Sphere-Pac fabrication of nuclear fuels using two or more sizes of oxide or carbide spheres is ideally suited to nonproliferation-fuel cycles and remote refabrication. The sizes and compositions of spheres necessary for such fuel cycles have not been commonly prepared; therefore, modifications of sol-gel processes to meet these requirements are being developed and demonstrated.

The master equation for cluster growth and evaporation is derived from many-body quantum mechanics and from a modified version of quantum damping theory used in laser physics. For application to nucleation theory, the quantum damping theory has been generalized to include system and reservoir states that are not separate entities. Formulae for rate constants are obtained. Solutions of the master equation yield equations of state and system-averaged quantities recognized as thermodynamic variables. Formulae for Helmholtz free energies of clusters in a Debye approximation are derived. Coexistence-line equations for pressure volume, and number of clusters are obtained from equations-of-state analysis. Coexistence-line and surface-tension data are used to obtain values of parameters for the Debye approximation. These data are employed in calculating both the nucleation current in diffusion cloud chamber experiments and the onset of condensation in expansion nozzle experiments. Theoretical and experimental results are similar for both cloud-chamber and nozzle experiments, which measure water.

The objectives of this study on the application of statistical techniques to the analysis of reactor safety codes are the identification of the input variables which have a significant influence on the output variables (sensitivity analysis) and the determination of the effect of uncertainty in input values on the output variables. The Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) procedure is presented as an input value selection procedure. The partial rank correlation coefficient (PRCC) coupled with the LHS procedure is presented as a quantitative measure of sensitivity. An examination of the PRCC variability and an analysis of TRAC for a Semiscale test are presented.

CUA is a material control and accountability methodology that takes into account the system logic and statistical characteristics of a plant process through the formulation of closure equations. The study evaluated CUA methodology to meet performance oriented regulations. The criterion is defined as the detection of a material loss of two kilograms of SNM with 97.5% confidence. Specifically investigated were the timeliness of detection, the ability to localize material loss, process coverage, cost/benefits, and compatibility with other safeguards techniques such as diversion path analysis and data filtering. The feasibility of performance-oriented regulations is demonstrated. To fully use the system of closure equations, a procedure was developed to formally integrate the effect of both short-term and long-term closure equations into an overall systems criterion of performance. Both single and multiple diversion strategies are examined in order to show how the CUA method can protect against either strategy. Quantitative results show that combined closure equations improve the detection sensitivity to material loss, and that multiple diversions provide only diminishing returns.

The development of CdTe has now progressed to the point where a wide variety of prototype medical applications are being explored. It appears that as the more dramatic applications such as the camera became widely known, expanded interest will be developed for the more mundane but medically still useful areas of medicine such as probes and small arrays. The basic limitation to the increased use of CdTe in medicine remains an economic one as all applications must bear a heavy cost of fundatmental CdTe crystal and device research. A second problem is the fact that the existence of CdTe detectors is not known to most medical researches. This latter problem is being successfully addressed by this contract.

This study was directed at a review of storage technologies, and particularly those which might be best suited for use in conjunction with wind and photovoltaics. The potential ''worth'' added by incorporating storage was extensively analyzed for both wind and photovoltaics. Energy storage concepts studied include (1) above ground pumped hydro storage, (2) underground pumped hydro storage, (3) thermal storage-oil, (4) thermal storage-steam, (5) underground compressed air storage, (6) pneumatic storage, (7) lead-acid batteries, (8) advanced batteries, (9) inertial storage (flywheel), (10) hydrogen generation and storage, and (11) superconducting magnetic energy storage. The investigations performed and the major results, conclusions, and recommendations are presented in this volume. (WHK)

