A Photovoltaic Metallization Research Forum, under the sponsorship of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Flat-Plate Solar Array Project and the US Department of Energy, was held March 16-18, 1983 at Pine Mountain, Georgia. The Forum consisted of five sessions, covering (1) the current status of metallization systems, (2) system design, (3) thick-film metallization, (4) advanced techniques and (5) future metallization challenges. Twenty-three papers were presented.

The Mirror Fusion Test Facility is a major magnetic fusion energy project at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. An important component of this facility is the vacuum vessel, which forms the vacuum chamber. The vessel is supported on twenty-two pairs of legs that rest on reinforced concrete piers. In performing static and dynamic analyses on the vacuum vessel, we separately investigated the load distribution under gravity loads, pressure loads, electromagnetic loads, and thermal loads. We also performed sophisticated dynamic analyses to predict the structural behavior under a postulated earthquake. The modeling assumptions and analytic procedures are highlighted in this paper.

It is argued that detection of heavy leptons at the Superconducting Super Collider seems to be very difficult but perhaps not impossible. The feasibility is shown to depend critically upon the ability to identify events with W's decaying hadronically and missing transverse momentum. (LEW)

Extremely smooth, uniform metal coatings of micrometer thicknesses on microscopic glass spheres (microspheres) are often needed as targets for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments. The first part of this paper reviews those methods used successfully to provide metal coated microspheres for ICF targets, including magnetron sputtering, electro- and electroless plating, and chemical vapor pyrolysis. The second part of this paper discusses some of the critical aspects of magnetron sputter coating of microspheres, including substrate requirements, the sticking of microspheres during coating (preventing a uniform coating), and the difficulties in growing the desired dense, smooth, uniform microstructure on continuously moving spherical substrates.

Most analytical and experimental approaches to the evaluation of fluid-structure interaction (FSI) effects in the General Electric Mark I BWR pressure suppression system treat the torus shell as rigid when the shell in real systems is flexible. This report describes linear three-dimensional finite-element analyses of one torus bay that investigated the qualitative effect of torus wall flexibility on hydrodynamic loads induced by a nominal safety relief valve (SRV) discharge. The results of these analyses support the general conclusion drawn from earlier two-dimensional analyses. The report also discusses finite-element analyses of a 3-D representation of the earlier 2-D plane-strain model of the torus shell.

In a wide variety of physics problems, especially those which involve wave phenomena such as in electromagnetics and acoustics, a behavior results that can be described by systems of linear (partial) differential equations. Solutions to such problems often can be expressed simply in the form of an exponential series. Some specific background material for this approach is discussed, and a variety of example applications is summarized. (WHK)

Initial Tandem Mirror Hybrid Study predicts the ability to produce large amounts of fissile fuel (2 to 7 tonnes per year U233 from a 4000 MW plant) at a cost that adds less than 25% to the cost of power from an LWR.

In this paper, highlights from recent engineering research and development, in particular, results from fluidized bed calcination studies of SYNROC slurry are summarized. A schematic diagram of the envisioned SYNROC process (at this stage of development) is also presented. It shows the use of a fluidized bed calciner to prepare SYNROC powder that is then fed to a storage hopper. Bellows-type canisters are filled, evacuated, sealed and preheated. The preheated canisters are loaded into a hot isotactic pressing unit where they are densified, then removed and cooled and finally loaded into a waste storage container. After sealing, this container is decontaminated and transferred to the interim storage facility and then, ultimately, to an underground repository.

SYNROC is a titanate-based ceramic waste form being developed to immobilize high-level nuclear reactor wastes. SYNROC-D is a unique variation of SYNROC designed to contain high-level defense wastes, particularly those in storage at the Savannah River Plant (SRP). We review recent research and development on SYNROC-D processing options and report on work in progress on various unit operations. The overall immobilization process can be divided into three general parts: (1) slurry preparation (formulation, reactant addition and blending); (2) powder processing (spray drying, calcination/redox control); and (3) mineralization (densification). Powder processing research is directed toward development of a slurry-fed, fluidized-bed calciner based on the ICPP design. Densification research is focused on use of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) or hot uniaxial pressing (HUP). The successful use of both have been demonstrated.

In neutron dosimetry, calculations enable one to predict the response of a proposed dosimeter before effort is expended to design and fabricate the neutron instrument or dosimeter. The nature of these calculations requires the use of computer programs that implement mathematical models representing the transport of radiation through attenuating media. Numerical, and in some cases analytical, solutions of these models can be obtained by one of several calculational techniques. All of these techniques are either approximate solutions to the well-known Boltzmann equation or are based on kernels obtained from solutions to the equation. The Boltzmann equation is a precise mathematical description of neutron behavior in terms of position, energy, direction, and time. The solution of the transport equation represents the average value of the particle flux density. Integral forms of the transport equation are generally regarded as the formal basis for the Monte Carlo method, the results of which can in principle be made to approach the exact solution. This paper focuses on the Monte Carlo technique.

