Long-term nuclear material storage will require in-vault data verification, sensor testing, error and alarm response, inventory, and maintenance operations. System concept development efforts for a comprehensive nuclear material management system have identified the use of a small flexible mobile automation platform to perform these surveillance and maintenance operations. In order to have near-term wide-range application in the Complex, a mobile surveillance system must be small, flexible, and adaptable enough to allow retrofit into existing special nuclear material facilities. The objective of the Mobile Surveillance and Monitoring Robot project is to satisfy these needs by development of a human scale mobile robot to monitor the state of health, physical security and safety of items in storage and process; recognize and respond to alarms, threats, and off-normal operating conditions; and perform material handling and maintenance operations. The system will integrate a tool kit of onboard sensors and monitors, maintenance equipment and capability, and SNL developed non-lethal threat response technology with the intelligence to identify threats and develop and implement first response strategies for abnormal signals and alarm conditions. System versatility will be enhanced by incorporating a robot arm, vision and force sensing, robust obstacle avoidance, and appropriate monitoring and sensing equipment.

Improvements in the last decade in InP materials growth, device processing techniques, characterization, and circuit design have enabled solid-state power performance through 122 GHz. Although originally targeted for low-noise and power performance at mm-wave frequencies (>30 GHz), InP HEMTs could become the preferred device for frequencies as low as 800 MHz. This investment has benefited the microwave frequency regime with higher efficiency and power densities at lower operating voltages. State-of-the-art microwave performance at lower operating voltage provides a path to smaller, lighter-weight systems in the battery operated arena of commercial and defense electronics. This paper describes an InP HEMT technology being investigated for many power and low-noise amplifier applications from UHF to W-band frequencies. Specifically the technology demonstrated 640mW/mm power density, 27 dB gain, and 84% power-added efficiency at L-band with a bias of 3.0 volts. Based on the author's literature search, this is a record efficiency at L-band with an operating voltage of less than 5 volts.

This paper describes the results of a computational study performed to investigate the behavior of granite under shock wave loading conditions. A thermomechanically consistent constitutive model that includes the effects of bulking, yielding, material damage, and porous compaction on the material response was used in the simulations. The model parameters were determined based on experimental data, and the model was then used in a series of one-dimensional simulations of PILE DRIVER, a deeply-buried explosion in a granite formation at the Nevada Test Site. Particle velocity histories, peak velocity and peak displacement as a function of slant range, and the cavity radius obtained from the code simulations compared favorably with PILE DRIVER data.

The ORLaND (Oak Ridge Large Neutrino Detector) collaboration proposes to construct a large neutrino detector in an underground experimental hall adjacent to the first target station of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The main mission of a large (2000 ton) Scintillation-Cherenkov detector is to measure {bar {nu}}{sub {mu}} {r_arrow} {bar {nu}}{sub e} neutrino oscillation parameters more accurately than they can be determined in other experiments, or significantly extending the covered parameter space below (sin'20 {le} 10{sup {minus}4}). In addition to the neutrino oscillation measurements, ORLaND would be capable of making precise measurements of sin{sup 2} {theta}{sub W}, search for the magnetic moment of the muon neutrino, and investigate the anomaly in the KARMEN time spectrum, which has been attributed to a new neutral particle. With the same facility an extensive program of measurements of neutrino nucleus cross sections is also planned to support nuclear astrophysics.

Many studies have investigated the behavior of transition metal dopants in the YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}} 123 superconductors. Much of this research has focused on the effects of metal ions such as Co, Fe, Zn, Ni when they are substituted for the copper ions at Cu(1) and Cu(2) sites, commonly referred to as the chain and plane sites, respectively. Trivalent ions such as Co{sup +3} and Fe{sup +3}have been shown to behave similarly in their substitution effects, displaying site preference on the Cu(1) site [3-8]. This site preference has been established with the use of techniques such as neutron diffraction and Moessbauer spectroscopy [4,5]. Thermogravimetry, electron diffraction, and analysis of lattice parameters as a function of dopant also yield results consistent with those of the structural studies with respect to the chain site preference of both Co and Fe [3,4,6-8]. The very fast convergence of a and b lattice parameters to that of the tetragonal structure, occurring at x = 0.3 Co dopant (i.e. YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 2.7}Co{sub 0.3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}}) for high-oxygen-content samples, coupled with information derived from diffuse scattering and oxidation behavior of these samples, has been described in detail by several authors in terms of the Co and Fe …

