Task 3 of Contract AT03-76SF78003 consists of the following programs: fuel rod chemistry and thermodynamics; fuel rod engineering; fuel irradiations testing and analysis; reference structural materials. The four parts are closely interrelated and in combination are aimed at providing a sound basis for the design and performance evaluation of LMFBR mixed oxide fuel rods.

A method for estimating the useful lifetime of a reservoir in porous rock where the injection and production wells intersect a fracture system is presented. Equations were derived for the pore-fluid and fracture-fluid temperatures averaged over large regions of the geothermal field. Problems such as incomplete areal sweep and interfingering of cool and hot fluids are ignored. Approximate equations relating average temperatures to the heat flowing from rock to fluid were developed, and their use is justified by comparing the results with solutions of the exact equations. The equations for the temperature decline can be solved quickly. In the model, fractures are characterized by three parameters: aperture w, permeability k/sub fr/, and spacings between fractures D. For certain values of these parameters, cool reinjected fluid in fractures may reach the production wells long before all the warm pore fluid has been tapped, shortening the useful lifetime of the field. The traditional (and important) problems of reservoir engineering, flow rate determination, drawdown, sweep patterns, etc. were ignored. Thus the results are most useful in providing a correction factor which can be applied to lifetime estimates obtained from a detailed simulation of a field assuming porous rock. That correction factor is plotted …

Research on the use of cements in radioactive waste isolation is reported. Other research is reported on the effects of thermal treatments of clays and shales on their cation exchange capacities and relative sorptive properties for cations. Development of instrumentation for measuring thermal properties of cements at atmospheric pressure was completed. A method was developed for measuring heat flow in shales and cement. Data on thermodynamic properties of cements and shales are included. Studies of shales, siltstones, and evaporites including scanning electron microscopy are in progress. (JRD)

Analytical and experimental methods are presented for evaluating the vibration characteristics of cylindrical shells such as the thermal liner of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor vessel. The NASTRAN computer program is used to calculate the natural frequencies, mode shapes, and response to a harmonic loading of a thin, circular cylindrical shell situated inside a fluid-filled rigid circular cylinder. Solutions in a vacuum are verified with an exact solution method and the SAP IV computer code. Comparisons between analysis and experiment are made, and the accuracy and utility of the fluid-solid interaction package of NASTRAN is assessed.

The reliability of stainless steel type 304L canisters for the containment of solidified high-level radioactive wastes in the glass and calcine forms was studied. A reference system, drawn largely from information furnished by Battelle Northwest Laboratories and Atlantic Richfield Hanford Company is described. Operations include filling the canister with the appropriate waste form, interim storage at a reprocessing plant, shipment in water to a Retrievable Surface Storage Facility (RSSF), interim storage at the RSSF, and shipment to a final disposal facility.

When residential units are analyzed in human factor terms, it is apparent that the consumption level feedback (typically a bill, calculated once a month, over all appliances) is inadequate to give the resident useful information about his energy consuming actions. The present study tested the hypothesis that providing immediate feedback to homeowners concerning their daily rate of electric usage would be effective in reducing electric consumption. In the studied homes, central air-conditioning is the largest single source of electric power consumption during the summer. Accordingly, it was possible to predict the household's expected electric consumption in terms of the average daily outdoor temperature. Predicted electric consumption was derived from a previous month's modeling period during which a regression line was fitted to predict consumption from average daily temperature, for each home. Feedback was expressed as a percentage of actual consumption over predicted consumption. Feedback was displayed to homeowners four times a week for approximately one month. The results confirmed the prediction. Before feedback began, the feedback and control groups were consuming electricity at approximately equal rates. During the feedback period, the feedback group used 10.5 percent less electricity. The effectiveness of the feedback procedure was explained in terms of its …

The following subjects are covered: a general description of the project and environment, system thermal performance, system economic analysis, and subsystem performance. (MHR)

The design and operating criteria to be used in the Advanced Thermal Energy Storage Study are described. The storage system operating requirements and design standards are outlined and the corresponding power plant interface requirements are given. Each of the three alternative high temperature thermal energy storage systems (phase change, thermochemical, and sensible heat) is described. The approach and criteria to be used in developing energy cost numbers are described, and the systems requirements data and the requirements perturbations to be used in the trade studies are summarized. All of the requirements data to be used are compiled. (LEW)