This volume of the General Electric study was directed at an evaluation of those energy storage technologies deemed best suited for use in conjunction with a photovoltaic energy conversion system in utility, residential and intermediate applications. Break-even cost goals are developed for several storage technologies in each application. These break-even costs are then compared with cost projections presented in Volume I of this report to show technologies and time frames of potential economic viability. The form of the presentation allows the reader to use more accurate storage system cost data as they become available. The report summarizes the investigations performed and presents the results, conclusions and recommendations pertaining to use of energy storage with photovoltaic energy conversion systems. Candidate storage concepts studied include (1) above ground and underground pumped hydro, (2) underground compressed air, (3) electric batteries, (4) flywheels, and (5) hydrogen production and storage. (WHK)

The variability of energy output inherent in wind energy conversion systems (WECS) has led to the investigation of energy storage as a means of managing the available energy when immediate, direct use is not possible or desirable. This portion of the General Electric study was directed at an evaluation of those energy storage technologies deemed best suited for use in conjunction with a wind energy conversion system in utility, residential and intermediate applications. Break-even cost goals are developed for several storage technologies in each application. These break-even costs are then compared with cost projections presented in Volume I of this report to show technologies and time frames of potential economic viability. The report summarizes the investigations performed and presents the results, conclusions and recommendations pertaining to use of energy storage with wind energy conversion systems.

A radiological assessment was conducted in support of the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Management of Commercially Generated Radioactive Waste. The assessment considered for individuals and populations the effects of airborne releases of radioactive materials from planned operations, decommissioning, and postulated accidents. Doses to work forces from direct radiation were estimated and health effects in populations were calculated. The preliminary drafts of the statement and the detailed environmental assessment are being reviewed by DOE; the results of this work will be presented after the documents are made public.

The concept of thermal energy storage in aquifers was suggested a few years ago. The idea is to store in aquifers large quantities of hot water produced (1) as a by-product of power plants, or (2) from solar energy collectors, and to retrieve the hot water for use when needed. Hence this method will, on the one hand, recover waste heat from power plants that is normally wasted, thus making possible the implementation of large-scale total energy systems. On the other hand, when used in conjunction with solar energy systems, aquifer energy storage provides a buffer between time-varying solar energy inputs and thermal or power demands. It is only recently that sophisticated computer models have been developed to study this storage system using the proper physical conditions and parameters, and to make realistic predictions of the energy storage and retrieval efficiencies. Furthermore, field experiments are currently underway to test this concept. Analytical and numerical studies at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory are described. The hydrodynamic and thermal behaviors of the storage system are analyzed and illustrated. The ratio of energy retrieval over energy stored is predicted to be as high as 80%.

Typological and geographic analyses indicate that Tell el Yahudiyeh ware (found in Cyprus, Egypt, Nubia, and the Levant during the Middle Bronze period, c. 1750-1550 B.C.) were probably manufactured in two areas, the Nile Valley and the Levant. Activation analysis was carried out and correlated with the archaeological analyses. Results confirm the two "families" of the ware, one Egyptian and one Levantine. Speculations are offered on the social interaction of the period. 11 figures, 2 tables. (DLC)

The 9 papers included in this Technical Memorandum were presented at the Third ANS Topical Meeting on the Technology of Controlled Nuclear Fusion that was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico on May 9-11, 1978.

To assess superconductor stability, a complete program is developed to obtain basic information on the effects of local mechanical perturbations on the cryostatic stability. An analytical model for computing the transient recovery following the mechanical perturbation is developed. A test program is undertaken to develop data needed to verify the conclusions reached through the analytical studies.

