Present techniques for measuring sound velocity in liquid metals have been limited by the use of transducers which cannot survive in extreme temperature conditions. These methods also require relatively long measurement times. An optical noncontacting method has been developed which may be used for extremely short experimental times and very high temperatures and pressures. This technique is being incorporated into an isobaric expansion apparatus in which a 1 mm diam wire sample in a high pressure argon gas environment is resistively heated to melt within a time period of only a few microseconds. Before instability of the liquid column occurs, thermal expansion, enthalpy, and temperature are measured. The addition of the sound velocity measurement permits a more complete determination of the thermophysical properties of the liquid metal.

Comparison of the 1978 projections of the Reliability Councils with those made the previous year indicates three major changes in electric utility planning: (1) a reduction in total capacity additions for the 10-year planning period, (2) a significant decrease in nuclear additions, and (3) a shift from oil and gas to coal as a source of primary energy. Nuclear capacity continues to far overshadow fossil-fuel capacity in the unit-size range 1000 MW and up, with the reverse true for unit sizes less than 1000 MW. Although the total 10-year new-unit capacity drops from 326,624 MW (1977 to 1986) to 308,017 (1978 to 1987), new capacity planned that would use coal as a primary energy source increases from 136,763 MW to 146,206 MW. Nuclear capacity, in terms of total new units projected for the two 10-year periods, decreases from 130,532 MW to 116,177 MW, and capacity with oil as the primary source drops from 32,837 MW to 21,072 MW. For 1977 to 1986, no capacity was planned with oil as a primary source and coal as an alternate fuel but for 1978 to 1987, 1220 MW of such capacity is projected. Therefore, the total new capacity projected that could use coal …

The concept design for a small (less than 10 MWe) solar thermal electric generating plant was completed using projected 1985 technology. The systems requirements were defined and specified. The components, including an engineering prototype for one 15 kWe module of the generating plant, were conceptually designed. Significant features of the small solar thermal power plant were identified as the following: (1) 15-kWe Stirling-cycle engine/alternator with constant power output; (2) 10-meter point-focusing paraboloidal concentrator with cantilevered cellular glass reflecting panels; (3) primary heat pipe with 800/sup 0/C output solar cavity receiver; (4) secondary heat pipe with molten salt thermal energy storage unit; (5) electric energy transport system; and (6) advanced battery energy storage capability. The present emphasis for achieving cost reduction goals centers on improving conversion efficiency and reducing the cost of key components.

This report describes circumstances involved in the alleged 91.2 grams of plutonium released to the 216-Z-19 Ditch from the 231-Z facility. The following areas were reviewed: 231-Z liquid waste data collected by Battelle-Northwest and Rockwell Hanford Operations (Rockwell); the sampling methods used by Battelle and Rockwell; and operating conditions in the 231-Z and 234-5Z Buildings at the time of the alleged release.

The objective of this program is to evaluate the mechanical properties of liquefaction process plant ''dissolver'' vessel materials in a ''dissolver'' vessel environment including coal slurry and pressurized hydrogen gas at temperatures up to 900/sup 0/F. Specifically, the degradation of notched-bar and smooth bar tensile samples of 2/sup 1///sub 4/ Cr--1 Mo will be monitored as a function of exposure time and stress in the ''dissolver'' vessel environment. This quarter was spent entirely on installing and debugging the newly acquired pressure vessels and their controlling circuitry. The vessels were installed in the Ames Lab explosion-safe, hydrogen-containment building, specially designed for this program. Leak checks of 24 to 72 hours were performed on the vessels at pressures ranging from 1000 to 5000 psig at temperatures of 72/sup 0/F and 800/sup 0/F. Automatic pressure and temperature monitoring controls were tested and calibrated. Pressure vessel furnaces were installed and are being tested. Containment building safety systems including hydrogen detectors, vessel over-pressure alarms, vessel over-temperature alarms, hydrogen check valves, surge valves, power failure emergency backup systems and fire alarms were tested and found satisfactory. Individual pressure vessel containment cell blow out panels and cell ventilation systems were found to be satisfactory.

Base properties have been determined for A387-74A-Gr. 22-Cl. 2 steel at various temperatures in inert environments. Tests have been completed to monitor the actual stress level as a function of exposure time in tensile samples loaded in pre-compressed rings. Samples were exposed under various stress levels at 900/sup 0/F to determine the amount of creep during the 168 hour exposures. Results of all exposure tests (including samples under load during exposure with and without creep, in inert gas) revealed that no degradation of ambient temperature mechanical properties occurred.

