Abstract: This report is concerned with the application of an electronic data processing system to the unique combination of scientific and commercial data processing requirement of nuclear materials management. The organization and flow of data from the plant through the data processing equipment to the final report is the principle topic of the report. Included in the discussion, however, are topics concerned with the impact of conversion to electronic data processing on personnel, materials management costs, and on other plant organizations. Portions of the report are devoted to programming systems and decision-making abilities of data processing equipment which make these systems readily adaptable to nuclear materials management.

Summary: The use of dimensionless-parameter frequency response diagrams to determine accuracies of lumped-parameter approximations is demonstrated by two examples: calculation of the heat flux at the surface of a semi-infinite solid due to temperature fluctuations of an adjacent fluid; and the response of a counterflow heat exchanger to inlet fluid temperature perturbations. Dimensionless system parameters make it possible to use general-purpose plots to find the error in particular approximations as a function of the frequency of perturbation. Such plots are directly applicable to control-system stability problems, where the highest frequency of interest is usually apparent.

Technical report discussing a new high-speed electron multiplier using a planar dynode configuration. This multiplier has a total transit time significantly shorter than available in conventional structures of equivalent gain. It also features rise-times generally less than three nanoseconds while providing the large sensitive area of an unfocused configuration. Two basic types of planar dynodes are employed: transmission secondary emission thin films as the early multiplier stages and silver-magnesium modified mesh multipliers as the high current output stages.The relevant gain and pulse-response data for these two types of dynodes are presented. The structure is quite flexible and permits the number and types of dynodes to be easily tailored to a specific application. In particular it will be shown how the number of mesh-type dynodes may be altered to effect a trade-off between current handling capabilities and rise-time characteristics. Several possible combinations of these planar dynods have been incorporated in photomultipliers whose gain, dark current, pulse response, and operating life are discussed.

Abstract: A pilot plant facility for recovering Pu238 and unconverted neptunium from irradiated neptunium target elements was operated for 17 months at the Savannah River Laboratory. The process required that the irradiated target elements be dissolved and the solution be processed through three anion exchange cycles for removal of undesirable fission products and cations, recovery of unconverted neptunium, and concentration of Pu238 solution. The process equipment was enclosed in three stainless steel boxes that were installed in two general-purpose cells of a ten-cell complex. The basic cells were not modified. The two cells were not separated from from the adjacent 8 cells. Containment of the high-specific-activity alpha emitters was accomplished by ventilation, development of handling techniques, use of procedures, and close Radiation Control coverage. The facility was dismantled, and the cells were decontaminated and returned to normal use. With the exception of an accidental overexposure, all personnel exposures were kept below the administrative level of 3 R/yr. None of the personnel assimilated detectable amounts of he material handled.

To improve gamma discrimination and eliminate d-c cable leakage interference currents, mean square voltage fluctuation measurements have been made on neutron sensitive ion chambers.

Abstract: Progress is reported in several areas of development of fueled graphite containing coated particles for nonurged gas-cooled reactor systems. The sol-gel process has been modified for making spherical particles of both thorium-uranium carbide and thorium-uranium oxide suitable for coating. Equipment has been assembled and methods have been developed for deposition of pyrolytic-carbon coating under well-controlled conditions. Damage to coated particles during fabrication into a graphite matrix depends on the molding pressure and the volumetric content of coated particles. Vendor-supplied coated particles and fueled graphite spheres have been evaluated extensively in both in- and out-of-reactor tests. Duplex- and triplex-coasted particles have excellent fission-gas retention at 2050 degree F to burnups of 15 at. % burnup. Fueled graphite spheres containing coated particles have good irradiation performance, but the fission-gas release rates are somewhat higher than for unsupported coated particles. Fueled graphite spheres react with water vapor about as rapidly as do Speer Mod-2 and ATJ grades of graphite. The diffusion rates in pyrolytic carbon are the same for uranium, thorium, and protactinium. The diffusion rates in the direction parallel to the deposition plane are much higher than those in the perpendicular direction.

