Abstract: A load limited connector that is calibrated to fail at a predetermined approximate tensile load. The connector includes a main body, within which a pin chamber is received, and a secondary body having a shaft that is releasably secured within the pin chamber. At least one breakaway pin, positioned in a pin passageway passing through the pin chamber and into the main body, secures the pin chamber within the main body. When the connector is subjected to tensile loading that exceeds the yielding point of the breakaway pin, failure of the pin occurs resulting in separation of the main body from the secondary body. A pair of torsion pins extend through the pin chamber into the main body to prevent rotation of the pin chamber relative to the main body.

Abstract: A method of chemically separating plutonium from thorium. Plutonium and thorium to be separated are dissolved in an aqueous feed solution, preferably as the nitrate salts. The feed solution is acidified and sodium nitrite is added to the solution to adjust the valence of the plutonium to the +4 state. A chloride salt, preferably sodium chloride, is then added to the solution to induce formation of an anionic plutonium chloride complex. The anionic plutonium chloride complex and the thorium in solution are then separated by ion exchange on a strong base anion exchange column.