An analytic method is presented for determining the dilation of fast reactor fuel assembly ducts. For temperatures where creep is linearly dependent on stress, the method is rigorous in satisfying equilibrium, compatibility and stress-strain equations. Solutions are presented for two cases: (1) a duct with constant pressure differential, (2) a duct with varying pressure differential. Results are in close agreement with finite element results of the MARC-CDC program. The method is used to predict the dilation of the Fast Test Reactor (FTR) ducts under different operating conditions. Presented are the stress, strain and dilation predictions along the duct wall, and the duct dilation variations with its geometric and loading parameters.

Activities in programs to conduct polymer-waterflood studies are reported. During the period a study was conducted of the Burbank-Bartlesville sand reservoir, located in the north half of the Stanley Stringer Field, Osage County, Oklahoma. Progress in the overall program is summarized in a chart. (JRD)

Clearing of electrons in the vicinity of the axis of a proton beam in the dipoles of a separated function AG-focusing structure is accomplished by transverse crossed-field drift due to the magnetic dipole field and a weak longitudinal electric field. This electric field is generated by potential differences caused by cross section variations of the beam due to variations of the ..beta..-functions and dispersion. The resulting radial drift brings the electrons into the off-axis region where they are driven out of the magnets by the usual longitudinal cross-field drift caused by the radial space charge field. The neutralization in ISABELLE is then a factor 20 below former estimates, and transverse stability can be obtained by chromaticity adjustments well within the design strengths of the sextupole correction windings.

The feasibility of implementing bias-humidity development testing to determine if field-like failure modes would result is demonstrated. Variables resulting in degradation were separated so causative variables could be identified. The studies were done on silicon solar cell modules from different manufacturers. Following each of the ten-day bias-humidity tests, the modules were examined, photographed, and tested. Limited bias-related changes were observed. (LEW)

This volume of the Brayton Isotope Power System, Phase II Plan, contains the self-evaluation by AiResearch, GE, and TECO, addressing Section 3 of The Dynamic Systems Evaluation Criteria and Procedures established by the Department of Energy. These evaluation criteria addresses: Component Feasibility; Flight System Design Performance; GDS Test Results; Reliability and Practicality; Safety; Spacecraft Integration; and Cost and Risk. Included in each of these general categories are several attributes, each of which addresses a separate component, feature, or area of interest related to the power system, its development status, degree of preparedness for proceeding into a flight program, and/or the contractors' performance during Phase I. The key elements which indicate the readiness of a radioisotope power system to progress into a flight qualification program are: an advanced state of development of the power conversion system; demonstrated or exhibited potential for space systems standards of reliability; evident capability of meeting system safety requirements; favorable cost/benefit tradeoff considering projected missions and technology advancement potential; and proven feasibility of fabricating and qualifying a flight system and integrating it with a candidate spacecraft and launch vehicle. As a result of considerable government investment in Brayton system component development, the MHW isotope heat source and …

Recovery of municipal solid wastes (MSW) can reduce the mass of landfilled wastes by as much as 95% and can tap a vast new energy resource. The yearly collection of MSW is estimated to be 125 million tons nationwide. Three basic technologies for recovering energy from MSW are considered, namely: direct combustion using a waterwall incinerator in which heat from burning refuse is converted to steam by circulating water in steel tubes jacketing the interior of the incinerator; manufacture of a relatively uniform shredded, pulverized, or pelleted refuse-derived fuel for supplemental firing in a utility boiler; and pyrolysis or destructive distillation of MSW to extract a low-Btu fuel gas. While resource and energy recovery systems can be installed independently, the processes described here include both energy and resource-recovery systems as well as necessary pollution-control equipment for gaseous emissions. Three end-use applications of cogeneration systems are characterized, including: fluidized-bed cogeneration systems for use in the pulp and paper industry; diesel system using the digested sewage gas of a sewage treatment plant for electricity generation as well as heating and pumping; and an enhanced oil recovery system. Comparisons are made of system inputs per 10/sup 12/ Btu steam output for Landguard pyrolysis, …

The report described a system built around the Computing Gamma Spectrometer (PSA) LEA 74-008. The software primarily supports high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy using either a high-purity intrinsic germanium detector (HPGe) or a lithium-drifted germanium detector (Ge(Li)).

Primary objectives of this study are to investigate alternative design concepts of thermal coupling of thermionic energy converters (TECs) to the steam cycle and the mechanical and electrical aspects of integrating TEC design into the steam power station. The specific tasks include: (1) evaluate design concepts of TEC topping of solvent refined liquified coal-fired steam power plants, with main emphasis devoted to thermal, mechanical, and electrical design aspects. (2) Develop preliminary conceptual design of a modular TEC assembly. (3) Develop preliminary cost estimates of the design modification to a liquified coal-fired steam power plant with TEC topping. (4) Provide support to Thermo Electron Corporation in planning TEC hardware testing. Results are presented in detail.

