The characteristics of Rankine space power plants in the zero gravity aspect of the environment of space were lnvestigated. The expected effects of Rankine space power plants are described. Discussions of experimental techniques for studying these phenomena show that this information can be obtained rapidly and economically. Recommendations for a program to supplement SNAP II and slmllar Ranklne space power development efforts in this vital area are made, and consist of: the development and testing of a small system that adequately simulates a complete Ranklne system, first in zero grayity and finally, in the complete orbltal environment; followed by, the development and similar testing of a complete Rankine system using SNAP ll hardware. (auth)

BS> A method for the measurement of thermal conductivities of electrically conducting materials at temperatures in excess of 1000 deg C with a high accuracy was devised. The spatial boron concentration gradient in boron- doped graphite to achieve maximum p-type thermoelectric output was established. The production of an n-type silicon carbide-graphite composit was studied. Theoretical studies produced a detailed picture of the effect of doping on the electronic properties of graphite. A method was developed for the preparation of rare earth nitrides in a good state of purity. Electrical studies of the materials produced showed that several of the compounds are semiconductors as had been predicted. (M.C.G.)

The following report is the final technical report on a series of reports under contract AT(11-1)-515, titled "Niobium Phase Diagrams", covering the period from April 15, 1957 to April 16, 1960.

Abstract: "The accuracies which can be achieved in analog recording systems are for the most part tape limited. While reasonable variations in tape speed do not directly affect the accuracy, such variations result in improper tape tensioning, which in turn results in poor head-to-tape contact. The quality of the tape transport mechanism should be such that the error introduced by improper head- to tape contact is less than tape errors. Some additional equipment is necessary in setting up a tape recorder for a given experiment. The amplitude of the input pulse spectura to the recorder should be adjusted for optimum value and, if possible, the counting rate should be adjusted to obtain good tape utilization. An oscilloscope is probably adequate to satisfy both conditions."

This report examines the pertinent features in the hazards analyses of the Hanford Reactors which may be affected by the substitution of zirconium tubes for the present aluminum process tubes. Resized I & E slugs, designed to preserve present pressure drops across the active zones and to minimize corrosion, are used as examples to compare the characteristics of the zirconium tubes reactor with the present.

Safety has been and must continue to be the inviolable modulus by which the operation of a nuclear reactor must be judged. A malfunction in any reactor may well result in a release of fission products which may dissipate over a wide geographical area. Such dissipation may place the health, happiness and even the lives of the people in the region in serious jeopardy. As a result, the property damage and liability cost may reach astronomical values in the order of magnitude of billions of dollars. Reliability of the electrical network is an indispensable factor in attaining a high order of safety assurance. Progress in the peaceful use of atomic energy may take the form of electrical power generation using the nuclear reactor as a source of thermal energy. In view of these factors it seems appropriate and profitable that a critical engineering study be made of the safety and reliability of the Hanford reactors without regard to cost economics. This individual and independent technical engineering analysis was made without regard to Hanford traditional engineering and administration assignments. The main objective has been to focus attention on areas which seem to merit further detailed study on conditions which seem to …

This document details activities of the Hanford Laboratories Operation for the month of August 1960.

The purpose of this report is to define the extent of modifications necessary to increase capacities of the 100-B, C, D, DR, F, and H water plants for reactor flows of 90,000 95,000 105,000 and 115,000 GPM, and to provide supporting data for budget studies for increased production.

The assumption of tube replacement losses can have a significant effect in the determination of optimum power levels and goal exposures. The tube replacement loss term in the reactor process optimization model is based on calculating the average projected tube replacement losses that will result from operation at given power and temperature conditions. Tube replacement losses associated with external corrosion, Van Stone flange failure, etc. (i.e., basically non-power level-temperature dependent) are assumed to be miscellaneous losses and are not included in the tube replacement term. Over a period of several years the experienced tube replacement losses (due to internal corrosion) should compare reasonably well with the losses predicted by the optimization model. Planned tube replacement project action which would require, in some cases, premature tube removal is a special situation which requires a modified approach to the prediction of tube replacement losses and to the optimization of reactor power levels prior to project action. A method has been developed for optimizing reactor power levels and goal exposures based on any assumed calendar date for major tube replacement project action. It is the purpose of this document to discuss the general application of this method in the optimization and illustrate the …

The cap-spire pulsing technique of preheating the cap-spire portion of the fuel assembly does significantly improve the brazing of the cap-spire assembly. The air pocket at the spire wafer junction is fully removed. The cap side wafer is essentially 100% wetted with brazing alloy. Destructive tests show that a 4 to 1 improvement in most quality measurements is achieved over present cap preheating techniques, without using additional cleaning step of spire etching. The pulsing is accomplished by a cammed drive system, using a stroke of three-fourths of an inch with a spring return. The system is driven by an electrical gear reduction motor at a rate of 1.4 pulses per second. A preheating cycle of 21 {plus_minus} 2 seconds is used for the current I&E cap designs. The cap-spire assembly does not require any special treatment other than the normal chemical cleaning.

