A thermodynamic and economic performance analysis code, SOLSTEP, was developed to facilitate the evaluation of solar thermal power plant designs. The code conducts a time step simulation of the plant thermodynamic performance using actual recorded meteorological and insolation data. Each analysis case provides capacity factor and levelized energy cost results for several plant configurations using various combinations of collector field size and storage capacity. The code has been used to analyze a variety of solar thermal generic concepts involving several collector types and energy conversion and storage subsystems.

The in-situ thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of a granite rock mass at the Stripa mine, Sweden, have been extracted from the first 70 days of temperature data for the 5 kW full-scale heater experiment by means of least-squares fit to a finite-line source solution. Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity have been determined to be 3.69 W/(m-/sup 0/C) and 1.84 x 10/sup -6/ m/sup 2//s, respectively, at an average rock temperature of 23/sup 0/C (the average value of the actual temperature data used). These values are only slightly higher than the corresponding laboratory values, i.e., there is no significant size effect in the thermal properties of this rock mass. Since the size and shape of the heater canister used are similar to those considered for nuclear waste canisters and a substantial volume of rock is heated, the thermal properties obtained in this study are representative of in-situ rock mass properties under actual nuclear repository operating conditions.

Fresnel zone plate patterns, free of spherical abberation, with diameters of up to 0.63 mm and linewidths as small as 1000 A were fabricated on polyimide-membrane x-ray masks using scanning electron beam lithography Distortion of the electron beam scan raster was reduced to < 2500 A over a 2 mm x 2 mm field by applying deflection corrections, while viewing the distortion using a moire method. C/sub k/ x-ray lithography was used to replicate the zone plate pattern in thick PMMA over a 100 A thick plating base on a glass substrate. Zones plates in 1.3 ..mu..m thick gold were fabricated by plating, and made free-standing by removal of the plating base and the supporting glass substrate. Zone plates were tested as imaging elements with visible light and soft x-rays.

This paper discusses decontamination methods for LWRs. Emphasis is on the chemical cleaning of primary systems and contaminated equipment and components. The equipment is composed primarily of stainless steel, Inconel, Zircaloy, and a few other materials. Variables affecting efficiency are discussed. 10 figures. (DLC)

Substantial differences have been found between measured and computed heat losses from a large in-ground thermal storage tank used for annual cycle heat storage. One suspected source of error in the computation was the neglect of the latent heat effects in the moist soil and efforts have been made to examine these. One of these effects, that was due to freezing and thawing of the soil moisture is discussed, and the results of some simulations of the effect in a numerical model are presented.

The spermatogonial cell renewal system can maintain function and a steady level of cell population for relatively long periods of continuous low-level irradiation indicating that there does not appear to be a serious accumulation, over many generations, of damage affecting proliferation. Provided the dose-rate is quite low, there is an effective selective removal of damaged cells with almost complete repair of cellular nonlethal damage. At dose-rates greater than 2 rad/day, spermatogonia are very sensitive to radiation death, and the main reason for the low tolerance to continuous stress could, in part, be the limited extent of compensatory mechanisms regulating spermatogonial cell production. However, there is some capacity to change the patterns of cellular proliferation while still remaining under homeostatic control, and this capacity appears to reside in the relatively radioresistant A/sub s/ stem-cell population. Little is known about the extent to which the spermatogonial cell population can repair nonlethal cellular radiation damage accumulated under continuous stress affecting the regenerative capacity of the tissue. After acute exposure, a minimum number of surviving type A/sub s/ stem-cells are required to repopulate the functional seminiferous epithelium, regeneration proceeds along an ordered cell stage sequence, and is dependent on the time required for all …

Theoretical aspects of the measurements of production of low transverse momentum secondaries in high-energy hadron-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions are discussed. Applications of the quark model to those processes are discussed in some detail. 58 references.

High power pulse copper vapor laser systems consist of a master oscillator and numerous power amplifiers. Large systems used in laser isotope separation experiments require several automatic control systems. The rapid development of compact mini computers over the past several years has enabled the implementation of sophisticated computer controlled copper vapor laser systems. Present systems provide automatic time synchronization and input power stabilization. Future systems will incorporate semi-automatic start-up capabilities.

The gamma-ray component of the reactor radiation field can produce effects which impact strongly upon reactor design, shielding, and safety. Radiation effects arising from the gamma-ray component are induced by interaction of the absolute gamma-ray energy spectrum in the reactor environment. Hence, the most fundamental quantity underlying effects produced by the reactor gamma-ray field is the absolute gamma-ray energy continuum. To this end, the current status of Compton recoil gamma-ray spectrometry in Light Water Reactors (LWR) and Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR) environments is described. Particular emphasis is given to continuous gamma spectometry experiments in a LWR pressure vessel mockup at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Poolside Critical Assembly (PCA). Gamma spectrometry plans for FBR environments are outlined with special attention placed on start-up experiments in the Fast Test Reactor (FTR). Improvements in Compton recoil gamma-ray spectroscopy are presented.

