PS Enterprises, Inc. investigated a flexible, downwind, free-yaw, five-blade rotor system employing pultruded blades. A rotor was designed, manufactured and tested in the field. A preliminary design study and proof of concept test were conducted to assess the feasibility of using pultruded blades for wind turbine rotors. A 400 kW turbine was selected for the design study and a scaled 80 kW rotor was fabricated and field tested as a demonstration of the concept. The design studies continued to support the premise that pultruded blades offer the potential for significant reductions in rotor weight and cost. The field test provided experimental performance and loads data that compared well with predictions using the FLEXDYNE aeroelastic analysis. The field test also demonstrated stable yaw behavior and the absence of stall flutter over the wind conditions tested. During the final year of the contract, several studies were conducted by a number of independent consultants to address specific technical issues related to pultruded blades that could impact the commercial viability of turbines using this technology. The issues included performance, tower strikes, yaw stability, stall flutter, fatigue, and costs. While the performance of straight pultruded blades was projected to suffer a penalty of about 13% …

There is great interest in being able to use the x-ray output from a Z-pinch for equation of state measurements at extreme conditions. However, the direct x-ray output form the pinch produces a very sharp and rapidly attenuating pressure pulse in target materials. To obtain high quality measurements with this source, a mechanism for generating non-attenuating waves is needed. One possibility involves using the x-ray source to throw a near-normal density intermediate drive at the target, a situation similar to more conventional configurations. To scope out preliminary design parameters, they used the ALEGRA code to simulate a number of different possibilities involving the driver and the gap between it and the target. They used a somewhat idealized radiation source--a main x-ray pulse 30 ns long at its base and peaking at a blackbody temperature of 100 eV. The calculations suggest that a 100-micron aluminum driver with a 90-micron gap will yield a 15-ns-wide non-attenuating pulse with an amplitude of over 250 GPa.

This paper updates the on-going effort at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to develop autonomous, agile micro-satellites (MicroSats). The objective of this development effort is to develop MicroSats weighing only a few tens of kilograms, that are able to autonomously perform precision maneuvers and can be used telerobotically in a variety of mission modes. The required capabilities include satellite rendezvous, inspection, proximity-operations, docking, and servicing. The MicroSat carries an integrated proximity-operations sensor-suite incorporating advanced avionics. A new self-pressurizing propulsion system utilizing a miniaturized pump and non-toxic mono-propellant hydrogen peroxide was successfully tested. This system can provide a nominal 25 kg MicroSat with 200-300 m/s delta-v including a warm-gas attitude control system. The avionics is based on the latest PowerPC processor using a CompactPCI bus architecture, which is modular, high-performance and processor-independent. This leverages commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies and minimizes the effects of future changes in processors. The MicroSat software development environment uses the Vx-Works real-time operating system (RTOS) that provides a rapid development environment for integration of new software modules, allowing early integration and test. We will summarize results of recent integrated ground flight testing of our latest non-toxic pumped propulsion MicroSat testbed vehicle operated on our unique dynamic air-rail.

The overall conclusion is that the BNL ER program has accomplished much and is well positioned to move aggressively towards closure. Seven removal actions have been completed. A record of decision (ROD) has been reached on Operable Unit IV, and interim soil cleanup has been completed. The remaining three RODs are under negotiation now.

The first of several new infrared beamlines, built on a modified bending magnet port of the NSLS VUV ring, is now operational for mid-infrared microspectroscopy. The port simultaneously delivers 40 mrad by 40 mrad to two separate beamlines and spectrometer endstations designated U10A and U10B. The latter is equipped with a scanning infrared microspectrometer. The combination of this instrument and high brightness synchrotron radiation makes diffraction-limited microspectroscopy practical. This paper describes the beamline's performance and presents quantitative information on the diffraction-limited resolution.

The first of several new infrared beamlines, built on a modified bending magnet port of the NSLS VUV ring, is now operational for mid-infrared microspectroscopy. The port simultaneously delivers 40 mrad by 40 mrad to two separate beamlines and spectrometer endstations designated U10A and U10B. The latter is equipped with a scanning infrared microspectrometer. The combination of this instrument and high brightness synchrotron radiation makes diffraction-limited microspectroscopy practical. This paper describes the beamline's performance and presents quantitative information on the diffraction-limited resolution.

