This report covers the progress made on an intensive program to develop and evaluate UO2 as a possible fuel element for the PWR.

This technical report represents a brief survey of work by this project on the effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV) on certain of the photochemical and metabolic properties of rhubarb chard and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). These plants were selected for this work because for some years they have been used as sources of chloroplasts for Hill reaction studies in this laboratory. Some of this work has appeared as a brief paper.

From abstract: "Optical spectra of six beta-diketones and their cupric chelates are presented and discussed in relation to the structures of the molecules."

From introduction: "This is the first of three articles dealing with the influence of fluorine substitution in the ligand on the properties of metal chelate compounds. Although the primary purpose of this project was to study the influence of fluorine substitution on the properties -- particularly light absorption -- of uranyl compounds, copper chelates were chosen for preliminary study as model substances, because they are easily prepared."

Abstract: "Because of the radiation hazards inherent in processing large volumes of radioactive solutions by solvent extraction techniques, there is need for a system with small hold-up which can be contained within a minimum of shielding and yet which is versatile enough to be used as a research tool. A system utilizing a miniature mixer-settler has been constructed and its successful operation by remote means demonstrated. The unit is semiportable and employs a number of novel features of value in studying a wide variety of solvent extraction flowsheets. Data on the distribution of nitric acid between water and tributyl phosphate (in kerosene) are included as a demonstration of the operability of the unit."

Abstract: "A torus model of the elementary particles is suggested in which the electron and proton are made stable by gravitational forces derived from the electromagnetic field. It is suggested that the gravitational forces for the unstable particles, presumably the mesons, are not sufficient to keep the torus from expanding in the direction of its large radius. Rest energy zero can be achieved, presumably for photons and neutrons, when the gravitational energy and electromagnetic field energy are equal in magnitude. The manner in which these models can exhibit spin, magnetic moment, wave length, and phase velocity is indicated. The origin of nuclear forces from an electromagnetic basis is indicated."

Fused uranium dioxide was separated into fractions of varying particle size by air separation. Specimens of the nominal size of 1/8 by 1/4 by 1½ in. were formed by hydrostatic pressing, firing, and lapping. Specimens prepared from the 0 to 5 μ fraction were the strongest and most dense. The room-temperature density was about 92% of theoretical and the room-temperature flexural strength was about 12,000 1b. per sq. in. When tested at 1000°C., the strength was about 18,000 1b. per sq. in. The flexural strength of specimens decreased and their density decreased as the starting particle size was increased. The crystallization of the urania fragments which had occurred during the firing treatment was observed.

This report analyzes two high-current linear accelerators, the A-54--a 48.5 megacycle resonant cavity accelerator--and the A-48, that is under construction during the time this report is written.

The primary purpose of this contract is to develop and exploit techniques for the precision measurement of nuclear energy levels by the spectroscopic study of gamma-rays emitted during the decay of radioisotopes, (1) by the use of a high resolving power curved crystal focusing spectrometer to study wavelengths and intensities of gamma-rays themselves, (2) by means of a precision beta-ray spectrometer to study the conversion lines from gamma-rays both by internal conversion and with external converters.

1) The technical details of controlled experiments with iontophoresis of thorium X solutions are described. 2) Experiments carried out on living human skin in situ demonstrate that Iontophoresis of weak solutions of thorium X will increase its biologic effects as judged by erythema and pigmentation, and cause greater penetration as shown by autoradiography. 3) The possible relationship between increased penetration of thorium X and increased clinical biologic effects is discussed. 4) Some possible clinical applications of the Iontophoresis of thorium X to enhance its therapeutic effectiveness are mentioned.

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.

A corrosion testing program has been initiated in Purex and Redox storage tanks to obtain corrosion data on SAE 1020 carbon steel, two alloy-high strength steels, and an alloy steel in neutralized process wastes.

This examination was conducted primarily to determine the extent of corrosion existing between the silver bearing alloy and the type 416 stainless steel nut of K reactor units subjected to service conditions and also to establish irrevocably that metallurgical defects exist in the brazes.

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.

During this period a prototype gamma ray detection system was assembled and data was obtained on samples of beryllium salts on filter paper under a variety of conditions. Ordinarily either a scaler-register combination or the CRM-recorder combination would be sufficient for obtaining data. Both units have been used here in order to utilize the particular advantages of each system. The scaler-register unit was employed for obtaining precise data over short intervals while the CRM-recorder was used to maintain a check on stability over longer intervals of time.

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."

Graphite suffers radiation damage when exposed to high energy particles. Many of its physical and chemical properties are changed. One of the effects which is easily measured is an increase in the interlayer or C₀ distance of the crystal lattice. This has been attributed to the displacement of atoms or groups of atoms into interstitial positions of the lattice forcing the planes apart. The C₀ expansion may be annealed out by heating the damaged crystal to high temperatures. This paper deals with the rate of annealing of C₀ damage at several constant temperatures.

The primary objective of this work is to add to the understanding of irradiated graphite. This report describes an experimental technique whereby changes in crystal lattice parameter may be studied as a function of time at constant temperature. The results given here are limited to changes in the C₀ spacing for a typical sample of irradiated graphite in the temperature range 100 to 750 C.

Technical report describing a brief survey of the problems concerned with radioactive waste disposal.

Abstract: "Sound, fabricable ingots of thorium were produced by triple are melting of electrolytic thorium. Consumable electrodes were fabricated by tack welding of cold-pressed and vacuum-sintered bars of the granular thorium electrodeposited from a molten-salt bath. The hydrogen content of the electrodeposited material was reduced from 80 to 4 ppm by vacuum sintering at 1250 C at pressures below 1 x 10-(-3) mm of mercury. Both sodium and chlorine content were reduced during melting; sodium from 250 to 25 ppm and chlorine from 1000 to 30 ppm. Oxygen and HCl acid-insoluble contents increased during sintering and melting. Oxygen content increased from 0.35 to 0.50 w/o and HCl acid-insoluble content from 0.8 to 4.0 w/o. A starlike includion revealed by metallographic examination of the as-cast thorium was identified as ThO2."

From abstract: "A radiochemical study of some neutron-deficient nuclides in the noble metal region has been undertaken, and several new chains identified."

From introduction: "A study of the decay schemes of a considerable number of nuclei in the heavy-element region has been undertaken in the hope that a more detailed knowledge of the energy levels involved will lead to a better understanding of their nature and therefore of the nucleus itself."

The purpose of this report is to develop an economic selection of conventional reinforced concrete structures of various shapes to establish a design criteria for intermediate level radioactive liquid wastes.

Continued work on the adsorbability of metal complexes from concentrated LiCl solutions and LiCl-HCl mixtures on a strong-base anion-exchange resin further demonstrated the much higher adsorbability of these complexes from LiCl solutions than from HCl solutions. The effect is believed to be due to the formation of less strongly adsorbed undissociated chloro-complex acids in the case of the HCl solutions.