From introduction: This report reviews the Susie program (particularly reactor dosimetry and data analysis) as well as other items that represent a smaller share of the total effort.

Introduction: The effects of temperature on the mechanical properties of Zircaloy-2 containing up to 7.5 wt % niobium and 3500-ppm oxygen were studied and are presented herein.

Report that summarizes the first year of the Surface Air Sampling Program, including the results of analyzing 1,700 air filter samples and 400 precipitation samples.

A research program is being conducted to obtain experimental data in the irradiation of plutonium-enriched fuel to confirm a theoretical model for predicting isotopic composition and reactivity changes in plutonium-enriched, light-water-moderated reactors. Quarterly progress: Forty-six fuel pellet faces have been auto-radiographed. These faces have been prepared from twenty-three pellets by making an exposure before and after the removal of an additional ten mils of fuel. A substantial number of large "hot spots" continue to appear. The largest spot so far observed was 44 mils long, 20 mils wide, and of the order of 20 mils thick. This spot has a PuO2 concentration which varied from 70% on the periphery to 100% at then center. There is some evidence that the segregated regions are elongated with their long axes perpendicular to the direction of the pressing of the green pellet. Determination of the size and concentration distribution is continuing. The EPITHERMOS code now seems to be operating correctly. A test problem for a typical water lattice converged in eleven iterations. The computation of the spectrum for a pure water medium gave results which agreed very well with the expected 1/E spectrum. At the end of the quarter, the program fuel element …

From introduction: "This is the fourteenth in a series of quarterly reports which will cover the progress and results from the conceptual design, economic evaluations and research and development work performed by the General Electric Company as part of the Nuclear Superheat Project."

This study was undertaken for the USAEC under Contract AT(04-3)-189, Project Agreement No. 6, to investigate desirable features of a sodium cooled, graphite moderated uranium fueled power reactor using the modular concept, and, based on this investigation, evaluate the economic potential of this reactor type.

This report describes the development of an ultrasonic instrument for resin level measurements in an ion exchange column.

Report regarding ongoing research and development undertaken at Hanfdord Laboratories' physics and instruments laboratory and chemical laboratory.

Quarterly progress report discussing activities related to the Vallecitos Boiling Water Reactor (VBWR) and related facilities.

As reported in the previous Progress Report (December 16, 1959) a stock solution of Th 230 was prepared from pitchblende. Pulse height analysis of this solution indicated the presence of only Th 230 (93%), Th 227 (5%), Th 232 (1%), and Th 228 (1%). This solution was used to make up synthetic thorium solution of various concentration. These synthetic solutions were analyzed to establish a chemical yield for the procedure. Neither the precision nor the chemical yield of the procedure were considered to be satisfactory. In the next report period, we hope to complete the testing of the thorium procedure, both with regard to chemical yield and precision, as well as to determine decontamination factor from radium, uranium, and polonium. To do this, pure solutions of polonium, radium, and uranium will be prepared. The polonium and radium will be processed from pitchblende while the uranium will be made by purifying reagent grade uranyl nitrate.

Applications of radioisotopes in the preparation of labeled drugs are reviewed. Among the applications described are the preparation of carbon-14- labeled cardiac glycosides, and the biosyinthesis of carbon-14-labeled digitoxin, morphine, colchicine, atropine, podophyllotoxin, and nicotine. The fate and metabolism of many of these drugs were traced. Radiochemical procedures were developed for the synthesis of pure compounds of pharmacological interest labeled with carbon-14, sulfur-35, and tritium. Investigations were made on the phenomena of drug penetration into the central nervous system. Publications during the period are listed. (C.H.)

The report covers work performed during the period December 1, 1959 through December 31, 1959. The general objectives of the program of "Studies of Reactor Containment" are to accomplish theoretical and experimental investigations of the loads to which external containment structures for nuclear reactors are subjected in the vent of a violent incident at the reactor core, the evaluation of methods of reducing that loading, and the study of the response of and design criteria for external containment structures as a result of such loading. Progress of technical effort during the report period is summarized for each of the eight tasks of the program..

The overall scope of the program encompasses both research into the physical parameters involved in the collection of airborne radioactive particles and the development, fabrication and calibration of balloon-borne sampling equipment to enable the precise determination of stratospheric particle concentration and particle size distribution.

SNAP II is the designation for a nuclear auxiliary power unit, designed primarily for utilization in the WS117L satellite vehicle. The SNAP II system consists of a reactor heat source, a mercury Rankine engine, and an alternator. Dynamic analysis of the power conversion system was conducted utilizing a comprehensive analog computer simulation. Feasibility of a parasitic load control for numerous system disturbances was demonstrated. This analysis was performed under a subcontract to to Atomics International as part of the Atomic Energy Commission Contract No. AT(11-1)-GEN-8.