The program management plan for characterization of the K Basin spent nuclear fuel was revised to incorporate corrective actions in response to SNF Project QA surveillance 1K-FY-99-060. This revision of the SNF Characterization PMP replaces Duke Eng.

To maximize energy capture, a variable-speed wind turbine should operate continuously at the tip-speed-ratio that results in the maximum power coefficient (Cpo) and, therefore, extracts the maximum energy from the wind. This is the main idea behind improved energy capture from variable-speed operation. However, this goal is only partially achievable due to rapid variations in wind speed and the inertia of the wind turbine rotor. Although it is not possible to operate continuously at maximum efficiency, improvements in energy capture during variable-speed operation can be gained by improved tracking of Cpo. In this paper the aerodynamic torque, estimated by an observer, and rotor speed are used to improve the energy capture of a variable-speed turbine. Two methods are used. The first method uses the torque error for control. The second method is formulated such that the estimated percent power loss is used directly for control. Also, the use of blade pitch below rated power is investigated. A small improvement in energy capture is realized by use of the described control methods. For turbines with a sharp Cp peak or slower time constant, greater improvement would be observed.

A vast amount of aerodynamic, structural, and turbine performance data were collected during three phases of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Unsteady Aerodynamics Experiment (UAE). To compare data from the three phases, a similar format of engineering unit data is required. The process of converting Phase II data from a previous engineering unit format to raw integer counts is discussed. The integer count files can then be input to the new post-processing software, MUNCH. The resulting Phase II engineering unit files are in a common format with current and future UAE engineering unit files. An additional objective for changing the file format was to convert the Phase II data from English units to SI units of measurement.

The Ministry of the Russian Federation for Atomic Energy (MINATOM) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) are engaged in joint, cooperative efforts to reduce the likelihood of nuclear proliferation by enhancing Material Protection, Control and Accounting (MPC&A) systems in both countries. Mayak Production Association (Mayak) is a major Russian nuclear enterprise within the nuclear complex that is operated by lylINATOM. This paper describes the nature, scope, and status of the joint, cooperative efforts to enhance existing MPC&A systems at Mayak. Current cooperative efforts are focused on enhancements to the existing MPC&A systems at two of the plants operated by Mayak that work with proliferation-sensitive nuclear materials.

Vertical high pressure Bridgman (VHPB) was considered until now to be the most successful crystal growth method to produce Cd{sub 1{minus}x}Zn{sub x}Te (CZT), (0.04 < x < 0.24), for X- and gamma-ray detector crystals. Recently Horizontal Bridgman (HB) Cd{sub 1{minus}x}Zn{sub x}Te crystals produced by IMARAD Co. have also been successfully fabricated into nuclear spectroscopic radiation detectors. In view of the database of many years' study of the electrical properties of VHPB CZT grown and obtained from various sources, the authors also studied the HB CZT crystals in order to compare the defects present in both different kinds of crystals grown by different methods. The VHB-grown samples were examined using thermoelectric emission spectroscopy (TEES), X- and gamma ray spectroscopy and laser induced transient charge technique (TCT). The surface and the bulk crystalline homogeneity were mapped using triaxial double crystal x-ray diffraction (TADXRD) and infrared transmission spectroscopy (IR). They have found a correlation between crystallinity, IR transmission microstructure and trapping times. Spectrometer grade VHPB CZT crystals exhibit trapping times of 20 {micro}s for electrons and 7 {micro}s for holes, however, regions, which were opaque to IR transmission, had trapping times shorter by one order of magnitude. The trapping times of HB CZT …

This study determined the decomposition rate of dried solid residues from alkaline salt solutions containing various phenylborate species.

We demonstrate a ''universal solvent sensor'' constructed from a small array of carbon/polymer composite chemiresistors that respond to solvents spanning a wide range of Hildebrand volubility parameters. Conductive carbon particles provide electrical continuity in these composite films. When the polymer matrix absorbs solvent vapors, the composite film swells, the average separation between carbon particles increases, and an increase in film resistance results, as some of the conduction pathways are broken. The adverse effects of contact resistance at high solvent concentrations are reported. Solvent vapors including isooctane, ethanol, dlisopropyhnethylphosphonate (DIMP), and water are correctly identified (''classified'') using three chemiresistors, their composite coatings chosen to span the full range of volubility parameters. With the same three sensors, binary mixtures of solvent vapor and water vapor are correctly classified, following classification, two sensors suffice to determine the concentrations of both vapor components. Polyethylene vinylacetate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are two such polymers that are used to classify binary mixtures of DIMP with water vapor; the PVA/carbon-particle-composite films are sensitive to less than 0.25{degree}A relative humidity. The Sandia-developed VERI (Visual-Empirical Region of Influence) technique is used as a method of pattern recognition to classify the solvents and mixtures and to distinguish them from water …