Initial samples of four silicon aluminum oxynitride (Sialons) ceramics have been prepared from commercial Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/, Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, AlN, and SiO/sub 2/ powders by hot pressing at 1750 C. Si/sub 1/./sub 9/Al/sub 0/./sub 1/N/sub 1/./sub 9/O/sub 1/./sub 1/, Si/sub 1/./sub 8/Al/sub 0/./sub 2/N/sub 1/./sub 8/O/sub 1/./sub 2/, and Si/sub 3/./sub 6/Al/sub 2/./sub 4/N/sub 5/./sub 6/O/sub 2/./sub 4/ Sialons were densified to greater than or equal to 90% theoretical density, but Si/sub 5/./sub 4/Al/sub 0/./sub 6/N/sub 7/./sub 4/O/sub 0/./sub 6/ Sialon could be pressed only to 72% theoretical density. None of these materials are single-phase materials; one group of samples contains an unidentified Sialon phase, while the other group contains significant amounts of free elemental silicon. Chlorine in the Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ powder and free aluminum in the AlN powder are responsible for these effects. Initial evaluation of these materials in contact with molten silicon at 1450 C indicates that chemical reaction is occurring. Thin string-like precipitates found in the silicon after reaction with Si/sub 3/./sub 6/Al/sub 2/./sub 4/N/sub 5/./sub 6/O/sub 2/./sub 4/ Sialon are considered to be due to the presence of a second phase in the material. Electron probe analysis of silicon in contact with a Si/sub …

Methods of producing low-cost silicon sheet for solar cells are under active development. In the crystal-growing processes a refractory crucible is required to hold the molten silicon, while in the ribbon processes an additional refractory shaping die is needed to enable silicon ribbon to be produced. In several ribbon processes the high-temperature materials are a limiting factor in the development of the technique. The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate refractory die and container materials. Mass spectrometric studies of molten silicon in contact with silicon nitride and silicon carbide show that the vapor pressure of silicon is lower over these materials than over the oxides (beryllium oxide, alumina, and silica) studied previously. Measured carbon and nitrogen contents are 6.4 x 10/sup 19/ atoms/cm/sup 3/ and 3.3 x 10/sup 18/ atoms/cm/sup 3/, respectively. The fabrication of O' and ..beta..' Sialons was found to be strongly dependent upon the nature of the silicon nitride powder. A modified hot pressing procedure was adopted to allow volatilization of chlorine-containing species from the SN402 grade powder. ..beta..' Sialon of composition X = 1 appears to offer some promise as a candidate die material, but materials containing a higher alumina composition (X = …

Mass spectrometric studies of molten silicon in contact with mullite and x = 0.75 ..beta..' Sialon show that the vapor pressures of Si, Si0, Al, and Al/sub 2/0 species are very similar. In both cases the oxygen solubility is extremely low, but the aluminium content of the silicon is higher for the mullite--silicon system (3 weight percent), compared with 5000 ppm for the x = 0.75 ..beta..' Sialon. The nitrogen concentration (312 ppm) of the silicon is marginally below that for the Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/--silicon system indicating that the addition of aluminium and oxygen to ..beta.. Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ does stabilize the nitrogen to some extent. Silicon beryllium oxynitrides were fabricated by hot pressing Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/--BeO-SiO/sub 2/ mixtures using three Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ powders. Single phase materials were obtained with KBI, Inc. and Sylvania SN502 grade powders, but not with Sylvania SN402 grade powder. Preliminary evaluation of the silicon beryllium oxynitride materials with molten silicon did not reveal any attack of these materials. X = 0.75 ..beta..' Sialon did, however, undergo slight attack. It is suggested that the rate of dissolution of aluminium in molten silicon could be affected by whether the Sialon is used in an inert atmosphere …

Significant progress has been made in several areas over the past year. Quantitative measurements evaluating organic sensitizers and ctalysts have been carried out. An exciting new transition metal senitizer has been discovered. A comprehensive evaluation of the characteristics of polystyrene based heterogeneous sensitizers and catalysts has been made. Recently we have successfully synthesized the first glass functionalized photosensitizers. This new class of heterogeneous supports offers several attractive features.

