UNCLASSIFIED PHYSICAL RESEARCH JERE sh METALLURGY AND MATERIALS (UNCLASSIFIED) General results in the fields of solid-state and metallurgical research include acquisition of basic information about uranium compounds for possible fuel applications, and the beginnings of an understanding of the fundamental processes operative in surface oxidation and film formation. Solid-state theory as currently developed indicates that the mechanical properties of crystalline solids are altered in a major way by the presence of various types of imperfections in the lattice. These imperfections are present In different degree in every solid, perfection never having been observed in any crystalline material. An understanding of these lattice de- fects, the conditions under which they are stable, and the influence of each type upon the prop- erties and behavior of the crystalline solid is of fundamental Importance in materials research. Bombardment with energetic radiation of varfous types under selected conditions permits the concentration of one type of defect relative to another to be altered in a controlled manner. In contrast to earlier research directed broadly at determining “radiation damage,” the AEC now supports considerable solid-state research based on the principle of producing particular types of lattice defects and measuring associated changes in the properties of the material. As a result, great strides are being made in understanding the properties of solids. Solid State ~Metallurgy Meeting The annual meeting of scientists engaged in AEC-sponsored research in solid-state physics and metallurgy was held at the University of Pennsylvania, June 5-7. The discussions dealt with research progress on imperfections, the structures of liquids, radiation effects, diffusion, and the general properties of solids. Such meetings have made a major contribution to the exchange of ideas between scientists engaged In research on related problems. CONTROLLED THERMONUCLEAR RESEARCH At Princeton, research was continued on an improved method of plasma heating, 2 form of magnetic pumping involving the use of frequencies close to the ion cyclotron resonance. The heating effect has been observed when the method was tried at low power. Equipment for higher power will be used soon to increase this heating effect. Detailed engineering for the Model C Stellarator is on schedule. Ozk Ridge National Laboratory At Oak Ridge, the DCX (Direct Current Experiment) equipment has contained a circulating atomic ion beam with an average number of turns of about 100,000 and a confinement time of 10 milliseconds. The number of turns in the trapped ion beam must be increased by a factor of about 15 before a desirable condition called burnout is achieved in hydrogen gas. To achieve this condition in deuterium gas will be somewhat more difficult. Measures to achieve barnout include impzoving vacuum conditions and increasing the output of ion sources. At burnout in deuterium 2 large neutron production should be suddenly observed, 36 DOE ARCHIVES engriment of Engh 2 peperinertOf UNCLASSIFIED 4 CPO weeen er oP poe Princeton University \ SAREETIE The four major laboratories engaged in research on controlled thermonuclear reactions continued to focus their efforts on obtaining favorable results which could be announced at the Geneva Conference in September and on preparing impressive exhibits for that conference. TOONPRRATT ‘