An ultra-high pressure air source for a hypersonic wind tunnel for fluid dynamics and combustion physics and chemistry research and development must provide a 10 kg/s pure air flow for more than 1 s at a specific enthalpy of more than 3000 kJ/kg. The nominal operating pressure and temperature condition for the air source is 2000 MPa and 900 K. A radial array of variable radial support intensifiers connected to an axial manifold provides an arbitrarily large total high pressure volume. This configuration also provides solutions to cross bore stress concentrations and the decrease in material strength with temperature. [hypersonic, high pressure, air, wind tunnel, ground testing]

Dislocation interactions play a critical role in plasticity and heteroepitaxial strain relaxation. We use real time transmission electron microscopy observations of the interaction between threading and misfit dislocations in SiGe heterostructures to investigate interactions quantitatively. In addition to the expected long range blocking of threading segments, we observe a new short range mechanism which is significantly more effective. Simulations show that this reactive blocking occurs when two dislocations with the same Burgers vector reconnect.

In pure heat transfer, specifications of effectiveness, fluid properties, and flows enable calculation of the heat exchanger area. In the case of falling film absorption, a simultaneous heat and mass transfer governs the performance of the absorber. The exchange of mass across the liquid-vapor interface involves the generation of heat. The heat effects associated with the mass exchange increase the temperature, which affects the equilibrium state of the pressure and composition and in turn affects the mass. The falling film flow rate coupled to the physical properties of kinematic viscosity and surface tension govern the flow regime of a vertical falling film. Wavy-laminar, roll-wave laminar, and turbulent flows will develop convective contributions that can enhance the transfer of mass into the film. The combined interaction of all these factors makes the absorption process very difficult to analyze and predict. A study of simultaneous heat and mass transfer was therefore conduct ed on a vertical falling film absorber to better understand the mechanisms driving the heat and mass transfer processes. Falling films are characteristically unstable, and a wavy-laminar flow was observed during the experimental study. The wavy flow further complicates the problem; therefore, only limited information is known about the temperature …

Water and its major constituent, oxygen, in large specific quantities are essential for maintenance of human life. Providing them in adequate quantities is widely believed to be a major challenge for human exploration and settlement of Mars. The Martian regolith isn't known to bear either water or hydrogen, the ice-rich Martian polar regions are thermally inhospitable, and the measured water content of Mars' thin atmosphere represents a layer of liquid water of average thickness only {approx}1% that available on the Moon, or {approx}0.001 cm. Crucially, however, the atmospheric Martian water inventory is advected meteorologically to everyplace on Mars, so that the few cubic kilometers of liquid water-equivalent in the atmosphere are available anywhere when, merely for the effort of condensing it. Well-engineered apparatus deployed essentially anywhere on Mars can condense water from the atmosphere in daily quantities not much smaller than its own mass, rejecting into space from radiators deployed over the local terrain the water's heat-of-condensation and the heat from non-ideality of the equipment's operation. Thus, an optimized, photovoltaically-powered water-condensing system of {approx}0.3 tons mass could strip 40 tons of water each year from {approx} 10{sup 4} times this mass of thin, dry Martian air. Given a 490 set …

