that Inconel in a satisfactory container material for boiling rubidium at temperatures up to 1520°F.

Technical report covering the Homogeneous Reactor Experiment (HRE) reactor physics and engineering, out-of-pile corrosion, in-pile studies, recombination of hydrogen and oxygen, HRE chemical studies, experimental programs for the HRE, and long-range studies. [From Summary]

A study was conducted to demonstrate the stripping and evaporation steps in a Purex-type uranium recovery process and to ascertain the operating behavior of the equipment under a range of conditions. The factors considered were control, effectiveness, and reliability of equipment and optimum feed point. Experimental procedures are described, and recommendations for equipment modifications are included. (J.R.D.)

On May 23, 1957, a visit was made by the writer to the Selas Corporation of American in Dresher, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the visit was to discuss further investigations into methods of tubesheet brazing by direct heating. Original work along these lines has been carried out at ORNL and is covered by a memo (CF-57-4-57) to W.D. Manly, dated April 16, 1957, and entitled : Investigation of Tubesheet Brazing by a Method of Direct Heating.

A new and rapid method for the liquid-liquid extraction of uranium and plutonium from hydrochloric acid solution is based on the use of tri(iso-octyl)amine dissolved in xylene or methylisobutylketone. Uranium and/or plutonium are separated from thorium, alkalis, alkaline earths, rare earths, zirconium, niobium, ruthenium and other elements which do not form anionic species under the conditions described. The technique may be used for either tracer or macro quantities of uranium. Several practical applications of the method for the separations chemist are proposed.

An estimate has been made of the critical fuel concentration in the HRT, taking into account the effect of the core corrosion sample assembly. The estimate is based on a number of previous calculations of critical concentration in an un-poisoned reactor and one calculation of critical concentration as a function of poison level. The makeup of the first core corrosion sample assembly was used in calculating equivalent neutron poisoning effects. Figure 1 shows the estimated critical concentration as a function of temperature with the corrosion sample assembly in place. At 280°C, the assembly raises the critical concentration by 0.6 g U-235/kg D2O. This effect is equivalent to a uniformly distributed poison equal to 4.1% of the fission cross section. The equivalent poison is greater at lower temperatures, where the uranium concentration is lower.