Results of preliminary study are presented which was performed under subtask 2.7 of the NTS Terminal Waste Storage Program Plan for 1978. Subtask 2.7 examines the feasibility of locating a nuclear waste repository in a granitic stock or pluton in southern Nevada near the Nevada Test Site (NTS). It is assumed for the purposes of this study that such a repository cannot be located at NTS. This assumption may or may not be correct. This preliminary report does not identify a particular site as being a suitable location for a repository. Nor does it absolutely eliminate a particular site from further consideration. It does, however, answer the basic question of probable suitability of some of the sites and present a systematic method for site evaluation. Since the findings of this initial study have been favorable, it will be followed by more exhaustive and detailed studies of the original 30 sites and perhaps others. In future studies some of the evaluation criteria used in the preliminary study may be modified or eliminated, and new criteria may be introduced.

This Volume contains Teledyne's input to the Kilowatt Isotope Power System Phase II Plan. Included is a description of the Flight System Heat Generation System, Flight System Radiator, Thermal Insulation Stability, GDS Heat Generation System and GDS Radiator.

The development of a Kilowatt Isotope Power System (KIPS) was begun in 1975 for the purpose of satisfying the power requirements of satellites in the 1980's. The KIPS is a /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/-fueled organic Rankine cycle turbine power system to provide a design output of 500 to 2000 W. Included in this volume are: launch and flight safety considerations; quality assurance techniques and procedures to be followed through system fabrication, assembly and inspection; and the reliability program made up of reliability prediction analysis, failure mode analysis and criticality analysis. (LCL)

The development of a Kilowatt Isotope Power System (KIPS) was begun in 1975 for the purpose of satisfying the power requirements of satellites in the 1980's. The KIPS is a /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/-fueled organic Rankine cycle turbine power system to provide a design output of 500 to 2000 W. Phase II of the overall 3-phase KIPS program is described. This volume presents a program plan for qualifying the organic Rankine power system for flight test in 1982. The program plan calls for the design and fabrication of the proposed flight power system; conducting a development and a qualification program including both environmental and endurance testing, using an electrical and a radioisotope heat source; planning for flight test and spacecraft integration; and continuing ground demonstration system testing to act as a flight system breadboard and to accumulate life data. (LCL)

Results are reported in a program to design, synthesize, and evaluate polycyclic host organic compounds for their abilities to complex and lipophilize guest metal ions. Work during the reporting period was devoted to synthesis and study of cyclohexametaphenylenes and cyclic phosphine oxides. (JRD)

Base properties have been determined for A387-74A-Gr. 22-Cl. 2 steel at various temperatures in inert environments. Tests have been completed to monitor the actual stress level as a function of exposure time in tensile samples loaded in pre-compressed rings. Samples were exposed under various stress levels at 900/sup 0/F to determine the amount of creep during the 168 hour exposures. Results of all exposure tests (including samples under load during exposure with and without creep, in inert gas) revealed that no degradation of ambient temperature mechanical properties occurred.

The analytical model of the condensation process occurring in a jet condenser that was developed during Phase I of the Kilowatt Isotope Power System Program (KIPS) at Sunstrand Corporation is documented. The analytical model is based on one dimensional gas dynamics in the vapor funnel, a kinetic theory approach to the vapor/liquid interface condensing process and an empirical correlation of the intrajet heat transfer coefficient (from the vapor/liquid interface to the bulk liquid in the jet). This model satisfactorily predicts the measured performance of the KIPS jet condenser. The first section of this KIPS jet condenser report presents the KIPS jet condenser development history from the beginning of the program (August 1975) through February 1977, at which time it was apparent that the initial design was underperforming slightly. It was decided that an improved analytical model would be beneficial. The subsequent sections deal with the development of the basic experimental data taken on a variety of single jets in a steam/water jet condensation rig to obtain the intrajet heat transfer coefficients required by the analytical model. Also included is a section describing the experiments conducted on the jet condenser to determine the limit conditions under which jet condenser floodout can …