The ZING-P' prototype pulsed spallation neutron source based on the 500 MeV Booster II proton synchrotron at Argonne is currently operating at 15 hz and 8 x 10/sup 12/ neutrons/pulse. Four neutron scattering instruments, two elastic and two inelastic, have been erected. In operation are 1% and 0.3% ..delta..d/d resolution powder diffractometers, a crystal analyzer spectrometer sensitive to excitations with E < 0.3 eV and a chopper spectrometer sensitive to E < 1 eV. Pulsed beam single crystal and a small-angle scattering instrument and a neutron bottle experiment are in construction stage. The peak thermal neutron flux at the beam sources is 10/sup 14/n/cm/sup 2/-sec. IPNS-I, an advanced pulsed source also based on Booster II, is scheduled for 1979 construction and is to begin operation in 1981. Utilizing a U/sup 238/ target it will produce 10/sup 14/ neutrons / pulse, operate at 45 hz and yield a peak thermal flux of 8 x 10/sup 14/ n/cm/sup 2/-sec and an epithermal flux of 2 x 10/sup 15/ n/cm/sup 2/-sec eV at 1 eV. Twelve advanced time-of-flight neutron scattering instruments are being designed for installation at IPNS-I. Accelerator design studies and other planning for IPNS-II, a 10/sup 16/ flux source, are continuing. …

This program was conducted to develop and demonstrate those solar cells and module process steps which have the technological readiness or capability to achieve the 1986 LSA goals. Results are reported. Seventeen process groups were investigated. Very promising results were achieved. A laserscribe computer program was developed. It demonstrated that silicon solar cells could be trimmed and holed by laser without causing mechanical defects (i.e., microcracks) nor any major degradation in solar cell electrical performance. The silicon wafer surface preparation task demonstrated a low-cost, high throughput texturizing process readily adaptable to automation. Performance verification tests of a laser scanning system showed a limited capability to detect hidden cracks or defects in solar cells. A general review of currently available thick film printing equipment provided the indication that state-of-the-art technology can adequately transform the capability of current printing machines to the elevated rate of 7200 wafers per hour. The LFE System 8000 silicon nitride plasma deposition system with the inclusion of minor equipment modifications was shown to be consistent with the 1986 LSA pricing goals. The performance verification test of the silicon nitride A.R. coating process provided the result that texturized, A.R. coated solar cells display a 14.1% improvement in electrical …

Data were gathered and analysis continued on thirteen process task groups. Four tasks were completed. A solar cell test data acquisition system was constructed, which showed that an automated system for collecting data on solar cell electrical performance is very useful and suitable for large-scale production. The application of plasma etching to thick film resist removal was studied and was not found to be a promising process technique. The laser trimming and holing operation was completed. Wafer surface preparation experiments were completed and a SAMICS study performed. The new texturizing system would add 6.39 cents to the price of a cell. A preliminary investigation led to the selection of the laser scanning method for the detection of mechanical defects in silicon solar cells. The present technology in thick film printing has been reviewed and some of the anticipated problem areas have been investigated. The current technology in the field of plasma silicon nitride deposition was studied and a preliminary cost estimate was performed. A new moderately sized system for the sequential plating of silicon wafers has been designed and found to be conducive for automation requirements. Technical information pertaining to the spray on dopant and drying system was obtained. The …

An automated processing sequence is being investigated in seventeen process groups which each encompass a number of processing steps. An indepth analysis of the process steps incorporated within the individual process groups is currently being performed, and each group is discussed. These process groups are: cell test data acquisition, plasma etching of resist, laser trimming and holing operation, wafer surface preparation, laser scanning inspection, wafer printing, low pressure vapor metal deposition, silicon nitride AR coating, wafer plating, soldering coating and flux removal, cell handling for module construction, laser trimming and holing automation, cell and module test and data storage, module construction study, spray on dopants, conveyorized dopant diffusion, and module model fabrication and materials. A final SAMICS report will be submitted at the conclusion of the overall process analysis.

An automated process sequence was defined, process steps were organized into groups for investigation, and data was gathered and analysis begun for four process groups. A solar cell test data acquisition system was designed. This system will automatically sample and plot the electrical performance of solar cells and will also be adaptable for solar cell module electrical performance. Wafer surface preparation equipment has been modified for this automation program. The equipment is now ready to process 90 mm diameter silicon wafers in sample volume for a projected automated process analysis. The laser trimming and holing operation has been defined. A laserscribe computer program for trimming a hexagon and cutting a central hole from a round silicon wafer is being negotiated for procurement. Information on the spray on dopant process is being gathered. Spin-on equipment is being used to test the viscosity, thickness of application and concentration of several dopants for use in the spray on dopant process.

