This dissertation has been submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for an advanced degree at The University of Arizona and is deposited in the University Library to be made available to borrowers under rules of the Library. Brief quotations from this dissertation are allowable without special permission, provided that accurate acknowledgment of source is made. Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this manuscript in whole or in part may be granted by the head of the major department or the Dean of the Graduate College when in his judgment the proposed use of the material is in the interests of scholarship. In all other instances, however, permission must be obtained from the author. SIGNED , /LjL-ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Richard L. Brehm for his great assistance over the years, culminating in his direction of this work. I am also extremely grateful to the Department of Nuclear Engineering, The University of Arizona, and the United States Atomic Energy Commission for the award of an AEC traineeship during 'three years of my graduate study.

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