A program was initiated on the spectrophotometric study of aqueous solution chemistry. The goal is operation at temperatures up to at least 330 deg C and at pressures up to 200 atm, and to near the critical point if this appears to be feasible. A spectrometer capable of operation under these extreme conditions is being designed. (W.L.H.)

Correlation of a number of physical and chemical properties of 12 different UO/sub 2/ powders was continued. The UO/sub 2/ powders were studied by means of infrared absorption measurements, oxidation temperatures as determined by hot stage microscopy techniques, and B. E. T. surface area measurements. Additional pellets were prepared to study ceramic performance. (M.C.G.)

The objective of this project is to evaluate and demonstrate a cost effective emission control technology for acid rain precursors, oxides of nitrogen (NO{sub x}) and sulfur (SO{sub x}), on two coal fired utility boilers in Illinois. The units selected are representative of pre-NSPS design practices: tangential and cyclone fired. Work on a third unit, wall fired, is on hold'' because of funding limitations. The specific objectives are to demonstrate reductions of 60 percent in NO{sub x} and 50 percent in SO{sub x} emissions, by a combination of two developed technologies, gas reburning (GR) and sorbent injection (SI). With GR, about 80{endash}85 percent of the coal fuel is fired in the primary combustion zone. The balance of the fuel is added downstream as natural gas to create a slightly fuel rich environment in which NO{sub x} is converted to N{sub 2}. The combustion process is completed by overfire air addition. SO{sub x} emissions are reduced by injecting dry sorbents (usually calcium based) into the upper furnace. The sorbents trap SO{sub x} as solid sulfates that are collected in the particulate control device.

The objective of proposed research is development of catalysts with enhanced slurry phase activity and better selectivity to fuel range products, through a more detailed understanding and systematic studies of the effects of pretreatment procedures and promoters/binders (silica) on catalyst performance.

In a previous paper we developed a simple model describing the far-field from a video-pulse source near the ground and for grazing incidence. We report here on a recent field test in which we attempted to verify the model. Our results show quantitative agreement with the model for most of the tested parameter space. We have also extended our model to include all elevation angles, including up to vertical. The computed engagement envelope shows three distinct regions: At grazing angles the field is small and diminishes to near zero at the earth's surface; at low-to moderate angles strong lobing occurs; at high angles the video-pulse field approaches its free-space form. 6 refs., 16 figs.

A fluidized bed incineration facility has been installed at the Rocky Flats Plant to develop and demonstrate a process for the combustion of transuranic waste. The unit's capacity is about 82 kg/hr of combustible solid waste, which is nine times higher than the rate for the operating pilot-scale unit. The facility utilizes nonaqueous, in situ neutralization of acid gases. These gases are generated during the combustion of halogen-containing materials. The low-temperature (550 /sup 0/C) operation eliminates refractory-lined equipment.

Research was continued during the report period on the use of isotope neutron sources for producing short-lived radioisotopes. Experiments with a newly constructed betacounting cell are reported in which a 50-curie Be--Po neutron source was used. Study of the radiation chemistry of polymers was continued concerning the effects of polymer structure on free-radical formation. Free-radical formation in several additional polymers was studied. Preliminary work is also reported in an investigation of internal irradiation effects on the chemical activity of catalysts. (J.R.D.)

This report defines the analytical framework for, and presents the results of, a study to determine the macroeconomic effects of increased market penetration of solar energy technologies over the 1977-2000 time period. For the purposes of this document, solar technologies are defined as wind, photovoltaics, ocean thermal electric (OTEC), small-scale (non-utility) hydroelectric and all solar active and passive thermal technologies. This research has been undertaken in support of the National Plan to Accelerate Commercialization (NPAC) of Solar Energy. The capital and operating requirements for three market penetration levels are first determined; the effects of these requirements on economic performance are then estimated using the Hudson-Jorgenson Energy/Economic Model. The analytical design, computational methods, data sources, assumptions and scenario configurations for this analysis are defined in detail. The results of the analysis of the economic impact of solar energy are presented in detail, and the implications of these results are discussed. Appendix A explains the methodology for transforming investment to capital stocks. Appendix B, which is provided in a separate volume, describes the Hudson-Jorgenson Model in greater detail. (WHK)