This volume of the Brayton Isotope Power System, Phase II Plan, contains the self-evaluation by AiResearch, GE, and TECO, addressing Section 3 of The Dynamic Systems Evaluation Criteria and Procedures established by the Department of Energy. These evaluation criteria addresses: Component Feasibility; Flight System Design Performance; GDS Test Results; Reliability and Practicality; Safety; Spacecraft Integration; and Cost and Risk. Included in each of these general categories are several attributes, each of which addresses a separate component, feature, or area of interest related to the power system, its development status, degree of preparedness for proceeding into a flight program, and/or the contractors' performance during Phase I. The key elements which indicate the readiness of a radioisotope power system to progress into a flight qualification program are: an advanced state of development of the power conversion system; demonstrated or exhibited potential for space systems standards of reliability; evident capability of meeting system safety requirements; favorable cost/benefit tradeoff considering projected missions and technology advancement potential; and proven feasibility of fabricating and qualifying a flight system and integrating it with a candidate spacecraft and launch vehicle. As a result of considerable government investment in Brayton system component development, the MHW isotope heat source and …

Operation of the existing Hanford nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities will increase the release of nitrogen oxides (NO/sub x/) to the atmosphere over present emission rates. Stack emissions from two reprocessing facilities, one waste storage facility and two coal burning power plants will contain increased concentrations of NO/sub x/. The opacity of the reprocessing facilities' emissions is predicted to periodically exceed the State and local opacity limit of twenty percent. Past measurements failed to detect differences in the ambient air NO/sub x/ concentration with and without reprocessing plant operations. Since the facilities are not presently operating, increases in the non-occupational ambient air NO/sub x/ concentration were predicted from theoretical diffusion models. Based on the calculations, the annual average ambient air NO/sub x/ concentration will increase from the present level of less than 0.004 ppM to less than 0.006 ppM at the Hanford site boundaries. The national standard for the annual mean ambient air NO/sub 2/ concentration is 0.05 ppM. Therefore, the non-occupational ambient air NO/sub x/ concentration will not be increased to significant levels by reprocessing operations in the Hanford 200 Areas.

Data were acquired on the behavior of the polyethylene upwelling pipe for the GRI/DOE Marine Biomass Biological Test Farm during several phases of pipe assembly and ocean towing and deployment. The pipe is nominally 28 in O.D., 1400 feet long with wall thicknesses of 0.9 and 1.75 inches. The entire effort was conducted over a period of six weeks and was implemented on a strictly non-interference basis with the main Biomass Program. Three types of data were acquired during shore and ocean based operations conducted in the southern California area during the period from 15 September-27 September 1978. Axial strain data were obtained from two rows of 15 transducers each, separated circumferentially by 90/sup 0/ and distributed along the entire length of the pipe. Photographic data were also acquired from helicopter, boat and shore stationed cameras. The third type of data acquired were lowering line tension measurements made during the second successful deployment operation.

An initial survey of the literature produced a list of ceramic materials with properties which made them potential candidates for use in molten-carbonate fuel cell tiles or electrodes. Seven of the materials in the original list were dropped from consideration because of unfavorable thermodynamic properties; four materials were set aside because of high cost, lack of availability, or fabrication difficulties. Thirteen compositions were tested statically at 1000 K in a Li/sub 2/CO/sub 3/-K/sub 2/CO/sub 3/ bath under a dry CO/sub 2/ atmosphere. Only four of the materials tested showed severe degradation reactions in the molten carbonate. A low-temperature process for forming small diameter, high-aspect ratio ceramic fibers for fuel cell use has been developed. A short-term program to initiate a computer study on the thermodynamic analysis of fuel cell materials was initiated at Montana State University. The report on this program is included as Appendix B. The MHD and high-temperature fuel cell literature was surveyed, and material properties were evaluated to identify MHD materials with potential use for fuel cell applications. A technology transfer report of these findings was prepared. This report is included as Appendix A. Laboratory facilities were established to conduct research on interfacial diffusion processes which could …

