Previously reported results on the testing of small samples of boron carbide dispersed in nickel by electrolytic codeposition were adequately encouraging to lead to the development of a prototype control rod for operation in the Vallecitos Boiling Water Reactor. The operation of the control rod has been entirely satisfactory.

Control rod materials, designs, and fabrication processes are compared for their relative economies. Control rod lifetime data are calculated with a simple approximation of nuclear worth depreciation. These data are used in conjunction with the estimated fabrication costs to determine the cost of using several absorber materials in a typical power reactor on a cost-per-year basis. The effect the control system has on core power density and fuel lifetime is included.

"The properties of the muon have been studied for many years and much is now known about this particle. Very accurate measurements of its mass and magnetic moment gave values in the relationship predicted by the Dirac equation and quantum electrodynamics. Experimental evidence indicating that the muon spin is 1/2 is obtained from comparison of precession measurements of the muon bound in certain mesic atoms and from observation of muonium precession. To all appearances, one would conclude that the muon behaves as an unstable electron, but as 206.76 times the mass of that electron. A study of the interaction of the muon with nuclear matter may throw more light on this problem of muon-electron equivalence."

Some numerical calculations have been done which permit the deduction of many properties of the synchrotron oscillation problem. For the presentation of the numerical results, it is useful to review the formulation framework to which the results are to be fitted. These are worked out for an arbitrary circular accelerator. The algebra woud have to be modified slightly to include straight sections but the numerical results are still useful.

Technique used in deriving values of the linac ball tuner settings to produce various fields is discussed briefly, and tables showing ball tuner change numbers and values used in making up the ball tuner change numbers are given.

This report describes the design procedure for a reflectometer or directional coupler to replace the probe part of the D07-1020 assembly used at the Brookhaven Alternating Gradient Synchrotron linac. Mathematical treatment and diagrams of various reflectometers are included.

Use of the Smith chart in studying stub tuners is demonstrated. Several properties of the tuners are shown, and charts for various wave length spacings, tuning trajectories, and admittances are included.

"Progress is reported on Phase II of a program for the development of a mixed fission product fueled thermoelectric generator. Materials studies are described in which bonded assemblies of bismuth telluride were life tested up to 3000 hours at 350 to 400 deg F hot junction temperature. Data were too inconsistent to define any satisfactory long-life bonding process. Further work is needed to eliminate the process variables. Insulation studies aimed at determining the thermal conductivity of various insulations with different fill gases under reduced pressures are described. Opacified aerogel powder appears to be very promising as an insulation medium for a diffuse heat source. A full- scale simulated test generator aimed at proving out the concept of a diffuse heat source for power generation is described. Progress on the construction of this electrically heated generator and its thermoelectric power converter is related.

Report containing documentation of projects undertaken by the multiple branches of the Health and Safety Division of the Idaho Operations Office at the Nuclear Reactor Testing Station (NRTS).

This report contains a listing of the bound-proton kernels for neutron scattering which were calculated in conjunction with the USAEC Control Rod Materials Program.

"The influence of compressive creep on the self-diffusivity of α-iron has been measured in the temperature range of 742-885°C. the diffusivity is enchanced in proportion to the strain rate, but this dependence decreases with increasing temperature. The magnitude of the strain is relatively unimportant in this connection. Strain rates from 0 to -2 x 10¯³ sec¯¹ were investigated with a corresponding increase in diffusivity up to 3 x 10³ times. The results are analyzed in terms of vacancy diffusion and the excess vacancies introduced during deformation. It is concluded that grain boundaries are the main vacancy sinks in polycrystalline iron and that the vacancy lifetime is therefore dependent on the grain size."

From introduction: The purpose of this survey was to document the pre-event and post-event condition of all existing surface facilities within a 10-mile radius of ground zero for Project GNOME.