Fracture traces exposed on three 214- to 260-m{sup 2} pavements in the same Miocene ash-flow tuff at Yucca Mountain, southwestern Nevada, have been mapped at a scale of 1:50. The maps are two-dimensional sections through the three-dimensional network of strata-bound fractures. All fractures with trace lengths greater than 0.20 m were mapped. The distribution of fracture-trace lengths is log-normal. The fractures do not exhibit well-defined sets based on orientation. Since fractal characterization of such complex fracture-trace networks may prove useful for modeling fracture flow and mechanical responses of fractured rock, an analysis of each of the three maps was done to test whether such networks are fractal. These networks proved to be fractal and the fractal dimensions (D) are tightly clustered (1.12, 1.14, 1.16) for three laterally separated pavements, even though visually the fracture networks appear quite different. The fractal analysis also indicates that the network patterns are scale independent over two orders of magnitude for trace lengths ranging from 0.20 to 25 m. 7 refs., 7 figs.

An equilibrium geochemical transport model for multicomponent systems, TRANQL, was used to investigate the effects of geochemical processes on the transport of contaminants. TRANQL was used to investigate the sensitivity of cadmium transport to a range of initial condition, pH, complexing ligand concentrations, and concentrations of a simultaneously sorbing solute. Aqueous-phase complexation, dissociation of water, and sorption were the processes considered. First, the transport of an initial pulse of cadmium with a constant concentration of EDTA was examined. Second, the transport of an initial pulse of cadmium with a constant concentration of EDTA was simulated. The effects of variations in EDTA concentrations and pH were investigated. Finally, the transport of an initial pulse of cadmium and cobalt was examined. Results show a significant coupling between the geochemical processes of complexation and sorption and mass-transport. In cases where sorption is considered to be an important controlling reaction the transport of a solute in multicomponent systems is a strong function of the initial concentration and distribution of complexing ligands, pH, equilibrium formation constants, and the concentration of a simultaneously sorbing solute. 5 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs.

Uncertainty in the analysis of geologic waste disposal is generally considered to have three primary components: (1) computer code/model uncertainty, (2) model parameter uncertainty, and (3) scenario uncertainty. Computer code/model uncertainty arises from problems associated with determination of appropriate parameters for use in model construction, mathematical formulatin of models, and numerical techniques used in conjunction with the mathematical formulation of models. Model parameter uncertainty arises from problems associated with selection of appropriate values for model input, data interpretation and possible misuse of data, and variation of data. Scenario uncertainty arises from problems associated with the "completeness` of scenarios, the definition of parameters which describe scenarios, and the rate or probability of scenario occurrence. The preceding sources of uncertainty are discussed below.

Irradiation of high-density polyethylene by ~1 atm overpressure of T2 gas at 23+- 2 degrees C has been shown to produce severe damage, about 200 MRad dose, within 6 months. Production rate of H2 gas from irradiation due to polymer incorporation of tritium increased quickly within the first 2 months, after which it slowed considerably. It is proposed that outgassing of H2 acted to inhibit diffusion of solubilized HT or T2 into the bulk, thereby limiting increases in polymer T incorporation and thus damage rate. Damage to the HDPE sample was found to be nonuniform. Laser fluorescence from the sample surface irradiated by the supply of T2 gas was ~10{sup}3-fold greater in the energy deposition layer than the fluroescence from bulk polymer after 2 months. This factor was within an order of magnitude of calculated dosages to surface and bulk. Fluorescence from the bulk, apparently caused by unsaturated polyene groups formed during irradiation, grew in time about proportionally to H2 generation and thus dose. An appreciable concentration of radical or ion-radical polyenes at room temperature could be recombined by bleaching for 15 minutes at ~150 degrees C; these species appeared to reform over night at room temperature.

