Irradiation-induced moderator distortion has plagued the Hanford reactors from their earliest days until the present. The first-manifestation of graphite distortion was in the form of expansion of the B, D and F stacks. It was found that expansion was very temperature-dependent and could be reversed by raising the graphite operating temperature. The DR, H, C and K Reactors were designed with provisions to minimize, or accommodate expansion. It was not until after the K Reactors had been designed that graphite contraction was recognized as a threat to stack life. Under the present operating conditions, contraction is largely dependent upon neutron flux levels. To date, this study has been largely concerned with the K Reactors, since the vast bulk of the distortion data available is from the Ks. This study not only attempts to explain the mechanisms by which the K Reactors arrived at their present state of distortion but also provides a basis for forecasting future distortion. An understanding of the nature and magnitude of the forces at work within the stacks will enhance the possibility of devising means of conteracting the present trends.

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At the request of NRD (NPR Physics Subsection) a study was initiated to determine the physics characteristics of various plutonium-uranium composites as fuel for the NPR. From this study, the PuO{sub 2}-UO{sub 2} fuel system was selected to receive major attention. The effect of adding a burnable poison, B-10, in intimate contact with the mixed oxide fuel was also is to be considered. The present report summarizes the results of these investigations.

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Using the Berkeley polarized-proton target, we have measured the polarization parameter P({theta}) for proton-proton (p-p) scattering. The measurements were obtained at beam kinetic energies of 0.330, 0.680, and 0.740 GeV at the 184-in. synchrocyclotron and 1.70, 2.85, 3.50, 4.00, 5.05, and 6.15 GeV at the Bevatron. The angular regions measured were from 20 to 100 degrees center of mass; the square of the four-momentum transfer ranged from 0.1 to 0.8 (GeV/c){sup 2}.

This document defines the objectives, bases, and functional requirements that shall govern the preparation of design of the coolant backup system for the three remaining smaller reactors. This project will increase the reliability of the coolant backup facility at B Area by providing an independent last-ditch coolant system to B and C Reactors. The reliability of the last-ditch system for D Reactor will also be improved in that the present F and H leg of the export system will no longer be a part of the new export system. The objective of this document is to define the operational and technical requirements of the new facility and to describe the functional requirements of the proposed coolant backup system for the purpose of design.

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Some refinements have been introduced into the hot press canning of internally and externally cooled fuel elements. This report outlines the specifications for the process including these refinements. Specifications cover components, dies, and punches, furnace condition, nickel plating, component cleaning, component assembly, sizing, hot pressing and inspection.

Phosphorus pentoxide reacts with ether to form bicyclo-tetraphosphate ester (II), cyclotetraphosphate ester (III), isocyclotetraphosphate ester (IV), and tetraphosphate ester (V). Phosphorus n.m.r. measurements show the content of the mixtures. The so-called 'ethyl metaphosphate' (Langheld ester) is a mixture of III (50% to 45%), IV (36% to 25%), and V (14% to 30%).

This report summarizes the considerations and analysis leading to the design of the SNAP-15A generator, a Pu-238 fueled, metal thermocouple generator providing about 1 milliwatt of output power at greater than 4, 5 volts of years with very reliability even under extreme environmental conditions.

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This documents contains a table has been prepared to assist in the evaluation of hazards to occupants of the Wahluke Slope associated with radioactive liquids discharged to the river in the event of reactor accidents. Concentration ratios have been estimated for both the maximum point in the river as well as along the shoreline opposite the reactors for several locations of potential interest and for reactors in B, K, and D Areas. The shoreline concentrations apply to water up to 25 yards from shore. 1 tab.

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This report details activities of the N-Reactor Department during the month of May 1964.

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