Recent developments in the classical theory of fully ionized gases and strong electrolyte solutions are reviewed, and are used to discuss the equation of state at high temperature and low densities. The pressure is calculated using the ring-integral approximation, and quantitative estimates of higher correction terms are given. The effect of short-range repulsive forces is shown by comparing the results with two kinds of potential functions: hard spheres of diameter a, and "soft" spheres for which the short-range potential cancels the Coulomb potential at the origin, and decreases exponentially with distance. It is found that the use of either type of potential extends the range of validity of the ring integral approximation to considerably higher densities and lower temperatures. Since there is little difference in the results for the hard spheres and the soft spheres in this range, the latter is investigated more extensively since it is more easily handled by analytical methods. The expressions derived for the free energy of a system of charged particles can also be used in ionization equilibrium calculations, and the effect of electrostatic interactions on the equilibrium concentrations of various kinds of ions is indicated.

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Thorium and uranium carbide nuclear fuel particles were evaluated by metallographic and x-ray diffraction techniques. Techniques were developed to etch the polished surface of Th--U carbide to reveal the grain structure. In addition, techniques to determine particle density and coating thickness were developed. Comparison of the data indicates that the use of spherical particles allowed for more precise determination of the coating thickness, density, and strength of coatings. Strength of individual particles was about 700 to 1300 g per particle. A large scatter in crushing-strength values was observed when individual particles were crushed. Consequently, a relative crushingstrength test was developed for comparing coating strength: loads were applied to a column of particles in stepped increments, and broken coatings were detected by observing a weight gain in moist air from hydrolysis of the Th--U carbides. A correlation of relative crushing strength and coating thickness was obtained. The crystal structure of the C coatings was found to depend on the temperature of deposition in the range from 1400 to 2400 deg C; the twodimensional structure became more defined with increasing deposition temperatures. Subsequent annealing at 2400 deg C of the coatings deposited at 1400 deg C and at 2200 to 2400 deg …

This technical report seeks to ascertain which amine species cause the synergistic effect exerted by tri-n-octylamine (TNOA) on the solvent extraction of thorium by TTA, the nature of the species formed, and the values of the equilibrium constants involved. This report also includes 2 figures and 2 tables to accompany the findings.