A novel method of pumping geothermal hot brines is described. A discussion of the reasons for pumping and a description of the system is reported. The results of the turbopump laboratory tests are documented. The design, construction, and test of a higher flow-rate pump impeller and first-stage diffuser; detailed design improvements in the TPU and continued endurance testing of it; and preliminary planning tasks for the subsequent down-well testing program are covered. (MHR)

The follow up on the Susanville geothermal energy project workshop is described. A post-conference survey was conducted and pertinent reports collected. Copies of available pertinent letter reports are included in the appendices. A proposed preliminary draft of a local ordinance structured for the protection of the resource is included in an appendix. The City Council of Susanville adopted a preliminary city of Susanville Geothermal policy. A copy of the objectives, guidelines, and criteria are included.

Discussion is presented under the following section headings: background and some technical characteristics of geothermal resources; geology and geohydrology, geophysics, and, conclusions regarding availability of geothermal energy for nonelectric uses; agricultural assessment of Lake County, site assessment for potential agricultural development, analysis of potential agricultural applications, special application of low cost geothermal energy to algae harvesting, development of an integrated agribusiness, geothermal complex in Lake County, analysis of individual enterprises, and, recommendations for subsequent work; demographic characteristics, economic condition and perspective of Lake County, economic impact of geothermal in Lake County, social and economic factors related to geothermal resource development, socioeconomic impact of nonelectric uses of geothermal energy, and, identification of direct heat applications of geothermal energy for Lake County based on selected interviews; cost estimate procedure, example, justification of procedure, and, typical costs and conclusions; and, recommended prefeasibility and feasibility studies related to construction of facilities for nonelectric applications of geothermal resource utilization. (JGB)

The philosophic basis and proposed implementation of an energy outreach program were set forth in a proposal of December 5, 1975 and in a revised proposal and budget of March 22, 1976, submitted after consultation with ERDA officials. The objectives and scope of work for the initial ten-month period presently contracted, and for the balance of the proposed two-year program, are summarized in the ERDA document ''Project: Outreach Program for Energy Information Dissemination in Adjacent Areas of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut''. A copy is included at the end of this report. The implementation plan set forth here specifies the nature and the time schedule of the work to be accomplished throughout the tem-month and the two-year periods. In order to disseminate information to target audiences, the institute will utilize various energy technology channels of communications, including, the Energy Information Center; NYIT Energy Hot Line; Metropolitan Regional Council Television Seminars; Referral Services; press releases; technical assisance teams; newspaper question-and-answer columns; traveling displays; contests; conferences; radio spots; volunteers; and Center for Energy Policy and Research Periodical. All energy topics are included, but priority in the short term will be given to energy management programs for small commercial/industrial plants; residential building …

This report has a two-fold objective: (1) to identify major energy-related environmental concerns, needs, and problem areas, and (2) to show the relationship of the planned FY 1978 research program of the ERDA Assistant Administrator of Environment and Safety (AES) to those environmental issues. The document is organized into sections addressing each major energy form. Each section identifies environmental issues of an energy form and indicates the level of planned FY 78 AES research addressing each issue, thus delineating the links between environmental research and the needs of energy research, development, and demonstration (RD and D).

The Energy Information Center was created to serve (1) the research and information dissemination purposes of the Center for Energy Policy and Reearch, and (2) the information outreach programs of the Energy Advisory Service established by the Center. The Center is primarily concerned with (a) energy conservation, (b) alternative energy sources, (c) energy usage, and (d) energy policy, and insofar as they relate to these matters, it is concerned secondarily with fossil energy, nuclear energy, and international energy developments. Accordingly, the Energy Information Center acquires materials in such fields as engineering, economics, and the political, social, and behavioral sciences. In addition to serving the research and information dissemination needs of the Center for Energy Policy and Research, the Energy Information Center also supports the Center's Energy Advisory Service outreach program in which information and technical assistance in the use of energy conserving techniques and equipment is made available to industrial and commercial organizations, public officials, homeowners, and the general public throughout the New York New Jersey, and Connecticut area.

