The ORNL 86-in. cyclotron is being modified to provide for deflection of the proton beam. It is expected that operation will be resumed late in the spring. Nuclear physics work was limited, for the most part, to interpretation of previously collected data and to making preparations for utilizing the deflected beam. It was found that for certain isotopes the production rates could be almost doubled by operating at a slightly reduced energy and a much larger current. With the use of the ORNL 63-in. cyclotron, the absolute values of the electron capture and loss cross sections for 26-Mev nitrogen ions were obtained. The angular distribution of the cross sections for elastic scattering of nitrogen by nitrogen was measured at energies from 13 to 22 Mev. A double-focusing 90-deg magnet is being planned for use in identifying stable reaction products from nitrogen-induced reactions. The major components of the revised 44-in. test cyclotron were assembled and are being tested. Consideration is being given to the use of these components, along with a new 20,000-oersted magnet and a shielded cyclotron room, and if the tests are satisfactory the Laboratory will have available a machine which will accelerate N5+ ions to 81 Mev.

Report presenting free-falling recoverable-model tests at transonic speeds on a model with a triangular wing of aspect ratio 3 and a 45 degree swept tail located in the chord plane of the wing. Static and dynamic longitudinal-stability data for the complete model, force and moment data for the major components of the model, and load distributions over the fuselage of the model were evaluated at a range of angles of attack. results regarding lift, drag, static longitudinal stability, dynamic longitudinal stability, horizontal-tail effectiveness, loading distributions over fuselage, and buffet boundary are provided.

Part A. The major effort during the past year has been the construction of a suitable vacuum furnace for studying the effects of temperature and pressure on the wettability of metals by glass. A systems was completed that was capable of subjecting test combinations up to temperatures of 1400 degree C at a working pressure of 1 x 10(-5) mm. of Hg. Part B. A compound, identified by X-ray analysis as sodium meta tantalate (na2Ta2O6), was found at the interface between a sodium silicate glass and tantalum metal which had been heated in vacuum to 1000 degree C. thermodynamic calculations, followed by further experimental evidence, were used to determine the chemical reaction between tantalum and sodium silicate which resulted in the formation of Na2Ta3O6. the compound was synthesized by other methods, and its structure investigated.

Abstract: "Since the first report on the use of amines as uranium extractants (ORNL-1734) over eighty additional organo-nitrogen compounds have been examined for their ability to extract uranium from aqueous solutions, particularly sulfate solutions, of the types usually encountered in uranium ore processing. As before, the more promising of these (as well as other compounds previously reported) have been examined further with respect to other characteristics essential to practical application, i.e., reagent loss to the aqueous phase, compatibility with practicable diluents, influence of commonly present anions, reagent stability, sufficient selectivity for uranium, adequate phase separation properties, compatibility with practicable stripping methods, etc. The potential cost and availability of the reagents tested, i.e., certain secondary and tertiary amines, have shown even greater promise as practicable extraction agents than many of the promising compounds previously tested. In addition to the work with sulfate liquors, cursory studies have been made of uranium extraction from fluoride and sulfate-fluoride solutions. Extractions of other metals from sulfate liquors, i.e., titanium and thorium, have been briefly examined."

"Grain-boundary displacement, occurring in bicrystals during creep at elevated temperature (350 degrees c), has been measured as a function of the copper content (0.1 to 3 percent) in a series of aluminum-rich aluminum-copper solid-solution alloys. The minimums in stress and temperature, below which grain-boundary motion does not occur, increase regularly with the copper content as would be expected if recovery is necessary for movement. Otherwise, the effects, if any, of the copper solute upon grain-boundary displacement and its rate are too small for identification by the experimental technique employed" (p. 1).

Report presenting estimates of the variation with Mach number of the aerodynamic characteristics of swept wings on the basis of airfoil section data combined with span-loading theory. Results regarding adjusted wing theory procedure and adjusted wing data procedure are provided.

Letter opinion issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, John Ben Shepperd, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification; Authority of the Board of Regents for the State Teachers Colleges to purchase land from funds accruing under Section 17 of Article VII of the Texas Constitution.