Analysis of the proposed GCFR upper and lower plenum flow-through shields has been performed using both discrete ordinate (DOT) and Monte Carlo (MORSE) methods. Several shields having one change of direction in the coolant path (chevron) and two changes of direction (herringbone) were investigated. The shields were modeled as unit cells with periodic boundary conditions. From plenum fluence calculations and design constraints at the reactor vessel liner, it was determined that all the shield configurations analyzed should be adequate for the necessary radiation attenuation.

MACRO, a code to propagate probability distributions through a set of linked models, is currently under development at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. An early version of this code, MACRO1, has been used to assess post-sealing dose to man for simple repository and site models based on actual site data.

Waist welds on spherical experimental pressure vessels have been evaluated under pressure using holographic interferometry. A coincident viewing and illumination optical configuration coupled with a parabolic mirror was used so that the entire weld region could be examined with a single hologram. Positioning the pressure vessel at the focal point of the parabolic mirror provides a relatively undistorted 360 degree view of the waist weld. Double exposure and real time holography were used to obtain displacement information on the weld region. Results are compared with radiographic and ultrasonic inspections.

CR-39 Polymer, a new solid state track recorder with unprecedented sensitivity to lightly ionizing particles (such as protons) is being developed for eventual neutron dosimetry applications in the Fusion Materials Irradiation Test Facility and elsewhere. The diameters of proton tracks have been found to vary smoothly and reproducibly as a function of energy from 0.20 to 18.0 MeV. Preliminary results on the response of CR-39 polymer to proton tracks as a function of angle show a rapid decrease of the registration efficiency from 100% to 0 for angles of incidence less than 75/sup 0/. Proton recoil track size distributions in CR-39 polymer irradiated with monoenergetic neutrons of varying energy are presented. Some proposed high energy neutron dosimetry and radiography systems using CR-39 polymer are discussed.

A study was made to define the features of the experimental mirror fusion device - The Tandem Mirror Next Step, or TMNS - that will bridge the gap between present mirror confinement experiments and a power-producing reactor. We outline the project goals, describe some initial device parameters, and relate the technological requirements to ongoing development programs.

This paper describes the various laboratory and field tests conducted to assure that flow-induced vibrations do not exist in the piping thermowells of the Fast Flux Test Facility. FFTF thermowells are subjected to a wide range of flowing sodium velocities during testing and operation. Early design work indicated a need to provide special attention to thermowell response in the drag direction at the higher sodium flow rates associated with FFTF testing. The results of this study provide some additional insight into response characteristics of a tube in liquid cross flow with emphasis on motion in the drag direction.

The Tandem Mirror Fusion Test Facility (MFTF-B) will be a large magnetic fusion experimental facility containing 22 supercounducting magnets including solenoids and C-coils. State-of-the-art technology will be used extensively to complete this facility before 1985. Niobium titanium superconductor and stainless steel structural cases will be the principle materials of construction. Cooling will be pool boiling and thermosiphon flow of 4.5 K liquid helium. Combined weight of the magnets will be over 1500 tonnes and the stored energy will be over 1600 MJ. Magnetic field strength in some coils will be more than 8 T. Detail design of the magnet system will begin early 1981. Basic requirements and conceptual design are disclosed in this paper.

A new concept in high energy data acquisition systems called Fastbus has been developed and implemented at Brookhaven. The system which is capable of sub-gigabit/sec speeds has been operating for some time now. A number of modules including an on-bus processor, a PDP11 interface, 32 channel coincidence latches, a 16 channel scaler, a 32 channel ..mu..-clock device, a 60 nsec memory and a predetermined time module have been developed and built. Features of the system include extensive use of ECL logic and a water cooled crate with conduction heat transfer within a module. The system is used in an on-line experiment at the AGS. Operating experience will be discussed.