Abstract: An explosive device having utility as a stab-initiated detonator or primer hich comprises a container for housing an explosive charge, and a single explosive charge consisting of from about 90 percent to about 98 percent by weight of mercuric-5-nitrotetrazole and from about 2 percent to about 10 percent by weight of tetracene, housed within the container.

Abstract: In a liquid metal cooled fast breeder nuclear reactor of the pool kind a fuel transfer rotor submerged in the pool of coolant carries an annular series of thimble shaped containers for receiving fuel assemblies. The containers are elastically supported in the rotor and a hydraulic dash pot is provided to absorb the energy of a falling fuel assembly.

Abstract: A solid rocket propellant composition having a relatively high low pressure deflagration limit (Pdl) and thereby capable of being extinguished with only a relatively small drop in combustion chamber pressure. The composition comprises a major amount of finely divided ammonium perchlorate and a minor amount of fluoroalkyl acrylate or methacrylate polymer as a binder, the weight ratio being from about 4.5:1 to about 6:1.The fluidity of the composition prior to curing can be improved by incorporating a small amount of an acrylate or methacrylate having an oxygen-containing functional group, e.g., hydroxyalkyl, epoxyalkyl and glycerol acrylates and methacrylates.

Abstract: The burn-up of nuclear fuel in a reactor is measured by producing two measuring signals, each of which is a function of the flux of a different neutron energy or group, and comparing the two signals to compute the burn-up.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the powered flight phase of an artillery rocket a straight line as determined by a 2.degree. of freedom gyroscope with spin axis aligned along the missile axis. The flight path is made insensitive to crosswinds, launching transients, and missile thrust malalignments, without requiring lateral acceleration measurements.

Abstract: A thermal protection device which prevents the formation of neutral gas thermosiphons within the annular space formed between a reactor vessel wall and the shell of a top closure structure from which the vessel wall is suspended essentially consists of one or a number of packing rings fitted and compressed within the annular space, each ring being made up of a series of elements placed in adjacent relation at the periphery of the closure structure.

Abstract: Means are provided to minimize crud buildup at the interface between the tie plate and end plug in a nuclear fuel bundle. The means may comprise serrations in the end plug and/or serrations in the surface of the tie plate which serrations provide a flow of coolant through the end plug receptacles. A bleed hole extending into the interior of the tie plate may be provided to provide coolant circulation through any blind holes that may be in a tie plate.

Abstract: A containment for a nuclear reactor has a primary vessel for containing the reactor core and liquid coolant. The primary vessel is suspended by its rim from the roof of the containment structure. To reduce thermal stress at the suspension joint, cooling means is provided for the upper peripheral regions of the primary vessel. The cooling means comprises an annular tank containing liquid metal and heat-exchange coils, thermal insulation of varying thickness and a cooling jacket for the thermal insulation.

Abstract: A heat-insulating structure is placed within an annular space located between the primary vessel suspension strake of a fast reactor and the cylindrical shell of a top concrete closure slab from which the primary vessel is suspended. The heat-insulating structure is tightly applied on one side against the primary vessel wall and on the other side against the cylindrical shell.

Abstract: A pressurized-water coolant nuclear reactor installation includes a reactor pressure vessel containing fuel elements and enclosed by a substantially spherical steel containment enclosure which is itself enclosed by a concrete secondary enclosure provided to protect the steel enclosure against external accidents. Also, it is necessary to provide a fuel element storage pool having adequate capacity for storing one complete off-site shipment of fuel elements. According to the disclosure, space is formed between the two enclosures which is sufficient to permit the storage pool to be located outside of the steel containment enclosure but inside of the concrete secondary enclosure, both enclosures normally being air-tight.

Abstract: In a warhead assembly having an explosive and a detonator for activating d explosive, a fuze comprising a triboluminescent material coated on the interior portion of said assembly, a photo-sensitive detector for detecting the light caused by said triboluminescent material upon impact of said warhead assembly, and means responsive to said photo-sensitive detector and communicating with said detonator so as to cause the detonator to activate and detonate the explosive.

