The Ad Hoc Computer Networking Group was established to investigate the potential advantages and costs of newer forms of remote resource sharing and computer networking. The areas of research and investigation that are within the scope of the ERDA CNG are described. (GHT)

The objective of the work reported is to experimentally and analytically study the dominant mechanism in fuel--coolant thermal interactions which could lead to vapor explosions. The exploration of mechanisms is focused in two areas: (a) mechanisms responsible for fragmentation in molten metal droplet experiments (including assessment of the validity of the proposed spontaneous nucleation mechanism), and (b) thermal stress initiated fracture as a fragmentation mechanism. Work being performed in these areas is briefly described.

Results of a study of the transient performance of the Isotope Brayton Flight System (IBFS) are presented.

The Livermore Regional Air Quality (LIRAQ) model comprises a set of computer programs that have been integrated into an easily used tool for the air quality planner. To assemble and modify the necessary data files and to direct model execution, a problem formulation program has been developed that makes possible the setup of a wide variety of studies involving perturbation of the emission inventory, changes to the initial and boundary conditions, and different choices of grid size and problem domain. In addition to describing the types of air quality problems for which the LIRAQ model may be used, this User's Guide provides detailed information on how to set up and conduct model simulations. Also included are descriptions of the formats of input data files so that the LIRAQ model may be applied to regions other than the San Francisco Bay Area.

The procedures used by AiResearch to comply with ERDA Quality Assurance Specification SNS-1, Rev. 1 for the Brayton Isotope Power System are described. (TFD)

The core component pot is an open top vessel used to hold both new and irradiated core components for storage in the IDS and for holding the components submerged in sodium while being trasported inside CLEM. The top of the CCP is equipped with a grapple lip which is engaged by the hoisting grapples. Heat for maintaining the preheat of new components and dissipation of decay heat of irradiated fuel assemblies is conducted between the wall of the pot and the surrounding environment by thermal radiation and convection.

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This report is about the Federal Programs Providing Long Term Care To The Aged And Disabled.

A nondestructive technique for the determination of the atomic ratios of plutonium-238, -240, -241 and americium-241 relative to plutonium-239 using high- resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy was developed. Results are discussed as they apply to various compositions of plutonium-239 material, some of which have been subjected to chemical analysis. Progress to date on an automated plutonium assay system is described. This system utilizes calorimetry and high-resolution gamma- ray spectroscopy. It also features a computer controlled X, Y, Z sample-handling system as well as automated data acquisition and reduction. (auth)

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The performance of a uranium trap as a means of removing tritium from an inert gas was measured for varying trap conditions, using deuterium (to represent tritium) in argon at room temperature. Performance was expressed as a purification factor, which is the ratio of deuterium concentration at the inlet to that at the outlet of the trap. Purification factors vary inversely with both the ratio of deuterium to uranium already contained in the trap and with the rate of flow of gas through the trap. Varying the inlet deuterium concentration had no apparent effect. (auth)

High-quality, off-axis parabolic reflectors, required by the CTR and laser-fusion programs at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLL) and other ERDA laboratories, are currently manufactured by hand. There are several drawbacks to this method, including lead times of up to a year, costs in excess of $75,000 for a small reflector, and unsatisfactory limits to the tolerances obtainable. This situation has led to a search for cheaper and more accurate methods of manufacturing off-axis paraboloids. An alternative method, turning the workpiece about its axis on a diamond-turning machine, is presented, and the equations describing the necessary tool movement are derived. A discussion of a particular case suggests that the proposed technique is feasible. (auth)

The tantalum-base alloy, T-111, is an ideal radioisotope encapsulant from the aspect of mechanical properties, but unfortunately undergoes severe oxygen embrittlement during long-term, high-temperature exposure to PuO$sub 2$. A study was undertaken in an effort to improve T-111/PuO$sub 2$ compatibility by testing the hypothesis that reduction of fuel stoichiometry to the range PuO$sub 1$.$sub 75$ to PuO$sub 1$.$sub 8$ would suspend the embrittlement process by producing a state of thermodynamic equilibrium within the capsule. Test temperatures ranged from 773 to 1373$sup 0$K, with aging times of 60 days, 240 days, and 2 y. The desired reaction did not proceed rapidly enough at the aging temperatures to stop T-111 embrittlement. Capsules heated above 1573$sup 0$K for 1 hr showed no signs of embrittlement during aging, even after 2 y at temperatures as high as 1173$sup 0$K. Results with test specimens employing pelletized fuel indicated the solid-state diffusion of oxygen from the fuel to the T-111 was the dominating transport process. In nonpretreated capsules oxygen diffusion in T-111 was the rate-controlling process. Pretreatment does result in the desired thermodynamic equilibrium at temperatures up to at least 1173$sup 0$K. (auth)

To simulate braze joints, qualitative x-ray mapping of the elemental interactions between brazing alloys and two common types of stainless steels was performed via the electron microprobe. In general both steels, Types 304L and 21- 6-9, react with a particular brazing alloy in a similar manner, the exceptions being the gold--copper brazing alloys which show deeper penetration into the 21-6- 9 stainless steel. (26 figures) (auth)

Considerable success has been achieved this year in research aimed at extending the asymptotic threshold nonlinear theory to plasmas governed by the Vlasov equation and in a group of linear studies concerned with drift instabilities in sheared magnetic fields. The nonlinear results are general and have been applied to the bump-on-tail instability and to the collisionless drift and the dissipative trapped electron instability in unsheared fields. The linear studies have dealt with the effects of resonant electrons, finite collisionality, finite-beta, neoclassical modifications and ion gyro-motion on trapped electron instabilities in sheared magnetic fields. (auth)

This report is a brief history and some arguments for and against public debt limit legislation.

Progress on and completion of various studies in solid state and neutron physics through use of neutron spectrometers is outlined. Topics discussed include: (a) characterization of the low temperature magnetization in the Cu(Fe) Kondo alloy, (b) study of the charge-density-wave phase transition in the superconductors NbSe$sub 2$ and TaSe$sub 2$, (c) neutron scattering by nuclearly polarized $sup 7$Li, (d) extraneous scattering effects in the passage of polarized neutrons through high-field magnets, (e) preparation of neutron interferometer systems, and (f) revision of spectrometer facilities. (auth)

Metallic hydrides are being considered as an attractive solution to storage problems involved in using hydrogen as an alternative fuel. In this application, the unclassified literature was surveyed to find metallic ternary hydride systems of the type MM'H/sub x/; M is a transition element, a member of the rare earth element series, or a member of the actinide element series, and M' is a transition element. Reported quaternary hydrides of the same metallic element series were also reviewed. The hydride-forming systems found and some of their most interesting properties are summarized. Recent advances in the understanding of the absorption characteristics and the stability of these hydride materials are reviewed. (auth)

This report discusses the aircraft which would carry the passengers faster than the speed of sound.

This paper provides an evaluation and critical review of the possibilities for uranium isotope separation using matrix techniques.

This paper describes the Mound plutonium study. The objectives of the project were to evaluate the inventory of plutonium 238 in the environment at Mound, determine the source, and alleviate potential health hazards. Analysis of soils, water, vegetation, fishes, and runoff were performed.