Montgomery and Chandrasekhar and Hulm suggested models for predicting Im and Hm of high-field superconducting solenoids. Montgomery's model for predicting the degradation effect of superconducting solenoids leads to a unique coil quenching characteristics if geometrically similar solenoids are considered. Experiments do not verify these predicted results. Chandrasekhar and Hulm's model leads to one unique coil quenching characteristic for all solenoids with identical wire type and turn distance; coils with identical load factor should display identical values im and Hm. An analysis of the surface currents in an ideal superconducting infinitely long solenoid demonstrated possible forms of shielding currents. Experiments with Pb coils with and without NbZr and compensation agree with results expected from this analysis, but contradict Chandrasekhar and Hulm's model. Measurements of individual turn resistances show behavior of a soft superconductor solenoid in the intermediate state.

Technical report discussing a series a experiments on the reactivity worth of gaps has been performed in the KAPL Solid Homogeneous Assembly (SHA). One objective of the program is to provide data against which calculated models can be checked. An immediate goal is to develop a method by which large void regions can be adequately treated within the framework of diffusion theory. This would enable the nuclear engineer to perform standard design calculations on systems containing such voids. Another objective of the program is to provide data which will allow the shutdown margin of split bed assemblies to be more adequately estimated. for this latter purpose not only the reactivity work of gaps is required by also the rate of change of reactivity with distance as a function of gap size.

Technical report discussing three principal areas: (1) some recent cross section measurements and their effect on fast reactor calculations; (2) the question of Doppler and sodium void reactivity effects in large fast power reactors and the conflicts inherent in simultaneous optimization of performance, breeding, and safety characteristics; (3) the matter of hybrid fuel cycles.

Introduction: The literature reflects ever expansive studies of radiation chemistry over the past twenty years However, in the application of radiation processing to chemical reactions, in general and excepting a few isolated cases, the yield of useful products have been so low as to preclude practical utilization. Thus, for many reactions,radiation alone at ambient conditions is not a sufficient agent for economical production. Hence, we are led to the investigation of radiation effects on reactions at elevated temperatures and pressures where the thermodynamics favor more extensive reactions that may be induced by radiation. the probability of developing a successful practical radiation process is increased when applying radiation at rigorous conditions. To have a commercial advantage, a radiation process usually must replace an expensive catalyst system, generate a reaction at somewhat less rigorous conditions than is usually employed or yield a better or unique product of high value. In our investigations, we have examined only the potential of radiation as a replacement for contact catalyst. Results: We have worked with coal extract rather than coal because it can be melted or dissolved to facilitate pumping into the processing unit and, in general, permits easier handling than a solid. From numerous radiation …

Preliminary phases of this investigation that have been completed include basic studies to determine optimum detector engineering characteristics and static tests of a number of designs. A pilot system for dynamic testing of the detectors in simulated process control applications is presently in operation.

The radiation chemistry of ammonia, pure or with various additives, was studied by Co60 gamma radiation. The kinetics of aniline formation by the irradiation of homogeneous benzene-ammonia mixtures was determined together with the kinetics of hydrazine formation in the case of pure ammonia. The effects of dose, intensity, temperature, and specific additives were determined.

Abstract: Naturally occurring earth materials from Idaho, primarily from localities near the National Reactor Testing Station (NRTS), were used in laboratory tests for the removal of radioisotopes from aqueous solutions. These earth materials included lignitic deposits, clay-like materials, and specific minerals; ion exchange resins were also considered for a specific application. The aqueous solutions were low-level radioactive cooling water or synthetic solutions made up to represent low-level radioactive wastes at the NRTS. Cation exchange capacities and other properties which affect the removal of radioisotopes from solution were determined the cation exchange capacities varied from 0.006 to 1.0 meq/g of solid. Earth materials with cation exchange capacities greater than 0.3 meq/g, in general, had distribution coefficients in excess of 1000. The highest distribution coefficients for cesium and strontium occurred in the pH range from 6.0 to 9.0 The possible use of these materials for decontaminating low-level radioactive waste at the NRTS is discussed. The result of laboratory studies using these materials and an organic ion exchange resign for decontaminating a specific NRTS waste are given. A material high in clinoptilolite from a location near the NRTS was considered to be the most promising material for use in large beds or ion …