Due to its intrinsic high brightness, high stability, and proportionality to the stored electron beam current, synchrotrons IR spectroscopy has revealed itself as an unique tool to experimentally test a physical phenomenon occurring at metallic interfaces, the theory for which was motivated by previous observations. Any adsorbate induces inelastic scattering of the conduction electrons, which causes a broadband IR reflectance change, and was predicted to induce a concomitant DC resistivity change. By choosing a well ordered single crystal thin film of Cu(111), we have checked that the DC resistivity change, and the asymptotic limit of the IR reflectance change are linearly dependent, but independent of the nature of the adsorbate. Coadsorption experiments which have been used to modify the induced density of states at the Fermi level, have further demonstrated that the friction coefficient, which is responsible for the elastic scattering phenomenon, is chemically specific. This article describes the use of synchrotron radiation as an absolute source and its application to the study of dynamics of adsorbates on surfaces.

Commercial lithium-ion batteries use carbon as the material of choice for the anode. However, because lithiated carbon has a voltage very close to the potential of metallic lithium, there are concerns about the safety of fully-charged carbon electrodes. The safety issue can be addressed by using a material that intercalates lithium at a higher voltage. A promising material is the lithium-titanium-oxide spinel material Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} which can accommodate 3 Li{sup +} ions per formula unit (corresponding to 175 mAh/g) in a two-phase reaction at approximately 1.5 V versus lithium. One of the drawbacks of this system is that the end-member Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} is electronically insulating, which limits electron transfer at the electrode surface. By doping this material with magnesium, Li{sub 4{minus}x}Mg{sub x}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12}, we introduced mixed-valent Ti{sup 4+}/Ti{sup 3+} into the stoichiometric spinel structure and thereby increased the electronic conductivity by several orders of magnitude without sacrificing electrochemical performance. In this presentation we will provide data on the extent of the solid solution in Li{sub 4{minus}x}Mg{sub x}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12}, the variation of electronic conductivity as a function of dopant concentration and the rate capability of the doped material.

Thermal flowmeters can provide direct mass flow measurement of gases and vapors over a wide range of process conditions without the need for density corrections based on pressure and temperature. They are widely used in industrial processes that contain toxic, corrosive, or highly reactive gases. It is often not possible to calibrate the flowmeter on the process gas in which it will be used. In this case a non-hazardous �surrogate� gas is used for calibration, and a theoretical model used to predict the meter�s response in the process gas. This can lead to large measurement errors because there are no accurate and straightforward methods for predicting the performance on one kind of gas based on the calibration on another gas because of the complexity of the thermal processes within the flow sensor. This paper describes some of the commonly used models and conversion methods and presents work done at ORNL to develop and experimentally verify better thermal models for predicting flowmeter performance.

A distributed temperature sensor (DTS) system, utilizing Raman backscattering to measure temperatures of optical fiber, has recently been installed in production wells at the Beowawe and Dixie Valley, NV, geothermal fields. The system has the potential to reduce the cost and complexity of acquiring temperature logs. However, the optical transmission of the initial fibers installed at Beawawe degraded over several months, resulting in temperature errors. Optical transmission spectra of the failed fibers indicate hydroxide contamination via hydrogen diffusion as a possible failure mechanism. Additional fibers with coatings designed to resist hydrogen diffusion were installed and have maintained their optical transmission over several months in the 340-360 F Beowawe wells. The same fibers installed in a 470 F Dixie Valley well rapidly failed. Possible methods to prevent fiber degradation include encasing the fiber in metallic buffer layer that resists hydrogen diffusion. Additional methods to correct temperature errors include using additional optical sources to measure fiber losses at the operating wavelengths. Although the DTS system is expected to have one degree F accuracy, we have observed an average accuracy of five degrees. The fiber connections appear to be the uncertainty source. Using connectors with greater stability should restore accuracy.

