Study of plutonium oxide leak rates from shipping containers. Quarterly progress report, January 1, 1977--March 31, 1977

The status of the following tasks is reported: review literature and theoretical work relating to transmission of particles through channels; investigate the relationship of gas flow rates, leak geometries, pressures, and temperatures; measure transmission of a well characterized simulant (UO/sub 2/ powder) through several leaks; measure fuel grade PuO/sub 2/ leaks through a ''standard leak'' incorporated into a suitable container; measure fuel grade PuO/sub 2/ leak rates from a simulated leaking container; and develop the analysis methodology to correlate PuO/sub 2/ leak rates with gas leak rates. (LK)