There are important differences between the safety principles for nuclear weapons and for nuclear reactors. For example, a principal concern for nuclear weapons is to prevent electrical energy from reaching the nuclear package during accidents produced by crashes, fires, and other hazards, whereas the foremost concern for nuclear reactors is to maintain coolant around the core in the event of certain system failures. Not surprisingly, new methods have had to be developed to assess the risk from nuclear weapons. These include fault tree transformations that accommodate time dependencies, thermal and structural analysis techniques that are fast and unconditionally stable, and parameter sampling methods that incorporate intelligent searching. This paper provides an overview of the new methods for nuclear weapons and compares them with existing methods for nuclear reactors. It also presents a new intelligent searching process for identifying potential nuclear detonation vulnerabilities. The new searching technique runs very rapidly on a workstation and shows promise for providing an accurate assessment of potential vulnerabilities with far fewer physical response calculations than would be required using a standard Monte Carlo sampling procedure.

The Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project is investigating the Topopah Spring tuff at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, to determine whether it is suitable as a host rock for the disposal of high-level nuclear wastes. The Large Block Test (LBT) at Fran Ridge was planned as part of the project to investigate coupled thermal-mechanical-hydrological and geochemical processes that may occur in the repository near-field environment. This test would be performed on an excavated block of Topopah Spring tuff and would provide information at an intermediate scale (1-10 m) that would help evaluate existing models for repository performance. As part of the LBT, we are analyzing the coupled thermal-mechanical- hydrological behavior of the block in response to heating. Our objectives are to aid in the experimental design of the test, to evaluate different thermal and constitutive models, and to evaluate several different numerical methods. In this report, we present results of thermal-mechanical simulations of the heat-up phase of the LBT conducted using two different numerical codes that are commercially available: a two-dimensional (2D), finite- difference model called FLAC and a three-dimensional (3D), finite- element model, called ABAQUS. The purpose of this initial numerical modeling is to calculate temperatures, stresses, and displacements in two …

Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, (including x-ray dot mapping), x-ray diffraction and computer based image analysis have been used to study non-superconducting secondary phases that evolve during the processing of (Bi,Pb){sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x}/Ag composite superconductors. These investigations have provided new information and insights about specific alkaline earth cuprates (AECs) and lead-rich phases. We can conclusively identify (Ca,Sr){sub 2}CuO{sub 3}, (Ca,Sr){sub 14}(Cu{sub 24})O{sub 41}, and CuO phases, the alkaline earth plumbates, and a (Bi,Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O 3221 phase with a wide range of Pb/Bi ratios. These techniques also help in differentiating voids from secondary phases and alkaline earth plumbates from the lead-rich 3221 phase.

Typically, katabatic flows have been studied in their least complicated or idealized state. Further, these flows are generally regarded as having simple forcing and non-turbulent structure due to the strong atmospheric stability they are bedded within. Somewhat analogously, mountain waves and their effects have been mostly studied in their idealized state, i.e. for constant upstream flow and stability. Even in the numerous cases where these two atmospheric phenomena have been studied in their realistic state, seldom has their mutual interaction been considered. One exception that includes numerical modeling is Gross (1990). The express purpose of this work is to examine how each of these phenomena interact with each other in an evolving nocturnal atmosphere. This work is motivated by observations from the Atmospheric Studies in Complex Terrain (ASCOT) Program which clearly indicate non-idealized behavior in katabatic flows. Although numerous idealized simulations were also completed, discussion here focuses on the most realistic simulations of the case night 3--4 September 1993. This night was dominated by clear skies and light near surface winds. A high pressure system to the southwest of Colorado caused northwesterly flow at {approximately} 7 m s{sup {minus}1} upstream of the Rockies with a Froude number of 0.45 overnight. …

Currently, states and low-level radioactive waste (LLW) disposal site operators have no method of independently verifying the radionuclide content of packaged LLW that arrive at disposal sites for disposal. At this time, disposal sites rely on LLW generator shipping manifests and accompanying records to insure that LLW received meets the waste acceptance criteria. An independent verification system would provide a method of checking generator LLW characterization methods and help ensure that LLW disposed of at disposal facilities meets requirements. The Mobile Low-Level Waste Verification System (MLLWVS) provides the equipment, software, and methods to enable the independent verification of LLW shipping records to insure that disposal site waste acceptance criteria are being met. The MLLWVS system was developed under a cost share subcontract between WMG, Inc., and Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies through the Department of Energy`s National Low-Level Waste Management Program at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL).