Coherent synchrotron radiation from the NSLS VUV ring has been detected and partially characterized. The observations have been performed at the new far infrared beamline U12IR. The coherent radiation is peaked near a wavelength of 7mm and occurs in short duration bursts. The bursts occur only when the electron beam current (I) exceeds a threshold value (I{sub th}), which itself varies with ring operating conditions. Beyond threshold, the average intensity of the emission is found to increase as (I-I{sub th}). The coherent emission implies micro-bunching of the electron beam due to a longitudinal instability.

Coherent synchrotron radiation from the NSLS VUV ring has been detected and partially characterized. The observations have been performed at the new far infrared beamline U12IR. The coherent radiation is peaked near a wavelength of 7mm and occurs in short duration bursts. The bursts occur only when the electron beam current (I) exceeds a threshold value (I{sub th}), which itself varies with ring operating conditions. Beyond threshold, the average intensity of the emission is found to increase as (I-I{sub th}). The coherent emission implies micro-bunching of the electron beam due to a longitudinal instability.

We describe a highly-detailed experimental characterization of the impulsively driven Rayleigh-Taylor instability, called the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability. This instability is produced by flowing a diffuse, vertical curtain of heavy gas (SF{sub 6}) into the test section of an air-filled horizontally oriented shock tube. The instability evolves after the passage of a Mach 1.2 shock past the curtain, and the development of the curtain is visualized by seeding the SF{sub 6} with small (d{approximately}0.5 and micro;m) glycol droplets using a modified theatrical fog generator. Because the event lasts only 1 ms and the initial conditions vary from test to test, rapid and complete data acquisition is required in order to characterize the initial and dynamic conditions for each experimental shot. Through the use of a custom-built pulsed Nd: YAG laser, we are able to image the flowfield at seven different times. We acquire a double-pulsed image of the flow with the use of a second pulsed Nd:YAG, which is used to determine the instantaneous velocity field using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). During a single experiment, high resolution images of the initial conditions and dynamic conditions are acquired using three CCD cameras. Issues of the fidelity of the flow seeding technique and the …

The Hanford emergency management plan for the US Department of Energy Richland, WA and Office of River Protection. The program was developed in accordance with DOE Orders as well as Federal and State regulations to protect workers and public health and safety.

Environmental scientists have long appreciated that the distribution coefficient (the ''K{sub d}'' or ''constant K{sub d}'') approach predicts the partitioning of heavy metals between sediment and groundwater inaccurately; nonetheless, transport models applied to problems of environmental protection and groundwater remediation almost invariably employ this technique. To examine the consequences of this practice, we consider transport in one dimension of Pb and other heavy metals through an aquifer containing hydrous ferric oxide, onto which heavy metals sorb strongly. We compare the predictions of models calculated using the K{sub d} approach to those given by surface complexation theory, which is more realistic physically and chemically. The two modeling techniques give qualitatively differing results that lead to divergent cleanup strategies. The results for surface complexation theory show that water flushing is ineffective at displacing significant amounts of Pb from the sorbing surface. The effluent from such treatment contains a ''tail'' of small but significant levels of contamination that persists indefinitely. Subsurface zones of Pb contamination, furthermore, are largely immobile in flowing groundwater. These results stand in sharp contrast to the predictions of models constructed using the k{sub d} approach, yet are consistent with experience in the laboratory and field.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) offer great promise in improving fuel economy. In this paper, we analyze why, how, and by how much vehicle hybridization can reduce energy consumption and improve fuel economy. Our analysis focuses on efficiency gains associated solely with vehicle hybridization. We do not consider such other measures as vehicle weight reduction or air- and tire-resistance reduction, because such measures would also benefit conventional technology vehicles. The analysis starts with understanding the energy inefficiencies of light-duty vehicles associated with different operation modes in US and Japanese urban and highway driving cycles, with the corresponding energy-saving potentials. The potential for fuel economy gains due to vehicle hybridization can be estimated almost exclusively on the basis of three elements: the reducibility of engine idling operation, the recoverability of braking energy losses, and the capability of improving engine load profiles to gain efficiency associated with specific HEV configurations and control strategies. Specifically, we evaluate the energy efficiencies and fuel economies of a baseline MY97 Corolla-like conventional vehicle (CV), a hypothetical Corolla-based minimal hybrid vehicle (MHV), and a MY98 Prius-like full hybrid vehicle (FHV). We then estimate energy benefits of both MHVs and FHVs over CVs on a performance-equivalent basis. We conclude …

This article reviews the properties of synchrotron radiation as an infrared source for spectroscopy.