The emphasis of much of the current and planned research on the toxicity of alpha-emitting radionuclides is directed toward the complexities of actual and potential conditions of occupational environmental exposures of human beings. These, as well as the more limited studies on mechanisms of biological transport and effects, should increase our ability to predict health risks more accurately and to deal more confidently with human exposures, if and when they occur.

Associated with commercial nuclear power production in the United States is the generation of potentially hazardous radioactive wastes. The Department of Energy (DOE), through the National Waste Terminal Storage (NWTS) Program, is seeking to develop nuclear waste isolation systems in geologic formations that will preclude contact with the biosphere of waste radionuclides in concentrations which are sufficient to cause deleterious impact on humans or their environments. Comprehensive analyses of specific isolation systems are needed to assess the expectations of meeting that objective. The Waste Isolation Safety Assessment Program (WISAP) has been established at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (operated by Battelle Memorial Institute) for developing the capability of making those analyses. Among the analyses required for isolation system evaluation is the detailed assessment of the post-closure performance of nuclear waste repositories in geologic formations. This assessment is essential, since it is concerned with aspects of the nuclear power program which previously have not been addressed. Specifically, the nature of the isolation systems (e.g., involving breach scenarios and transport through the geosphere), and the time-scales necessary for isolation, dictate the development, demonstration and application of novel assessment capabilities. The assessment methodology needs to be thorough, flexible, objective, and scientifically defensible. Further, the …

The importance of experiments detecting more than one particle is pointed out. The production of nuclei far from stability in peripheral collisions and the expectations for the explosive disassembly of dense nuclear matter (nuclear fireball) and some evidence for it are related. Pion interferometry concerns the measurement of correlations in the momentum and energy of two identical pions; the subject is discussed in relation to incoherent production, coherent production, partially coherent production, final-state interactions, impact parameter average, and outlook. Much of the paper deals with an assessment of the possibility of determining the form of the hadronic spectrum in the high-mass region through nuclear collisions at ultrarelativistic energies. The subject is developed under the following topics: perspective, the initial fireball, isoergic equilibrium expansion of the fireball, quasi-dynamical expansion, quark matter, and the mass degree of freedom. The quasi-dynamical model obtained indicates that certain parameters, such as the ..pi../N and K/N ratios at high kinetic energy, will survive the collision; therefore, a determination of the asymptotic form of the hadron spectrum probably can be made by studying nuclear collisions at very high energies (10 GeV/nucleon in the center of mass). 16 figures. (RWR)

INGEN is a general-purpose mesh generator for two- and three-dimensional finite element codes. The basic parts of the code are surface and three-dimensional region generators that use linear-blending interpolation formulas. These generators are based on an i, j, k index scheme that is used to number nodal points, construct elements, and develop displacement and traction boundary conditions. This code can generate truss elements (2 modal points); plane stress, plane strain, and axisymmetry two-dimensional continuum elements (4 to 8 nodal points); plate elements (4 to 8 nodal points); and three-dimensional continuum elements 8 to 21 nodal points). The traction loads generated are consistent with the element generated. The expansion--contraction option is of special interest. This option makes it possible to change an existing mesh such that some regions are refined and others are made coarser than the original mesh. 9 figures.

The performance of a 5 MJ plasma focus is calculated using our two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (2-D MHD) code. Two configurations are discussed, a solid and a hollow anode. In the case of the hollow anode, we find an instability in the current sheath which has the characteristics of the short wave length sausage instability. As the current sheath reaches the axis, the numerical solution is seen to break down. Just before this time, plasma parameters take on the characteristic values rho/rho/sub 0/ = 143, kT/sup i/ = 7.4 keV, B/sub theta/ = 4.7 MG, and V/sub z/ = 60 cm/..mu..s for a zone with r = 0.2 mm. When the numerical solution breaks down, the code shows a splitting of the current sheath (from the axis to the anode) and the loss of a large amount of magnetic energy. Current-sheath stagnation is observed in the hollow anode configuration, also.

The history of geothermal development is reviewed briefly. The resource is divided into three major categories for discussion: hydrothermal resources, hot igneous rock resources, and conduction-dominated resources. Geothermal power generation and direct applications in the U.S. are discussed. (MHR)

The elastic--plastic stress and deformation fields at the tip of a crack which grows in an ideally plastic solid under plane strain, shows small scale yielding conditions. Results of an asymptotic analysis suggests the existence of a crack tip stress state similar to that of the classical Prandtl field, but containing a zone of elastic unloading between the centered fan region and the trailing constant stress plastic region. The near tip expression for the rate of opening displacement delta at distance r from the growing tip is found to have the form delta-. = ..cap alpha.. J-./sigma/sub o/ + ..beta..(sigma/sub o//E) a-. ln(R/r) but the presence of the elastic wedge causes ..beta.. to have the revised value of 5.08 (for Poisson ratio ..nu.. = 0.3); also, (a = crack length, sigma/sub o/ = yield strength, E = elastic modulus, and J denotes the far-field value), and (1-..nu../sup 2/)K/sup 2//E for the small scale yielding conditions considered. The parameters ..cap alpha.. and R cannot be determined from the asymptotic analysis, but comparisons with finite element solutions suggest that, for small amounts of growth, ..cap alpha.. is approximately the same for stationary and growing cracks, and R scales approximately with the size …

