Report regarding the mathematical analysis of the exponential pile experiment using highly absorbent slugs and assuming the emitting of fast neutrons. Related theory and equations are discussed.

Economic study covering several classes of cycles of reactor steam power plants.

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Report discussing the progress made on various research projects at North American Aviation during the quarter from January to March 1954.

"A series of shock tube studies demonstrate that two types of pressure gauges respond to dust carried with shock waves by indicating an increase in dynamic pressure. This contribution to the dynamic pressure is approximately the product of the dust density and the square of the dust velocity under the experimental conditions. Besides this information studies give insight into the interaction of a square shock wave with dust when that dust is placed in a plane before and parallel to the shock front. It is found that the shape of the pressure wave is little changed except for a rounding of the front. The dust, after accelerating, is carried as a pulse with the mass flow velocity of the air."

A preliminary study has been made of a solid homogeneous reactor for stationary power plant application. The core consists of graphite spheres impregnated with uranium and thorium, and the coolant is bismuth. This concept possible offers advantages over other solid fuel reactor systems with respect to simplification of core structure, fuel fabrication and fuel handling, and reduction of fuel inventory external to the reactor. From the results of this preliminary study, it appears that the potential cost of electric power from this reactor is competitive with that from other reactor systems which have been proposed for the same application. The Po210 produced in the coolant presents a decontamination problem, but is also possibly a valuable by-producgt.

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"In order to determine the factors involved in the scale-up of cores with concentric inlet and outlet pipes, a 48 inch carbon steel flow model, geometrically similar to a 6 foot diameter core, has been assembled and tested...Visual studies were made of dye and gas behavior in the sphere, and quantitative measurements of point residence times were obtained through the use of conductivity cells actuating a Brush recorder. Static pressure drop across the core was measured."

The following are some of the equipment currently used in the Health Physics counting rooms at the Laboratory: scintillation counters, end window beta-gamma counters, precipitcon beta-gamma counter, autoscaler beta-gamma counter, and continuous flow proportional counter. This technical report describes the equipment, supporting equipment, procedures, and sample preparation in use at the Laboratory.

Abstract: Reconnaissance mapping in the Ruby Quadrangle, Arizona, indicates the existence of a complex assemblage of volcanic rocks and associated sediments, divisible into a younger and older series.

The following report is a collection of data and results from studies of zirconium alloy corrosion.