Portions of the 242-A Evaporator on the Hanford Site must be assessed to meet the requirements of the Washington State Department of Ecology`s Dangerous Waste Regulation, Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-303. The assessment is limited to the provisions of Section 173-303-640. This Integrity Assessment Plan (IAP) identifies tasks which will be performed during the assessment phase and describes the intended assessment techniques. The 242-A Evaporator facility processes waste solutions from most of the operating laboratories and plants of the Hanford Site. The waste solutions are concentrated in the evaporator to a slurry of liquid and crystallized salts. This concentrated slurry is returned to the Tank Farms at a significantly reduce volume. The water vapor from the evaporation process is condensed, filtered, and can be pumped through an ion exchange bed before transfer to a retention basin. The non-condensable portion of the vapor is filtered and continuously monitored before venting to the atmosphere. The 242-A Evaporator will be assessed as seven subsystems. Four of the subsystems store, transport or treat Washington State Dangerous wastes, the other three subsystems are integral parts of the process, however, they do not directly store, transfer, or treat listed dangerous wastes. The facility will be inspected, …

The Accelerator Production of Tritium project (APT) utilizes a 1,700 MeV, 100 mA proton Linac. The radio frequency (RF) power is provided by 244 continuous wave (CW) klystron amplifiers at 350 MHz and 700 MHz. All but three of the klystrons operate at a frequency of 700 MHz. The 350 MHz klystrons have a nominal output power of 1.2 MW at a DC-to-RF conversion efficiency of 65%. They are modulating-anode klystrons and operate at a beam voltage and current of 95 kV and 20 A. The design is based on the CERN klystron. The 700 MHz klystron is a new development for APT. Three 700 MHz klystrons are currently under development. Two vendors are each developing a baseline klystron that has a nominal output power of 1.0 MW at a DC-to-RF conversion efficiency of 65%. A 700 MHz klystron is also under development that promises to provide an efficiency in excess of 70%. The 700 MHz klystrons operate at a maximum beam voltage of 95 kV and a maximum beam current of 17 A. The test results of these klystrons will be presented and the design features will be discussed.

This is the final report of a three-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The physical relationships among accretion disks, quasars, black holes, collimated radio sources and galactic dynamos previously has been only weakly related without explicit cause and effect. We have constructed a physical evolution from large, primordial density perturbations to {open_quotes}damped Lyman alpha clouds,{close_quotes} to galaxy formation, to black holes, jets, and the the galactic dynamo. We have derived the general relativistic distortions of radiation emitted from close to the black hole and thereby have a new observational test of the central engine. The physics of accretion disks, the astrophysical dynamo, and magnetic reconnection are the least understood physical phenomena in astrophysics. They are still less understood in the general relativity (GR) field close to the black hole. This lack of physical understanding frustrates a quantitative evaluation of observations that define the evolution from the early universe to star formation. We have made progress in this understanding.

This program is designed to develop accurate yet practical computational methods, primarily based on time-dependent quantum mechanics, for studying the dynamics of polyatomic reactions beyond the atom-diatom systems. Efficient computational methodologies are developed and the applications of these methods to practical chemical reactions relevant to combustion processes are carried out. The program emphasizes the practical aspects of accurate quantum dynamics calculations in order to understand, explain and predict the dynamical properties of important combustion reactions. The aim of this research is to help provide not only qualitative dynamics information but also quantitative prediction of reaction dynamics of combustion reactions at the microscopic level. Through accurate theoretical calculations, the authors wish to be able to quantitatively predict reaction cross sections and rate constants of relatively small gas-phase reactions from first principles that are of direct interest to combustion. The long-term goal of this research is to develop practical computational methods that are capable of quantitatively predicting dynamics of more complex polyatomic gas-phase reactions that are of interest to combustion.

