The study of the kinetics of layer growth in the aluminum -- nickel system and the effect thereon of applied pressure has been continued. Additional information has been obtained about the growth of the beta phase, and a method was developed whereby the kinetics of growth of the beta phase could be investigated. The implications of Vasileff's equations which provide the solution for interdiffusion in a three-phase two-component system have been examined semi-analytically, and quantitative insight has been gained into the kdnetics of interface movement. Finally, an investigation of the kinetics of interface movement and layer growth has been begun on systems which have less complicated phase equilibrium relationships than those existing in the aluminum -- nickel system. (auth)

This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for January, 1958. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Real Estate and Services Departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.

Rates of spheroidization and densification of gold and of nickel wire compacts were measured as a function of time, temperature, and wire size. The necks joining the sintered particles were found to grow proportionally to the one- fifth root of time. The value of the coefficient of self-difiusion calculated from the sintering rate is of the sane order of magnitude as that obtained by ordinary tracer techniques but with a somewhat higher activation energy. These results are entirely consistent with those predicted by the Kuczyrski diffusional theory of sintering, as is the effect of wire size on sintering rate. The experiments did not reveal a clear effect of grain boundaries on sintering rates. This may be due to a relatively slow densification of the nickel wire compacts at even 0.98 of the absolute melting point, which obscured the effect of grain growth on sintering rate. (auth)

The mechanism of dimensional instability of irradiated uranium is under investigation. In order to confirm an assumption of the diffusion theory, the magnitude of diffusion anisotropy in alpha-uranium single crystals is being determined by measurement of the diffusion coefficients along the principal directions. Progress made in working out procedures for the preparation of uranium single crystals, preparation of the diffusion couples, measurement of valid concentration-penetration data in very thin diffusion zones by sectioning, and measurement of surface concentrations by means of nuclear tracking emudsions is discussed. Also, in-pile experiments are being designed to further clarify the nature of growth under irradiation. (auth)