In the Tandem Mirror Experiment Upgrade (TMX-U), the formation of a thermal barrier and the potential plugging of ion end loss were achieved at central-cell densities up to 2 x 10/sup 12/ cm/sup -3/. The presence of a thermal barrier was confirmed by direct measurement, and ion axial-confinement times in the range 50 to 100 ms were measured. The ECRH in the end cells (a) initiates plasma startup, (b) generates hot, mirror-confined electrons to form thermal barriers, and (c) creates the plugging potential for central-cell ions. The ECRH system consists of four 200 kW, 28 GHz gyrotrons each feeding power to a separate heating location (two in each end plug). Fundamental heating is used at the potential plug, and second harmonic is used in the thermal barrier. Hot-electron plasmas are produced at total end-cell antenna power levels up to 300 kW. Strong single-pass absorption and net hot-electron heating efficiencies exceeding 40% are observed. Hot-electron parameters achieved are: n/sub eh//n/sub et/ up to 0.8, volume-average beta <..beta..> approx. = 0.15, and T/sub x/ (x-ray tail above 40 keV) in the range 75 to 200 keV.

This report describes a series of extended analyses requested by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to provide qualified understanding of possible fluid/structure interaction (FSI) effects for SRV teequencher test results. Three input pulses with total impulses varying by up to a factor of five are applied to two-dimensional finite-element models of the Mark I torus with shell diameter-to-thickness ratios of 0, 300, and 600. The results of these analyses support earlier conclusions that increased wall flexibility enhances attenuation of hydrodynamic loads and furthermore indicate that the magnitude of the attenuation is only weakly affected by the total impulse of the bubble pressure time-history.

Complementary broad-band instruments have been developed to measure time dependent, absolute soft x-ray spectra at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Nd glass laser irradiation facilities. Absolute flux measurements of x rays emitted from laser-produced plasmas are important for understanding laser absorption and energy transport. We will describe two new 10-channel XRD systems that have been installed at the LLNL Novette facility for use in the 0.15- to 1.5-keV range. Since XRD channel time response is limited by available oscilloscope performance to 120 ps, a soft x-ray streak camera has been developed for better time resolution (20 ps) and greater dynamic range (approx.10/sup 3/) in the same x-ray energy region. Using suitable filters, grazing incidence mirrors, and a gold or cesium-iodide transmission cathode, this streak camera instrument has been installed at Novette to provide one broad and four relatively narrow channels. It can also be used in a single channel, spatially discriminating mode by means of pinhole imaging. The complementary nature of these instruments has been enhanced by locating them in close proximity and matching their channel energy responses. As an example of the use of these instruments, we present results from Novette 2..omega..(0.53 ..mu..m) gold disk irradiations at 1 …

This paper describes a quantitative approach to help evaluate and respond to safeguards alarms. These alarms may be generated internally by a facility's safeguards systems or externally by individuals claiming to have stolen special nuclear material (SNM). This approach can be used to identify the most likely cause of an alarm - theft, hoax, or error - and to evaluate alternative responses to alarms. Possible responses include conducting investigations, initiating measures to recover stolen SNM, and replying to external threats. Based on the results of each alarm investigation step, the evaluation revises the likelihoods of possible causes of an alarm, and uses this information to determine the optimal sequence of further responses. The choice of an optimal sequence of responses takes into consideration the costs and benefits of successful thefts or hoaxes. These results provide an analytical basis for setting priorities and developing contingency plans for responding to safeguards alarms.

This work is primarily concerned with the calculation of neutron capture cross sections and capture gamma-ray spectra, in the framework of the Hauser-Feshbach statistical model and for neutrons from the resonance region up to several MeV. An argument is made that, for applied purposes such as constructing evaluated cross-section libraries, nonstatistical capture mechanisms may be completely neglected at low energies and adequately approximated at high energies in a simple way. The use of gamma-ray strength functions to obtain radiation widths is emphasized. Using the reaction /sup 89/Y + n as an example, the problems encountered in trying to construct a case that could be run equivalently on two different nuclear reaction codes are illustrated, and the effects produced by certain parameter variations are discussed.

The capabilities of Lawrence Livermore Laboratory's Calibration and Standards Facility are delineated. The facility's ability to provide radiation fields and measurements for a variety of radiation safety applications and the available radiation measurement equipment are described. The need for national laboratory calibration labs to maintain traceability to a national standard are discussed as well as the areas where improved standards and standardization techniques are needed.

