This document details activities of the Fuels Preparation Department during the month of April 1959. (FI)

In early July 1958, it appeared that Columbia River temperatures at HAPO would be near 24--50{degree}C by the end of August. River temperatures were averaging 40 to 50{degree}C above 1957 figures and were 3{degree} to 4{degree} above the ten year highs. It seemed desirable to examine the problem to determine if any corrective measure could be taken, since it was apparent that production losses were imminent. The large storage of cold water behind Grand Coulee Dam, normally untapped, was a source of possible relief. A plan for use was proposed for the peak high temperature period and agreed to by the Bureau of Reclamation.

The temperatures of the Columbia River was reduced 1 to 30 Centigrade with beneficial effects at HAPO. It is reasonable to expect that future benefits may be possible. It is desirable that the temperature of the river be controlled each year to the maximum extent possible. Instrumentation improvements requested to effect optimum savings. Records of river temperatures and flows should continue to be maintained by IPD as a necessary part of temperature optimization. Where possible, the coincident use of the river cooling technique should be made for the benefit of anadromous fish.

The design of internally cooled electrical coils for the production of high intensity magnetic fields presents many new aspects and combinations of the familiar modes of heat transfer. However, the customary methodology appears to be sufficient for preliminary analysis and understanding of those problems. This methodology comprises the derivation of a qualitative, approximate equation expressing the relative performance of the various parts of a system, followed by an examination of this equation in order to locate the limiting features of the system. These features are then investigated by more powerful methods, which in turn provide guidance for development research in the laboratory. (auth)

The Army Gas Cooled Reactor System Program includes water moderated heterogeneous reactor (Gas Cooled Reactor Experiment I), a graphite moderated homogeneous reactor (Gas Cooled Reactor Experiment II), a mobile gas cooled reactor (ML-1), and the co ordination of thc Gas Turbine Test Facility. The progress of each project, the associated tests and data evaluation, the applicabie design criteria, and the fabrication of reactor components are briefly summarized. (For preceding period see IDO-28538.) (W.D.M.)

An elementary discussion is given of the reactor parameters which determine the signal-to-noise ratio obtainable with a pile oscillator. (auth)

The purpose of this production test is to provide a standard method of obtaining scram transient reactivity information at the eight reactors, under conditions conducive to valid data. These conditions include the bypassing of the Panellit system at a low power level for a short, controlled period of time during May 1959.