This report addresses laboratory measurement error in estimates of external doses obtained from personnel dosimeters, and investigates the effects of these errors on linear dose-response analyses of data from epidemiologic studies of nuclear workers. These errors have the distinguishing feature that they are independent across time and across workers. Although the calculations made for this report were based on Hanford data, the overall conclusions are likely to be relevant for other epidemiologic studies of workers exposed to external radiation.

Idealized analytical investigations of katabatic slope flows have usually sought to simplify the analysis by either assuming a particular force balance amenable to analytical solution or using integral (or bulk) models. In each case, steady state conditions are evaluated, with occasional exception. Historically, the modeling of idealized katabatic flows has focused analysis of model time where steady state conditions have been achieved. To investigate the true dynamics of evolving undisturbed katabatic flow, the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) is used. As described in Pielke et al (1992) RAMS is a prognostic numerical model that contains the three-dimensional primitive equations in terrain-following, non- hydrostatic, compressible form. In addition to standard variables, RAMS was configured to output the various components of the governing equations with high temporal resolution. Each of the simulations used idealized 2000m high mountain topography of a given slope (1{degree}, 2.5{degrees},5{degrees}, or 10{degrees}) on either side of the peak. In the 3-d simulations this mountain becomes an infinite north-south ridge (cyclic boundary conditions in the N-S direction). Vertical grid spacing was set to 20m for the first 500m {delta}z increases to a maximum of 400 m over 72 grid points to 10.5 km. Horizontal grid spacing was 500 m …

This note describes the measurements of the waveform of the Tevatron antiproton injection kicker using the 150 Gev proton beam. This new horizontal kicker was installed at D48 during the summer of 1995 shutdown. These measurements were taken in two sessions [1] starting on October 10 and October 18, 1995. The measurements use the Tevatron BPM and flying wire systems. This note is a companion to the Tevatron proton injection kicker note published recently [2]. The design specifications for the kicker are given in Dinkel et al. [3].

The purpose of this engineering note is to explain the method involved in calculating the mass flow rates through venturis and orifice plates at sub-sonic conditions. In particular, the mass flow rate calculations are required for two FLOW-DYNE venturi flow meters, serial no. 35821 and no. 35822, and an orifice plate flow meter, serial no. 35823. The two venturis, FT-4052-H and FT-4053-H, are located in the D-Zero VLPC valve box at the refrigerator and the orifice plate, FO-2019-H, is on the high pressure helium supply line in the assembly building.

Shown in Figure 1 is a side view of the D0 F-disk assembly. SVX II chips are mounted to a flex copper/kapton Circuit, which is glued to a beryllium substrate. Figure 1 shows the top and bottom disk assemblies mounted on the cooling channel. However the disks are not mounted directly opposite one another as shown, but alternately rotate through 30{sup o} wedges mounted on either side of the cooling channel. The assumed channel temperature for these calculations is 0 C, as in the cases of the ladder cooling calculations, ref. [1] and [2]. The assumed SVX II chip power is 0.400 W. The finite difference method is used to calculate the temperature profiles of the various components. It is described in Ref. [1]. Each disk is read out using SVX II chips on both sides of the silicon. The silicon is 59.2 mm wide at its widest location. The SVX II chip location opposite the cooling channel has 8 chips mounted on the hybrid. and there are 6 SVX II chips mounted outboard of the cooling channel on the same side as the cooling channel. The SVX II chips mounted on the same side as the cooling channel read …