We have investigated the role of an isomeric state and its coupling to the ground state (g.s.) via photons and neutron inelastic scattering in a stellar environment by making detailed photonuclear and neutron cross-section calculations for /sup 176/Lu and /sup 210/Bi. In the case of /sup 176/Lu, the g.s. would function as an excellent galactic slow- (s-) process chronometer were it not for the 3.7-h isomer at 123 keV. Our calculations predicted much larger photon cross sections for production of the isomer, as well as a lower threshold, than had been assumed based on earlier measurements. These two factors combine to indicate that an enormous correction, a factor of 10/sup 7/, must be applied to shorten the current estimate of the half-life against photoexcitation of /sup 176/Lu as a function of temperature. This severely limits the use of /sup 176/Lu as a stellar chronometer and indicates a significantly lower temperature at which the two states reach thermal equilibrium. For /sup 210/Bi, our preliminary calculations of the production and destruction of the 3 /times/ 10/sup 6/ y isomeric state by neutrons and photons suggest that the /sup 210/Bi isomer may not be destroyed by photons as rapidly as assumed in certain …

An analytical procedure was developed to estimate the cooldown time between pulses of the Compact Ignition Tokamak (CIT) utilizing liquid nitrogen. Fairly good agreement was obtained between the analysis results and those measured in the early fusion experimental devices. The cooldown time between pulses in the CIT is controlled by the energy disposition in the inner leg of the TF coil. A cooldown time of less than one hour is feasible for the CIT if fins are used in the cooling channels. An R and D experimental program is proposed to determine the actual cooldown time between pulses since this would be considered an issue in the conceptual design of the CIT.

Data from e/sup +/e/sup -/ annihilations at 29 GeV have been used to measure the production and fragmentation of eta mesons. The signal is observed in the eta ..-->.. ..gamma gamma.. decay channel. The fragmentation function for p/sub eta/ > 1.5 GeV/c agrees well with the shapes predicted by both the Lund and Webber models. However, the mean multiplicity is measured to be < n/sub eta/ > = 0.37 +- 0.08 eta mesons per hadronic annihilation event, which is significantly lower than the values predicted by either model. 6 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.

The performance of a streak camera recording system is strongly linked to the technique used to amplify, detect and quantify the streaked image. At the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) streak camera images have been recorded both on film and by fiber-optically coupling to charge-coupled devices (CCD's). During the development of a new process for recording these images (lens coupling the image onto a cooled CCD) the definitions of important performance characteristics such as resolution and dynamic range were re-examined. As a result of this development, these performance characteristics are now presented to the streak camera user in a more useful format than in the past. This paper describes how these techniques are used within the Laser Fusion Program at LLNL. The system resolution is presented as a modulation transfer function, including the seldom reported effects that flare and light scattering have at low spatial frequencies. Data are presented such that a user can adjust image intensifier gain and pixel averaging to optimize the useful dynamic range in any particular application.

The direct current plasma source of a Beckman Spectraspan IIIB emission spectrometer was enclosed in a glovebox at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in December 1982. Since that time, the system has been used for the routine determination of alloy and impurity metals in plutonium. This paper presents the systematic steps involved in developing the glovebox and gives information regarding performance of the plasma in the glovebox and the effectiveness of containment of plutonium. 8 refs., 9 figs., 3 tabs.

The Ion Beam Facility operated for 6000 machine hours last year, ranging in energy from 300 Kev to 24 Mev. Improvements include cryopumps replacing diffusion pumps, a rebuilding of the tandem chopper electronics and the vertical's corona charging system. Methane molecules were successfully accelerated by the vertical in quantities of hundreds of nanoamperes. Two replacement magnet power supplies on the tandem and a completely new capacitor shell regulator on the vertical are soon to be installed.

Present ion sources produce deuterium ions plus small amounts of impurity ions including oxygen. The oxygen current is readily trapped by the Mirror Fusion Test Facility-B (MFTF-B) plasma and represents a severe energy loss mechanism. A pure-beam source-neutralizer has been designed by LLNL for the MFTF-B. This concept uses momentum separation by closely coupling an electromagnet to the source to purify the beam. This design requires a low pressure in the neutralizer, implying a long length and a large diameter for high conductance. Present designs require a 55-in. diameter by 60-in. long magnetically shielded region. This shield encloses the source and the separator magnet, and acts as the neutralizer duct for the beam. The fringe fields from the MFTF-B magnets penetrate the pure-beam neutralizer along the beamline axis. Field strengths on the order of three hundred gauss must be reduced to less than 6 gauss axial and 0.2 gauss transverse to the beam. Conventional single and double layer shielding designs require excessive amounts of permeable material. Multiple layer shields using a soft iron outer shield with a highly permeable inner shield require a 4 3/4-in.-thick outer shield. We have rejected this as a possible shielding solution. Active shielding, using two …

The Mirror Fusion Test Facility (MFTF-B) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory requires state-of-the-art structural-mechanics methods to deal with access constraints for plasma heating and diagnostics, alignment requirements, and load complexity and variety. Large interactive structures required an integrated analytical approach to achieve a reasonable level of overall system optimization. The Tandem Magnet Generator (TMG) creates a magnet configuration for the EFFI calculation of electromagnetic-field forces that, coupled with other loads, form the input loading to magnet and vessel finite-element models. The analytical results provide the data base for detailed design of magnet, vessel, foundation, and interaction effects. 13 refs.