The Department of Energy (DOE) Order 5633.3A requires that the desired levels of precision and accuracy be established for accountability measurements, that the magnitude of these uncertainties be minimized for major contributors to the limit of error for inventory differences (LEID), and that methods be selected, validated, and qualified that are capable of providing the desired levels. In an effort to consistently determine the desired precision and accuracy levels for measurements within each of the nuclear material processing facilities at the Savannah River Site (SRS), a series of sensitivity studies were performed. To validate the current uncertainties as the goals, variance-propagated LEID models were used to determine the sensitivity of the LEID to each uncertainty value, using a nominal increase in the LEID as a figure-of-merit. These sensitivity studies provided the threshold values that each uncertainty needs to be held below. Engineering judgment and operational experiences were combined to qualitatively determine the need for improvement for each uncertainty. This paper describes the methodology of the sensitivity study, gives examples of the threshold values generated, and discusses the benefits of this approach in the approval process for proposed method changes.

A flexible manipulator test bed consisting of a fifteen foot long fixed-free compliant beam (representing a compliant manipulator link) with a Shilling Titan II dextrous manipulator mounted on its free end has been constructed at Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL). A comprehensive dynamic model which includes flexible body effects has been developed at PNL using a commercially available multibody dynamics code. A linearized version of the model is used to develop control strategies which use inertial forces generated by movements of the dextrous manipulator to damp out induced oscillations in the beam. These control strategies are tested on the model and shown to be feasible, and then implemented in the flexible manipulator testbed. Results from the hardware experiments are analyzed and compared with the model results.

Hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity and aromacity of Illinois {number_sign}6 coal in water are relatively determined by evaluating equilibrium physical/chemical adsorption of probe compounds on the coal. Experiments on equilibrium adsorption loadings of various additives on 60--200 mesh Illinois {number_sign}6 coal (DECS-2; Randolph county) were performed to investigate relatively surface properties of the coal at 25{degree}C. The additives include various alcohols, alkanes and aromatic compounds. The main objectives of this research are to evaluate relatively surface properties of raw coals, treated coals and coal minerals with the inverse liquid chromatography technique, using various probe compounds, to analyze flotation recoveries of coals with a micro-flotation apparatus in order to relate coal floatability to evaluated coal surface properties, and to delineate roles of coal-cleaning/handling additives with the inverse liquid chromatography technique.

This paper provides an overview of the Advanced Neutron Source (ANS), a new research facility being designed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The facility is based on a 330 MW, heavy-water cooled and reflected reactor as the neutron source, with a thermal neutron flux of about 7.5{times}10{sup 19}m{sup {minus}2}{center_dot}sec{sup {minus}1}. Within the reflector region will be one hot source which will serve 2 hot neutron beam tubes, two cryogenic cold sources serving fourteen cold neutron beam tubes, two very cold beam tubes, and seven thermal neutron beam tubes. In addition there will be ten positions for materials irradiation experiments, five of them instrumented. The paper touches on the project status, safety concerns, cost estimates and scheduling, a description of the site, the reactor, and the arrangements of the facilities.

The field performance of weatherizations based on a newly-developed advanced residential energy conservation measure selection technique was tested alongside current Retro-Tech-based weatherizations in North Carolina. The two weatherization approaches were compared based on implementation ease, measures installed, labor and cost requirements, and energy savings achieved. One-hundred twenty low-income, single-family households served by three different weatherization agencies participated in the field test which was conducted between June 1989 and August 1991. Average heating energy savings were 33% for weatherizations based on the new technique and 23% for Retro-Tech-based weatherizations. Weatherizations based on the new technique achieved 43% more heating energy savings, cost around 10% less at two weatherization agencies and considerably more at the third, and were near equivalent in labor requirements. Major findings from the study include: (1) the advanced audit will install some measures in near identical quantities as Retro-Tech-based weatherizations and others in dramatically different quantities, (2) the advanced audit can significantly increase heating energy savings, (3) blower-door-directed air sealing can more than double the air leakage reductions achieved from standard air sealing techniques, (4) North Carolina low-income houses have much higher average leakage rates than similar New York houses but can be sealed as well or better, …

The Advanced Light Source (ALS), which is currently being commissioned at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, is a third generation light source designed to produce XUV radiation of unprecedented brightness. To meet the high brightness goal the storage ring has been designed for very small electron beam emittance and the undulators installed in the ALS are built to a high degree of precision. The allowable magnetic field errors are driven by electron beam and radiation requirements. Detailed magnetic measurements and adjustments are performed on each undulator to qualify it for installation in the ALS. The first two ALS undulators, IDA and IDB, have been installed. This paper describes the program of measurements, data analysis, and adjustments carried out for these two devices. Calculations of the radiation spectrum, based upon magnetic measurements, are included. Final field integral distributions are also shown. Good field integral uniformity has been achieved using a novel correction scheme, which is also described.