State and federal tax treatment as an incentive to development and non-tax financial incentives such as: the federal geothermal loan guarantee program, the federal geothermal reservoir insurance, and state financial incentives are discussed. (MHR)

The MHD and high-temperature fuel cell literature was surveyed for data pertaining to materials properties in order to identify materials used in MHD power generation which also might be suitable for component use in high-temperature fuel cells. Classes of MHD-electrode materials evaluated include carbides, nitrides, silicides, borides, composites, and oxides. Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/-stabilized ZrO/sub 2/ used as a reference point to evaluate materials for use in the solid-oxide fuel cell. Physical and chemical properties such as electrical resistivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, and thermodynamic stability toward oxidation were used to screen candidate materials. A number of the non-oxide ceramic MHD-electrode materials appear promising for use in the solid-electrolyte and molten-carbonate fuel cell as anodes or anode constituents. The MHD-insulator materials appear suitable candidates for electrolyte-support tiles in the molten-carbonate fuel cells. The merits and possible problem areas for these applications are discussed and additional needed areas of research are delineated.

A report on the Workshop on Perspectives in Energy is presented. The workshop, conducted from July 31 to August 10, 1978, included field trips, new energy topics of particular interest to the area around Kansas, and outside speakers. The response of the participants to the workshop are summarized.

A separate section is presented for each of the six prospect areas studied. Each section includes a compilation and discussion of environmental baseline data derived from existing sources. The data are arranged as follows: geology and geohydrology, air quality, water resources and flood hazards, ecological systems, and land use. When data specific to the prospect were not available, regional data are reported. (MHR)

This is Appendix C to the Pilot Plant Overall Plant design description document for the 10-MW pilot central receiver plant to be located at Barstow, California. The environmental design criteria to be used for plant design day performance, operational limits, and survival environmental limits are specified. Data are presented on insolation, wind, temperature, and other meteorological conditions. (WHK)

An analytic method is presented for determining the dilation of fast reactor fuel assembly ducts. For temperatures where creep is linearly dependent on stress, the method is rigorous in satisfying equilibrium, compatibility and stress-strain equations. Solutions are presented for two cases: (1) a duct with constant pressure differential, (2) a duct with varying pressure differential. Results are in close agreement with finite element results of the MARC-CDC program. The method is used to predict the dilation of the Fast Test Reactor (FTR) ducts under different operating conditions. Presented are the stress, strain and dilation predictions along the duct wall, and the duct dilation variations with its geometric and loading parameters.

The eastern part of the White Mountain batholith is dominated by four intrusive complexes, which contain similar sequences of intrusive rocks. Although the details of the sequence of intrusion differ from complex to complex, the Osceola Granite is generally an early phase, followed by the development of ring dikes of Albany Porphyritic Quartz Syenite and finally the intrusion of Conway Granite. One intrusive complex contains riebeckite granite as a late phase, and at least two complexes fed volcanic eruptions, some of the products of which are preserved in subsided blocks. A specialized study of the orientation of joints was made in the eastern halo of the batholith. Measurement of gravity over the eastern part of the batholith and reduction of these data allows gravity residuals to be calculated and two- and three-dimensional models for the eastern part of the batholith to be constructed. The gravity models are consistent with steeply dipping contacts with the country rocks, and the maximum depth of the eastern part of the batholith is between 4 km and 5.25 km. The temperature distribution within the eastern part of the batholith can be determined using existing parameters for heat flow, heat production, and conductivity augmented by new …

Separate abstracts were prepared for the five papers presented. (WHK)