This report details activities of the Fuels Development Operation during the months of July, August, and September 1960.

The program`s objective is to develop the technical foundation for use of projection fuel elements through an accelerated testing program. Two types of projection fuel elements are being considered (1) Self-supported fuel elements for use in ribless aluminum or zirconium process tubes; and (2) Bumper fuel elements for use in ribbed process tubes. A further objective of the program is to determine the most desirable method of fabrication and type of support for projection fuel elements. The program must develop the self-supported concept in time to meet the proposed ribless zirconium process tube installation schedule. Parallel development of the bumper fuel element is an interim program to realize immediate gains in reduced hot spot rupture tendency, during the change over to zirconium tubes. The appended charts indicate the proposed accelerated testing and development schedules being followed. Testing of the self-support concept has indicated that the collapsible supports are adequate to maintain fuel centering, do not introduce additional corrosion problems resulting from the supports, and do in fact greatly reduce the incidence of hot-spot flow patterns. Reductions in rupture potential of at least a factor of 30 have been demonstrated at the 95% confidence level. Bumper fuel testing has indicated that …

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Will Wilson, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Interpretation of Art. 10.15 H.B. 11, 3rd C.S., 56th Leg. (Title 122A, Taxation-General) providing exceptions to refunds of tax on special fuels.

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Will Wilson, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Construction of Article 602, Penal Code of Texas, as amended in 1959, Article 602-A and Article 604, Penal Code of Texas, pertaining to Wife and Child Desertion.

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Will Wilson, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Authority of the Game and Fish Commission to expend monies from the Game and Fish Fund for the construction of piers into the Gulf of Mexico or inland bays, for the purpose of accommodating the public in their recreational fishing activities.

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Will Wilson, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Minimum recording fee to be charged by County Clerks for recording any paper or record under the provisions of Article 3930, Vernon's Civil Statutes.

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Will Wilson, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Application of Art. 1.11, Title 122A, R.C.S., to an overpayment of taxes which occurred prior to the effective date of such article.

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Will Wilson, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: What constitutes a "component part" of a radio, television or phonograph, as defined in Chapter 20, H.B. 11, 56th Leg., 3rd C.S.

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Will Wilson, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Interpretation and administration of Art. 19.01(7), Title 122A, R.C.S., imposing an occupation tax and other duties upon dealers in pistols.

This document details activities of the irradiation processing department during the month of June 1960. A general summary is included at the start of the report, after which the report is divided into the following sections: research and engineering operations; production and reactor operations; facilities engineering operation; employee relations operation; and financial operation.

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.

Abstract: This report is a description of a 200 channel digital recording system used to record high temperature strain gage outputs and associated temperatures.

Reactor maintenance problems and engineering studies have identified various reactor rear face piping problems at 105-B, D, DR, F, and H. The long-range solutions to these problems are outlined in classified document HW-65269, ``Existing Reactor Rear Face Piping Review.`` These problems, however, must also be considered from the short-range view to minimize their effects on continuity of reactor operation during the interim until the permanent remedy can be accomplished. This is expected to be a minimum period of approximately four years. Flow and bulk outlet temperature up to 90,000 gpm and 95{degrees}C respectively are assumed to prevail in these short-range considerations. The purpose of this report is to review Reactor, Plant Engineering`s efforts on the short-range aspects of this problem.

The demonstrated operating efficiency performance which has resulted from poison spline usage forces an economic decision concerning the self-supported and bumper fuel element programs. As originally conceived the projection fuel elements would preclude the insertion of a spline under the fuel charge; thus it is very important that means be devised either to make poison spline usage compatible with future pile loadings or to demonstrate that some other supplementary control system, which is compatible with future pile loadings, can approximate the effect the splines have an operating efficiency. This report shows the appreciable performance improvement which has been achieved at KE Reactor through the application of the poison spline system.