The use of drilling and coring methods that minimize the disturbance of formation rock and core has permitted field calibration of neutron-moisture tools in relatively large diameter cased and uncased boreholes at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. For 5.5-inch diameter cased holes, there was reasonable agreement between a field calibration in alluvium-colluvium and a laboratory calibration in a chamber containing silica sand. There was little difference between moisture-content profiles obtained in a neutron-access hole with a hand-held neutron-moisture meter and an automated borehole-logging tool using laboratory-generated calibration curves. Field calibrations utilizing linear regression analyses and as many as 119 data pairs show a good correlation between neutron-moisture counts and volumetric water content for sections of uncased 6-inch diameter boreholes in nonwelded and bedded tuff. Regression coefficients ranged from 0.80 to 0.94. There were only small differences between calibration curves in 4.25- and 6-inch uncased sections of boreholes. Results of analyzing field calibration data to determine the effects of formation density on calibration curves were inconclusive. Further experimental and theoretical work is outlined.

We describe concentration changes caused by chemical and alpha-induced radiolytic reactions in various oxidation state pure solutions of Pu(VI), Pu(V), or Pu(IV) colloid or mixtures of these oxidation states at pH values > 1 for a period of nearly two years. The rates of approach to steady-states and the resulting experimental concentration quotient values were determined in order to find the conditions under which equilibrium in 2PuO{sub 2}{sup +} + PuO{sub 2}{sup 2+} + PuO/sub 2(coll)/ reaction might be attained and to learn about the underlying reactions. Computer calculations were used to compare the data with the results required from proposed reaction schemes.

In this update lecture we focus on laser-driven instabilities in long scalelength underdense plasmas. Particular attention is given to some recent experiments on Raman scattering of intense laser light. Many important features are in accord with theoretical expectations. These features include a correlation of hot electron generation with Raman scattering, an increase in this scattering as the density scale length increases, and collisional suppression of the instability. Some challenging aspects of the growing data base as well as various deficiencies in the understanding are discussed. The role of the plasmon decay instability 2..omega../sub pe/, Brillouin, and filamentation instabilities is also briefly considered.

The unsaturated volcanic tuff beneath Yucca Mountain, Nevada, is being evaluated by the US Department of Energy as a host rock for a potential mined geologic repository for high-level radioactive waste. Assessment of site suitability needs an efficient and focused investigative program. A conceptual hydrogeologic model that simulates the flow of fluids through the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain was developed to guide the program and to provide a basis for preliminary assessment of site suitability. The study was made as part of the Nevada Nuclear Waste Storage Investigations Project of the US Department of Energy. Thickness of the unsaturated zone is about 1640 to 2460 feet (500 to 750 meters). Based on physical properties, the rocks in the unsaturated zone are grouped for the purpose of this paper into five informal hydrogeologic units. From top to bottom these units are: Tiva Canyon welded unit, Paintbrush nonwelded unit. Topopah Spring welded unit, Calico Hills nonwelded unit, and Crater Flat unit. Welded units have a mean fracture density of 8 to 40 fractures per unit cubic meter, mean matrix porosities of 12 to 23%, matrix hydraulic conductivities with geometric means ranging from 6.5 x 10{sup -6} to 9.8 x 10{sup -6} …

Unsaturated tuff beneath Yucca Mountain, Nevada, is being evaluated by the US Department of Energy as a host rock for a potential repository for high-level radioactive waste. As part of the Nevada Nuclear Waste Storage Investigations Project of the US Department of Energy, the US Geological Survey has been conducting hydrologic, geologic, and geophysical investigations at Yucca Mountain and the surrounding region to provide data evaluation of the potential suitability of the site. Hydrologic investigations of the unsaturated zone at this site were started in 1982. A 17.5-inch- (44.5-centimeter-) diameter borehole (USW UZ-1) was drilled by the reverse-air vacuum-drilling technique to a depth of 1269 feet (387 meters). This borehole was instrumented at 33 depth levels. At 15 of the levels, 3 well screens were embedded in coarse-sand columns. The sand columns were isolated from each other by thin layers of bentonite, columns of silica flour, and isolation plugs consisting of expansive cement. Thermocouple psychrometers and pressure transducers were installed within the screens and connected to the data-acquisition system at the land surface through thermocouple and logging cables. Two of the screens at each level were equipped with access tubes to allow collection of pore-gas samples. In addition to these …