Measurements of daily concentrations of /sup 7/Be, /sup 32/P, and ozone at Whiteface Mountain, New York are reported for June, July, and August of 1977 and 1978. Episodes of high daily ozone are observed to coincide with peak /sup 7/Be and /sup 32/P concentrations. Since these radionuclides and ozone are produced in the stratosphere, their simultaneous increase is taken to indicate the arrival of stratospheric air. However, ozone is also produced at ground level by photochemical reactions. Therefore, only when the ground level production of ozone is small can a comparison of cosmogenic nuclides and ozone quantitatively yield stratospheric ozone component. On June 15, 1977 at least 80% of the 50 ppBv (daily average) ozone observed originated in the stratosphere. Our data indicate substantial stratospheric contributions on numerous other occasions. The /sup 7/Be and /sup 32/P concentration measurements can be used to directly determine the accompanying stratospheric ozone if (1) the /sup 7/Be (and/or /sup 32/P)O/sub 3/ mixing ratios in the upper atmosphere, and (2) mean residence time of O/sub 3/ are known. Since October 1977, the /sup 7/Be concentrations in aerosol samples collected at 10 to 12 km varied from less than or equal to 0.1 to 5.8 pCi/kg …

A study of a series of copper(I) compounds which contain a strongly absorbing chromophore (e.g., CuBr(PPh/sub 3/)-(2,2'-bipyridine)) for use as sensitizers in photochemical energy storage systems is described. The generally low sensitization efficiencies of these compounds preclude their use as sensitizers in a practical photochemical energy storage system. Nevertheless, some interesting mechanistic information has emerged from this study, the full details of which are being written for publication. Also, the related compound, Ru(bipy)/sub 2/(NBD)/sup +2/, which features a norbornadiene molecule coordinated directly to a strongly absorbing metal containing fragment was examined. The original rationale for studying this compound was the expectation that the absorption of visible light would result in the population of an electronically excited state in which the electron density of the NBD is considerably perturbed. Relaxation of this state could then occur by a pathway which leads to the rearranged product, quadricyclene. It was found, however, that the sensitization efficiency of this compound is quite low. A comprehensive study of the factors which affect the sensitization efficiencies of Ir(bipy)/sub 2/(bipy')OH/sub 2//sup +3/ is unerway. In order to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which organic sensitizers affect the conversion of norbornadiene to quadricyclene, a study to measure the actual …

As part of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Low-Cost Solar Array Project, test methods have been evaluated and procedures developed for testing photovoltaic flat-plate solar cell modules for resistance to impact by hailstones. Testing has included the use of simulated hailstones (frozen ice spheres projected at terminal velocity), steel balls, and other projectile types applied with three loading methods: pneumatic gun, gravity drop, and static loading. Results are presented that compare the advantages and disadvantages of the three test methods. Dropped-steel-ball tests are shown to exhibit little correlation with high-velocity ice-ball tests, whereas statically-loaded steel balls show a somewhat better correlation with ice-ball tests. Results are also presented on the hail impact strength of 16 flat-plate photovoltaic modules. The module designs tested have been shown to be capable of withstanding as large as 1-1/2-inch diameter and not capable of withstanding as small as 1/2-inch diameter simulated hail. The top surface material of the modules has a dominant influence on the hail impact resistance of the modules. In order of increasing impact strength for a given thickness, the top surface materials encountered in the modules tester were: clear silicone rubber, annealed glass, tempered glass, and acrylic sheet. The critical failure mechanism of …

The prototype surface examination station for the Fuels and Materials Examination Facility (FMEF) will use closed circuit television (CCTV) for routine modes of operation along with a nuclear periscope for special examination needs. The CCTV and the nuclear periscope were evaluated against prescribed station requirements and compared in a side-by-side demonstration. A quantitative evaluation of their outputs showed that both systems were capable of meeting surface anomaly detection requirements. The CCTV system was superior in its ability to collect, suppress and present data into a more useful form for the experimenters.

Reconstructing past climatic variations can lead to a better understanding of possible future precipitation and groundwater recharge patterns. Work so far has led to several new insights into past climate variability and will provide input into the hydrologic modeling effort in progress for the Waste Management Program. Short-term reconstructions (0 to 350 y) suggest that the basin and range of the southwestern United States have the driest, least variable precipitation record. The Pacific Northwest shows higher variability and several trends lasting for more then 25 y. The Southern High Plains have even more variability, but the upper Midwest and Southwest vary most and have the highest precipitation amounts. Pollen and lake level data from the literature suggest that the Southwest was wetter during at least part of the last glacial maximum than it is today.