Abstract: The exhibit shows that colloidal aggregates (10 to 20 mu) of human serum albumin I131 may be used safely by intravenous injection to perform photoscans of the heart, liver, spleen, stomach, and salivary glands in man. Large particle size suspensions (10 to 50 mu) of the same material are being investigated experimentally in animals for scanning the lungs after intravenous injection and the brain following injection into an internal carotid artery. The advantages of this test material are the relatively low radiation exposure to the target organs and the number of organs that may be examined. Radiation exposure is low because of the rapid turnover in the target organs and removal from the body, mainly by urinary excretion, within 72 hours. The mechanism of liver-spleen localization with this organic colloid is the same as for inorganic colloidal radiogold198, namely, rapid removal from the blood by the phagocytic cells of the liver and spleen. However, in contrast to the inorganic colloid, which remains in the phagocytic cells permanently, albumin is digested by proteolytic enzymes and the I131 abel is set free to re-enter the general circulation. With the thyroid blocked, the I131 is excreted mainly in the urine as free …

Abstract: Recent developments in techniques for low-voltage radiography have found application for the examination and evaluation of minute details in small or thin specimens. Utilization of x-ray tubes and helium chambers with thin windows for maximum transmission of soft x rays and bare film with dark-room exposure techniques have allowed very high contrast radiographs to be produced on low-contrast materials. These conditions, coupled with very high resolution photographic emulsion detectors, have resulted in the observation of detail approximately 1 {micron} in size. Useful examination of the plates and subsequent reproductions have been made at magnifications as high as 500X. This contact system offers the advantage of evaluation of a relatively large area, as compared to the restricted field of observation of projection microradiography. Included among the subjects have been graphite-coated UC₂ particles, graphite, beryllium, paper, and other organic specimens.

Abstract: Various mechanisms for the formation of point defects in ionic crystals are considered. Their probable importance as a function of the energy of the ionizing radiation and the temperature at which the irradiation takes place is discussed. Complex centers formed from aggregates of simple point defects are reviewed and their occurrence considered in terms of the expected spatial distribution of the point defects. The effect of high energy x rays and protons on the ionic conductivity is discussed in terms of a new interpretation of the conductivity curve as a function of temperature, and it is suggested that radiation-enhanced diffusion may be important in explaining the experimental data.

Abstract: The use of a high energy proton or electron beam, directed vertically to act as a probe for the study of atmospheric processes is proposed. An outstanding feature of such an atmospheric probe is its capability to ionize a column of air repeatedly in a few microseconds and in approximately the same place. Characteristics of a vertical proton beam which may be generated by the Zero Gradient Synchrotron at the Argonne National Laboratory are discussed and calculations are presented to provide an estimate of the ion concentration as a function of height in the atmosphere. The potential uses of an atmospheric ionized column for meteorological research are discussed such investigations include the artificial initiation of lightning, the production of atmospheric ozone resulting from lightning, and the line spectra associated wit the lightning channel. Also presented is a method whereby a combination of the igh energy particle beam and infrared techniques may be used to determine the air circulation within a thunderstorm. Brief mention is made of the possible uses of a high energy particle beam for aerospace sciences, such as the study of whistlers and elecro-magnetic radiation phenomenon associated with the aurora and airglow.

Abstract: A potentiometric study of the complex formation between citric acid (H3L) and the uranyl ion at 25° and ionic strengths of 0.1 and 1.0 (KNO3) is reported From the concentration dependence of the formation constant, it is concluded that polynuclear complexes are formed in which bridging between metal ions occurs through carboxylate and hyroxyl groups of the ligand. The values of the logarithms of the formation constant of the metal checlate [UO2L-]/[UO2+][L3-] and of the dimerization constant [(UO2)xL22-]/[UO2+][L3-] are found to be 7.40 and 4.07 respectively. Infrared absorption measurements of protonated and dissociated carboxyl groups in aqueous uranyl citrte system indicated the presence of both carobxy-late and hydroxide bridging in the polynuclear complex. On the basis of the "core plus links" treatment of polynuclear complexes, the polymeric species in solution in the buffer region between 3 and 4 2/3 moles of base per mole of metal complex appears to be predominantly (U)2)2L2((OH)5(UO2)2L2)216-.