A study of a series of copper(I) compounds which contain a strongly absorbing chromophore (e.g., CuBr(PPh/sub 3/)-(2,2'-bipyridine)) for use as sensitizers in photochemical energy storage systems is described. The generally low sensitization efficiencies of these compounds preclude their use as sensitizers in a practical photochemical energy storage system. Nevertheless, some interesting mechanistic information has emerged from this study, the full details of which are being written for publication. Also, the related compound, Ru(bipy)/sub 2/(NBD)/sup +2/, which features a norbornadiene molecule coordinated directly to a strongly absorbing metal containing fragment was examined. The original rationale for studying this compound was the expectation that the absorption of visible light would result in the population of an electronically excited state in which the electron density of the NBD is considerably perturbed. Relaxation of this state could then occur by a pathway which leads to the rearranged product, quadricyclene. It was found, however, that the sensitization efficiency of this compound is quite low. A comprehensive study of the factors which affect the sensitization efficiencies of Ir(bipy)/sub 2/(bipy')OH/sub 2//sup +3/ is unerway. In order to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which organic sensitizers affect the conversion of norbornadiene to quadricyclene, a study to measure the actual …

Research was conducted on photosensitizers for the norbornadiene to quadricyclene conversion.

The objectives of this study were (a) to develop techniques for measurement of delayed neutron spectra with resolutions approaching 8.0 keV at the thermal peak and (b) to explore techniques for measuring gamma rays and neutrons in coincidence. During the contract period the following have been accomplished: (a) the electronic, acoustical and inherent noise characteristics of the 3 He neutron ionization chambers purchased from SEFORAD, LTD have been characterized. Through construction of an acoustical shield and replacement of several components at the input stage of the preamplifiers associated with the detectors, the resolutions of the spectrometers have been improved by about 10 to 15 percent and the environment has been controlled to permit maintenance of the improved resolution under normal laboratory conditions. The resolution of the best spectrometer is now 9.3 keV; (b) it has been shown that the amplitude and resolution for neutrons from a thermalized Pu-Be source are dependent upon pulse risetime. For the risetime range 0.2--1.2 ..mu..s, the amplitudes of pulses were found to vary by 0.7 to 0.8 keV and the longer risetime pulses led to a full energy peak narrower than that from the short risetime pulses by about 0.2 keV. (c) based on the …

This paper is subdivided into three chapters to match three corresponding lectures. The goals of the first chapter are to define the neutral-beam-heated, quasi-d.c. mirror confinement systems under discussion here and to give a general example of mirror diagnostics by listing and very briefly discussing the diagnostics used on the 2XIIB experiment at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. The second chapter develops mirror machine diagnostics in more detail, and adds background for a few selected diagnostics of particular importance to mirror machine studies. The third chapter discusses the special diagnostic needs of future mirror machines, with emphasis on diagnostics involving the higher-power neutral beams used with them.

The Regional Reliability Council projections of peak demand, generating capability, and electric energy requirements for the contiguous U.S. have declined for the fourth consecutive year. On the basis of these projections, it appears that the electric utility industry believes the U.S. will experience smaller annual increases in power use than have occurred in the past. The summer peak demand growth rates of the Councils range from 3.52 percent annually, as projected by the Northeast Power Coordinating Council, to the 6.21 percent projected by the Southwest Power Pool. Subregional growth covers a wider range, from the 2.77 percent of the New York Power Pool to the 6.51 percent of the Southern Company area. Total reserve margins at the time of summer peak demands are projected to decline from an estimated 30.16 percent in 1978 to about 23.81 percent in 1987. If projected loads are not exceeded, if projected capability levels are actually attained, if fuel requirements are satisfied, and if no contingencies worse than those normally met with are experienced, electric power supply should be adequate for the next decade. However, it is possible that the projected reserve margins will not be attained, and that adequate primary energy supply (fuel and …

The effort included the design, fabrication and Systems Verification Testing of the Deep Drilling System. The Systems Verification Test was conducted during October 1978 in a test well located on the premises of Brown Oil Tools Inc., Houston, Texas. In general, the Systems Verification test program was an unqualified success. All of the system elements of the Deep Drilling System were exercised and evaluated and in every instance the system can be declared ready for operational well demonstration. The motor/bit shaft combination operated very well and seal performance exceeds the design goals. The rig floor system performed better than expected. The power cable flexural characteristics are much better than anticipated and longitudinal stability is excellent. The prototype production connectors have functioned without failure. The cable reels and drive skid have also worked very well during the test program. The redesigned and expanded instrumentation subsystem also functioned very well. Some electronic component malfunctions were experienced during the early test stages, but they were isolated quickly and repaired. Subsequent downhole instrumentation deployments were successfully executed and downhole data was displayed both in the Electrodril instrumentation trailer and on the remote control and display unit.