ASTM mechanical property specification verification tests have been conducted on the 2 /sup 1///sub 4/ Cr--1 Mo steel. The base properties have been determined for the steel at various temperatures and after exposure to various environments. Compression load versus deflection calibration curves have been determined for 316 SS loading rings. Thermal expansivity of both the 2 /sup 1///sub 4/ Cr--1 Mo steel and 316 SS have been determined at 500/sup 0/F and 900/sup 0/F. Thermal expansion characteristics and time dependence of the deflection of ring-sample composites have been measured to provide information about the constancy of stress on samples loaded by pre-compressed rings. Results of all exposure tests, including samples under load during exposure, in inert gas reveal that no degradation of ambient temperature mechanical properties occurs.

ASTM mechanical property specification verification tests have been conducted on the 2 /sup 1///sub 4/ Cr--1 Mo steel. The base properties have been determined for the steel and calibrations on the thermal expansivity of both the 2 /sup 1///sub 4/ Cr--1 Mo steel and 316 SS for use as loading rings have been completed.

ASTM mechanical property specification verification tests have been conducted on the 2 /sup 1///sub 4/ Cr-1 Mo steel. The base properties have been determined for the steel and calibrations on the thermal expansivity of both the 2 /sup 1///sub 4/ Cr-1 Mo steel and 316 SS for use as loading rings have been completed.

A methodology has been developed and implemented to allow silicon samples containing intentionally incorporated impurities to be fabricated into finished solar cells under carefully controlled conditions. The electrical and spectral properties were then measured for each group processed, and this data, along with all the material, (cells and scrap) were delivered to JPL for further analysis. All 33 lots of Group ''C'', 14 lots of Group ''CM'' and 16 lots of Group ''F'' have been fabricated into cells, tested and delivered to JPL.

Various resource data are presented showing that geothermal energy has the potential of satisfying a significant part of California's increasing energy needs. General factors slowing the development of geothermal energy in California are discussed and required actions to accelerate its progress are presented. Finally, scenarios for developing the most promising prospect in the state directed at timely on-line power are given. Specific actions required to realize each of these individual scenarios are identified.

At the present time, rules for design of piping for nuclear power plant elevated temperature service are contained in Code Case 1592-8. A Task Group under the Code Working Group on Pipe Design has prepared a revised portion on piping for a future revision of Code Case 1592. This revised portion contains explicit equations for calculating stresses; those stresses are limited by the general stress limits of the Code Case. The stress equations involve the use of stress indices which, except for the B/sub 2/' indices, are given in the present Code, NB-3600. This report started as an effort to develop appropriate B/sub 2/' indices for inclusion on the Code Case. However, the report shows that the B/sub 1/ and B/sub 2/ indices are based on limit load concepts hence there is no need for the B/sub 2/' indices. The general concepts and motivation behind the stress index approach is described. The background of the B/sub 1/ and B/sub 2/ indices is given for the several types of piping products covered by the indices. This report is concerned with stress indices in equations as used for checking the equivalent of ''Primary Stress Intensity Limits.'' It does not address the use …

The system is designed for accurate, precise, and selective determination of from 10 to 180 mg of uranium in 2 to 12 cm/sup 3/ of solution. Samples, standards, and their solutions are handled on a weight basis. These weights, together with their appropriate identification numbers, are stored in computer memory and are used automatically in the assay calculations after each titration. The measurement technique (controlled-current coulometry) is based on the Davies-Gray and New Brunswick Laboratory method, in which U(VI) is reduced to U(IV) in strong H/sub 3/PO/sub 4/, followed by titration of the U(IV) with electrogenerated V(V). Solution pretreatment and titration are automatic. The analyzer is able to process 44 samples per loading of the sample changer, at a rate of 4 to 9 samples per hour. The system includes a comprehensive fault-monitoring system that detects analytical errors, guards against abnormal conditions which might cause errors, and prevents unsafe operation. A detailed description of the system, information on the reliability of the component subsystems, and a summary of its evaluation by the New Brunswick Laboratory are presented.

