Least squares analyses of calorimetric measurements made at Mound Laboratory on two tritide compounds over a period of 18 y were performed to determine the half-life of tritium. A half-life of 12.3232 +- 0.0043 mean solar years was obtained.

Various plants that might play a role in the energy mix of the future are discussed and illustrated. Included among them are the Euphorbias and Guayule. (JGB)

The production of D/sup -/ by multiple charge-transfer collisions of a D/sup +/ beam in a cesium-vapor target is considered for D/sup +/ energies above 300 eV. The cross sections relevant to D/sup -/ formation are obtained by a least-squares fit of three-charge-state differential equations to experimental yield curves. Implications for production of intense negative-ion beams are discussed, and speculations are made about extrapolation to lower engeries.

This report summarizes our current effort and ideas toward the development of a model for the planetary boundary layer using the finite element technique. As an initial step, the finite element methodology is applied to simpler version of the boundary layer equations given by the two-dimensional, constant-property, incompressible conservation equations (Navier-Stokes equations). Solution procedures for both the steady-state and transient equations are discussed. For the transient problem, a variable time-step, trapezoid-rule algorithm with dynamic time-truncation error control is presented. The resulting system of nonlinear algebraic equations is solved by a Newton iteration procedure with a frontal solution scheme used for the linear set of equations. The need to develop a suitable linear equation solver, with respect to minimization of computer storage and execution costs, particularly for large (three-dimensional) finite element problems, is also discussed.

A loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) in a boiling-water-reactor (BWR) power plant has never occurred. However, because this type of accident could be particularly severe, it is used as a principal theoretical basis for design. A series of consistent, versatile, and accurate air-water tests that simulate LOCA conditions has been completed on a /sup 1///sub 5/-scale Mark I BWR pressure-suppression system. Results from these tests are used to quantify the vertical-loading function and to study the associated fluid dynamics phenomena. Detailed histories of vertical loads on the wetwell are shown. In particular, variation of hydrodynamic-generated vertical loads with changes in drywell-pressurization rate, downcomer submergence, and the vent-line loss coefficient are established. Initial drywell overpressure, which partially preclears the downcomers of water, substantially reduces the peak vertical loads. Scaling relationships, developed from dimensional analysis and verified by bench-top experiments, allow the /sup 1///sub 5/-scale results to be applied to a full-scale BWR power plant. This analysis leads to dimensionless groupings that are invariant. These groupings show that, if water is used as the working fluid, the magnitude of the forces in a scaled facility is reduced by the cube of the scale factor and occurs in a time reduced by the square root …

Development of acceptable risk criteria for nuclear waste management requires the translation of publicly determined goals and objectives into definitive issues which, in turn, require resolution. Since these issues are largely of a subjective nature, they cannot be resolved by technological methods. Development of acceptable risk criteria might best be accomplished by application of a systematic methodology for the optimal implementation of subjective values. Multi-attribute decision analysis is well suited for this purpose.

A theory of exploding pusher laser pusher targets is compared to results of LASNEX calculations and to Livermore experiments. A scaling relationship is described which predicts the optimum target/pulse combinations as a function of the laser power.

Consideration is given to the stability of negative ion beams which are neutralized through ionization of a background gas. Two types of instabilities are examined. First, beam-plasma instabilities are analyzed with the dispersion relation showing that they are unimportant if the beam velocity is less than the electron thermal velocity. Second, results of a computer simulation on the flow of a cylindrical beam and the resulting background plasma show that when the background neutral gas density is less than or approximately equal to a critical density as instability occurs. This critical density is the density that would be needed to space-charge neutralize the beam if the positive ions were not retarded by the beam. An approximate dispersion relation indicates that the nature of the instability is a transverse positive-ion acoustic wave which couples to the beam.

