Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring corrosion to members within the core of a nuclear reactor, particularly fuel rod cladding. A sensor means is submerged inside the core of a nuclear reactor near the member or fuel rods. The sensor means is comprised of a generally cylindrical section having an outer surface that is subject to corrosion and radiation, and has a cross-sectional area A.sub.1. The sensor means additionally has a reference section subjected to radiation but not to corrosion, and having a cross-sectional area A.sub.2. At least one pair of first probes, separated by a length L.sub.1, is placed in electrical contact with the cylindrical section. At least one pair of second probes separated by a length L.sub.2, is placed in electrical contact with the reference section. A current is passed throughout the sensor means to produce a potential gradient in the cylindrical section and reference section.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alloy having improved crack growth inhibition and having high strength at high temperatures. The composition of the alloy is essentially as follows:______________________________________ Ingredient Concentration in weight % ______________________________________ Ni balance Co 8 Cr 13 Mo 3.5 Al 3.5 Ti 2.5 Ta 3.5 Nb 3.5 Zr 0.06 C 0.05 B 0.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a molten solder bath comprises, a housing having an entrance end and an exit end enclosing a chanel means extending from the entrance end to a filter means adjacent the exit end. The channel means being configured for receiving molten solder at the entrance end and directing the solder to the filter means in a turbulent flow. The filter means being configured to filter particles from the flow and direct the filtered flow to the exit end. A cooling means is positioned on the housing for cooling solder flowing through the channel means without reacting with the solder. A method for filtering a molten solder bath comprises, directing solder from the bath in a turbulent flow and cooling the flow to form a precipitate of an impurity in the molten solder. The cooled flow is filtered to remove particles and form a high-purity solder, and the high-purity solder is returned to the bath. Preferably, the molten solder is protected by an inert atmosphere that does not react with the solder.

Abstract: A method of reducing flow assisted corrosion of a carbon steel component exposed to flowing low-oxygen water is disclosed. The method comprises forming a coating of a platinum group metal on the carbon steel component, and providing a ratio of hydrogen to oxygen of about 1:8 or greater in the water.

Abstract: A method of improving the low temperature ductility of an iron-aluminide is taught. The aluminide for which the method is applicable is one having between 30 and 50 atom percent of aluminum. The aluminide may also have substituents for part of the iron and for the aluminum. The alloy may contain up to 10 atom percent of substituents for the iron selected from the group of metals comprising nickel cobalt chromium and manganese. The alloy may also contain substituents for the aluminum of up to 5 atom percent of a metal selected from the group comprising titanium, niobium, tantalum, hafnium, zirconium, vanadium, and silicon. The alloy has a B2 crystal structure. The first step of the process is to select the metal to be processed. The next step is to directionally solidify the selected metal. The next step is to determine the Ductile Brittle Transition Temperature (DBTT). The metal is then heated to above the DBTT and is deformed while above the DBTT temperature.

Abstract: A composite is produced by admixing a matrix-forming material with organic binding material, forming the resulting mixture into a tape, disposing a layer of fibrous material between at least two of the tapes to form a layered structure, laminating the layered structure, heating the layered structure to remove organic binding material and hot pressing the resulting porous structure to form a composite containing a layer of fibrous material.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for generating an RF plasma plume wherein hydrogen gas is introduced downstream of the means for injecting plasma gas in order to increase the coupling between the RF coil and the plume and to decrease heat loss to the plasma containment walls.

Abstract: A high performance x-ray tube rotating target having a reactive barier layer between the substrate and the emissive coating and, if desired, a protective layer of molybdenum between the reactive barrier and the emissive coating is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for solder joining metal tapes to form laminated metal tapes comprises a channel means having a base, and sidewall means extending therefrom to a cover extending over the sidewall means. The sidewall means define converging channels having an entrance end for admitting the tapes spaced apart, and an exit end where facing tape surfaces can come into contact. The sidewall means separate the base and cover by a distance selected to align the tapes in the width dimension. The cover having a first section extending from the exit end, and a second section extending from the first section to the entrance end, the second section being formed with a cavity facing the channel that permits a solder flow therethrough that minimizes accumulation of particles in the channels. A solder duct means mounted on the channel means for directing molten solder into the channels to flow from the exit end to the entrance end. The solder duct means having a slot extending therethrough and aligned with the exit end.

Abstract: Intermetallic compounds of ruthenium and tantalum are disclosed comprising about 46 to 53 atomic percent tantalum and the balance substantially ruthenium. Another intermetallic compound is comprised of, about 45 to 54 atomic percent tantalum, up to about 35 atomic percent cobalt, and the balance substantially ruthenium, with ruthenium plus cobalt being less than 55 atomic percent. Another intermetallic compound is comprised of, about 45 to 54 atomic percent tantalum, up to about 25 atomic percent iron, and the balance substantially ruthenium. The intermetallic compounds have a high hardness up to about 950.degree. C. and have good room-temperature toughness.