The Hudson-Jorgenson Energy/Economic Model - formally known as the Long Term Interindustry Transactions Model (LITM) - is an econometric model of the structure of the US economy. LITM integrates two separate models into one integrated system. These models are the Macroeconomic Model, a growth model incorporating the underlying trends of economic development, and the Interindustry Model, an endogenous coefficient input-output model of the structure of the economy incorporating patterns of expenditure, prices, and production on a sectoral basis. LITM emphasizes the energy system and its role within the economy. Applications of LITM have, therefore, focused on energy, the effect of energy changes on the economy, and the effect of econometric changes on the energy system. In addition, LITM can be used as framework for long term economic projection and structural analysis.

In this paper we report on strangeness measurements in p+p, Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at different energies in the STAR detector at RHIC. We will focus on two momentum regions in particular: Firstly we look at strangeness enhancement in A+A collisions with respect to p+p. These yields are dominated by low transverse momentum. We compare the enhancements from Au+Au and Cu+Cu data at {radical}s{sub NN} = 200 GeV with Pb+Pb data at {radical}s{sub NN} = 17.2 GeV and find that the enhancement does not scale with N{sub part} as expected, but rather scales with N{sub part}{sup 1/3}, where N{sub part} represents the number of participants; We then examine {Lambda}/K{sub S}{sup 0} ratios at intermediate transverse momentum in both Au+Au and Cu+Cu data where we find a greater enhancement in Cu+Cu compared to Au+Au data when we compare integrated ratios between 1.5 < p{sub T} < 3.5 GeV/c.

We present a new cubic ({gamma}) Li{sub 3}N phase discovered above 40({+-}5) GPa. Structure and electronic bands are examined at high pressure with synchrotron x-ray diffraction and inelastic x-ray scattering in a diamond anvil cell, and also with first-principles calculations. We observe a dramatic band-gap widening and volume collapse at the phase transition. {gamma}-Li{sub 3}N remains extremely stable and ionic to 200 GPa, with predicted metallization near 8 TPa. The high structural stability, wide band-gap and simple electronic structure of {gamma}-Li{sub 3}N are analogous to that of such lower valence closed-shell solids as NaCl, MgO and Ne, meriting its use as a low-Z internal pressure standard.

The importance of microenvironment and context in regulation of tissue-specific genes is finally well established. DNA exposure to, or sequestration from, nucleases can be used to detect differences in higher order chromatin structure in intact cells without disturbing cellular or tissue architecture. To investigate the relationship between chromatin organization and tumor phenotype, we utilized an established 3-D assay where normal and malignant human breast cells can be easily distinguished by the morphology of the structures they make (acinus-like vs tumor-like, respectively). We show that these phenotypes can be distinguished also by sensitivity to AluI digestion where the malignant cells are resistant to digestion relative to non-malignant cells. Reversion of the T4-2 breast cancer cells by either cAMP analogs, or a phospatidylinositol 3-kinase (P13K) inhibitor not only reverted the phenotype, but also the chromatin sensitivity to AluI. By using different cAMP-analogs, we show that the cAMP-induced phenotypic reversion, polarization, and shift in DNA organization act through a cAMP-dependent-protein-kinase A-coupled signaling pathway. Importantly, inhibitory antibody to fibronectin also reverted the malignant phenotype, polarized the acini, and changed chromatin sequestration. These experiments show not only that modifying the tumor microenvironment can alter the organization of tumor cells but also that architecture of the …

