This document describes the method developed by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to evaluate transducer used in the design certification testing of nuclear material shipping packages. This testing project was performed by SNL for the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM). This evaluation is based on the results of tests conducted to measure ruggedness, failure frequency, repeatability, and manufacturers' calibration data under both field and laboratory conditions. The results of these tests are provided and discussed. The transducer were selected for testing by surveying cask contractors and testing facilities. Important insights relating to operational characteristics of accelerometer types were gained during field testing. 11 refs., 105 figs., 16 tabs.

This engineering note documents the calculations of Kelly Dixon, used to determine the maximum allowable set pressure for the argon dewar low relief valve, tag number PSV620A, Anderson Greenwood Type 526J. The original setting was 16 psig. This value was chosen in order to protect against cryostat overpressurization by the source dewar (see D0 Engineering Note 115), however, the following calculations will show that the set pressure can be raised to approximately 18.5 psig, which would result in a faster filling of the cryostat, along with a higher level of liquid argon. Three other engineering notes were revised to reflect the change in set pressure according to this note. They are notes 115, 219, and 263.

A database of vegetation, soil, and air tritium concentrations at gridded coordinate locations following nine accidental atmospheric releases is described. While none of the releases caused a significant dose to the public, the data collected is valuable for comparison with the results of tritium transport models used for risk assessment. The largest, potential, individual off-site dose from any of the releases was calculated to be 1.6 mrem. The population dose from this same release was 46 person-rem which represents 0.04% of the natural background radiation dose to the population in the path of the release.

A database of vegetation, soil, and air tritium concentrations at gridded coordinate locations following nine accidental atmospheric releases is described. While none of the releases caused a significant dose to the public, the data collected is valuable for comparison with the results of tritium transport models used for risk assessment. The largest, potential, individual off-site dose from any of the releases was calculated to be 1.6 mrem. The population dose from this same release was 46 person-rem which represents 0.04% of the natural background radiation dose to the population in the path of the release.

Within this period, we have completed our investigations on the thermodynamic characteristics and base sequence dependence of duplex formation of benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE) DNA adducts. Different 11-mer oligonucleotides containing covalently bound BPDE moieties at the exocyclic amino group of a single guanine base were utilized in these studies. Last year, in the three-year progress report, some preliminary data were discussed. A final account is provided here. New techniques were developed for assessing the preferred orientations of the enantiomers of (+)-BPDE and ({minus})-BPDE relative to the 5in {r arrow} 3in polarity of DNA strands; these investigations were prompted by predictions derived from our computer modeling studies. Significant progress was made towards synthesizing BPDE-adenine adducts in base sequence-specific oligonucleotides. We failed, on the other hand, to synthesize nitrosopyrene-oligonucleotide adducts because of intrinsic low reactivities of the nitrenium derivative ions with oligonucleotides. Nature was against us in this effort. Therefore, this particular goal to be abandoned. 14 refs., 8 figs., 4 tabs.

The rate at which hydrogen is produced from the radiolysis of high-activity waste solutions depends on the radiation dose rate to the solution and the concentration of nitrate ion in solution. At a constant dose rate, the hydrogen generation rate decreases as the nitrate ion concentration increases. Using previously measured rates of hydrogen production, an equation has been derived which calculates the hydrogen generation rate when the nitrate ion concentration is known. The hydrogen generation rate from this equation can be used to more accurately predict hydrogen production in waste tanks than is currently obtained assuming a fixed generation rate. The current fixed rate underestimates the hydrogen produced in dilute waste solutions.

The rate at which hydrogen is produced from the radiolysis of high-activity waste solutions depends on the radiation dose rate to the solution and the concentration of nitrate ion in solution. At a constant dose rate, the hydrogen generation rate decreases as the nitrate ion concentration increases. Using previously measured rates of hydrogen production, an equation has been derived which calculates the hydrogen generation rate when the nitrate ion concentration is known. The hydrogen generation rate from this equation can be used to more accurately predict hydrogen production in waste tanks than is currently obtained assuming a fixed generation rate. The current fixed rate underestimates the hydrogen produced in dilute waste solutions.