From objective and plan: The airborne data gathered were reduced using ground-based computer facilities to give the basic uranium, thorium and potassium equivalent gamma radiation intensities, ratios of these intensities, aircraft altitude above the earth's surface, total gamma ray and earth's magnetic field intensity, correlated as a function of geologic units indicated from available geologic maps. Results of analyses of these field data are presented as profile plots of the gamma radiation and earth's magnetic field.

The airborne data gathered were reduced using ground-based computer facilities to give the basic uranium, thorium and potassium equivalent gamma radiation intensities, ratios of these intensities, aircraft altitude above the earth's surface, total gamma ray and earth's magnetic field intensity, correlated as a function of geologic units indicated from available geologic maps. Results of analyses of these field data are presented as profile plots of the gamma radiation and earth's magnetic field.

An investigation was conducted to determine the influence of variables in controlling the size and repeatability of grinding burrs to minimize burr-removal costs and improve the quality and reliability of parts for small precision mechanisms. Each of the three types of burrs produced by surface-grinding a rectangular block responds differently to changes in cutting conditions. Reducing the downfeed rate generally produces shorter burrs. Although the size of the abrasive grain affected the thickness of one of the burrs, thickness was relatively unaffected by the variables studied. The thickest burrs occurred on low-carbon steel.

The technical theory of bending of circular plates under axisymmetric lateral loads is formulated in terms of Hart's state-variable equations. Then the method is applied to plates with simply supported and clamped edges through a standard algorithm. All the analytical results obtained compare qualitatively with those reported in the literature. The influence of the state variable called ''hardness'' is clearly demonstrated. Thus the analysis and the results provide a basis for acceptance of the model applied to structural components in a multiaxial state of stress.

The performance of ion extractors is analyzed with crude approximations that show improved performance to be possible with the certain modifications. However, additional studies are required to evaluate the beam optics in the presence of the deformed grids.

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Like toroidal confinement, confinement by a potential barrier offers the possibility of unlimited Q if the barrier is good enough. For a barrier height PHI, approximately tau approximately equal to tau/sub collision/ exp PHI/T/sub i/. These notes review previous ideas about how to establish a potential barrier at the ends of a mirror machine and we also discuss a different possibility using mirror confinement itself to establish a barrier utilizing the positive ambipolar potential characteristic of mirror machines. One example consists of three mirrors in tandem, the two at the ends having a much smaller volume. Then mirror confinement in the end cells would be used to establish ambipolar barriers that stopper up the ends of the central, large mirror cell. An example is discussed in which, by approximate calculation, it appears that ignition might occur in a center cell 10 to 20 meters long and the overall Q is 5 or more, including the power required to sustain the end cells by neutral injection.

The articles describe the electric gun, a versatile tool for studying initiation properties of explosives; microcomputers and computer networks; and the preferred parts concept, which may mean that metric conversion will pay for itself by elimination of duplication. Brief items also report on progress in geothermal programs, the lithium--water--air battery program, and uncertain conclusions in the study of ozone depletion. 6 figures. Separate abstracts are prepared for the individual articles for inclusion in the data base. (RWR)

The work performed was primarily concerned with the preparation of the experiments to be performed on the Fast Breeder Blanket Facility (FBBF) and the corresponding analysis. The work on the experimental program has been started. Since experiments are subject to safety constraints, a safety investigation program (for a hypothetically flooded facility) is reported. The neutronics part of the preanalysis is also reported. The testing of the first configuration has largely been prepared. The identification of the experiment need has been worked on extensively, largely through unsponsored research which had been started before the contract became effective. The work done in this area by other groups is being reviewed.

The decontamination and disposition (D and D) of Building 028, Shield Test Irradiation Reactor (STIR) facilities, are complete. The core tank, the activated concrete structures surrounding the core tanks, the thermal column, the reactor shield, the test vault carriage, the water cooling systems, and the water shield door were removed, and the facility exhaust system was partially dismantled. The facilities were decontaminated to levels which were as low as practicable, but in all cases to levels below the limits described as acceptable for future unrestricted use. The more significant D and D activities are summarized, and special techniques are noted. Results of the radiological monitoring in support of the D and D operations and of the final radiological survey are presented.