Separate abstracts were prepared for the two lectures presented. (JFP)

There are two main problems associated with the concept of geologic storage of radioactive waste in fractured crystalline rock: (1) the thermo-mechanical effects of the heat generated by the waste, and (2) the potential for transport of radioactive materials by the groundwater system. In both problems, fractures play a dominant role. An assessment of the hydraulic and mechanical characteristics of fractued rock requires a careful series of laboratory and field investigations. The complexity of the problem is illustrated by the field studies in a fractured granite that are currently underway in an abandoned iron-ore mine at Stripa, Sweden. Much information is being gathered from an extensive series of boreholes and fracture maps. The approach being taken to integrate these data into an analysis of the fracture hydrology is reviewed and preliminary results from the hydrology program are presented. 13 figures.

The mass and kinetic energy distributions of fission fragments from the spontaneous fission of th newly discovered nuclide /sup 259/Md were obtained. /sup 259/Md was identified as the E. C. daughter of /sup 259/No, and was found to decay entirely (> 95%) by spontaneous fission with a 95-min half-life. From the kinetic energies measured for 397 pairs of coincident fragments, a mass distribution was derived that is symmetric with sigma = 13 amu. /sup 259/Md, together with /sup 258/Fm and /sup 259/Fm, form a select group of three nuclides whose mass division in spontaneous fission is highly symmetric. Unlike the total-kinetic-energy (TKE) distributions of /sup 258/Fm and /sup 259/Fm, which peak at approx. = to 240 MeV, this distribution for /sup 259/Md is broad and is 50 MeV lower in energy. Analysis of the mass and energy distributions shows that events near mass symmetry also exhibit a broad TKE distribution, with one-third of the symmetric events having TKEs less than 200 MeV. The associated of low TKEs with symmetric mass division in the fission of very heavy actinides is anomalous and inconsistent with theories based upon the emergence of fragment shells near the scission point. Either three-body fragmentation or peculiar …

Magnetic fields in the range 0.2 to 2.0 MG produce shocks in 0.1 to 1.0 atmosphere xenon gas which have shock mach numbers as high as 100. Using pulsed x-ray and other diagnostics, the studies of velocity, compression, and luminosity are in good agreement with a simple snowplow theory. In some of the experiments, ultraviolet radiation from the shocked xenon produces luminous precursors and interactions with the metal walls of the shock tube. The addition of an ultraviolet absorbing organic impurity vapor diminishes the amplitude of these effects. A clean, chemically inert metal wall is even more effective. Further experiments show that magnetic shear has a stabilizing effect on the current-carrying layer of the shocked gas. It is concluded that a megagauss magnetic field is a useful shock tube driver for producing high velocity shock waves.

Formal training in deburring is significant because it is so rare. This lack is particularly evident when one must obtain or train individuals who can finish sophisticated parts to exacting edge requirements. The paper describes the training program developed by one large company. The program is based on the production of sophisticated precision miniature parts requiring high levels of precision and care. The format of the training program and considerations involved are described.

Parameters of an electron storage ring which are relevant to brightness are defined. For the case of a FODO lattice scaling laws and maximum beam brightness are calculated.

A proposal has been made at LBL to develop a specialized computer facility specifically designed to deal with the problems associated with the reduction and analysis of experimental data. Such a facility would provide a highly interactive, graphics-oriented, multi-user environment capable of handling relatively large data bases for each user. By conceptually separating the general problem of data analysis into two parts, cyclic batch calculations and real-time interaction, a multilevel, parallel processing framework may be used to achieve high-speed data processing. In principle such a system should be able to process a mag tape equivalent of data through typical transformations and correlations in under 30 s. The throughput for such a facility, for five users simultaneously reducing data, is estimated to be 2 to 3 times greater than is possible, for example, on a CDC7600. 3 figures.

Oxygen-to-metal ratio (O/M) of mixed oxide fuel pellets can be controlled during fabrication by proper selection of binder (type and content) and sintering conditions. Sintering condition adjustments involved the passing of Ar--8% H/sub 2/ sintering gas across a cryostat ice bath controlled to temperatures ranging from -5 to -60/sup 0/C to control as-sintered pellet O/M ratio. As-sintered fuel pellet O/M decreased with increasing Sterotex binder and PuO/sub 2/ concentrations, increasing sintering temperature, and decreasing sintering gas dew point. Approximate relationships between Sterotex binder level and O/M were established for PuO/sub 2/--UO/sub 2/ and PuO/sub 2/--ThO/sub 2/ fuels. O/M was relatively insensitive to Carbowax binder concentration. Several methods of increasing O/M using post-sintering pellet heat treatments were demonstrated, with the most reliable being a two-step process of first raising the O/M to 2.00 (stoichiometric) at 650/sup 0/C in Ar--8% H/sub 2/ bubbled through H/sub 2/O, followed by hydrogen reduction to specification O/M in oxygen-gettered Ar-(% H/sub 2/ at temperatures ranging from 1200 to 1690/sup 0/C.