Determining the unsaturated zone percolation rate, or flux, is an extremely important site characterization issue for the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository. A new technique that measures the {sup 36}Cl content of tuff from the Exploratory Shaft will be used to calculate flux through the unsaturated zone over longer times than could be measured by the more conventional {sup 14}C method. Measurements of the {sup 36}Cl "bomb pulse" in soil samples from Yucca Mountain have been used to confirm that infiltration is not an important recharge mechanism. 5 refs., 3 figs.

Cascade attains a net power-plant efficiency of 49% and its cost is competitive with high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, pressurized-water reactor, and coal-fired power plants. The Cascade reactor and blanket are made of ceramic materials and activation is 6 times less than that of the MARS Tandem Mirror Reactor operating at comparable power. Hands-on maintenance of the heat exchangers is possible one day after shutdown. Essentially all tritium is recovered in the vacuum system, with the remainder recovered from the helium power conversion loop. Tritium leakage external to the vacuum system and power conversion loop is only 0.03 Ci/d.

This report contains papers on the following topics: electron cyclotron emission measurements; electron cyclotron emission theory; electron cyclotron heating; gyrotron development; and ECH systems and waveguide development. These paper have been indexed separately elsewhere. (LSP).

This paper discusses methods for evaluation of thermal performance of large boiler furnaces. Merits and limitations of pilot-scale testing and mathematical modeling are pointed out. Available computer models for furnace performance predictions are reviewed according to their classification into finite-difference methods and zone methods. Current state of the art models for industrial application are predominantly zone methods based on advanced Monte-Carlo type techniques for calculation of radiation heat transfer. A representation of this model type is described in more detail together with examples of its practical application. It is also shown, how pilot-scale results can be scaled-up with help of the model to predict full-scale performance of particular boiler furnaces.

Plane-strain solutions are used to analyze the influence of topography on the state of stress at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada. The results are in good agreement with the measured stress components obtained in drill holes by the hydraulic-fracturing technique, particularly those measured directly beneath the crest of the ridge, and indicate that these stresses are gravitationally induced. A separate analysis takes advantage of the fact that a well-developed set of vertical faults and fractures, subparallel to the ridge trend, imparts a vertical transverse isotropy to the rock and that, as a consequence of gravitational loading, unequal horizontal stresses are induced in directions perpendicular and parallel to the anisotropy.

Two types of instruments were installed in a borehole in order to monitor matric and water potentials of various hydrogeologic units consisting of tuff. The borehole was drilled as part of a study to provide information to the US Department of Energy for their use in evaluating Yucca Mountain, Nevada, for a repository for high-level radioactive waste. Heat-dissipation probes were used to monitor matric potentials and thermocouple psychrometers were used to monitor water potentials. Two major concerns regarding the use of these instruments in deep boreholes are: (1) the effect of length of the lead wires, and (2) the inability to recalibrate the instruments after installation. The length of the lead wire contributes to the source resistance and lead capacitance, which affects the signal settling time. Both instruments tested proved to be insensitive to lead-wire length, except when connected to smaller input-impedance data loggers. Thermocouple wires were more sensitive than heat-dissipation probe wires because of their greater resistance and quality of voltmeters used. Two thermocouple psychrometers were installed at every instrument station for backup and verification of data, because the instruments could not be recalibrated in situ. Multiple scanning rather than single-point scanning of the evaporation curve of a thermocouple …