It is well known that the NMR method for protein structure determination applies to small proteins and that its effectiveness decreases very rapidly as the molecular weight increases beyond about 30 kD. We have recently developed a method for protein structure determination that can fully utilize partial NMR data as calculation constraints. The core of the method is a threading algorithm that guarantees to find a globally optimal alignment between a query sequence and a template structure, under distance constraints specified by NMR/NOE data. Our preliminary tests have demonstrated that a small number of NMR/NOE distance restraints can significantly improve threading performance in both fold recognition and threading-alignment accuracy, and can possibly extend threading's scope of applicability from structural homologs to structural analogs. An accurate backbone structure generated by NMR-constrained threading can then provide a significant amount of structural information, equivalent to that provided by the NMR method with many NMR/NOE restraints; and hence can greatly reduce the amount of NMR data typically required for accurate structure determination. Our preliminary study suggests that a small number of NMR/NOE restraints may suffice to determine adequately the all-atom structure when those restraints are incorporated in a procedure combining threading, modeling of loops …

A batch vitrification process, which utilizes an oxalate precipitate and frit (or cullet), is being developed at the Savannah River Technology Center (SRTC) to immobilize an Am-Cm solution. Prior to being accepted as the baseline flowsheet, numerous laboratory-scale tests were conducted to demonstrate its feasibility and to characterize the general melt behavior of the oxalate/frit system. The effects of frit particle size and oxalate precipitation temperature were the initial focus of these studies. Two technical issues were identified during these initial tests that warranted further study: a volume or bed expansion was observed at approximately 1140 degrees C and ''excessive'' bubble formation between 1220 - 1250 degrees C. Although high temperature bubble formation does not pose a serious process concern (i.e., longer residence times and/or higher process temperatures minimize bubble retention), the volume expansion is undesirable during processing. The volume expansion may limit the amount of glass that can be produced in a single batch. That is, the batch height may have to be controlled so that the material is contained within the Pt-Rh vessel at all times. Both the volume expansion and high temperature bubble formation have been linked to the thermal reduction of CeO{sub 2}. As part of …

The authors investigate finite pulse effects in self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE), especially the role of coherent spontaneous emission (CSE) in the start and the evolution of the free-electron laser (FEL) process. When the FEL interaction is negligible, they solve the one-dimensional Maxwell equation exactly and clarify the meaning of the slowly varying envelope approximation (SVEA). In the exponential gain regime, they solve the coupled Vlasov-Maxwell equations and extend the linear theory to a bunched beam with energy spread. A time-dependent, non-linear simulation algorithm is employed to study the CSE effect for a general beam distribution.

Microstructural analyses by several advanced metallographic techniques were conducted on austenitic stainless steel mockup and core shroud welds that had cracked in boiling water reactors. Contrary to previous beliefs, heat-affected zones of the cracked Type 304L, as well as 304 SS core shroud welds and mockup shielded-metal-arc welds, were free of grain-boundary carbides, which shows that core shroud failure cannot be explained by classical intergranular stress corrosion cracking. Neither martensite nor delta-ferrite films were present on the grain boundaries. However, as a result of exposure to welding fumes, the heat-affected zones of the core shroud welds were significantly contaminated by oxygen and fluorine, which migrate to grain boundaries. Significant oxygen contamination seems to promote fluorine contamination and suppress thermal sensitization. Results of slow-strain-rate tensile tests also indicate that fluorine exacerbates the susceptibility of irradiated steels to intergranular stress corrosion cracking. These observations, combined with previous reports on the strong influence of weld flux, indicate that oxygen and fluorine contamination and fluorine-catalyzed stress corrosion play a major role in cracking of core shroud welds.

As environmental laws become increasingly protective, and with possible future changes in global climate, thermal effects on aquatic resources are likely to receive increasing attention. Lethal temperatures for a variety of species have been determined for situations where temperatures rise rapidly resulting in lethal effects. However, less is known about the effects of chronic exposure to high (but not immediately lethal) temperatures and even less about stress accumulation during periods of fluctuating temperatures. In this paper we present a modeling framework for assessing cumulative thermal stress in fish. The model assumes that stress accumulation occurs above a threshold temperature at a rate depending on the degree to which the threshold is exceeded. The model also includes stress recovery (or alleviation) when temperatures drop below the threshold temperature as in systems with large daily variation. In addition to non-specific physiological stress, the model also simulates thermal effects on growth.

