Reactor Utilization in Support of Research and Technology, NRL Report 6709

ii, 22 p. Includes: illustrations, diagrams. Table. References. The radiations generated in a nuclear reactor are useful not only in nuclear physics research but also in many nonnuclear fields of science and technology. A review of present and potential applications of the NRL 1-MW reactor is undertaken with the purpose of encouraging additional utilization of this facility. Neutron activation analysis, a technique capable of assaying very small amounts of many of the chemical elements, is widely used, with examples of its use ranging from the analysis of trace impurities in highly purified materials to law-enforcement purposes. The sensitivities of the neutron activation technique, expressed as the smallest measurable amount of each chemical element, are included. Other techniques discussed include the measurement of magnetic and crystallographic structure by neutron diffraction, inert and radioactive tracer techniques, the production and use of radioactive sources, radiation effects, and thermal-neutron radiography. From an NRL web posting: "NRL was the first modern research institution created within the U.S. Navy. It began operations at 11: 00 a.m. on July 2, 1923. First Log Entry-During NRL's early years, the duty officer kept a daily handwritten record of Laboratory activities. This log page describes NRL's first day in operation. Edison-The inventor offers the country a way to prepare for war without overburdening itself with taxation. War Years & Growth-During wartime expansion, NRL carried on the most extensive activities in its history. Reorganized for Peace-The postwar period brought many administrative changes to the Laboratory, making it a different activity in many respects. Breadth of NRL-Since the early years, NRL has conducted a wide range of investigations, which today includes research and development in four scientific directorates and the Naval Center for Space Technology. Good. No dust jacket. Cover has some wear and soiling. Ink note on front cover. …