There is a need to reduce air pollutant emissions in some U.S. urban regions to meet federal and state air quality guidelines. Opportunities exist for reducing pollutant emissions from natural gas appliances in the residential sector. A cost-benefit analysis on various pollutant-reducing strategies is needed to evaluate these opportunities. The effectiveness of these pollutant-reducing strategies (e.g., low-emission burners, energy conservation) can then be ranked among themselves and compared with other pollutant-reducing strategies available for the region. A key step towards conducting a cost-benefit analysis is to collect information on pollutant emissions from existing residential natural gas appliances. An extensive literature search was conducted to collect data on residential natural-gas-appliance pollutant emission factors. The literature primarily describes laboratory tests and may not reflect actual emission factor distributions in the field. Pollutant emission factors for appliances operated at over 700 test conditions are summarized for nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter, formaldehyde, and methane. The appliances for which pollutant emissions are summarized include forced-air furnaces; stand-alone space heaters (vented and unvented); water heaters; cooking range burners, ovens, and broilers; and pilot lights. The arithmetic means of the nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter emission factor distributions agree well with the Environmental …

This report covers the debate over the reexamination of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 in the 104th Congress. There is speculation the banks are finding loopholes that allow them to redefine some of their services as "securities" without directly violating the Glass-Steagall Act.

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The objective of this project was to develop methods for characterizing fuels and sorbents from time-series data obtained during transient operation of fluidized bed boilers. These methods aimed at determining time constants for devolatilization and char burnout using carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) profiles and from time constants for the calcination and sulfation processes using CO{sub 2} and sulfur dioxide (SO{sub 2}) profiles.

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The purpose of this work is to provide supporting calculations for determination of the radiation source terms specific to subsurface shielding design and analysis. These calculations are not intended to provide the absolute values of the source terms, which are under the charter of the Waste Package Operations (WPO) Group. Rather, the calculations focus on evaluation of the various combinations of fuel enrichment, burnup and cooling time for a given decay heat output, consistent with the waste package (WP) thermal design basis. The objective is to determine the worst-case combination of the fuel characteristics (enrichment, burnup and cooling time) which would give the maximum radiation fields for subsurface shielding considerations. The calculations are limited to PWR fuel only, since the WP design is currently evolving with thinner walls and a reduced heat load as compared to the viability assessment (VA) reference design. The results for PWR fuel will provide a comparable indication of the trend for BWR fuel, as their characteristics are similar. The source term development for defense high-level waste and other spent nuclear fuel (SNF) is the responsibility of the WPO Group, and therefore, is not included this work. This work includes the following items responsive to the …

This analysis is prepared by the Mined Geologic Disposal System (MGDS) Waste Package Development Department (WPDD) to provide pressurized water reactor (PWR) isotopic composition data as a function of time for use in criticality analyses. The objectives of this evaluation are to generate burnup and decay dependant isotopic inventories and to provide these inventories in a form which can easily be utilized in subsequent criticality calculations.

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Newsletter of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission discussing information about the Commission as well as news, events, and other relevant information.

The Regional Atmospheric Model System (RAMS) has been used to simulate Hurricane Bertha as it moved toward and onto shore during the period July 10--12, 1996. Using large-scale atmospheric data from 00 UTC, 11 July (Wednesday evening) to initialize the model, a 36-hour simulation was created for a domain centered over the Atlantic Ocean east of the Florida coast near Jacksonville. The simulated onshore impact time of the hurricane was much earlier than observed (due to the use of results from the large-scale model, which predicted early arrival). However, the movement of the hurricane center (eye) as it approached the North Carolina/South Carolina coast as simulated in RAMS was quite good. Observations revealed a northerly storm track off the South Carolina coast as it moved toward land. As it approached landfall, Hurricane Bertha turned to the north-northeast, roughly paralleling the North Carolina coast before moving inland near Wilmington. Large-scale model forecasts were unable to detect this change in advance and predicted landfall near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; RAMS, however, correctly predicted the parallel coastal movement. For future hurricane activity in the southeast, RAMS is being configured to run in an operational model using input from the large-scale pressure data in …