Detailed examination of volcanic rock cuttings from the Bostic 1-A well near Mountain Home, Idaho, provides data that correlate the stratigraphy of the well with the regional stratigraphy of the western Snake River Plain. The Bostic 1-A well penetrates basalt of the Middle Pleistocene Bruneau Formation and underlying sedimentary rocks of the Upper Pliocene Glenns Ferry Formation. Basalt underlying the Glenns Ferry Formation is most likely Banbury Basalt of Middle Pliocene age or Banbury equivalent. A 350-ft interval of felsic volcanics is then intersected above another 600 ft of basalt. The well bottoms in altered felsic volcanics. The lowest 600 ft of basalt flows has not been correlated with any basalt observed on the surface. From the established stratigraphy of the region, and from petrographic evidence, the silicic volcanic rocks occurring both above and below the lowermost basalts in the well are probably lower Pliocene Idavada Volcanics. North of the well, in the Mt. Bennett Hills, Idavada Volcanics overlie crystalline rocks of the Idaho batholith. No estimate of depth to plutonic bedrock can be made from the well data alone. Stratigraphic comparisons suggest as little as 0.2 to 0.3 km more of Idavada lie beneath the Bostic 1-A well. Results …

An analytical explanation is provided for phenomena observed in gyrokinetic particle simulations, which were used to study the nonlinear evolution of the universal instability. The nonlinear E x B advection of nearly resonant electrons is related to the deactivation of the instability mechanism, leading to oscillations of the perturbation amplitude around a nonzero saturated level. An equivalent description is given in terms of nonresonant mode coupling. A self-consistent evolution equation for the amplitude is obtained for the case where this mechanism predominates, and is successfully compared to the gyrokinetic simulations.

This bibliography is a compilation of unclassified publications of work done at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for 1983. Papers published in 1982 are included regardless of when they were actually written. Publications received too late for inclusion in earlier compilations have also been listed. Declassification of previously classified reports is considered to constitute publication. All classified issuances are omitted - even those papers, themselves unclassified, which were published only as part of a classified document. If a paper was published more than once, all places of publication are included. The bibliography includes Los Alamos National Laboratory reports, papers released as non-Laboratory reports, journal articles, books, chapters of books, conference papers either published separately or as part of conference proceedings issued as books or reports, papers publishd in congressional hearings, theses, and US patents. Publications by Los Alamos authors that are not records of Laboratory-sponsored work are included when the Library becomes aware of them.

Analyzing the potential migration of radionuclides from sites containing solid low-level wastes requires knowledge of contaminant concentrations in the soil solution surrounding the waste. This soil solution concentration is generally referred to as the source term and is determined by such factors as the concentration of radionuclides in the solid waste, the rate of leachate formation, the concentration of dissolved species in the leachate, any solubility reactions occurring when the leachate contacts the soil, and the rate of water flow in the soil surrounding the waste. A field lysimeter facility established at the Hanford site is being used to determine typical source terms in arid climates for commercial low-level wastes solidifed with cement, Dow polymer (vinyl ester-styrene), and bitumen. The field lysimeter facility consists of 10, 3-m-deep by 1.8-m-dia closed-bottom lysimeters situated around a 4-m-deep by 4-m-dia central instrument caisson. Commercial cement and Dow polymer waste samples were removed from 210-L drums and placed in 8 of the lysimeters. Two bitumen samples are planned to be emplaced in the facility's remaining 2 lysimeters during 1984. The central caisson provides access to the instrumentation in the individual lysimeters and allows selective sampling of the soil and waste. Suction candles (ceramic cups) …

The cross section for the /sup 7/Li(n,n't)/sup 4/He reaction is measured at an average neutron energy of 14.74 MeV, with a resolution of 0.324 MeV, relative to the /sup 238/U neutron-fission cross section. Tritium activities for the irradiated lithium-metal samples (enriched to 99.95% in /sup 7/Li) are deduced using a liquid-scintillation counting method which relies upon the tritiated-water standard from the US National Bureau of Standards. The measured cross section ratio of /sup 7/Li(n,n't)/sup 4/He to /sup 238/U neutron fission is 0.2523 (+- 2.2%). The derived /sup 7/Li(n,n't)/sup 4/He reaction cross section is 0.301 (+- 5.3%) barn, based on the ENDF/B-V value of 1.193 (+- 4.8%) barn for the /sup 238/U neutron-fission cross section. 59 references.

