This summary of the research progress meeting for March 25, 1948 covers the following topics: (1) Recent n-p scattering measurements; (2) Mass measurements of mesons; and (3) Naphthalene counters.

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This study was undertaken at the request of the Hanford Works to investigate the possibility of detecting 3/8 inch diameter boron-steel control-balls which become lodged within cracks between the graphite blocks of an atomic pile. The cracks concerned occur radially from 4 3/16 inch diameter holes which pass vertically through the pile. The problem is complicated by the following facts: The graphite blocks are conducting and will therefore give rise to spurious signals primarily due to the cracks between blocks. Numerous aluminum tubes containing water and bars of uranium pass horizontally through the pile at distances closer to the hole than the ball at its extreme position. The vertical holes themselves are warped in an arbitrary manner. Calculations were made to determine theoretically whether or not the ball could be detected. Best operating frequency and coil design were also determined. Tests were made utilizing a specially designed search coil and a test section of graphite pile. Measurements of particle voltage vs. position relative to the coil were made and compared with that resulting from the graphite.

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Nickel-plated uranium corrosion samples, 1 inch dia. X 0.180 inch thick, press-clad with 30-mil aluminum at both 10 and 15 thousand psi, show improved corrosion resistance over samples press-clad at 6 thousand psi with the same time-temperature conditions. Design of equipment for the internal cladding of uranium tubes is progressing. The basic tools will be applicable to several variations of the proposed method of {open_quotes}inverse die sinking.{close_quotes} Analyses of double and triple melted Horizons` electrolytic thorium show a significant increase of H{sub 2} and O{sub 2}, upon remelting with a corresponding increase in the hardness of the metal.

A process has been developed for application of a thin, adherent vinyi plastic coating to graphite plates to prevent absorption of coupling fluids'' used in ultrasonic inspection. The plates are preheated and dipped mechanically in a fluid plastisol, and the resulting coating is fused in an infra-red heater. No significant attenuation of ultrasonic impulse results from presence of the coating. After inspection, the vinyl sheath may be easily stripped from the plate. (auth)

In order to establish the feasibility of using two colorimetric met;iods for the determination of uranium interchangeably, according to the interferences encountered in a particular sampte. results were obtained by each of the methods and compared. The dibenzoyl methane method and the ethyl acetate-ammonium thiocyanate procedure were compared on the basis of values secured on the same day. on different days, on an analysis of the variance. and on an analysis of the residual error for the methods on different days. On the basis of the findings of these tests. it is concluded that the two methods can be used interchangeably to determine the uranium content of the ethyl acetate extracts of samples. Since the interferences in the two methods are different. the uranium content of a variety of materials can be determined without additional separations being required. (auth)

Data on the effects of nuclear fuel burnup on dissolution rates and U losses of a few fuel types are summarized. Burnup to the 40% level produced very little effect on the rate of solution of stainless steel-UO/sub 2/ fuel elements in solutions of the Darex type. Beyond passivation, burnup to the 250 Mwd/T level did not produce a large effect on the rate of decladding nor on the U losses in the Sulfex process. Bunnup to the 15% or 4300 Mwd/T level produced little or no effect on the rate of decladding, U losses, or Pu losses in the Zirflex process. Two other effects, air oxidation of irradiated UO/sub 2/ and prolonged contact of this oxide with Sulfex solutions in the absence of actively dissolving stainless steel appeared to be much more serious sources of loss of U. (auth)

The in-line monitoring instruments installed in the Redox plant in the late 1950s consisted of six gamma monitors, a single channel gamma spectrometer, an alpha monitor, and a neutron counter. A gamma monitor on the steam condensate outlet line and a uranium monitor on the 2DFS stream were to be added at a later date. The first section of this information manual describes the in-line gamma monitors and gives operating instructions for them. The second section covers the alpha monitor, and the third section the neutron counter. Sections on the uranium monitor and the steam header gamma monitor were to be added at a later date.