Coal gasifier is one of the most promising solutions for clean fossil energy. Refractory thickness monitoring and online real-time temperature measurement is needed for improved reliability and advanced process control for current and future generation power plants. The objective of this program is to design and implement an optical fiber based sensing system that could potentially be used to monitor refractory wall thickness and temperature inside a coal gasifier. For the thickness monitoring, the system should be able to operate at temperatures up to 1000 C. For this temperature range, silica fiber can still work so it is chosen for the sensor design. The measurement is based on a photon counting optical time domain reflectometer. A narrow light pulse is launched into a silica fiber which could be embedded into the gasifier refractory wall, and is partially reflected by the far end of the fiber. The time of flight of the light pulse in the fiber then gives an indication of the position of the fiber end, which is a function of the wall thickness when the fiber is embedded. Results obtained show a measurement accuracy of {+-}2cm in environment of 1000 C with a saw cut fiber end. When …

This report summarizes both general corrosion of Alloy 22 from 60 to 220 C and the stability of the passive (oxide) film from 60 to 90 C over a range of solution compositions that are relevant to the in-drift chemical environment at the waste package surface. The general corrosion rates were determined by weight-loss measurements in a range of complex solution compositions representing the products of both the evaporation of seepage water and also the deliquescence of dust previously deposited on the waste canisters. These data represent the first weight-loss measurements performed by the program at temperatures above 90 C. The low corrosion rates of Alloy 22 are attributed to the protective oxide film that forms at the metal surface. In this report, changes in the oxide film composition are correlated with weight loss at the higher temperatures (140-220 C) where film characterization had not been previously performed. The stability of the oxide film was further analyzed by conducting a series of electrochemical tests in progressively more acidic solutions to measure the general corrosion rates in solutions that mimic crevice or pit environments.

Control Banding (CB) strategies offer simplified solutions for controlling worker exposures to constituents often encountered in the workplace. The original CB model was developed within the pharmaceutical industry; however, the modern movement involves models developed for non-experts to input hazard and exposure potential information for bulk chemical processes, receiving control advice as a result. The CB approach utilizes these models for the dissemination of qualitative and semi-quantitative risk assessment tools being developed to complement the traditional industrial hygiene model of air sampling and analysis. It is being applied and tested in small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) within developed countries and industrially developing countries; however, large enterprises (LEs) have also incorporated these strategies within chemical safety programs. Existing research of the components of the most available CB model, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Essentials, has shown that exposure bands do not always provide adequate margins of safety, that there is a high rate of under-control errors, that it works better with dusts than with vapors, that there is an inherent inaccuracy in estimating variability, and that when taken together the outcomes of this model may lead to potentially inappropriate workplace confidence in chemical exposure reduction in some …

In this paper, we discuss some of the issues in obtaining high performance for block-structured adaptive mesh refinement software for partial differential equations. We show examples in which AMR scales to thousands of processors. We also discuss a number of metrics for performance and scalability that can provide a basis for understanding the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.

Impurities in the gas coolant of the space nuclear power plant (SNPP) can provide valuable indications of problems in the reactor and an overall view of system health. By monitoring the types and amounts of these impurities, much can be implied regarding the status of the reactor plant. However, a preliminary understanding of the expected impurities is important before evaluating prospective detection and monitoring systems. Currently, a spectroscopy system is judged to hold the greatest promise for monitoring the impurities of interest in the coolant because it minimizes the number of entry and exit points to the plant and provides the ability to detect impurities down to the 1 ppm level.

This report presents the results of work performed from January 1, 1979 through March 31, 1979 on the Advanced Gas Cooled Nuclear Reactor Materials Evaluation and Development Program. The objectives of this program are to evaluate candidate alloys for Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) Nuclear Process Heat (NPH) and Direct Cycle Helium Turbine (DCHT) applications, in terms of the effect of simulated reactor primary coolant (helium containing small amounts of various other gases), high temperatures, and long time exposures, on the mechanical properties and structural and surface stability of selected candidate alloys. Work covered in this report includes the activities associated with the creep-rupture testing of the test materials for the purpose of verifying the stresses selected for the screening creep test program, and the status of the simulated reactor helium supply system, testing equipment, and gas chemistry analysis instrumentation and equipment.