A model has been developed that can be used to determine the temperature distribution and heat transfer through a multilayer insulation (MLI) blanket. Predictions from the model were compared with a series of temperature measurements made during laboratory experiments and during a test of five superconducting magnets (dipoles) installed in a string and tested at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, FNAL (ER Test).

Human Instrusion into the potential repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, was modeled in the Total-System Performance Assessment (``TSPA-91``) recently completed for the Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project Office of the DOE. The scenario model assumed that the repository would be penetrated at random locations by a number of boreholes drilled using twentieth-century rotary drilling techniques.

A computer program was developed to analyze the viability of integrating superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) with proposed wind farm scenarios at a site near Browning, Montana. The program simulated an hour-by-hour account of the charge/discharge history of a SMES unit for a representative wind-speed year. Effects of power output, storage capacity, and power conditioning capability on SMES performance characteristics were analyzed on a seasonal, diurnal, and hourly basis. The SMES unit was assumed to be charged during periods when power output of the wind resource exceeded its average value. Energy was discharged from the SMES unit into the grid during periods of low wind speed to compensate for below-average output of the wind resource. The option of using SMES to provide power continuity for a wind farm supplemented by combustion turbines was also investigated. Levelizing the annual output of large wind energy systems operating in the Blackfeet area of Montana was found to require a storage capacity too large to be economically viable. However, it appears that intermediate-sized SMES economically levelize the wind energy output on a seasonal basis.

The recent publication of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) database by the US Geological Survey (USGS) has provided a unique opportunity for the development of cost-effective wind energy prospecting technology. This database contains terrain elevation values on a Latitude-Longitude grid with a resolution of 3 arc-seconds (about 90 m) for the contiguous United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. This database has been coupled with software that will produce shaded-relief maps on a laser printer in a format compatible with the state wind power maps in the US wind energy atlas. By providing a much higher resolution of the terrain features than was possible when the US atlas was prepared, these maps can be useful in general wind prospecting activities. As highly resolved as the 90-m DEM data seem to be when compared to the atlas grid, they still appear to be too coarse to resolve terrain features in the detail required for local wind flow characterization and wind plant layout. Gridded terrain data at about 10-m resolution are available from the USGS for some areas of the United States. In areas where these data are unavailable, they may be generated by digitizing and gridding the contours from a 1:24,000-scale USGS …

A standard reference does not exist for evaluating and expressing systematic and random uncertainty, thus, there is no basis for comparing measurement uncertainties at different facilities. Based on recommendations of the International Committee for Weights and Measures, the National Center for Standards and Certification Information, which is responsible for information on standardization programs and related activities, has published ISO-TAG4, Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (1993). The guide establishes general rules for evaluating and expressing uncertainty in physical measurements by presenting definitions, basic concepts and examples. it focuses on the methods of evaluating uncertainty components rather than categorizing the components, thus avoiding the ambiguity encountered when categorizing uncertainty components as ``random`` and ``systematic.`` This paper presents an overview of the terms specific to the guide, including standard and combined standard uncertainty, Type A and Type B evaluation, expanded uncertainty, and coverage factor. It illustrates Type A and Type B evaluation of random and systematic errors in forms relating to nuclear material accountability work. This guide could be adapted by the MC&A community.

NonDestructive Testing (NDT) is commonly used to monitor structures before, during and after testing. This paper reports on the use of two NDT techniques to monitor the behavior of a typical wind turbine blade during a quasi-static test-to-failure. The test used a three-point spanwise load distribution to load a 7.9-m blade to failure. The two NDT techniques used were acoustic emission and coherent optical. The former monitors the acoustic energy produced by the blade as it is loaded. The latter uses electronic shearography to measure the differences in surface displacements between two load states with an accuracy of a few microns. Typical results are presented to demonstrate the ability of these two techniques to locate and monitor both high damage regions and flaws in the blade structure. Further, this experiment highlights the limitations in the techniques that must be addressed before one or both can be transferred, with a high probability of success, to the inspection and monitoring of turbine blades during the manufacturing process and under normal operating conditions.