Abstract: The current-carrying capacity of Nb- Zr wire has been studied under conditions of swept magnetic field and fixed wire current and of fixed magnetic field and swept wire current. The effects of wire movement, thermal environment, copper coating of the wire, and rate of sweep of wire current or magnetic field have been determined for these conditions of test.

Abstract: A description is given of the preparation and properties of a granular form of potassium hexacyanocobalt (II) ferrate (II) that is a highly selective absorbent for cesium ion. The material is suitable for use in a large-scale ion exchange column, and offers the possibility of isolating and concentrating Cs137 from fission product waste solutions that arise from the processing of nuclear fuels.

First paragraph of report: M. Neumann and H. Sherrard reported the development of a wire spark chamber experiment toward receiving digitized spark information. Since late 1962 our effort has been directed toward a wire-chamber with a core memory, using standard ferrite cores, and toward an on-line operation between spark chamber and computer.

Abstract: A thermal K beam was velocity selected, and scattered by Ne, Ar, and Xe gases. The dependence of the total cross section on relative velocity is approximately v/sup -0.4/ for K--Ar and K--Xe, and v/sup 0.8/ for K--Ne. The average relative velocity ranges were 400 to 1430 m/sec for Ne, 480 to 1350 m/sec for Ar, and 380 to 1320 m/sec for Xe. The dependence of the cross section on relative velocity was obtained by removing the cross section from the collision frequency integral. For the v/sup -0.4/ dependences, this gives results correct to 3%. For the v/sup -0.8/ dependences, the error is most likely greater. Three gas temperatures were used: liquid air, room, and 200 deg C. The results for a given gas at different temperatures are consistent with kinetic theory predictions.

Abstract: the goal of research on elastic scattering of atomic (or molecular) beams is the elucidation of the interaction potential V(r). the present discussion is confined to thermal energy collisions ([less than]1 ev), sensitive primarily to the attractive part of the potential. Studies of the velocity dependence of the differential and total elastic scattering cross sections have yielded information as follows: (1) The functional form of the long-range attraction : V[tilde]-C/r6, from differential cross sections I(0), at low angles: I(0) oc 0-7/3. (2) The attractive potential constant C, from total cross sections: Q oc (C/v)2/5, (3) The depth of the potential well [epsilon], from the rainbow effect in I(0): 0r=f(1/2mv2/[epsilon). (4) The equilibrium separation rm, from de Broglie interference producing undulations in (I0). (5) the product [epsilon]rm, from extrema in Q(v), and thus rm (from absolute Q's). (6) Observations of m maxima in plots of vQ5/2 vx. v-1 (termed elastic impact spectra) implied the existence of at least m bound states (discrete vibrational levels of zero angular momentum for the composite system).

Abstract: the goal of research on elastic scattering of atomic (or molecular) beams is the elucidation of the interaction potential V(r). the present discussion is confined to thermal energy collisions ([less than]1 ev), sensitive primarily to the attractive part of the potential. Studies of the velocity dependence of the differential and total elastic scattering cross sections have yielded information as follows: (1) The functional form of the long-range attraction : V[tilde]-C/r6, from differential cross sections I(0), at low angles: I(0) oc 0-7/3. (2) The attractive potential constant C, from total cross sections: Q oc (C/v)2/5, (3) The depth of the potential well [epsilon], from the rainbow effect in I(0): 0r=f(1/2mv2/[epsilon). (4) The equilibrium separation rm, from de Broglie interference producing undulations in (I0). (5) the product [epsilon]rm, from extrema in Q(v), and thus rm (from absolute Q's). (6) Observations of m maxima in plots of vQ5/2 vx. v-1 (termed elastic impact spectra) implied the existence of at least m bound states (discrete vibrational levels of zero angular momentum for the composite system).