Four types of low-pressure irrigation technologies were examined in reference to their energy-savings potential and their costs per kWh of savings. Various conversion alternatives were selected for analysis from among the technologies of low-pressure single spray systems, low-pressure spray booms, furrow drop-tubes, and low-pressure impact sprinklers. A summary of the conversion alternatives that were analyzed and the major results for each alternative is presented. The energy-savings input parameters selected for use in this analysis were generally in the low range of available estimates and the cost input parameters were generally in the high range of available estimates.

This report investigates the likely rates and the potential range of future CO/sub 2/ emissions, combined with knowledge of the global cycle of carbon, to estimate a possible range of future atmospheric CO/sub 2/ concentrations through the year 2075. Historic fossil fuel usage to the present, growing at a rate of 4.5% per year until 1973 and at a slower rate of 1.9% after 1973, was combined with three scenarios of projected emissions growth ranging from approximately 0.2 to 2.8% per year to provide annual CO/sub 2/ emissions data for two different carbon cycle models. The emissions scenarios were constructed using an energy-economic model and by varying key parameters within the bounds of currently expected future values. The extreme values for CO/sub 2/ emissions in the year 2075 are 6.8 x 10/sup 15/ and 91 x 10/sup 15/ g C year/sup -1/. Carbon cycle model simulations used a range of year - 1800 preindustrial atmospheric concentrations of 245 to 292 ppM CO/sub 2/ and three scenarios of bioshere conversion as additional atmospheric CO/sub 2/ source terms. These simulations yield a range of possible atmospheric CO/sub 2/ concentrations in year 2075 of approximately 500 to 1500 ppM, with a median of …

The mathematical formulae for the detectability limit and precision of nondestructive assay (NDA) instruments have been developed. Definitions are given and references to previous discussions on the subject are cited. The examples are limited to /sup 252/Cf Shufflers; however, the formalism applies to all NDA instruments. The detectability limit for the Liquid-Sample Shuffler test bed is quoted at 4.2 mg/l of /sup 235/U when all the statistical precision effects are included for an 8-..mu..g /sup 252/Cf source and a measurement time of 5 min is used. 19 references.

Reservoir definition research consisted of well test analysis and bench-scale experiments. Well testing included both single-well pressure drawdown and buildup testing, and multiple-well interference testing. The development of new well testing methods continued to receive major emphasis during the year. Work included a project on multiphase compressibility, including the thermal content of the rock. Several projects on double-porosity systems were completed, and work was done on relative-permeability. Heat extraction from rock will determine the long-term response of geothermal reservoirs to development. The work in this task area involved a combination of physical and mathematical modeling of heat extraction from fractured geothermal reservoirs. International cooperative research dealt with adsorption of water on reservoir cores, the planning of tracer surveys, and an injection and tracer test in the Los Azufres fields. 32 refs.

A number of exploration wells were drilled to supply steam for a proposed electric generating plant. Drill cuttings from one of these wells, Baca 22, were studied with a petrographic microscope and by x-ray diffraction to determine the nature of the original rocks and of the hydrothermal alteration. The hydrothermal alteration is used to determine the temperatures of alteration which can then be compared with borehole temperatures to determine if the mineral assemblages are compatible with present day temperatures. It is shown that there is evidence indicating that the upper 2000 feet of borehole is cooler now than it has been in the past. Sample sizes were limited in this study (usually less than 5 grams). In most cases, one quarter of the sample was used to make the thin section while the remainder was reserved for x-ray analysis. Samples were mounted in epoxy and cut to a thickness of 30 microns for petrographic study. X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained using a Debye-Scherrer camera and Fek..cap alpha.. radiation.

Our intent in this progress report is to provide a summary of the activities pursued by members of the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Department's Engineering Research Program. The Program's mission is to do research for specific applications in mechanical-engineering fields that are of immediate or potential interest to the Laboratory. The FY84 Program comprises nine projects in four thrust areas in the ME Department. The thrust areas are: Surface Measurements and Characterization; Fabrication Technology; Materials Characterization and Behavior; and Computer-Aided Engineering. In the past, our research was supported almost exclusively by weapons programs; recently, however, we significantly increased our involvement in other Laboratory programs as well. In response to this change, we have established new procedures and guidelines for the submission, review, and selection of research proposals.