We propose to study the utilization of high-temperature (approximately 2000-2500K) process heat from fusion reactors for large-scale chemical process applications. Of particular interest is the decomposition reaction, CO/sub 2/ ..-->.. CO + /sup 1///sub 2/O/sub 2/, which at 2500K should yield approximately 60 percent conversion to CO if O/sub 2/ is partially removed through an oxide membrane. Hydrogen can be derived from CO at lower temperatures by reacting CO with steam, and C can also be derived from CO by a disproportionation into C and CO/sub 2/ at approximately 1000K. These chemicals, CO, H/sub 2/, and C, form the basis for a multitude of non-electrical energy applications in the areas of transportation, industrial processes, and residential and commercial uses. In addition to the CO/sub 2/ decomposition process, we propose to explore a variety of ideas and evaluate them for scientific and economic merit. A follow-on research and development program will be proposed if the ideas prove promising.

Study 1 of this contract is entitled ''Evaluation of World Experience and Properties of Materials for Encapsulation of Terrestrial Solar-Cell Arrays.'' The approach of this study is to review and analyze world experience and to compile data on properties of encapsulants for photovoltaic cells and for related applications. The objective of the effort is to recommend candidate materials and processes for encapsulating terrestrial photovoltaic arrays at low cost for a service life greater than 20 years. The objectives of Study 2, ''Definition of Encapsulant Service Environments and Test Conditions,'' are to develop the climatic/environmental data required to define the frequency and duration of detrimental environmental conditions in a 20-year array lifetime and to develop a corresponding test schedule for encapsulant systems. (WDM)

A number of mechanical and electrical measurements were made on joints in typical conductors for the proposed mirror fusion test facility (MFTF) and high field test facility (HFTF). For such measurements, a commercially available cold-pressure-welding machine was used. For joints in the MFTF conductor, which has a large proportion of superconductor, joint strength approached conductor strength. For the HFTF conductor, where the Cu-to-superconductor ratio is 4.33/1, the joint is stronger than the conductor. Electrically, the joints were not superconducting.. While the resistance is higher than might be achieved by other forms of joining, we feel that the cold-weld joint has the advantages of simplicity, speed, reliability, and reproducibility. This makes the method attractive for MFTF, where resistance losses will be small compared with the total 4 K refrigeration requirements.

The hazard matrix is our gross identifier of potential solar collector subsystem hazards. The matrix will be used as a hazard reference in the accomplishment of the preliminary design hazard analysis, and to assist system design engineers in the evaluation of the specific subsystem design.

This energy-impact manual presents information on energy implications of new building design and operation, providing a reasonably accurate means of assessing the total energy impact of new construction in the commercial and residential sectors. While developed specifically for the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, much of the data used are national averages; the procedures described are applicable to other regions of the nation, with appropriate adjustments for climatic differences. The manual is organized into three parts, each covering one aspect of the energy impacts of building development. Part I addresses the energy impact of erecting the building(s). This includes the energy cost of grading and excavating and other site preparation. It also takes into account the energy embodied in the fabrication of materials used in building construction, as well as the energy cost of transporting materials to the site and assembling them. Part II focuses on the end use of energy during normal building operation, i.e., the energy consumed for space heating, cooling, lighting, water heating, etc. A simplified calculation sequence is provided which allows the user to estimate the consumption of most combinations of building orientation, characteristics, and operating conditions. Part III examines the relationship of land …

Results are reported of a study for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide a general understanding of pressure transient (water hammer) propagation in pressurized water reactor (PWR) steam generator feedwater piping systems. A typical feedwater network is defined, and pressure transient initiation is discussed, as well as the plausible pulse shapes reported. The analysis is performed by using the computer codes PTA and WHAM. Forces are calculated at elbows and valves by using momentum principles. The effects of pipe yielding, pipe wall friction, and elbow and value losses are included. Pipe yielding and elbow/valve effects are found to be important, and pressure magnitudes and forces are substantially reduced when these effects are included in the analysis. Typical pressure and force time histories are also given.