The objective of proposed research is development of catalysts with enhanced slurry phase activity and better selectivity to fuel range products, through a more detailed understanding and systematic studies of the effects of pretreatment procedures and promoters/binders (silica) on catalyst performance.

The objective of proposed research is development of catalysts with enhanced slurry phase activity and better selectivity to fuel range products, through a more detailed understanding and systematic studies of the effects of pretreatment procedures and promoters/binders (silica) on catalyst performance.

This conference focused on DNA sequencing, genetic linkage mapping, physical mapping, informatics and bioethics. Several were used to study this sequencing and mapping. This article also discusses computer hardware and software aiding in the mapping of genes.

The evolution of the theoretical perspective on {epsilon}{prime}/{epsilon} is reviewed. The introduction of the Z{sup O} penguin and the effects of high M{sub t} are discussed, in particular the possibility for {epsilon}{prime}/{epsilon} to be identically zero. Recent calculations of {epsilon}{prime}/{epsilon} based on current estimates and bounds on the input parameters are presented. 41 refs., 13 figs.

In a previous paper we developed a simple model describing the far-field from a video-pulse source near the ground and for grazing incidence. We report here on a recent field test in which we attempted to verify the model. Our results show quantitative agreement with the model for most of the tested parameter space. We have also extended our model to include all elevation angles, including up to vertical. The computed engagement envelope shows three distinct regions: At grazing angles the field is small and diminishes to near zero at the earth's surface; at low-to moderate angles strong lobing occurs; at high angles the video-pulse field approaches its free-space form. 6 refs., 16 figs.

Tantalum experiences severe intergranular attack (IGA) when in contact with molten plutonium. This IGA of tantalum has produced part failures in crucibles used during Trident and molten salt extraction (MSE) runs and in two stirring rods used in MSE runs. These parts were used at temperatures ranging from 750{degrees}C to 900{degrees}C for a minimum time of 12 hours to a maximum time of 20 hours. 5 refs., 22 figs.

An investigation was done to determine the maximum credible event value for samples of explosives and disassembled components up to 1.2 g when stored in conductive plastic vials as packaged and handled, stored, or transported at Mound. The test was performed at Test Firing, with photographs taken before and after the test. The standard propagation test setup was used; a vial containing 1.2 g of PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) was surrounded by other like vials containing 1.2-g samples of PETN. The 1.2-g PETN pellet was then ignited by an EX-12 detonator. The test showed that there was no propagation and that the maximum credible event value for the handling tray is 1.2 g. The test also showed that when the tray is placed in a metal container the MCE value will still be 1.2 g. 9 figs.

The development of an automated program for characterization of particles using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with an energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDS) has greatly reduced the time required for analysis of particulate samples. The SEM system provides a digital representation of all particles scanned such that further measurement of the size, shape, and area are a product of image processing. The EDS and associated software provides information as to the particles' chemical composition. The data obtained from the SEM by this method are reduced by computer to obtain distribution graphs for size, density, shape, and mineralogy. These SEM results have been tested by comparisons with results obtained by traditional optical microscopy, which supports the results and provide details concerning crystallinity and glass content. This method was applied to the ash that damaged the engines from the KLM 747 flight of December 15, 1989 while encountering the ash cloud from Redoubt Volcano. The sample was collected from the pitot-static system and had not been exposed to any engine parts that might have changed its characteristics. The sample analysis presented here demonstrates the capabilities and information obtainable from out automated SEM technique. 5 refs., 7 figs., 3 tabs.