Wisely managing the profound human and environmental risks of nuclear wastes requires complex moral and ethical judgments. Whereas traditional ethics is limited to interpersonal relations, a new system of ethics--bioethics--concerns man's relation with nature. Environmentalists claim that technology has upset the balance of nature, that nature is sacred and has inviolable rights, and that man must therefore regulate his behavior to conform to earth's limited carrying capacity. They also say that Judeo-Christian monotheism and anthropocentrism have sanctioned the exploitation of nature in the West, whereas Eastern religions teach adaptation to nature. Evidence suggests, however, that the balance of nature is neither absolute nor precarious, but is continually changing. Moreover, technology has brought more good than harm to man, and man's needs should supersede nature's. Other evidence indicates that the earth's resources may be neither limited nor nearly exhausted. Persuasive arguments also demonstrate that man's relation with nature is not traceable to religious assumptions. In assessing the risks/benefits of nuclear-waste management, we should avoid risks that jeopardize the rights of future generations without imposing excessive sacrifices on the present generation.

Application of a two-phase turbine system to waste heat recovery was examined. Bottoming cycle efficiencies ranging from 15 to 30% were calculated for a 720/sup 0/F diesel exhaust temperature. A single stage demonstration unit, designed for non-toxic fluids (water and DowTherm A) and for atmospheric seals and bearings, had a cycle efficiency of 23%. The net output power was 276 hp at 8,100 rpm, increasing the total shaft power from 1,800 hp for the diesel alone, to 2,076 hp for the combined system. A four stage organic turbine, for the same application, had a rotational speed of 14,700 rpm while a four stage steam turbine had 26,000 rpm. Fabrication drawings were prepared for the turbine and nozzle. The major improvement leading to higher cycle efficiency and lower turbine rpm was found to be the use of a liquid component with lower sensible heat. A reduction in capital cost was found to result from the use of a contact heat exchanger instead of tube-fin construction. The cost for a contact heat exchanger was only $35-52/kWe compared to $98/kWe for a tube-fin heat exchanger. Design drawings and materials list were prepared. A program resulting in the demonstration of a two-phase bottoming system …

This report deals with some techniques in applied programming using the Livermore Timesharing System (LTSS) on the CDC 7600 computers at the National Magnetic Fusion Energy Computer Center (NMFECC) and the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory Computer Center (LLLCC or Octopus network). This report is based on a document originally written specifically about the system as it is implemented at NMFECC but has been revised to accommodate differences between LLLCC and NMFECC implementations. Topics include: maintaining programs, debugging, recovering from system crashes, and using the central processing unit, memory, and input/output devices efficiently and economically. Routines that aid in these procedures are mentioned. The companion report, UCID-17556, An LTSS Compendium, discusses the hardware and operating system and should be read before reading this report.

A study on how nonfuel components of coal will affect the electron and alkali seed chemistry in a high temperature coal combustion system like those envisioned for direct fired MHD generators is described. Three specific problems are being considered. The first problem area is to characterize the formation of negative ions due to electron attachment processes in the combustion flow. While some stable negative ions may be formed from hydrocarbon combustion species (OH, HCO/sup -//sub 3/), the bulk of the stable negative ions are expected to be formed from oxidized inorganic coal slag constituents (CO/sup -//sub 2/, PO/sup -//sub 2/, AlO/sup -//sub 2/, etc). Negative ion formation can reduce the conductivity of the MHD plasma, particularly at the low temperature end of the MHD channel, thus decreasing the efficiency of power generation. This phenomena is expected to be particularly severe in electrode boundary layers, and particular attention will be paid to conditions characteristic of flow along the electrodes. The second problem area involves the role slag condensation may play in determining the electron density through recombination, also adversely affecting conductivity in the core flow. The competitive balance between thermionic emission from slag droplets and electron/ion recombination on the droplet surfaces …