Modeling of load behavior in Z-pinch plasma radiation sources driven by high current generators requires accurate measurement of fast-rise-time multimegampere electrical currents close to the load. Using a novel application of high pressure technology, we have demonstrated that fast-response piezoelectric stress transducers can measure such currents under conditions of extremely high current density, induced electric fields, and bremsstrahlung radiation where conventional current diagnostics fail. Large signal, nanosecond-time-resolution lithium niobate piezoelectric stress gauges are employed to directly measure the magnetic pressure B{sup 2}/2{mu}{sub 0} = {mu}{sub 0}I{sup 2}/8{pi}{sup 2}r{sup 2} generated at radius r by a current I flowing in a radial transmission line near the load of a pulsed power current source. With a current diagnostic consisting of a pure tungsten electrode on a Y-cut lithium niobate stress gauge, current densities up to 1/2{pi}cr = 78MA/m can be measured before the electrode yield strength and piezoelectric operating stress limit are exceeded. Based on this work, we have developed a compact modular current probe for use on the high current (20--25 MA) DECADE simulator being constructed for the Defense Nuclear Agency. We also describe recent work extending this measurement technique to higher current densities (125 MA/m) using a cooper-sapphire electrode impedance …

The Solution High-Energy Burst Assembly (SHEBA) at Los Alamos is a low-enriched (4.95 wt. %) aqueous uranyl fluoride solution critical assembly. There are two SHEBA configurations, both consisting of right circular cylinders with a central control rod. The first configuration, hereafter called the old SHEBA, had a fuel solution diameter of 54.6 cm and a measured critical solution height of 36.5 cm. An improved modification, hereafter called the new SHEBA, has a fuel solution diameter of 48.9 cm but since it is not yet operational, the critical solution height has not yet been measured. In this presentation the application of the discrete-ordinates (S{sub N}) code TWODANT using Hansen-Roach cross sections and the MCNP Monte Carlo code using continuous-energy cross sections for calculating the critical solution heights for both the old and new SHEBA assemblies is described. The code`s predictions are compared and it is shown that a single calculation with a standard computer code may yield misleading results, especially when using a Monte Carlo code.

Many applications in material science, chemistry, and atomic physics require an x-ray source that has a repetition rate of 1 Hz to a few kHz. In these fields, a very wide range of photon energies is of interest. One application is time-resolved surface photoelectron spectroscopy and microscopy where low energy (< 1{mu}J) pulses are required to avoid space charge effects but high-repetition rates ({approx} kHz) provide the high average power which is needed to obtain the desired resolution. In pump-probe experiments, it is desirable to have the repetition rate of the x-ray source be comparable to the repetition rate of the corresponding IR, optical, or UV laser. We show that the very high-repetition rate of synchrotrons (1--1000 MHz) results in an inefficient use of x rays for these types of experiments and that a kHz repetition rate x-ray laser would be an excellent source for many experiments. For some applications, a slower repetition rate of order 1 Hz is adequate provide the energy per pulse is larger ({approx}1 mJ). For example, in photoelectron spectroscopy of free clusters, an x-ray laser can provide the required large number of nearly monoenergetic photons during the short time the clusters can be probed in …

When restricted to cost arrays possessing the sum Monge property, many combinatorial optimization problems with sum objective functions become significantly easier to solve. Examples include the usual sum-objective-function versions of the assignment problem, the transportation problem, the traveling-salesman problem, and several shortest-path problems. Furthermore, the more general algebraic assignment and transportation problems, which are formulated in terms of an ordered commutative semigroup (H, *, {le}), are similarly easier to solve given cost arrays possessing the corresponding algebraic Monge property, which requires that for all i < k and j < {ell}, a[i,j] * a[k,{ell}] {le} a[i,{ell}] * a[k,j]. In this paper, we show that Monge-array results for two sum-of-edge-costs shortest-path problems can likewise be extended to a general algebraic setting, provided the problems` ordered commutative semigroup (H, *, {le}) satisfies one additional restriction. We also show how our algorithms can be modified to solve certain bottleneck shortest-path problems, even though the ordered commutative semigroup ({Re}, max, {le}) naturally associated with bottleneck problems does not satisfy our additional restriction. We also provide improved algorithms for several other bottleneck combinatorial optimization problems whose cost arrays possess the strict bottleneck Monge property. Finally, we show how our bottleneck shortest-path techniques can be used …

Four-gap superconducting resonators have been developed at Argonne for use in the low-beta positive ion injector (PII) for ATLAS. These structures have been used successfully for ion velocities as low as 0.007c with q/m = 0.1. First order matrix optics and linear theory for the phase space transformations in accelerating systems are applied to the PII linac which includes low-beta heavy ion rf resonators and magnetic solenoids. These provide a new method to match initial phase space ellipses when used with higher order transfer maps or ray-tracing calculations. And also we present a quantitative measure of nonlinearities using the concept of rms emittances and deviations of phase space coordinates between linear and nonlinear transformations. As a byproduct a way of identifying the dominant source of nonlinearity of system is indicated.