Fiber optic beam delivery systems are replacing conventional mirror delivery systems for many reasons (e.g., system flexibility and redundancy, stability, and ease of alignment). Commercial products are available that use of fiber optic delivery for laser surgery and materials processing. Also, pump light of dye lasers can be delivered by optical fibers. Many laser wavelengths have been transported via optical fibers; high power delivery has been reported for argon, Nd:YAG, and excimer. We have been developing fiber optic beam delivery systems for copper vapor laser light; many of the fundamental properties of these systems are applicable to other high power delivery applications. A key element of fiber optic beam delivery systems is the coupling of laser light into the optical fiber. For our application this optical coupler must be robust to a range of operating parameters and laser characteristics. We have access to a high power copper vapor laser beam that is generated by a master oscillator/power amplifier (MOPA) chain comprised of three amplifiers. The light has a pulse width of 40--50 nsec with a repetition rate of about 4 kHz. The average power (nominal) to be injected into a fiber is 200 W. (We will refer to average power …

This invention is comprised of an RF transport system which delivers a phase-stable RF signal to a load, such as an RF cavity of a charged particle accelerator. A circuit generates a calibration signal at an odd multiple frequency of the RF signal where the calibration signal is superimposed with the RF signal on a common cable that connects the RF signal with the load. Signal isolating diplexers are located at both the RF signal source end and load end of the common cable to enable the calibration to be inserted and extracted from the cable signals without any affect on the RF signal. Any phase shift in the calibration signal during traverse of the common cable is then functionally related to the phase shift in the RF signal. The calibration phase shift is used to control a phase shifter for the RF signal to maintain a stable RF signal at the load.

A process for fabricating superconducting composite wire by the steps of placing a superconductive precursor admixture capable of undergoing a self propagating combustion in stoichiometric amounts sufficient to form a superconductive product within a metal tube, sealing one end of said tube, igniting said superconductive precursor admixture whereby said superconductive precursor admixture endburns along the length of the admixture, and cross-section reducing said tube at a rate substantially equal to the rate of burning of said superconductive precursor admixture and at a point substantially planar with the burnfront of the superconductive precursor mixture, whereby a clad superconductive product is formed in situ, the product characterized as superconductive without a subsequent sintering stage, is disclosed.

It is shown that hollow cathode discharges can operate in a mode characterized by a two-component electron energy distribution: bulk electrons with a thermal distribution with a temperature of a few electron volts, and a component of fast electrons with an energy of about 30 eV and a thermal spread of about 0.1 eV. Measurements of both parallel and perpendicular energy spreads confirm the existence of fast, low energy spread electrons. Selective extraction of these electrons can form the basis of a high current, high brightness electron gun which could be well suited for EBIS applications. 8 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.

The role of weak interactions, particularly electron capture and {beta}{sup {minus}} decay, in presupernova evolution is discussed. The present uncertainty in these rates is examined and the possibility of improving the situation is addressed. 12 refs., 4 figs.

Sandia National Laboratories and Pacific Northwest Laboratory have produced a coordinated initial total-system performance assessment analysis for the potential repository at Yucca Mountain. Analyses included radionuclide transport via groundwater and gas flow, human intrusion, tectonism, and basaltic igneous intrusion. Both abstracted and detailed calculations were used for the analyses. Probabilistic release distributions were calculated for the individual components, and a combined distribution for the overall behavior of the system was constructed. Results from the analyses using abstracted models indicate that this method produces reasonable outcomes based on our current understanding of the site.

This report documents the testing of a rotating bayonet assembly. It provides the details of how the test was carried out and the results of the testing. The testing was done on a mock up of an 1 1/2-inch x 3-inch gaseous argon bayonet assembly designed to allow a translational movement of 40-inches. The test was necessary to provide a level of confidence in the design concept The testing was a success. It provided confidence that the bayonet assembly design will work for the 1 1/2-inch x 3-inch pipe size. No leaks were detected during any of the testing. The o-ring seals did not leak when the bayonet assembly was misaligned. The force required to move the assembly was 15 to 60+ pounds force. This seems reasonable. No binding was observed with the misalignments. The misalignments were up to 2.7 degrees from true vertical. This misalignment is noticeable to the casual observer and should be greater than carefully installed field piping. The goal of the rotary bayonet assembly test was to: (1) Determine that the seals in the bayonet are sealing while it is being rotated; (2) Determine the effect misalignment of the bayonets from a true vertical has on …