Diffusion theory and transport theory approaches to the problem of a nuclear reactor with a transverse air gap are compared. It is suggested that the differences in results for thin gaps is due to the fact that diffusion theory does not adequately represent the flux distribution in the immediate vicinity of the gap. For mathematical conveniences previous treatments of the gap problem have made use of fictitious image piles which exaggerate the neutron losses. The extent of the error is estimated by direct neutron leakage calculations.

The absorption bands induced in α-Al2O3 by gamma and reactor irradiation have been studied. The slight coloration due to γ-rays saturates. Bands specific to reactor irradiation have been found and their growth studied.

In the memorandum entitled "Stored Energy in BNL Reactor Graphite", dated February 25, 1953, there is described an experiment conducted by Gurinsky's group to determine the energy per gram of irradiated graphite released in a 200°C anneal. Similar experiments were subsequently conducted by W. Kosiba, differing from the original in two particulars: a) Instead of two graphite samples, one normal, and one irradiated, Kosiba used only an irradiated sample which he heated first to release the stored energy, and then again after the energy was released. In this way, he obtained time against temperature curves for both normal and irradiated graphite from the same sample. (These curves are graphed for each run in Figs. 1 thru 5.) b) The vycor tubing used in the original experiment was not used by Kosiba. Five runs of this experiment were selected, Runs 4P, 13, 36, and 40 at furnace temperatures of 200°C, and Run 45 at a furnace temperature of 400°C.