From abstract: "The reaction between hydrogen and oxygen with the aid of various catalysts (especially platinum on aluminua) has been studied, and the operating variables such as flow rates, space velocity, temperature, and gas composition have been examined rather extensively. It has been found that hydrogen and oxygen in stoichiometric proportions and mixed with either steam or helium may be made to react to the extent of 99.5% or greater at space velocities up to 30,000 hr-1, or even higher, at temperatures from 100[degrees] to 900[degrees]C, and with mixtures ranging from less than 1% hydrogen to mixtures containing 12% hydrogen and 6% oxygen. Richer mixtures, including undiluted electrolytic gas (H2 + 1/2 O2) have been used with catalysts less active than platinum (e.g. copper, silver, nickel and V2O5) but here the gas mixture is explosive and care must be taken to prevent explosions. The thermal reaction between hydrogen and oxygen diluted with steam has also been investigated at temperatures between 500[degrees] and 800[degrees]C."

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.

From introduction: "The purpose of this report is to summarize some of the information obtained to date on the distribution of the uranium in the mineral phases of the phosphate rocks and shale."

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.

"This report covers mainly the work completed since the last interim report, HNL Log No. 0-4714. This report includes results from studies of the rare earth distribution in bismuth-uranium and fused chloride and studies of fused chloride behavior."

Report discussing "methods for the manufacture of refractory crucibles for use in high temperature work in general." Additionally, "preliminary experiments with the induction furnace to test the action of tantalum on tantalum carbide at 2900°C are described."

Abstract: "It has been found that the two principal uranium isotopes exhibit slightly different arc spectra. Certain U-235 lines have been found to be displaced from corresponding U-238 lines by about one reciprocal centimeter. The intensity ratio, IU235/IU238, has been shown to be a steadily increasing function of the U-235 concentration. These data indicate the possibility of developing a method for the determination of isotopic concentration by means of emission spectra."

A report of research work intended for the development of a process for the separation and subsequent purification of radium from the K-65 (pitchblende) residue.

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 …

The Hanford Remote Pipetter has developed into a very useful tool for routine pipetting by semi-skilled non-technical personnel. Radiation exposure to the operators has decreased to normal background levels as proper shielding exists between the sample and the operator. The results achieved by the pipetter have demonstrated its flexibility and simplicity of operation.

From abstract: "Operation of the 86-inch cyclotron has been continuous except for a three-day interruption caused by a water leak inside the vacuum chamber; monthly output has averaged over 210,000 [mu]a-hr; the average continuous (168-hour week) beam power has been approximately 5.5 kw; and the energy of the beam has been determined to be ~19.4 Mev. No changes due to radiation damage have been detected in Inconel tubes containing UF4-NaF-KF eutectic which were irradited in the 96-inch cyclotron with power inputs up to ~415 watts/cc. The major components of the 63-inch cyclotron have been fabricated and are being tested as the machine is being assembled. On the 22-inch cyclotron a radius-wise examination of the fine structure of the proton beam reveals definite proton orbits. Several grams of very pure uranium 235 have been prepared; the chemical recovery for first-stage separation of U 236 has been established as 97%; and facilities for laboratory-scale separation of plutonium isotopes are being prepared."

Report describing a the design requirements of a proposed nuclear power plant for use on an ice cap.

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.

Basic information on the design of the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL) -120 loop.

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.