The authors examined the ability of a halophilic bacterium (WIPP 1A) isolated from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) site to accumulate uranium in order to determine the potential for biocolloid facilitated actinide transport. The bacterial cell surface functional groups involved in the complexation of the actinide were determined by titration. Uranium, added as uranyl nitrate, was removed from solution at pH 5 by cells but at pH 7 and 9 very little uranium was removed due to its limited solubility. Although present as soluble species, uranyl citrate at pH 5, 7, and 9, and uranyl carbonate at pH 9 were not removed by the bacterium because they were not bioavailable due to their neutral or negative charge. Addition of uranyl EDTA to brine at pH 5, 7, and 9 resulted in the immediate precipitation of U. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed that uranium was not only associated with the cell surface but also accumulated intracellularly as uranium-enriched granules. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis of the bacterial cells indicated the bulk sample contained more than one uranium phase. Nevertheless these results show the potential for the formation of actinide bearing bacterial …

This is the final report of a one-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This project investigated semi-active suspension systems based on real time nonlinear control of magneto-rheological (MR) shock absorbers. This effort was motivated by Laboratory interactions with the automobile industry and with the Defense Department. Background research and a literature search on semi-active suspensions was carried out. Numerical simulations of alternative nonlinear control algorithms were developed and adapted for use with an MR shock absorber. A benchtop demonstration system was designed, including control electronics and a mechanical demonstration fixture to hold the damper/spring assembly. A custom-made MR shock was specified and procured. Measurements were carried out at Los Alamos to characterize the performance of the device.

This is the final report of a one-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). In a modern information-controlled society the importance of fast computational algorithms facilitating data compression and image analysis cannot be overemphasized. Feature extraction and pattern recognition are key to many LANL projects and the same types of dimensionality reduction and compression used in source coding are also applicable to image understanding. The authors have begun developing wavelet coding which decomposes data into different length-scale and frequency bands. New transform-based source-coding techniques offer potential for achieving better, combined source-channel coding performance by using joint-optimization techniques. They initiated work on a system that compresses the video stream in real time, and which also takes the additional step of analyzing the video stream concurrently. By using object-based compression schemes (where an object is an identifiable feature of the video signal, repeatable in time or space), they believe that the analysis is directly related to the efficiency of the compression.

The objective of this project is to develop a hot-gas desulfurization process scheme for control of H{sub 2}S in HTHP coal gas that can be more simply and economically integrated with known regenerable sorbents in DOE/METC-sponsored work than current leading hot-gas desulfurization technologies. In addition to being more economical, the process scheme to be developed must yield an elemental sulfur byproduct.

This research project examined the feasibility of a second generation high-temperature coal gas desulfurization process in which elemental sulfur is produced directly during the sorbent regeneration phase. Two concepts were evaluated experimentally. In the first, FeS was regenerated in a H2O-O2 mixture. Large fractions of the sulfur were liberated in elemental form when the H2O-O2 ratio was large. However, the mole percent of elemental sulfur in the product was always quite small (<<1%) and a process based on this concept was judged to be impractical because of the low temperature and high energy requirements associated with condensing the sulfur. The second concept involved desulfurization using CeO2 and regeneration of the sulfided sorbent, Ce2O2S, using SO2 to produce elemental sulfur directly. No significant side reactions were observed and the reaction was found to be quite rapid over the temperature range of 500°C to 700°C. Elemental sulfur concentrations (as S2) as large as 20 mol% were produced. Limitations associated with the cerium sorbent process are concentrated in the desulfurization phase. High temperature and highly reducing coal gas such as produced in the Shell gasification process are required if high sulfur removal efficiencies are to be achieved. For example, the equilibrium H2S concentration …

This is the final report of a one-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The principal results of studies on crisis stability, deterrence, and latency are presented in their order of development. They capture the main features of stability analysis; relate first strike, crisis, and arms control stability as seen from US and Russian perspective; and address whether different metrics, uncertain damage preferences, or the deployment of defenses can be destabilizing. The report explores differences between unilateral and proportional force reductions in the region of deep reductions where concern shifts from stability to latency.

This is the final report of a one-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The objective of this project was to develop a Java-based, electronic, medical-record system that can handle multimedia data and work over a wide-area network based on open standards, and that can utilize an existing database back end. The physician is to be totally unaware that there is a database behind the scenes and is only aware that he/she can access and manage the relevant information to treat the patient.

