Four programs written for the IBM 650 to calculate the gamma dose rates in the primary shielding of thermal reactors are described. Their functions are outlined as follows: Program 651-calculates the core attenuation coefficient and equivalent core gamma volumetric source values for a specific core. Program 652- calculates the activation gamma source data in the shield and prepares tabular data in machine storage for Programs 653 and 654. Program 653- calculates the gamma dose rates in the shield due to gammas arising from activation of shield materials. Program 654calculates the gamma dose rates in the shield due to gammas arising in the core. Gamma photo source values are obtained on the basis of two group neutron flux distributions throughout the reactor core and shield. (W.D.M.)

The status of the overall design, fabrication, and installation of the component items of the PAR loop experiment in the ORR is reviewed.

The hazards associnted with the use of magnesium capsules in a CO/sub 2/- cooled reactor system have been analyzed, and consideration has been given to incidents which could lead to excessive temperature excursions and factors which could significantly reduce the ignition temperature of magnesium alloys. Methods of reducing the hazards associated with the Calder Hall type of reactor are discussed, and an experimental approach with which to define more aaccurately conditions that would lead to ignition is suggested. (auth)

Information concerning diffusion is presented, including a study of the relative rates of diffusion of Fe/sup 55/ and Fe/sup 59/ in Ag, diffusion of Ru in Ag, self-diffusion in AgCd and AgIn. chemical and tracer diffusion in Ag-alpha AgCd diffusion couples, the influence of pressure on diffusion in AgZn alloys, the energy of motion of vacancies in Au at high pressure, and ionic conductivity of alkali halides as a function of pressure and temperature. A list of publications containing diffusion information is also included. (J.R.D.)

As new designs, geometries, and procedures for fabricating experimental fuel elements are developed, it becomes necessary to determine how well each new product fills the need which prompted its development. While the criteria for satisfactoriness vary with the type of fuel element, there is one criterion that is common to all types designed for use in heterogeneous reactors: the elements must withstand irradiation in the reactor for the required period without jacket rupture or excessive change in dimensions. To learn whether a new type of element meets this and other requirements, a statistically significant number of representative samples must be subjected to, first, comprehensive screening tests designed to insure trouble-free performance in the reactor; next, a long-term irradiation exposure equivalent to or exceeding that which will be normal for that type of element; and finally, a thorough examination to determine the extent of quality loss resulting from the irradiation. This report discusses the application of the foregoing philosophy in the evaluation of two lots of experimental fuel elements fabricated by unconventional procedures.

A study has been made to determine the adequacy of the KER-1 loop emergency dump valve in protecting the fuel elements against damage during a loop casualty. In a functional test of the radiation trip procedure of the KER-1 loop during a reactor outage, it was found that the indicated process water flow was much lower than expected. Subsequent inspection of the emergency dump valve showed that the dump port was considerably blocked with rust and scale, creating a flow restriction. As it was thought that inadequate cooling water flow could result if a similar situation occurred when the reactor was at normal power levels, a study was made of the loop and the adequacy of the valve to handle casualties.

A survey of the effects of ternary and quaternary alloying on the stability and properties of uranium-zirconium, -- niobium, and -- molybdenum-base gammaphase alloys was conducted. The effects of ternary and quaternary additions of chromium, molybdenum, niobium, ruthenium, vanndium, and zirconium on transformation kinetics, transformation temperature, hot hardness, and corrosion resistance were investigated. Niobium or molybdenum additions to uranium-- zirconium-base alloys increased thermal stability and hot hardness of the gamma phase and lowered transformation temperatures. Those additions also generalty resulted in improved corrosion resistance. Zirconium increased the gamma-phase stability in uranium-niobium-base alloys, lowered transformation temperatures, and in some amounts increased hot hardness and improved corrosion resistance. Variable corrosion behavior of the uranium--niobium-- zirconium alloys is probably attributable to lack of homogeneity. Molybenum additions had either a negligible or detrimental effect on the thermal stability of the uranium-- niobium gamma phase, although molybdenum did lower the temperature at which alpha uranium begins to decompose on heating. The addition of 1 wt. % molybdenum to the 10 wt. % niobium alloy or 3 wt. % molybdenum to the 20 wt. % niobium alloy resulted in maximum hardness of the gamma phase at elevated temperatures, the hot hardness decreasing with larger aditions. Generally …

Safety requirements to be used in establishing standardized safety practices and procedures for engineering design of radiochemical processing facilities are presented. Revision and expansion of future issues are planned. (J.R. D.)

This report describes the operation of the fuels preparation department for the month of April 1958. Manufacturing, employee relations, process development, plant improvements, and financial operations are described.

This document details activities of the Fuels Preparation Department during the month of March 1958.

This annual report details activities of the Hanford Atomic Products Operation (HAPO) during 1957.

This is the monthly report of the Hanford Laboratories Operation, August 1958. Reactor fuels, chemistry, separation processes, reactor technology, financial activities, biology operation, physics and instrumentation research, employee relations, plutonium recycling, programming, radiation protection, laboratory auxiliaries operation, and inventions are discussed.

This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation. Metallurgy, reactor fuels, physics and instrumentation, reactor technology, chemistry, separation processes, biology, financial activities, employee relations, laboratories auxiliaries, radiation protection, operation research, inventions, visits, and personnel status are discussed. This report is for December 1957.

This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation. Metallurgy, reactor fuels, physics and instrumentation, reactor technology, chemistry, separation processes, biology, financial activities, employee relations, laboratories auxiliaries, radiation protection, operation research, inventions, visits, and personnel status are discussed. This report is for February 1958.

This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation. Metallurgy, reactor fuels, physics and instrumentation, reactor technology, chemistry, separation processes, biology, financial activities, employee relations, laboratories auxiliaries, radiation protection, operation research, inventions, visits, and personnel status are discussed. This report is for November 1958.

This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation. Metallurgy, reactor fuels, physics and instrumentation, reactor technology, chemistry, separation processes, biology, financial activities, employee relations, laboratories auxiliaries, radiation protection, operation research, inventions, visits, and personnel status are discussed. This report is for October 1958.

A second set of quadrupole magnets was installed in the cyclotron close to the vacuum chamber in order to increase the beam intensity. The pole pieces of the 20in. analyzing magnet were trimmed. Scattering of 19Mev alpha particles by C/sup 12/, 0/sup 16/, and S/sup 32/ was investigated at various angles. Beta- gamma directional correlations of allowed as well as forbidden beta transitions in the decay of Na/sup 24/, Co/sup 60/, and Sc/sup 46/ were investigated. Results of an experimental investigation of the beta-gamma directional correlation and the spectral shape of the first-forbidden spectra of K/sup 42/ and Au/sup 198/ are presented. Polarization-directional correlation measurements were performed on the Ar/sup 38/ cascade gamma rays following Cl/sup 38/ decay in order to determine the parities of the levels and to remove some of the ambiguity of the directional correlation spin assignments. Nonconservation of parity in beta decay, circular polarization of gamma rays following beta decay, and polarization of conversion electrons following beta decay are considered. The transverse polarization of beta particles in the first-forbidden beta decay of Au/ sup 198/ was measured. A 4 pi beta spectrometer for the study of beta and gamma radiations associated with the decay of short-lived …