The purpose of this contract effort is to understand how nonfuel components of coal will affect the electron and alkali seed chemistry in a high temperature coal combustion system like that envisioned for direct fired MHD generators. Three specific problems are being considered during this contract period. The first problem area is to characterize the formation of negative ions due to electron attachment processes in the combustion flow. While some stable negative ions may be formed from hydrocarbon combustion species (OH/sup -/), the bulk of the stable negative ions are expected to be formed from oxidized inorganic coal slag constituents (BO/sup -//sub 2/, PO/sup -//sub 2/, AlO/sup -//sub 2/, etc). Negative ion formation can reduce the conductivity of the MHD plasma, particularly at the low temperature end of the MHD channel, thus decreasing the efficiency of power generation. The second problem area involves the role slag condensation may play in determining the electron density through recombination, also adversely affecting conductivity in the core flow. The competitive balance between thermionic emission from slag droplets and electron/ion recombination on the droplet surfaces may be severely tipped in favor of electron loss processes, depending on the slag properties. The third problem area is …

This report describes the conceptual design and performance of a subsea nuclear power system for application in offshore oil and gas production. The system can be designed and built with minimum additional development, based on space nuclear power technology, components, and systems completed during the past 20 years. The concept is particularly well suited to meet the requirements of the offshore oil application for adequate safety, high reliability, and acceptable costs. The system is designed to provide 3000 kWe power to oil pumps, at 4160 V, and 60 Hz, for a period of 4 years, in an automatic, unattended mode. At the end of this period, the system is returned to a refurbishment center, where the reactor core is replaced and other parts of the systems are inspected, refurbished, or replaced, as required. With this periodic refueling and maintenance, the total system design life is 20 years. The nuclear power system is largely contained within two separate pressure vessels, connected by an enclosed pipe chase. One vessel contains the reactor and liquid metal primary coolant system, while the other contains the organic Rankine power conversion systems. These modules are mounted on a barge which provides both a means to transport …

This report documents the 1) radial compliance and 2) low friction coating tests conducted on the CRBRP Rotating Plug Inflatable Seals per test plan N707TR810014. Test results show that narrowing the seal blade from 0.25 to 0.12 in. will effectively reduce dynamic drag from 30 to 20 lb/ft under nominal conditions and will increase seal radial compliance from 0.12 to 0.30 in. without an unacceptable rise in dynamic drag. Tests also demonstrated that application of a teflon coating to the seal wear surface reduced breakaway drag by 25% based on results of comparison dwells.

A three-month design and cost study for the use of nickel--zinc batteries in electric vehicles is presented. Battery configuration is analyzed, and expected performance is set forth. Current development problems concern component materials and capacity decline on cycling, electrolyte maintenance, and thermal characteristics. The manufacturing process is outlined, and estimates are made for cost, materials requirements, capital needs, etc. 61 figures, 24 tables. (RWR)

Significant progress toward the development of a solar energy storage system based on the norbornadiene-quadricyclene interconversion has been achieved during the past year. New sensitizers and catalysts have been discovered and conditions found where single cycles of the photosensitization step and the catalytic reversion step appear to be quantitative. Both sensitizers and catalysts have been successfully incorporated onto insoluble polymeric supports. The long term stability of these components is currently being tested using a recently constructed prototype device designed for multiple recycling experiments. Investigations are also underway on design modifications which will allow incorporation of the norbornadiene-quadricyclene system into currently available state-of-the-art solar collectors.

The emphasis of work during this past quarter has been on improvement of the performance of immobilized photosensitizers. Prolonged use of Polymer N in the recycling prototype has resulted in gradual deterioration of the behavior of this photosensitizer. Furthermore the opacity of the beads results in an inherent 20% loss in efficiency apparently through light reflection. In an attempt to improve the characteristics with respect to these points considerable effort was devoted in the synthetic grafting of sensitizer chromophores to glass surfaces. Some success has already been achieved, and the first successful silica-grafted photosensitizer is reported. Experience with the polystyrene grafted sensitizers, such as polymer N, has shown that details concerning the synthetic pathway (such as percent loading, types of site-site interactions, particle size and synthetic sequence) markedly influence the performance. Clearly, enhanced characteristics can be expected with systematic refinements. Preliminary results on both organic and inorganic systems are described.

