This paper describes results from the Tandem Mirror Experiment-Upgrade (TMX-U). Mirror-confined electrons with 30 to 70 keV mean energy densities of 0.5 to 2.0 x 10/sup 12/ cm/sup -3/ and average betas of 3 to 5% are produced using electron-cyclotron resonant heating (ECRH). These results are consistent with an electron Fokker-Planck code. Improved ion-cyclotron microstability is observed using neutral beam injection at 47/sup 0/ to the magnetic axis, rather than at 90/sup 0/ as in the previous experiment, TMX. Strong end plugging has been produced using a combination of ECRH gyrotrons with sloshing-ion beam injection. In these low-density central cell experiments (3 x 10/sup 11/ cm/sup -3/) the axial losses (tau/sub parallel/ = 20 to 80 ms) are smaller than the nonambipolar radial losses (tau/sub perpendicular/ = 4 to 8 ms). Plugging has been achieved with a central cell density double that of the end plugs. Although no direct measurements are yet available to determine if a thermal barrier potential dip is generated, these experiments support many theoretical features of the thermal barrier concept.

The observed but puzzling stability of resonant states a stride potential ridges is shown to reflect a general self-focussing property of convergent waves. An approach to the solution of nonseparable wave equations is introduced which utilizes their separability in asymptotic limits. Progress is outlined in describing the properties of N-electron atoms in highly condensed states.

A numerical model for calculating the thermodynamic behavior of the MFTF-B cryogenic cooling system is described. Nine component types are discussed with governing equations given. The algorithm for solving the coupled set of algebraic and ordinary differential equations is described. The model and its application to the MFTF-B cryogenic cooling system has not been possible due to lack of funding.

Phase characterization of hydrofracture grouts was accomplished with the use of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and ..beta..-..gamma.. autoradiography. A laboratory-produced sample containing 1 wt % stable cesium and an actual hydrofracture grout sheet obtained by core dirlling were examined during this work. The phases present in these samples were identified and cesium was found to be absorbed almost entirely by illite clay agglomerates. These clay agglomerates were tightly bound within the grout structure by hydrated calcium silicates. The ..beta..-..gamma.. autoradiography of the core-drilled sample verified that cesium and other radionuclides were trapped within the 20-year-old grout and had not migrated into trapped shale fragments. 14 references, 3 figures, 1 table.

An important demonstration of negative ion technology is proposed for FY92 in the MFTF-..cap alpha..+T, an upgrade of the Mirror Fusion Test Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This facility calls for 200-keV negative ions to form neutral beams that generate sloshing ions in the reactor end plugs. Three different beam lines are considered for this application. Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed.

LLNL's sanitary sewer system is a possible route for the escape of toxic materials. Liquid effluents are released to Livermore's sanitary sewer system and the effluent is treated at the Livermore Water Reclamation Plant (LWRP). The plant is a secondary-treatment operation that returns most of the water to the San Francisco Bay via a transport pipeline. The remaining portion is used for irrigating vegetation along the roadways and a local golf course. An automatic on-line, sewage-effluent-monitoring system has been developed that diverts a representative fraction of the total waste stream leaving the site. This portion is monitored for pH, radiation, and heavy metals as it passes through a detection assembly. The assembly consists of an industrial pH probe, two NaI radiation detectors, and an x-ray fluorescence metal detector. A microprocessor collects, reduces, and analyzes the data to determine if the levels are acceptable by established environmental limits.