Report on new water wells in Harris and Galveston Counties, with hydrologic data, location, completion, logs, levels, and chemical quality.

Retention processes such as adsorption and diffusion into an immobile region can effect tracer movement through a fractured reservoir. This study has conducted experimental work and has developed a two-dimensional model to characterize retention processes. A method to directly determine some important flow parameters, such as the fracture aperture, from the analysis of tracer tests has been developed as a result of the new two-dimensional model. The experimental work consisted of batch experiments designed to both reproduce earlier work and to determine the magnitude of the retention effects. Negligible retention was observed from which it was concluded that the batch experiments were not sensitive enough and that more sensitive flowing tests were needed. A two-dimensional model that represents a fractured medium by a mobile region, in which convention, diffusion, and adsorption are allowed, and an immobile region in which only diffusion and adsorption are allowed has been developed. It was possible to demonstrate how each of the mass-transfer processes included in the model affect tracer return curves by producing return curves for any set of the defining variables. Field data from the New Zealand was numerically fit with the model. The optimum values of the parameters determined from curve fitting …

Progress is briefly summarized for a large number of projects in the areas of research instruments, measurement and controls engineering, reactor systems, and maintenance management. (LEW)

Only results that had been discussed publicly, had been published in the open literature, or were available in preliminary reports as of September 30, 1984, are included here. More than 20 organizations are participating in source-term programs, which have been undertaken to examine severe accident phenomena in light-water power reactors (including the chemical and physical behavior of fission products under accident conditions), update and reevaluate source terms, and resolve differences between predictions and observations of radiation releases and related phenomena. Results from these source-term activities have been documented in over 100 publications to date.

This report describes progress in the major research and development programs carried out in FY 1983 by the Isotope and Nuclear Chemistry Division. It covers radiochemical diagnostics of weapons tests; weapons radiochemical diagnostics research and development; other unclassified weapons research; stable and radioactive isotope production, separation, and applications (including biomedical applications); element and isotope transport and fixation; actinide and transition metal chemistry; structural chemistry, spectroscopy, and applications; nuclear structure and reactions; irradiation facilities; advanced analytical techniques; development and applications; atmospheric chemistry and transport; and earth and planetary processes.

This study investigates a heat exchanger and balance of plant design to accompany the Cascade inertial confinement fusion reaction chamber concept. The concept uses solid Li/sub 2/O or other lithium-ceramic granules, held to the wall of a rotating reaction chamber by centrifugal action, as a tritium breeding blanket and first wall protection. The Li/sub 2/O granules enter the chamber at 800 K and exit at 1200 K after absorbing the thermal energy produced by the fusion process.

A conceptual heat transfer loop for Cascade, a centrifugal-action solid-breeder reaction chamber, has been investigated and results are presented. The Cascade concept, a double-cone-shaped reaction chamber, rotates along its horizontal axis. Solid Li/sub 2/O or other lithium-ceramic granules are injected tangentially through each end of the chamber. The granules cascade axially from the smaller radii at the ends to the larger radius at the center, where they are ejected into a stationary granule catcher. Heat and tritium are then removed from the granules and the granules are reinjected into the chamber. A 50% dense Li/sub 2/O granule throughput of 2.8 m/sup 3//s is transferred from the reaction chamber to the steam generators via continuous bucket elevators. The granules then fall by gravity through 4 vertical steam generators. The entire transport system is maintained at the same vacuum conditions present inside the reaction chamber.

US Environmental Protection Agency standards for the cleanup and disposal of inactive tailings sites require that control measures for disposal of tailings be designed to be effective for up to 1000 years if reasonably achievable, and, in any case, for 200 years at least. To control the escape of contaminants over such long periods, containment systems must be capable of adjusting to changing environmental conditions. Elements of a containment system include surface covers, biotic barriers, radon barriers, and, in some cases, liners. Each element of the system affects the others, and the whole system responds to the surrounding environment. Interaction is facilitated primarily by soil moisture. Consequently, the control of soil moisture is critical to the effectiveness of containment systems. Protective covers are necessary to prevent disruption of the containment system by physical or biological factors, to provide for the effective functioning of the radon barrier, and to prevent infiltration of excess water that could cause leaching. In order to design protective covers, a working knowledge of the factors and processes impacting tailings piles is required. This report characterizes the major factors and processes, and presents generic solutions based on current research. 65 references, 9 figures, 6 tables.

