Abstract: A nuclear fuel includes uranium dispersed within a thorium hydride matrix. The uranium may be in the form of particles including fissile and non-fissile isotopes. Various hydrogen to thorium ratios may be included in the matrix. The matrix with the fissile dispersion may be used as a complete fuel for a metal hydride reactor or may be combined with other fuels.

Abstract: An improvement in nuclear reactor shielding of a type used in reactor applications involving significant amounts of fast neutron flux, the reactor shielding including means providing structural support, neutron moderator material, neutron absorber material and other components as described below, wherein at least a portion of the neutron moderator material is magnesium in the form of magnesium oxide either alone or in combination with other moderator materials such as graphite and iron.

Abstract: A method of making refractory carbide particles, which method comprises heating a granule containing refractory metal and carbon to a sufficient temperature to form a molten droplet of refractory carbide, carbon being included in said droplet in excess of the stoichiometric amount which combines with the refractory metal in the highest usual valence thereof, and cooling said molten droplet below the eutectic temperature within 60 seconds or less to cause a thin continuous layer of highly crystalline carbon to precipitate out on the outer surface thereof.