Research on polymer organic sensitizers and polymer inorganic sensitizers for the conversion of norbornadiene to quadricyclene for thermochemical storage of solar heat is described. Also, research on the catalysis of the conversion of quadricyclane to norbornadiene is described. Polymer-anchored cobalt(II) porphyrin catalysts, polymer-anchored palladium(II) phosphine catalysts, and triphenylcyclopropenyl nickel complexes as catalysts were studied, and results are discussed. (WHK)

It was previously found that the triphenylcyclopropenyl-nickel compound ((C/sub 6/H/sub 5/)/sub 3/C/sub 3/Ni(CO)Br)/sub 2/ (I, X = Br) was an active catalyst for the conversion of quadricyclene to norbornadiene. This result was of considerable interest in connection with the development of the solar energy storage system since it indicated a new type of complex of a relatively abundant metal with potentially useful catalytic properties. For this reason, during this quarter a variety of triphenylcyclopropenyl-nickel derivatives were synthesized in order to determine their structure-activity relationships with respect to catalysis of the conversion of quadricyclene to norbornadiene. Also, a new approach to the development of a polymer-bound catalyst for the conversion of quadricyclene to norbornadiene based on an ion-exchange resin was also explored. Procedures and results are reported. (WHK)

Research on polymeric organic sensitizers and polymeric inorganic sensitizers for the conversion of norbornadine to quadricyclene and catalysts for the conversion of quadricyclene to norbornadine is described. The interconversion of norbornadine and quadricyclene is studied for its possible use for thermochemical solar energy storage. (WHK)

During this quarter the portion of this project concerned with catalysis has concentrated on the development of increased understanding of the cobalt(II) porphyrin catalyst. Of potential importance is the observation that the activity of partially deactivated catalysts can be partially restored by treatment with titanium(III) solutions thereby suggesting that a major cause of the losses of activity of catalysts upon repeated recycling arises from oxidation of cobalt(II) to cobalt(III). The previously discovered molybdenum catalyst ((CF/sub 3/)/sub 2/C/sub 2/S/sub 2/)/sub 3/Mo and the closely related nickel catalyst ((CF/sub 3/)/sub 2/C/sub 2/S/sub 2/)/sub 2/Ni were also studied in detail.

The analysis and results of an investigation of the application of organic Rankine cycle heat recovery systems to diesel-powered marine vessels are described. The program under which this study was conducted was sponsored jointly by the US Energy Research and Development Administration, the US Navy, and the US Maritime Administration. The overall objective of this study was to investigate diesel bottoming energy recovery systems, currently under development by three US concerns, to determine the potential for application to marine diesel propulsion and auxiliary systems. The study primarily focused on identifying the most promising vessel applications (considering vessel type, size, population density, operational duty cycle, etc.) so the relative economic and fuel conservation merits of energy recovery systems could be determined and assessed. Vessels in the current fleet and the projected 1985 fleet rated at 1000 BHP class and above were investigated.

The effect of shock wave risetime on material ejection in aluminum has been studied for loading stresses of 21 GPa. Uniform loading was accomplished with plate impact techniques by mounting specimens on a ramp wave generator. Projectile impact on one side of the wave generator produced a wave which dispersed with propagation distance. This wave was then made incident to an aluminum specimen, so that the specimen experienced non-shock loading. It was found that mass ejection from aluminum surfaces can be reduced by over two orders of magnitude relative to shock loading conditions by accelerating the surface with a wave risetime greater than about 35 ns. These results suggest an explanation for the apparent discrepancies which are sometimes observed in mass ejection measurements utilizing either plate impact or electron beam deposition to generate stress waves.

Experiments conducted during this past quarter demonstrated the decided difference both in amount and composition of the gas produced from the fermentation of ozonated versus unozonated yeast-plant SSL. Gas from ozonated SSL averaged over 80% methane content while unozonated effluent was mostly carbon dioxide. Gas production rates and retention time studies indicated that the fermentation was substrate-limited. Preliminary tests using supplemental carbon sources have verified this. The success of the ozonation process in producing fermentable substrates was clearly shown by the appreciable yeast growth in the ozonated SSL. Of particular significance was the maximum yield obtained at the short ozonation time of 10 minutes as compared to the 2-hour treatment. It is possible that shortening the ozonation time could also increase the amount of substrate available for methane production. This would be very important in transferring this process to a commercial basis and reducing the operating costs.