Geomorphic analyses combined with mapping of fluvial terraces and upland geomorphic surfaces provide new approaches and data for evaluating the Quaternary activity of post-Cretaceous faults that are recognized in subsurface data at the Savannah River Site in the Upper Coastal Plain of southwestern South Carolina. Analyses of longitudinal stream and terrace profiles, regional slope maps, and drainage basin morphometry indicate long-term uplift and southeast tilt of the site region. Preliminary results of drainage basin characterization suggests an apparent rejuvenation of drainages along the trace of the Pen Branch fault (a Tertiary reactivated reverse fault that initiated as a basin-margin normal fault along the northern boundary of the Triassic Dunbarton Basin). This apparent rejuvenation of drainages may be the result of nontectonic geomorphic processes or local tectonic uplift and tilting within a framework of regional uplift.

Designers, implementers, and marketers of data analysis tools typically have different perspectives than users. Consequently, data analysis often find themselves using tools focused on graphics and programming concepts rather than concepts which reflect their own domain and the context of their work. Some user studies focus on usability tests late in development; others observe work activity, but fail to show how to apply that knowledge in design. This paper describes a methodology for applying observations of data analysis work activity in prototype tool design. The approach can be used both in designing improved data analysis tools, and customizing visualization environments to specific applications. We present an example of user-centered design for a prototype tool to cull large data sets. We revisit the typical graphical approach of animating a large data set from the point of view of an analysis who is culling data. Field evaluations using the prototype tool not only revealed valuable usability information, but initiated in-depth discussions about user`s work, tools, technology, and requirements.

Stellarators have significant operational advantages over tokamaks as ignited steady-state reactors: no dangerous disruptions, no need for continuous current drive and power recirculated to the plasma, less severe constraints on the plasma parameters and profiles, and access from the inboard side for easier maintenance. The US is starting a multi-year multi-institutional stellarator reactor study whose purpose is to ``identify and assess the feasibility of critical issues and their consequences for development of the stellarator concept as a steady-state fusion reactor.`` The activities during the first year are focusing on physics optimization and selection of one or more stellarator coil configurations for more detailed engineering design evaluation. The physics team is focusing on torsatron modularization, modular stellarators with lower aspect ratio, the divertor geometry, development of transport models, and overall system studies. The engineering team is studying design issues relating to minimizing the inboard thickness of the blanket and shields, the feasibility of the superconducting magnets, and maintenance schemes.

Converting the independent variables of the transport equation to dimensionless parameters, asymptotic analyses can be performed to show that, for an important class of problems, the diffusion equation is an asymptotic limit of the transport equation. A recent paper by Larsen, McGhee, and Morel provides a broadened view of the result discussed above. It deals with the steady-state transport equation and shows that the Simplified Spherical-Harmonics (SP{sub N}) equations are robust high-order asymptotic approximations of the transport equation in a physical regime in which the conventional diffusion equation is the leading-order approximation. According to the reported numerical results for the steady-state cases, for many problems, low-order SP{sub N} equations capture most of the transport corrections to the diffusion approximation. And Larsen shows that, in nearly all cases, the SP{sub 2} results are significantly more accurate than diffusion results in the steady-state problems.

A parametric systems model of the ATW [Accelerator Transmutation of (Nuclear) Waste] has been used to examine key system tradeoffs and design drivers on the basis of unit costs. This model has been applied primarily to the aqueous-slurry blanket concept for an ATW that generates net-electric power from the fissioning of spent reactor fuel. An important goal of this study is the development of essential parametric tradeoff studies to aid in any eventual engineering design of an ATW that would burn and generate net- electric power from spent reactor fuel.

Transparent and secure process monitoring systems may become an important tool in the dismantlement schemes in support of bilateral and multi-lateral treaties. A prototype system, using public key cryptography to authenticate compliance data, has been developed by Sandia National Laboratories. The Authenticated In-plant Process Monitor (AIPM) is an embedded process monitoring system capable of accepting up to sixteen industry standard process variables, at sample rates of up to two samples per second. Each AIPM will synchronously sample the process, authenticate, and transmit the data in real-time to the host receiving station. The receiving station will validate the compliance data and then display in real-time while updating a relational database. This new generation of monitoring systems must include protection from a host of possible threat scenarios while providing the user authentic clear text data. Data threats are controlled by the use of a public key Treaty Data Authentication Module (TDAM) utilizing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Digital Signature Standard. System threats are minimized by the use of a tamper indicating enclosure that monitors unauthorized entry and environmental attacks. Insider threats will be controlled by the use of an authenticated bi-directional communication link between each remote AIPM and the …

This paper presents a new approach for the automatic definition and treatment of mechanical contact in explicit nonlinear finite element analysis. Automatic contact offers the benefits of significantly reduced model construction time and fewer opportunities for user error, but faces significant challenges in reliability and computational costs. Key aspects of the proposed new method include automatic identification of adjacent and opposite surfaces in the global search phase, and the use of a well-defined surface normal which allows a consistent treatment of shell intersection and corner contact conditions without a ad-hoc rules. The paper concludes with three examples which illustrate the performance of the newly proposed algorithm in the public DYNA3D code.