- 52 -


             N Nu.         2 mu k 3/2
          Ni+l Ne  2  i+1     e    3/2   -E/kT    4.2)
                  2-      (         TY 9- T!e-E4./kT
            N.U


where

        N.   = density of (i+1)-times ionized uranium

        N.   = density of i-times ionized uranium

        Ne   = density of electrons

        m    = electron mass
        e

        k    = Boltzmann's constant

        h    = Planck's constant T    = plasma temperature

        ui+1 = partition function of (i+l)-times ionized
              uranium

        ui  = partition function of i-times ionized
              uranium

        E.  = ionization potential for the reaction UI +   U(i+l)+ + e Due to the electrical neutrality of the plasma, the net charge is zero. This balance is expressed as: Total negative charge of electrons = Total positive charge of ions