The population balance methodology is described and applied to the transport and capture of polydispersed colloids in packed columns. The transient model includes particle growth, capture, convective transport, and dispersion. We also follow the dynamic accumulation of captured colloids on the solids. The multidimensional parabolic partial differential equation was solved by a recently enhanced method of characteristics technique. This computational technique minimized numerical dispersion and is computationally very fast. The FORTRAN 77 code ran on a VAX-780 in less than a minute and also runs on an IBM-AT using the Professional FORTRAN compiler. The code was extensively tested against various simplified cases and against analytical models. The packed column experiments by Saltelli et al. were re-analyzed incorporating the experimentally reported size distribution of the colloid feed material. Colloid capture was modeled using a linear size dependent filtration function. The effects of a colloid size dependent filtration factor and various initial colloid size distributions on colloid migration and capture were investigated. Also, we followed the changing colloid size distribution as a function of position in the column. Some simple arguments are made to assess the likelihood of colloid migration at a potential NTS Yucca Mountain waste disposal site. 10 refs., 3 …

A vacuum reverse-air circulation drilling method was used to drill two 17-1/2-inch (44.5-centimeter) diameter test holes to depths of 1269 feet (387 meters) and 1887 feet (575 meters) at Yucca Mountain near the Nevada Test Site. The site is being considered by the US Department of Energy for construction of a high-level radioactive-waste repository. One of these two test holes (USW UZ-1) has been equipped with instrumentation to obtain a long-term record of pressure and moisture potential data; the other test hole (USW UZ-6) will be similarly instrumented in the near future. These investigations are being conducted as part of the Nevada Nuclear Waste Storage Investigations Project of the US Department of Energy. The test holes were drilled using a 5-1/2-inch (14-centimeter) by 8-5/8-inch (22-centimeter) dual-string reverse-vacuum assembly. A vacuum, induced at the land surface, removed the drill cuttings through the inner string. Compressed air was injected into the dual-string annulus to cool the bit and to keep the bit and inner string clean. A tracer gas, sulfur hexafluoride (SF{sub 6}), was added to the compressed air for a later determination of atmospheric contamination that might have occurred during the drilling. After reaching the surface, the drill cuttings were routed …

The Nevada Nuclear Waste Storage Investigations Project of the US Department of Energy provides that agency with data for evaluating volcanic tuff beneath Yucca Mountain, Nevada, to determine its suitability for a potential repository of high-level radioactive waste. Thickness of the unsaturated zone, which consists of fractured, welded and nonwelded tuff, is about 1640 to 2460 feet (500 to 750 meters). One question to be resolved is an estimate of minimum ground-water traveltime from the disturbed zone of the potentail repository to the accessible environment. Another issue is the potential for diffusive or convective gaseous transport of radionuclides from an underground facility in the unsaturated zone to the accessible environment. Gas samples were collected at intervals to a depth of 1200 feet from the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Samples were analyzed for major atmospheric gases; carbon dioxide in the samples was analyzed for carbon-14 activity and for {delta}2!{sup 3}C; water vapor in the samples was analyzed for deuterium and oxygen-18. These data could provide insight into the nature of unsaturated zone transport processes. 15 refs., 4 figs., 4 tabs.

A meeting was held at the Central Design Group (CDG), to discuss magnet length and to recommend a length for the planned Conceptual Design Report (CDR) as well as for magnet R and D. This report is a summary of the findings. Included is the letter from C. Taylor, CDG, convening the meeting, the proposed agenda, a summary of the results, and an appendix containing information presented at the meeting. The discussion mainly centered around 4, 5, and 6 dipoles per (100 m) half-cell. The magnetic lengths are approximately 16.6 m per dipole (the ROS length as well as that of the first R and D magnet now under construction), 20.75 m for four dipoles per half-cell, and 13.8 m for six dipoles per half-cell. Cost estimates are given. The apparent cost advantage of the longer units could be partially offset if the aperture can be adjusted to take advantage of a more uniform average magnetic field that could be realized by sorting. This sorting can be more effective with 20% more (shorter) magnets in the machine.