A particularly simple problem exhibiting stochasticity is the motion of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field and a single wave. Detailed studies of this wave-particle interaction show the following features. An electrostatic wave propagating obliquely to the magnetic field causes stochastic motion if the wave amplitude exceeds a certain threshold. The overlap of cyclotron resonances then destroys a constant of the motion, allowing strong particle acceleration. A wave of large enough amplitude would thus suffer severe damping and lead to rapid heating of a particle distribution. The stochastic motion resembles a diffusion process even though the wave spectrum contains only a single wave. The motion of ions in a nonuniform magnetic field and a single electrostatic wave is treated in our study of a possible saturation mechanism of the dissipative trapped-ion instability in a tokamak. A theory involving the overlap of bounce resonances predicts the main features found in the numerical integration of the equations of motion. Ions in a layer near the trapped-circulating boundary move stochastically. This motion leads to nonlinear stabilization mechanisms which are described qualitatively.

A state-of-the-art review of solar process heat is given; near term prospects are discussed; and the federal solar industrial process heat program is reviewed. Existing solar industrial process heat projects are tabulated. (WHK)

Experimental research in high energy physics is summarized. A list of publications is included. (JFP)

A detailed description is presented of the analysis of velocity-vs-time data taken with LLL's four-phototube VISAR system. Separate sections deal with a general analysis of on-axis rays when only one frequency of reflected laser light is present, a simplified analysis where two distinct frequencies are present and the rays are still on axis, and a discussion of the effects of off-axis rays. The description is given in such a manner that a VISAR user could employ the formulae in this report to directly analyze data. Unlike previous literature on the VISAR, this analysis does not assume that the mirrors are set at the best fringe contrast position.

The usage and performance of a program in a symbolic manipulation language that computes adiabatic invariants of certain Hamiltonian systems via the Lie transform are discussed. 1 table.

Illustrations for the review on materials design and selection are presented. They include the mechanical engineering, the electrochemistry task, and information coordination. No text is presented. (MHR)

Volume 2 contains appendices as follows: coal supply curves, coal supply model modifications, coal mine financing data, legislative proposals for horizontal divestiture, overview of oil companies in coal industry (including their coal reserves) and the major sources of data and bibliography. (LTN)

The US Congress has set forth proposals which would prohibit oil companies from acquiring coal companies or other non-petroleum energy resources. Some proposals would require oil companies to divest themselves of any such resources that they already hold. The first legislation was introduced on this topic in the 94th Congress and alternative proposals are under serious consideration at the current time. We have analyzed some major variants of these legislative propsals with a study of likely economic behavior in the coal market as a result of horizontal divestiture. After a thorough study of the theoretical and empirical aspects of ownership-related behavior, two dichotomous sets of assumptions are possible. One set of assumptions is oriented towards synergism and growth maximization. The interpretation of these assumptions in the model is one of a lower rate of return for oil owned coal assets relative to non-oil owned assets. The second set of assumptions could broadly be termed monopoly assumptions. The depiction of these within the model framework is one of higher rates of return for oil owned coal relative to non-oil owned. These results are based on economic theory, engineering and econometric models, and analysis; all set in the general framework of comparative …

The contract has two phases, a design phase and a fabrication and installation phase. Presented is the work completed in Phase I, the design phase. The Sandia 17 m was used as the background machine from which design information was drawn. By concentrating the modifications on an existing design, emphasis was focused on component cost reduction rather than selection of optimal configuration or operating modes. The resulting design is a stretched version of the Sandia 17 m preserving the same rotor diameter and many other good features, but in the meantime lighter in weight, larger in capacity, and anticipated to be more cost effective.

The geothermal resources of California's Imperial Valley have the potential for the production of an estimated 3000 to 5000 MW/yr of electricity for 30 yr, provided that adeuqate cooling water is available for power plants. There are five possible sources of cooling water: irrigation water, waste waters from agriculture, steam condensate, ground water, and water from the Salton Sea. Technical, environmental, and regulatory constraints, however, could limit the availability of the water supplies. Of particular concern are the constraints that could be imposed if different water policies were implemented. To study how future policies could affect geothermal development, six combinations of various policies were defined to represent potential regulatory controls. A range of future water balances in the valley was also specified. The water balances plus the six policy combinations were used to determine whether deficits of cooling water would eventually constrain low, medium, or high levels of geothermal energy production. A companion analysis of changes in the elevation and salinity of the Salton Sea resulting from the use of agricultural waters for cooling was also made.