GE has achieved a leadership position in the worldwide gas turbine industry in both industrial/utility markets and in aircraft engines. This design and manufacturing base plus their close contact with the users provides the technology for creation of the next generation advanced power generation systems for both the industrial and utility industries. GE has been active in the definition of advanced turbine systems for several years. These systems will leverage the technology from the latest developments in the entire GE gas turbine product line. These products will be USA based in engineering and manufacturing and are marketed through the GE Industrial and Power Systems. Achieving the advanced turbine system goals of 60% efficiency, 8 ppmvd NO{sub x} and 10% electric power cost reduction imposes competing characteristics on the gas turbine system. Two basic technical issues arise from this. The turbine inlet temperature of the gas turbine must increase to achieve both efficiency and cost goals. However, higher temperatures move in the direction of increased NO{sub x} emission. Improved coating and materials technologies along with creative combustor design can result in solutions to achieve the ultimate goal. GE`s view of the market, in conjunction with the industrial and utility objectives requires …

This report provides a synopsis of the budget activity related to AIDS from the discovery of the disease in 1981 through FY1999. Funding for AIDS research, prevention and treatment programs within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) discretionary budget has increased from $200,000 in FY1981 to an estimated $3.85 billion in FY1999.

This report provides a synopsis of the budget activity related to AIDS from the discovery of the disease in 1981 through FY1999. Funding for AIDS research, prevention and treatment programs within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) discretionary budget has increased from $200,000 in FY1981 to an estimated $3.85 billion in FY1999.

The purpose of this joint program was to provide technical assistance with the development of a Miniature X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analytical Instrument. This new XRF instrument is designed to overcome the weaknesses of spectrometers commercially available at the present time. Currently available XRF spectrometers (for a complete list see reference 1) convert spectral information to sample composition using the influence coefficients technique or the fundamental parameters method. They require either a standard sample with composition relatively close to the unknown or a detailed knowledge of the sample matrix. They also require a highly-trained operator and the results often depend on the capabilities of the operator. In addition, almost all existing field-portable, hand-held instruments use radioactive sources for excitation. Regulatory limits on such sources restrict them such that they can only provide relatively weak excitation. This limits all current hand-held XRF instruments to poor detection limits and/or long data collection times, in addition to the licensing requirements and disposal problems for radioactive sources. The new XRF instrument was developed jointly by Quantrad Sensor, Inc., the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), and the Department of Energy (DOE). This report describes the analysis algorithms developed by NRL for the new instrument and the software …

This is the final report of a three-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The authors have used high-precision electronic-structure and cluster-variational method (CVM) techniques to study aspects of alloy design involving the phase stability and ordering tendencies of the ternary system Ti-Al-Nb, and the correlation with these to changes in the electronic structure of these materials. This system is of great interest for aerospace applications due to its desirable mechanical properties and low densities. Total energies were computed for 18 binary and ternary bcc superstructures in order to derive parameters for CVM calculations, which showed important strong ordering tendencies in the alloy phase diagram as a function of temperature and alloy concentration. Structural optimization calculations were used to analyze structural instabilities for bcc, fcc, hcp, O-phase, and {omega}-phase structures. The authors discovered the mechanism for the role of Nb in the structural stability of the O-phase of the ternary intermetallic Ti{sub 2}AlNb. Calculations were also done to investigate the electronic properties associated with the structural stability of a related class of Laves Phase high-temperature structural materials NbCr{sub 2} and HfV{sub 2}.

Epidemiologic surveillance at DOE facilities consists of regular and systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data on absences due to illness and injury in the work force. Its purpose is to provide an early warning system for health problems occurring among employees at participating sites. Data are collected by coordinators at each site and submitted to the Epidemiologic Surveillance Data Center, located at the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, where quality control procedures and analyses are carried out. Rates of absences and rates of diagnoses associated with absences are analyzed by occupation and other relevant variables. They may be compared with the disease experience of different groups within the DOE work force and with populations and do not work for DOE to identify disease patterns or clusters that may be associated work activities. This report provides a final summary for BNL.