The HMX {beta}-{delta} solid-solid phase transition, which occurs as HMX is heated near 170 C, is clearly linked to increased reactivity and sensitivity to initiation. Thermally damaged energetic materials (EMs) containing HMX therefore may present a safety concern. Information about the phase transition is vital to a predictive safety model for HMX and HMX-containing EMs. We report work in progress on monitoring the phase transition with real-time Raman spectroscopy and ultrasonic measurements aimed towards a better understanding of physical properties through the phase transition. HMX samples were confined with minimal free volume.in a cell with constant volume. The cell was heated at a controlled rate and real-time Raman spectroscopic or ultrasonic measurements were performed. Raman spectroscopy provides a clear distinction between the two phases because the vibrational transitions of the molecule change with confirmational changes associated with the phase transition. Ultrasonic time-of-flight measurements provide an additional method of distinguishing the two phases because the sound speed through the material changes with the phase transition. Ultrasonic attenuation measurements also provide information about microstructural changes such as increased porosity due to evolution of gaseous decomposition products.

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is ''bringing science to life'' through the creation of knowledge; the invention of new tools and techniques; the scientific analysis of complex situations; and the design, construction and operation of research facilities used by scientists and engineers from throughout the world. ORNL creates and uses partnerships as a means for conducting collaborative research and development (R and D), facilitating access to its capabilities, improving the utilization of its unique science and technological facilities, and assisting in commercialization of technology. This paper will concentrate on seven of the mechanisms used to access ORNL facilities and expertise namely, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements, License Agreements, Personnel Exchanges, Small Business Innovative Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Partnerships, Technical Assistance Program, User Facility Agreements, and Work For Others Agreements. Cooperative Research and Development Agreements, also known as CRADAs, create formal teams of researchers from ORNL and private industry for the purpose of collaborating on an R and D area of interest to both partners. License Agreements give commercial entities authorization to use ORNL-developed technologies for specified purposes. A Personnel Exchange either locates ORNL employees at the site of the partner organization, or, brings the employee(s) of the …

An initial investigation for the use of an amorphous silicon flat panel as an imaging detector for thermal neutrons is described. A dpiX Model SS2200 imaging panel was used with a Li-6 enriched, LiF-ZnS(Ag) scintillator screen for a thermal neutron imaging investigation using the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor and the neutron radiography facility at Penn State University''s Radiation Science and Engineering Center. Good quality thermal neutron images were obtained at exposures in the range of 106 to 107n/cm2, values that compare favorably with those normally required for a medium-speed film result. Spatial resolution observed was in the order of 2 line pairs/mm, a value consistent with the resolution limitation of the imaging screen. The neutron images showed excellent quality, as determined with radiographs of the modified Type A gage test piece, often used to evaluate thermal neutron radioscopic images. Fourteen consecutive holes in the ''A'' gage test piece were observed, an excellent result as compared to typical neutron radioscopic systems.

This report presents the results of a Fermilab study of the sensitivity for Higgs boson production at the upgraded Tevatron in Run II. The study extends previous Tevatron results by combining all possible search channels, considering the production of higher mass Higgs bosons and interpreting the results in the context of supersymmetric Higgs production as well as Standard Model production.