The National Synchrotron Light Source, under construction at Brookhaven Laboratory, will be a uniquely copious source of x-ray and ultraviolet photons with a wide spectrum. Some of the potential uses of this intense radiation include studies of absorption spectra, photo-emission of electrons, x-ray scattering, biochemical studies and other areas of basic research. It can also be used for micro-lithography of integrated circuits for ultra dense semiconductor devices. The basic operation of the electron synchrotron is described. This includes the three step acceleration of the electrons through a linear accelerator, a booster synchrotron and finally in a synchrotron storage ring. The synchrotron magnet power system, the responsibility of a black engineer, is described. An SCR chopper approach is used with precision components to achieve current stability and repeatability of 0.01 percent. This current generates the magnetic fields which bend and focus the electron beam.

The relative merits of various LWR UO/sub 2/ fuel concepts with the potential for improved power-ramping capability were qualitatively assessed. In the evaluation, it was determined that of the various concepts being considered, those that presently possess an adequately developed experience base include annular pellets, cladding coated with graphite on the inner surface, and packed-particle fuel. Therefore, these were selected for initial evaluation as part of the Fuel Performance Improvement Program. For this program, graphite-coated cladding is being used in conjunction with annular pellet fuel as one of the concepts with the anticipation of gaining the advantage of the combined improvements. The report discusses the following: the criteria used to evaluate the candidate fuel concepts; a comparison of the concepts selected for irradiation with the criteria, including a general description of their experience bases; and a general discussion of other candidate concepts, including identifying those which may be considered for out-of-reactor evaluation as part of this program, those for which the results of other programs will be monitored, and those which have been deleted from further consideration at this time.

Six tasks are reported on: geological and engineering study of the DOE-Kewanee polymer-augmented waterflood, review of polymer injection program in this field, evaluation of results of polymer-augmented waterflood in this field, review of geological and engineering characteristics of oil fields now in waterflood as candidates for polymer augmentation, review of fields currently under primary production, and determination of ranges of future increased oil production from the polymer-water process in the project area.

The objective of this program is to assess the present state-of-the-art sawing technology of large diameter silicon ingots (3" and 4" diameter) for solar sheet materials. During this program, work has progressed in: (1) slicing of the ingots with the multiblade slurry (MBS) saw, the multiwire slurry (MWS) saw and the I.D. saw, (2) characterization of the sliced wafers, and (3) analysis of add-on slicing cost based on SAMICS. Multiblade slurry slicing resulted in mechanical wafer yields of 95% for the 3" diameter ingot and 84% for the 4" diameter ingot (using a 230 blade package to cut 6" ingot in length). A slicing test with the I.D. saw was performed to obtain mechanical yield versus both wafer thickness and cut rate, and the result showed a good yield (above 95%) down to 7 to 8 mils of wafer thickness for the 3" wafers and 11 to 12 mils for the 4" wafers if the cut rates were reduced to 1" per minute. An ingot of 3" in diameter and 3" in length was sliced with a multiwire slurry saw to obtain wafer yield of about 97%; 163 wires were used, and wafer thickness and kerf width were 10 to …

Under the sponsorship of the Small Power Systems Branch of the Division of Central Solar Technology, US Department of Energy, the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) is performing a project to identify, evaluate, and rank alternative solar thermal conversion concepts that have the potential for achieving commercial success as small electric power generation systems (1-10 MW/sub e/) with initial commercialization by the mid-1980s. Discussed are the tasks established for this project and the approach adopted for performing them.

The four classes of geophysical methods considered are: passive seismic methods; active seismic methods; natural field electrical and electromagnetic methods; and, controlled-source electrical and electromagnetic methods. Areas of rsearch for improvement of the various techniques for geothermal exploration are identified. (JGB)