The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has an active interest in the synthesis of new polysiloxanes as base polymers for cellular silicone materials. These elastomers have properties uniquely suited to very specific engineering requirements. While the polymers which we have prepared via random equilibrium of various cyclic tetrasiloxanes have adequate properties for certain applications, there is evidence to suggest that alternating block polysiloxanes prepared via condensation-polymerization techniques have properties more suited to our end uses as flexible foam materials (cushions). The synthetic sequence developed to prepare these materials involves reactions of functionally terminated (silylamino and silanol) polysiloxane oligomers to produce alternating multiblock (ABAB...) materials of high molecular weight. Dialkylamines are condensation byproducts in this reaction. The analysis and characterization of these multiblock polymers is reported.

A measurement control (MC) program should be an integral part of every nondestructive assay measurement system used for the assay of special nuclear materials. This report describes an MC program for plutonium isotopic composition measurements using high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy. This MC program emphasizes the standardization of data collection procedures along with the implementation of internal and external measurement control checks to provide the requisite measurement quality assurance. This report also describes the implementation of the MC program in the isotopic analysis code GRPAUT. Recommendations are given concerning the importance and frequency of the various MC checks in order to ensure a successful implementation of the MC procedures for the user's application.

The intent of the computer code GAMIDEN is to help identify isotopes by their gamma-ray emissions and thus to assist in the nondestructive assay of unknown materials. From both radioactive decays and neutron captures, GAMIDEN searches GAMTOT83, a file of gamma-ray spectra, for matches with observed photon energies. This report describes the search procedure, outlines the use of the code, and gives an example. The code is designed to operate on the CRAY 1 computer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). It is written in standard Fortran (ANSI) for the most part but contains some LRLTRAN instructions to make use of the Livermore time-sharing system (LTSS). The code uses about 545,000 words of memory. Typical problems run in about 45 s. The source program and the data file are available on request.

A new and potentially important method of producing large circuit boards has been developed at Fermilab. A Gerber Flat Bed Plotter with an active area of 5' x 16' has been fitted with a machining head to produce a circuit board without the use of photography or chemicals. The modifications of the Gerber Plotter do not impair its use as a photoplotter or pen plotter, the machining head is merely exchanged with the standard attachments. The modifications to the program are minimal; this will be described in another report. The machining head is fitted with an air bearing motorized spindle driven at a speed of 40,000 rpm to 90,000 rpm. The spindle also is provided with air bearings on its outside diameter, offering frictionless vertical travel guidance. Vertical travel of the spindle is driven by a spring return single acting air cylinder. An adjustable hydraulic damper slows the spindle travel near the end of its downward stroke. Two programmable stops control spindle down stroke position, and limit switches are provided for position feedback to the control system. A vacuum system collects chips at the cutter head. No lubrication or regular maintenance is required. The circuit board to be fabricated is …

"In response to numerous requests for information on sex discrimination in educational programs and activities, we have compiled this collection of materials" (p. 1).

This report provides background and current analysis of the Japan--U.S. trade situation, discusses the political and economic tensions which this imbalance has created, and outlines the problems involved in several current negotiations, such as the question of trade barriers to U.S. agricultural exports.