Applications of seismic design criteria and qualification methods to the US breeder reactor projects have developed new findings, improvements in design methods, and identified areas for further development. Discussions are presented regarding site free field motion, soil-structure interaction, equipment response spectra, piping, snubbers and support design analyses, dynamic decoupling, seismic qualification testing, and protection of Seismic Category I components from Non-Category I equipment failures.

A microwave kinoform that modifies both the phase and polarization of an incident wavefront has been designed. This kinoform for the TMX-U magnetic fusion experiment has been fabricated and tested. The design procedure, method of fabrication, and experimental test results are discussed.

Two core holes have been completed on the flanks of Newberry Volcano, Oregon. Core hole GEO N-1 has a heat flow of 180 mWm-2 reflecting subsurface temperature sufficient for commerical exploitation of geothermally generated electricity. GEO N-3, which has a heat flow of 86 mWm-2, is less encouraging. Considerable emphasis has been placed on the ''rain curtain'' effect with the hope that a detailed discussion of this phenomenon at two distinct localities will lead to a better understanding of the physical processes in operation. Core hole GEO N-1 was cored to a depth of 1387 m at a site located 9.3 km south of the center of the volcano. Core hole GEO N-3 was cored to a depth of 1220 m at a site located 12.6 km north of the center of the volcano. Both core holes penetrated interbedded pyroclastic lava flows and lithic tuffs ranging in composition from basalt to rhyolite with basaltic andesite being the most common rock type. Potassium-argon age dates range up to 2 Ma. Difficult drilling conditions were encountered in both core holes at depths near the regional water table. Additionally, both core holes penetrate three distinct thermal regimes (isothermal (the rain curtain), transition, and …

The STAR detector for the RHIC colliding beam accelerator is under construction at Brookhaven National Laboratory. This detector will consist of a number of subsystems. These include a silicon vertex detector (SVT) for charged particle tracks near the interaction region, a time projection chamber (TPC) for charged particle tracking, an array of plastic scintillation counters (CTB) in a layer around the TPC for triggering on charged particles, a conventional solenoidal magnet, and some additional small triggering detectors along the beam-line. An electromagnetic calorimeter (EMC) is an upgrade to the ``baseline`` detector configuration above. The conventional magnet and numerous electronic channels for the SVT and TPC subsystems will generate a considerable amount of heat during the operation of STAR. However, it is possible that a chiller for the magnet cooling water will not be available during some of the early STAR runs. As a result, the average magnet temperature may vary considerably between winter and summer. This note summarizes calculations and measurements performed to evaluate the effects of an elevated magnet temperature on the performance of the electromagnetic calorimeter.

Following the shutdown of the B Pile in March 1946 a method was devised for monitoring the sub-critical reactivity such that any significant change in neutron flux would be detected. This report summarizes the status of the unit until its start up in July 1948.

To date a great deal of emphasis has been placed on flattening the side-to-side and top-to-bottom flux distribution with only minor effort to improve the front-to-rear distribution. Minor variations in the front-to-rear distribution have been achieved by horizontal control rod and Supplemental control positioning. It has-been reasonably well established that the rupture potential for one tube charge increases markedly with higher specific power and temperature; thus there is a great deal of incentive to flatten in the front-to-rear dimension. Although flattening in this dimension will caure increased neutron leakage out of the reactor, this is compensated by increased conversion efficiency resulting from a more uniform exposure distribution within the tube charge. The purpose of this document is to describe the basic analytical methods and the techniques, of flattening front-to-rear through the integrated use of enrichment and poison material in combination with natural uranium, and to point out the requirements to insure that total control criteria is satisfied in the event of a water loss with this loading. For the purpose of this survey report an old reactor, 32-piece charge length, and a symmetrical front-to-rear distribution were considered; however, the methods given can be extended quite easily to different length and …