The multiplication factor and minimum pile size for a multiplying pile using UO2 powder of density 1 have been computed. It appears that a k of 1.0177 is possible for a volume ration of V/V001=3.33.

The average energies of neutrons emitted from a graphite column at 22 degrees C were compared by measurement of the cross section of boron for neutrons which are stopped by cadmium. At a distance from the neutron source great enough to insure that the neutrons were in thermal equilibrium the average energies of the emerging neutrons were found to be proportional to the temperature within the limits of the experimental error. A measurement made with boron absorbers which had been thus standardized in the graphite column indicated neutrons emerging from the chain reacting pile to have an average temperature approximate 60 +- 50 degrees above that of thermal neutrons emerging from the graphite column at 22 degrees C. Such a measurement made inside the chain reacting pile indicated the average temperature of neutrons therein to be about 65 degrees +- 15 degrees above the average temperature of neutrons in the graphite column.

The temperature coefficient is calculated for various lattice arrangements, taking into account the variation of [formula], suggested by Fermi. Four contributions are included: leakage, levelling of the dip in thermal neutron density in the lump, resonance absorption, and hardening of the neutrons as they penetrate a metal lump. The departure of neutron temperature from lattice temperature decreases the total coefficient. Values are given for 3 typical piles; in general, the larger the uranium elements, the less stable the pile. A rod lattice tends to be more stable. A pile with metal lumps over 50 lbs. will be unstable.

Six structural materials (aluminum 2S, aluminum 72S, copper, iron, steel, lead and bismuth) were irradiated for about 100 kilowatt hours in the center of the Argonne pile. The alpha and gamma decays were then followed for 130 days on Geiger counters and are presented here graphically as number of rays per minute per gram per kilowatt hour vs. time of decay. A quantitative interpretation of the gamma-ray decay curves gave fair agreement with the chemical analysis of impurities found in the materials.

The multiplication constant and optimal concentration of a slurry pile is recalculated on the basis of Mitchell's recent experiments on resonance absorption. The smallest chain reacting unit contains 45 to 55 m3 of D2O.

The temperature coefficient of eta has been measured with the thermal column of the Argonne pile using uranium foils of different isotopic ratios. The temperature change was effected by filtering neutrons through silver. The measured fractional change per degree centigrade is [formula].

Some methods for calculating the k requirements of various shaped piles are indicated, with particular reference to the shape of the tank in the homogeneous plant.

Technical report with short reports from the (1) Physics Section I; (2) Physics Section II ; and (3) Physics Section III.

Abstract. Some idealized calculations (CP-807) relating to the design of heat exchangers for minimum holdup of pile liquid are presented in compact form to facilitate quick estimates. Their use is illustrated by application to a falling film type exchanger.

Technical report with short reports from the (A) Crystal Structure Section ; (B) Mass Spectroscopy Section ; and (C) Metallurgy Section.

With discussion under way concerning power production by chain reacting piles, it becomes pertinent to consider the ration of the temperature of the hottest spot in the pile to the average exit temperature of the cooling stream. This is important because the temperature of the hottest spot in the pile is one of the limiting factors in determining the maximum power at which a pile can be operated. However, the higher the temperature of the emerging cooling stream, the more efficient can be the thermal engine operated by it. Thus the ideal situation is to have the average exit temperature of the cooling stream as near as possible to the hottest temperature of the hottest spot in the pile.