Progress made in the field of spectrophotometry of molten fluoride salts is summarized. The high-temperature cell assembly designed and fabricated for use in this work is described, as well as the various types of sample containers used. Spectra of nickel fluoride, cobalt fluoride, chromic fluoride, and uranium tetrafluoride in LiF--NaF-KF (46.5-11.5--42 mole%) are presented. (auth)

Engineering Work Requests ESE-48 & 49 established a program for performance of Qualification Approval Tests on RPC`s 0.2 and 40 meghom Carbon Composition Resistors. This report is an accounting of these tests wherein (50) samples of each component were subjected to QA tests per drawings 8O2C250 and 802C251. Tests are explained and results tabulated.

The new sector-focused cyclotrons have more energetic and better focused beams at the extraction radius than do ordinary cyclotrons. While the first characteristic requires a more intense electric field, the second permits this field to extend over a smaller volume. By tailoring the electrode geometry to these characteristics of the beam, the required deflector gap and electrode surface become smaller, and a higher gradient can be held without sparking. A different compromise between radioactivity, power dissipation, and resistance to spark damage must be made in selecting electrode materials. Carefully designed electrostatic deflectors perform very well in sector-focused cyclotrons of intermediate energy. Deflector efficiencies of about 50% and external-beam intensities of 20 {micro}A have been obtained in the Lawrence Laboratory's 88 -Inch Cyclotron.

To evaluate the crudding characteristics of ammonium hydroxide conditioned coolant it is necessary to use a thermocouple element. The present design has accentuated structural integrity, reliability and constant heat flux. A radical departure from past designs was made by selecting a stainless steel cladding and enriched ceramic fuel. Three thermocouples are inserted in the cladding to increase the reliability. By the use of two thermocouple elements it will be possible to obtain important preliminary information on preferential crud deposition while simultaneously evaluating the crudding characteristics of ammonium hydroxide conditioned coolant.

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The Blake Rhometer operating range was extended from 600 to 1000 deg F and a variable-orifice plugging meter was developed. Both instruments were evaluated in the Atomic Power Development Associates Scdium Technology Loop against weighed or metered contaminants. The loop injection series included: water, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane gases; and tea bag injections of sodium carbonate, sodium hydride, sodium hydroxide, and sodium monoxide. Cover gas was monitored and temperature varied during and after each injection run, and the test loop cleaned by cold trapping after each run. A Continuous Hydrogen Monitor attached to the loop cover gas system and a Nickel Diffusion-Tube Hydrogen Monitor connected to the loop proper were evaluated for sensitivity and response. (auth)

The N-Reactor Department Research and Development Program for FY 1965, 1966, and later years is structured to achieve the following general goals. (1) Assurance of a high level of nuclear safety; (2) Assurance of achieving full plant life; (3) Reduction in operating costs for a given production rate; (4) Increase in production rate without proportionate increase in operating costs; (5) Savings in capital outlays necessary to achieve stated reductions in operating cost or increases in production; (6) Production of new products of value; (7) Savings in capital outlays or operating costs to achieve a given level of plant safety. The program is divided into three general categories; Reactor, Metallurgy, and Co-Product. The Reactor category is further divided into physics studies, thermal hydraulics studies, zircaloy process tube development, control, instrument and system analyses, chemistry, engineering research and development, gas, atmosphere studies, graphite studies, and nuclear safety research.

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In a previous study the trimer of rhenium tetracarbonyl was found to be diamagnetic, suggesting the presence of hydrogen in the compound. This was supported by chemical analysis, which indicated about one hydrogen per rhenium, and the compound was formulated as [Re(C0)4H] 3• Subsequently a proton resonance was observed on a broad line spectrometer. In the original work the infrared spectra were compared for the hydride and deuteride; cyclohexane solutions were used for the CO stretching region and KBr discs were used for the rest of the spectrum. Surprisingly, the spectra of the hydride and deuteride showed only minor differences, insufficient to confirm the presence of hydrogen. No evidence of a hydrogen stretching frequency was found. In the present work, the previously unobserved Raman spectra were measured for the hydride and deuteride . In the solid state ratber striking shifts were observed in the CO stretching region. Also there is some evidence for a metal-hydrogen stretching band at the rather low frequency of 1100 cm-1. In an attempt to support the interpretation of the Raman spectra more detailed infrared studies of the solid in KBr discs were made. The hope was to observe a metal-hydrogen stretching frequency and to explain …

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