Technical report covering the Homogeneous Reactor Experiment (HRE) reactor physics and engineering, out-of-pile corrosion, in-pile studies, recombination of hydrogen and oxygen, HRE chemical studies, experimental programs for the HRE, and long-range studies. [From Summary]

The fission and spallation reactions caused in uranium by bombardment with high energy protons (340 to 350 Mev) were investigated. The reaction products were separated from the target by chemical processes and identified by their radioactive properties. The relative yields of the observed fission products were measured, and the results plotted as a function of mass number. Several of the spallation products were identified and their yields estimated.

The acceleration of charged particles in the Berkeley 60-inch and 184-inch cyclotrons has made it possible to study a large variety of nuclear reactions. The characterization of the products from these reactions is done by chemical separations of elemental fractions and subsequent identification of the nuclides formed.

The state of polonium in aqueous solutions was investigated by means of ion exchange equilibrium studies. The distribution of the polonium between the solid and liquid phases was determined for solutions of various compositions using both a cation and an anion exchanges. These studies show that in the absence of a complexing agent polonium is hydrolyzed to such a degree that it forms monovalent cations and anions whose charge was not investigated in this study.

Monthly report of the U.S. Geological Survey's trace element investigations including an outline of field work, laboratory work, and staff activities that have been completed or are in process.

A preliminary reserve statement, regarding Reserve Blocks B and C, located in the Legin group Area, in San Miguel County, Colorado.

A preliminary reserve statement regarding Reserve Block D, of the Legin Group Area, located in San Miguel County, Colorado.

Report documenting the suitability of Arkansas for plant locations to produce synthetic liquid fuels, based on raw materials such as coal, natural gas, oil shale, and oil-impregnated strippable deposits.

Report documenting the suitability of Illinois for plant locations to produce synthetic liquid fuels, based on raw materials such as coal, natural gas, and oil shales.

The second volume of a report documenting the suitability of Illinois for plant locations to produce synthetic liquid fuels, based on raw materials.

Report documenting the suitability of Kansas for plant locations to produce synthetic liquid fuels, based on raw materials, water sources, and local interest.

Report documenting the suitability of Maryland for plant locations to produce synthetic liquid fuels, based on raw materials, water sources, and local interest.

Report documenting the suitability of Oregon for plant locations to produce synthetic liquid fuels, based on raw materials, water sources, and local interest.

The total cross sections of the reactions DDp, DDn, TD at 10 kev to 10 Mev are estimated from a review of the experimental data up to January 1951. Maxwell averages for DDp and TD computed from these estimates are given, together with some fitted analytic expressions provided for machine use. A collection of the identifiable earlier estimates is also included for reference and for comparison with the new figures. For relative order of magnitude purposes, cross sections and the derived Maxwell averages are given down to 50 ev using the theoretical Gamow slopes for the extrapolation. Gamow plots for the derived cross sections above l0 kev arc also given. Much of the primary experimental data exists in the form of thick target yields and we find the most uncertain factor in converting these thick targets yields into cross sections is the magnitude of the D/sub 2/O stopping cross section. The particular D/sub 2/O stopping cross section relation used in this derivation together with some of the earlier stopping cross sections are given. Thick target yields are included for both DD and TD on D/sub 2/ targets, at 0.01 to 1 Mev, experimental values being supplemented by calculated values.

It has been found relatively easy to form uranium in the gamma phase temperature range by hot pressing, forging, or extrusion. The metal is quite plastic and flows readily to form a shape. Several temperatures from 800 degree C to 1000 degree C were investigated. No forming difficulties were experienced with the metal at the several temperatures concerned. The major difficulty in gamma phase hot pressing or extruding was associated with the tools. Metals or ceramics were not successful as tools for one or more reasons concerned with: lack of hot strength, reactions with the uranium, failure in thermal shock, and tendency to spall. Graphite was found to be the best material available, but it is not entirely satisfactory because of low strength. Uranium formed in the gamma phase possesses some refinement of grain structure as compared with as-cast metal; however, the grain size is quite large. No physical properties of the gamma phase formed metal were determined.

Strubl's polarographic method for the determination of uranium in the presence of iron can be used for the determination of uranium in plutonium solutions. A hydroxylamine hydrochloride solution (2M) is used as the supporting electrolyte. This reduces the plutonium to the plus three oxidation state without reducing the uranium. The uranium may then be determined polarographically by measuring the height of the uranyl reduction wave (UVI to UV) at -0.35 volts (vs. S.C.E.) applied potential. Solutions with a U/Pu weight ratio as low as 3.5 x 10(-3) were analyzed with an error of less than 2%. This error increased to 6% for solutions of 1 x 10(-3) U/Pu ration and is considerably larger for smaller U/Pu ratios.

We investigate the possibilities of using another reagent than glue as a filtration aid in South African ore treatment.

Monthly magazine discussing natural resources, parks, hunting and fishing, and other information related to the outdoors in Texas.