Abstract: A method of working a combined nuclear-fossil fuel cycle consisting in generating steam in a nuclear reactor, admitting fossil fuel into a regenerator operating with oxygen and effecting the gasification of the fuel therein and raising the heat potential of the steam supplied by the reactor; feeding the steam into a burner and reacting the gaseous fuel with oxygen therein and then causing the mixture of combustion products and steam to work in a turbine driving an alternator.

Abstract: A laser beamrider projectile having a lens system and a four-quadrant photodiode detector, which eliminates the need for rate gyros in the projectile to provide stabilization. When the projectile is aligned with the beam, the beam image is centered on the intersection of the four quadrants of the detector, and when the projectile pitch or yaw angle deviates, more light strikes one or two of the quadrants than the others. Comparison circuitry connected to the detector outputs provides one error signal proportional to pitch angle deviation and another error signal proportional to yaw angle deviation. These signals are usable by the projectile flight control system to eliminate oscillation in pitch and yaw. Preferably, an angle rate signal is also supplied to the stabilization system in addition to or instead of the angle deviation signal. The full specification must be consulted for an understanding of the invention.

Abstract: A system is provided for the relief of excess pressure from the region above the nuclear reactor core to the cold leg on the occurrence of a loss of coolant accident. This system includes a series of passages connecting the annulus surrounding the exterior of the core barrel with the interior of the outlet nozzle or with the plenum above the reactor core. A flow blocking obstruction, such as a seal band, is held in a flow blocking position by the differential pressure experienced during normal operation of the reactor between the exterior of the core barrel and the exit region of the reactor core. Reversal of the differential pressure, which may be expected upon the occurrence of a loss of coolant accident, removes the flow blocking obstruction to permit the relief of excess pressure which may result at the outlet end of the reactor core.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle having a water-tight, disconnectably-sectioned, prere-resistant, rugged, hull for carrying electronic instrumentation and other apparatus, a stabilizing tail section for altitude control, a manually adjustable negative-lift wing, and an adjustable bridle for the towing thereof by any suitable tractor vehicle.

Abstract: In a recording tape lubricating apparatus, a tape is passed through a plenum chamber having a baffling hood therein which substantially encircles a portion of the length of said tape as a mist of oil is directed toward the underside of said tape under said hood. A film of oil is deposited on the underside of said tape with the surplus mist, in part, condensing on the inside of the hood and dropping to the floor of the plenum chamber where both the condensed oil and the balance of the surplus mist is evacuated to prevent escape into the surrounding facilities.

Abstract: An electromagnetic beam which is preferably generated by means of a laser is transmitted to a vehicle such as a missile to be controlled, and reflected back from such vehicle by means of an optical reflector. The beam is passed through separate optical modulators, one of these being at the control station, where the transmitter is located; the other of these being on the controlled vehicle. A television type camera is installed on the vehicle and provides a picture of objects in the path of the vehicle. This picture is modulated onto the beam by means of the aforementioned modulator. The picture is received at the control station and fed to a display device for viewing by an operator. Using this picture, the operator moves a hand control device in azimuth and elevation, as may be necessary, to generate control signals to correct the path of the vehicle so as to properly direct its course towards a selected target.

Abstract: Phosphor-explosive material combination and method wherein a small amount of inorganic phosphor is mixed with explosive material to provide an indicia or label of information regarding the explosive, either before or after detonation of same. The phosphor can readily be located with an ultraviolet lamp even after the explosive has been detonated, and by correlating the phosphor emission spectra with data known about the explosive when it is manufactured, the explosive can be identified. Line-emitting phosphors are especially useful because of their distinctive emision characteristics, which provide a vast number of possible combinations of emissions which are correlated against the data known about the explosive when it is manufactured. Preferably the phosphor is formed as a combination of finely divided "spotter" phosphor and finely divided "coding" material held together by a binder in the form of small conglomerates, in order to facilitate initial location and later identification of same.

Abstract: Inhibition of corrosion of steel, especially stainless steel in acid media, using a nitro-aromatic compound which contains a benzene ring substituted by at least one carboxyl substituent, for example dinitrosalicylic acid.

Abstract: A shell, especially for mortars, comprising a casing consisting of an outer layer and an inner layer, an intermediate layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer, splinter bodies contained within the intermediate layer, and at least one annular flange projecting outwards from the inner layer, the flange having an outwardly projecting end surface abutting against the inside of the outer layer.