Detection of Chemical/Biological Agents and Simulants A new detector for chemical and biological agents is being developed for the U. S. Army under the Chemical and Biological Mass Spectrometer Block II program. The CBMS Block II is designed to optimize detection of both chemical and biological agents through the use of direct sampling inlets [I], a multi- ported sampling valve and a turbo- based vacuum system to support chemical ionization. Unit mass resolution using air as the buffer gas [2] has been obtained using this design. Software to control the instrument and to analyze the data generated from the instrument has also been newly developed. Detection of chemical agents can be accomplished. using the CBMS Block II design via one of two inlets - a l/ I 6'' stainless steel sample line -Chemical Warfare Air (CW Air) or a ground probe with enclosed capillary currently in use by the US Army - CW Ground. The Block II design is capable of both electron ionization and chemical ionization. Ethanol is being used as the Cl reagent based on a study indicating best performance for the Biological Warfare (BW) detection task (31). Data showing good signal to noise for 500 pg of …

We report progress of a continuing effort to characterize and simulate the response of energetic materials (EMs), primarily HMX-based, under conditions leading to cookoff. Our experiments include mechanical-effects testing of HMX and FIMX with binder at temperatures nearing decomposition thresholds. Additional experiments have focused on decomposition of these EMs under confinement, measuring evolution of gas products and observing the effect of pressurization on the solid. Real-time measurements on HMX show abrupt changes that maybe due to sudden void collapse under increasing load. Postmortem examination shows significant internal damage to the pellets, including voids and cracks. These experiments have been used to help develop a constitutive model for pure HMX. Unconfined uniaxial compression tests were performed on HMX and LX-14 to examine the effect of binders on the deviatoric strength of EM pellets, and to assess the need of including deviatoric terms in the model. A scale-up experiment will be described that is being developed to validate the model and provide additional diagnostics.

The authors report the first KTeV measurement for the search of direct-CP violation by using 23% of the data sample collected in the 1996-97 fixed target run at Fermilab. The result is, Re({epsilon}{prime}/{epsilon}) = (28.0 {+-} 4.1) x 10{sup -4}, nearly 7{delta} above zero obtained by a blind analysis. This firmly establishes the long-sought direct-CP violation effect in the two-pion system ({pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -} versus {pi}{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}) of neutral kaon decays.

Recent improvements in z-pinch wire array load design at Sandia National Laboratories have led to a substantial increase in pinch performance as measured by radiated powers of up to 280 TW in 4 ns and 1.8 MJ of total radiated energy. Next generation, higher current machines will allow for larger mass arrays and comparable or higher velocity implosions to be reached, possibly extending these result.dis the current is pushed above 20 MA, conventional machine design based on a 100 ns implosion time results in higher voltages, hence higher cost and power flow risk. Another approach, which shifts the risk to the load configuration, is to increase the implosion time to minimize the voltage. This approach is being investigated in a series of experimental campaigns on the Saturn and Z machines. In this paper, both experimental and two dimensional computational modeling of the fist long implosion Z experiments will be presented. The experimental data shows broader pulses, lower powers, and larger pinch diameters compared to the corresponding short pulse data. By employing a nested array configuration, the pinch diameter was reduced by 50% with a corresponding increase in power of > 30%. Numerical simulations suggest load velocity is the dominating mechanism …

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) will provide an intense source of low-energy neutrons for experimental use. The low-energy neutrons are produced by the interaction of a high-energy (1.0 GeV) proton beam on a mercury (Hg) target and slowed down in liquid hydrogen or light water moderators. Computer codes and computational techniques are being benchmarked against relevant experimental data to validate and verify the tools being used to predict the performance of the SNS. The LAHET Code System (LCS), which includes LAHET, HTAPE ad HMCNP (a modified version of MCNP version 3b), have been applied to the analysis of experiments that were conducted in the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron (AGS) facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). In the AGS experiments, foils of various materials were placed around a mercury-filled stainless steel cylinder, which was bombarded with protons at 1.6 GeV. Neutrons created in the mercury target, activated the foils. Activities of the relevant isotopes were accurately measured and compared with calculated predictions. Measurements at BNL were provided in part by collaborating scientists from JAERI as part of the AGS Spallation Target Experiment (ASTE) collaboration. To date, calculations have shown good agreement with measurements.

Using an energy supply systems approach, we envision attributes and characteristic needs of a future global fission-based energy supply infrastructure, enumerate potential pathways for meeting those needs, and identify the underlying enabling science and technology developments for R and D efforts to meet the needs.