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Three hot die size (HDS) fuel elements charged for the HDS equivalency test, PT-IP-781-A, failed during irradiation (August, 1965) as a result of severe ledge and groove corrosion. Examination of comparison pieces revealed that ledge and groove corrosion was the most severe at the top of the downstream end of the downstream ten pieces as positioned in the process tube. In the case of HDS fuel, the downstream end is the top or cap end of the piece as it is fabricated. It was speculated that ledge and groove corrosion could be an interaction between the HDS fuel assembly process and reactor operation. For this reason, studies were initiated to determine the effect of HDS process variables upon ledge and groove corrosion in out-of-reactor tests. This report summarizes the results of testing to determine the effect process variables have upon grain size and hardness of the aluminum cladding.

The surveillance photography of underground nuclear detonations at NTS was engineered by EG&G to furnish the following information on unexpected venting: (1) establish when, with respect to zero time, the venting occurred; (2) record the point or points of emission of the venting gases; (3) show the colors, if any, of the venting gases; (4) the direction of cloud travel; and (5) dimensions and volume of the cloud as a function of time. In addition, the film records provide a color documentary film including a record of gross surface motion and a record of unexpected surface phenomenon (such as in Longshot). Surveillance coverage starts at minus 5 seconds and continues to plus 30 minutes. This report describes the typical photographic program setup, films used, and film processing.