The collection contains correspondence, reports, graphs, financial records, and information regarding the nuclear reactor project at North Carolina State College, North Carolina State's Physics Department, and nuclear experimentation at Los Alamos. These records include Menius' research and writings regarding the Manhattan Project, general nuclear energy issues, and the nuclear reactor at North Carolina State College.
A. C. Menius, Jr., was a physicist, professor, and dean of the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The A. C. Menius, Jr. Papers contain material relating to his work as a physicist and professor at North Carolina State University. The bulk of the material is from 1950 to 1956, and reflects his work on the design, implementation, and operation of the first U.S. non-governmental nuclear reactor, which was built on the North Carolina State College campus, as well as the design of a second reactor by Babcock and Wilcox beginning in 1955. The original reactor was dedicated in 1953, and decommissioned in 1956. The Babcock and Wilcox reactor became necessary after the reactor staff discovered a leak in the original reactor. Other members of the reactor teams whose work is reflected in the collection are Clifford Beck, Raymond Murray, Newton Underwood, and Arthur Waltner.
The collection is divided into six series. The Correspondence series primarily relates to the design and construction of the first and second nuclear reactors at North Carolina State College. The Nuclear Reactor Planning, Research, and Operational Materials series contains notes, calculations, reports, and procedures regarding the design and implementation of the nuclear reactors. The Drawings and Schematics series consists of several architectural and construction drawings of selected components of the two nuclear reactors. The North Carolina State College (NCSC) Reports series contains reports written by senior members of the nuclear reactor team regarding its operation. The Safety and Health Committee series documents the work of the committee concerned with safety and health issues regarding the reactor and its use. The University Related Material series consists of material documenting Dr. Menius' work as a professor and administrator within the Department of Physics.
North Carolina State University does not own copyright to this collection. Individuals obtaining materials from the NC State University Libraries' Special Collections Research Center are responsible for using the works in conformance with United States copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials.
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.
[Identification of item], A. C. Menius, Jr. Papers, MC 00141, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Gift from A. C. Menius, Jr., 1981 August 5.
Gift from A. C. Menius, August 1981.
The collection is organized into six principal series:
This series includes letters and memoranda by members of the Department of Physics and Nuclear Reactor staff relating to the design and construction of both the original nuclear research reactor and its replacement. It also includes letters on the use of the first reactor for research, and shipment of reactor fuel and components to Oak Ridge, Tennessee after a leak was discovered.
The largest series in the collection, it consists of notes, calculations, reports, and procedures relating to the planning, research, and operation of the first and second nuclear reactors on the North Carolina State College campus. Included are the original proposal for a nuclear reactor at North Carolina State, reports on the program administration and design of the reactor, and a report of a visit to the nuclear reactor at Los Alamos, N.M. Research materials contain calculations and requirements relating to all elements in the design and use of a nuclear reactor, including shielding, materials composition, critical size and mass, bubble effect and gas activity in the reactor. Menius primarily worked on the theoretical calculations for the reactor. Also included are calculations, notes, and reports on the potential for harmful radioactive dosage exposure and safe dismantling and transportation of the first reactor. Operational materials consist of procedure regulations and reports, staff assignments, and reactor staff bulletins.
The series is arranged chronologically and includes many documents with no date.
The original collection contained several spiral notebooks. These have been dismantled for preservation purposes and the notes are now housed in folders.
This series consists of architectural and construction drawings and schematics of several components of the nuclear reactors. Such components include the catalyst chamber, gas cooler, packed scrubbing tube, and primary condenser. Large scale plans include the H2-O2disposal system, water boiler, reinforcing details for the nuclear reactor building, and the wiring diagram for reactor cubicle.
Includes formal reports by members of the reactor team regarding the operation and procedures of the first reactor and design of the Babcock and Wilcox reactor. Includes first and second annual reports to the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, and reports concerning the reactor leak in May 1955 and the plans for its repair and removal.
The series is arranged chronologically.
After review, access to the digital copies may be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request.
The Special Collections Research Center, NC State University Libraries, has digital copies of some or all of these materials.
After review, access to the digital copies may be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request.
The Special Collections Research Center, NC State University Libraries, has digital copies of some or all of these materials.
After review, access to the digital copies may be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request.
The Special Collections Research Center, NC State University Libraries, has digital copies of some or all of these materials.
This series consists of correspondence, weekly reports, meeting minutes, and memoranda relating to the work of the committee regarding safety and health issues surrounding the reactor project. Also included is correspondence relating to a group of consultants sent to advise the Safety and Health Committee on their responsibility for encouraging research on nuclear radiation and all matters that might involve radiological safety and public health.
Includes correspondence and reports relating to Menius' work as a professor and administrator within the Department of Physics at North Carolina State University. Contains curriculum requirements for students in nuclear engineering, letters of recommendation by Menius for former students, vitae and correspondence relating to his work on a search committee for a new Head of the Department of Chemistry, and material relating to two nuclear power short courses for industry.
This collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access to digital files may require additional advanced notice.
For more information contact us via mail, phone, or our web form.
Mailing address:
Special Collections Research Center
Box 7111
Raleigh, NC, 27695-7111
Phone: (919) 515-2273
[Identification of item], A. C. Menius, Jr. Papers, MC 00141, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
North Carolina State University does not own copyright to this collection. Individuals obtaining materials from the NC State University Libraries' Special Collections Research Center are responsible for using the works in conformance with United States copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials.
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.