This is a report based on the observational data collected from Laysan Island on the Hawaiian monk seal. The data collected comes from the observations between 1977 through 1980, reflecting the population and what influences its increase/decrease in number. This includes reproduction patterns and survival rates.

This report summarizes the results of a literature survey conducted by the Institute of Gas Technology (IGT) under Phase I of a multi-phase program to investigate and identify the mechanism(s) responsible for molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) performance losses when operating on sulfur-containing gases. The objective of this literature survey was twofold: (1) to review the reported data on the interaction of H/sub 2/S with nickel-containing materials; and (2) to review reported investigations on the specific effects of H/sub 2/S on the electrochemical oxidation of H/sub 2/ in MCFC. The ultimate goal of this literature review is to determine the poisoning mechanism. 21 references.

In an effort to assist the Navy to better utilize its waste hydrocarbons, NIPER, with support from the US Department of Energy, is conducting research designed to ultimately develop a practical technique for converting Reclaimed Product (RP) into specification Naval Distillate Fuel (F-76). This first phase of the project was focused on reviewing the literature and available information from equipment manufacturers. The literature survey has been carefully culled for methodology applicable to the conversion of RP into diesel fuel suitable for Navy use. Based upon the results of this study, a second phase has been developed and outlined in which experiments will be performed to determine the most practical recycling technologies. It is realized that the final selection of one particular technology may be site-specific due to vast differences in RP volume and available facilities. A final phase, if funded, would involve full-scale testing of one of the recommended techniques at a refueling depot. The Phase I investigations are published in two volumes. Volume 1, Technical Discussion, includes the narrative and Appendices I and II. Appendix III, a detailed Literature Review, includes both a narrative portion and an annotated bibliography containing about 800 references and abstracts. This appendix, because of …

A detailed geochemical investigation of 17 waters (thermal and cold, mineralized and dilute) was performed in the Ojo Caliente-La Madera area. Two types of thermomineral waters have separate and distinctive geologic, geochemical, and geothermal characteristics. The water from Ojo Caliente Resort emerges with temperatures less than or equal to 54/sup 0/C from a Precambrian metarhyolite. Its chemistry, typically Na-HCO/sub 3/, has a total mineralization of 3600 mg/l. Isotopic studies have shown that the thermal water emerges from the springs and a hot well without significant mixing with the cold shallow aquifer of the valley alluvium. However, the cold aquifer adjacent to the resort does contain varying amounts of thermal water that originates from the warm spring system. Geothermometry calculations indicate that the thermal water may be as hot as 85/sup 0/C at depth before its ascent toward surface. Thermodynamic computations on the reaction states of numerous mineral phases suggest that the thermal water will not cause major scaling problems if the hot water is utilized for direct-use geothermal applications. By means of a network of very shallow holes, temperature and electrical conductivity anomalies have been found elsewhere in the valley around Ojo Caliente, and resistivity soundings have confirmed the presence …

The Pagosa Springs Geothermal District Heating System was conceptualized, designed, and constructed between 1979 to 1984 under the US Department of Energy Program Opportunity Notice (PON) program to demonstrate the feasibility for utilizing moderate temperature geothermal resources for direct-use applications. The Pagosa Springs system successfully provides space heating to public buildings, school facilities, residences, and commercial establishments at costs significantly lower than costs of available conventional fuels. The Pagosa Springs project encompassed a full range of technical, institutional, and economic activities. Geothermal reservoir evaluations and testing were performed, and two productive approx.140/sup 0/F geothermal supply wells were successfully drilled and completed. Transmission and distribution system design, construction, startup, and operation were achieved with minimum difficulty. The geothermal system operation during the first two heating seasons has been fully reliable and well respected in the community. The project has proven that low to moderate-temperature waters can effectively meet required heating loads, even for harsh winter-mountain environments. The principal difficulty encountered has been institutional in nature and centers on the obtaining of the geothermal production well permits and the adjudicated water rights necessary to supply the geothermal hot water fluids for the full operating life of the system. 28 figs., 15 tabs.