Abstract: Intermetallic compounds of ruthenium and aluminum are disclosed comprising about 40 to 51 atomic percent aluminum, about 0.8 to 9 atomic percent scandium and boron, and the balance substantially ruthenium. The intermetallic compounds have a high hardness up to about 1150.degree. C., and good room-temperature toughness.

Abstract: It has been found that a titanium aluminide modified with chromium and tantalum in the rates of about Ti-Al.sub.46-56 Cr.sub.1-4 Ta.sub.4-8 has a remarkable and unique antioxidation capability. Because of this unique antioxidation property, this aluminide can be used as a protective coating on other aluminides as well as on the surfaces of other bodies needing atmospheric protection.

Abstract: A high-chromium stainless steel alloy having improved resistance to stress corrosion cracking in high temperature water is comprised of, in weight percent; about 22 to 32 percent chromium, about 16 to 40 percent nickel, up to about 10 percent manganese, up to about 0.06 percent carbon, and the balance substantially iron. A preferred high-chromium alloy is further comprised of about 2 to 9 weight percent of a metal from the group consisting of titanium, niobium, tantalum, and mixtures thereof. Another preferred high-chromium alloy is further comprised of a platinum group metal in an effective amount to reduce the corrosion potential of the alloy in high-temperature water provided with hydrogen.

Abstract: A method for lowering the corrosion potential on components formed from carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, nickel based alloys, or cobalt based alloys, and exposed to high-temperature water comprised of oxidizing species, comprising: providing a reducing species in the high temperature water that can combine with the oxidizing species, and forming the component to have a catalytic layer of a platinum group metal.

Abstract: Superconducting tapes have an inner laminate comprised of a parent-metal layer selected from the group niobium, tantalum, technetium, and vanadium, a superconductive intermetallic compound layer on the parent-metal layer, and a reactive-metal layer that is capable of combining with the parent-metal and forming the superconductive intermetallic compound. A superconducting joint between contiguous tapes comprises, a continuous precipitate of the superconductive intermetallic compound fused to the tapes forming a continuous superconducting path between the tapes.

Abstract: A container for electrochemical reactants for an electrode is provided, as well as electrodes employing the same. The electrodes can withstand the rigorous environment of a nuclear reactor core. The design of the container reduces stresses in the electrode and significantly improves its reliability. The container has a generally cylindrical member of an insulator. The member has a base region with a cut-out extending therethrough. Sidewall means extend from the base to define a cavity for containing electrochemical reactants, e.g., silver chloride. An insert of an insulator at one end mates with the cut-out and at another end mates with and is brazed to a cap for the container. The insert has a second sidewall means for holding the electrochemical reactants, and is shaped to fit within the first sidewall means. The base of the insert and the the cut-out are metallized for acceptance of a silver base.

Abstract: Shelf stable heat curable mixtures of vinyl substituted organopolysiloxane fluid and siloxane hydride are provided. The one part polyorganosiloxane mixtures are catalyzed with an inclusion compound of a cyclodextrin and a complexing ligand such as, cyclopentadiene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene or norbornadiene and a platinum metal material, such as a C.sub.(1-4) alkyl substituted platinum.

Abstract: A method for providing improved ductility in a gamma titanium aluminide is taught. The method involves adding inclusions of boron to the titanium aluminide containing chromium and tantalum and thermomechanically working the casting. Boron additions are made in concentrations between 0.5 and 2 atomic percent. Fine grain equiaxed microstructure is found from solidified melt. Property improvements are achieved by the thermomechanical processing.

Abstract: A composite is produced by admixing a matrix-forming material with organic binding material, forming the resulting mixture into a tape, disposing a layer of fibrous material between at least two of the tapes to form a layered structure, laminating the layered structure, heating the layered structure to remove organic binding material and hot pressing the resulting porous structure to form a composite containing a layer of fibrous material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alloy having improved crack growth inhibition and having high strength at high temperatures. The composition of the alloy is essentially as follows:______________________________________ Concentration in weight % Ingredient From To ______________________________________ Ni balance Co 3 13 Cr 10 16 Mo 2.5 5.5 Al 2.5 4.5 Ti 1.5 3.5 Ta 2 5 Nb 2 5 Zr 0 0.1 C 0 0.1 B 0.01 0.05 W 0 1 Re 0 3 Y 0 0.2.