Amesh program generates discrete grids for numerical modeling of flow and transport problems in which the formulation is based on integral finite difference method (IFDM). For example, the output of Amesh can be used directly as (part of) the input to TOUGH2 or TOUGH numerical Simulator (Pruess, 1987, 1990, Pruess, et al., 1996). The code Amesh can generate 1D, 2D or 3D numerical grids for a given set of locations, i.e. the centers of each discrete sub-domain. In the 2D aerial plane the Voronoi tessellation method is used (Voronoi, 1908; Ahuja, 1982; Aurehammer, 1991; Fortune, 1987, 1988, 1993). In this method we can create a mesh of elements, within model domain, where the interfaces between neighbor elements are the perpendicular bisectors of the line connecting the element centers. The interface distances are simply the medians of the line connecting the centers. To create the 3D grid, the vertical direction interface areas are always treated as horizontal projections of the 2D areal plane. In the lateral direction the interface areas are always vertical projections. In both cases the direction of gravity vector is given by the cosine of angle formed by the line joining the element centers and the vertical. From …

This is the final report of a three-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The purpose of this project is to develop new computational and visualization tools to analyze particle dynamics in the Earth`s magnetosphere. These tools allow the construction of a global picture of particle fluxes, which requires only a small number of in situ spacecraft measurements as input parameters. The methods developed in this project have led to a better understanding of particle dynamics in the Earth`s magnetotail in the presence of turbulent wave fields. They have also been used to demonstrate how large electromagnetic pulses in the solar wind can interact with the magnetosphere to increase the population of energetic particles and even form new radiation belts.

The distribution of clouds over the globe greatly influences the regimes of other important climatic variables, such as temperature and precipitation. While satellite records of cloudiness are extremely valuable in the study of the earth`s climate (spanning now 2--3 decades), the longer records of surface-observed cloudiness for much of the earth`s surface are preferred for integration with long-term records of other surface variables in attempting to understand these variables` relationships and trends. As databases of surface-based cloud observations have become available for research use over recent decades, there have been many studies concerned with examining trends in regional cloud cover. Kaiser and Vose (1997) performed a gridded analysis of variations and trends in cloud amount using 187 Chinese weather stations for the period 1954--1990. The main findings were significant decreases in annual mean cloud amount over much of northern China, coupled with corresponding increases in the frequency of occurrence of clear skies. The decreased trends in annual mean cloud amount over northern China were found to be driven by decreasing cloud amount over most months of the year. The current study uses an expanded period of record of China cloud observations (1951--1994) to re-examine trends in cloud amount at individuals …

The design of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) calls for a desired temperature field of 20.00 {+-} 0.28 C throughout the facility. This design requirement is needed to prevent degradation of the operating performance and net yield of the NIF by heat loads generated within the facility. In particular, the potential interference of waste heat from the lighting fixtures and equipment such as the electronics racks, and pre-amplifier modules (PAMs), and its impact on the operational performance of the laser beam transport tubes and optical alignment components must be evaluated. This report describes the thermal analyses associated with the PAMs. Evaluation of thermal issues for the other equipment is discussed elsewhere.

This report is a summary of work in progress and completed. Subject areas covered are: effective numerical methods for interfacial flows; multiscale finite element methods: analysis and applications; an efficient boundary integral method for the Mullins-Sekera problem; numerical simulation of three-dimensional water waves using a fast summation method; numerical solutions of steady-state rising bubbles; solidification coupled to fluid convection; turbulence models; exact solution of very viscous and Hele-Shaw flow; fundamental vortex dynamics; functional methods for turbulence; structure functions for isotropic turbulence; and water waves.

This final report summarizes activities conducted for the National Academy of Sciences' Annual Symposium on Frontiers of Science with support from the US Department of Energy for the period July 1, 1993 through May 31, 1998. During the report period, five Frontiers of Science symposia were held at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center of the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering. For each Symposium, an organizing committee appointed by the NAS President selected and planned the eight sessions for the Symposium and identified general participants for invitation by the NAS President. These Symposia accomplished their goal of bringing together outstanding younger (age 45 or less) scientists to hear presentations in disciplines outside their own and to discuss exciting advances and opportunities in their fields in a format that encourages, and allows adequate time for, informal one-on-one discussions among participants. Of the 458 younger scientists who participated, over a quarter (124) were women. Participant lists for all symposia (1993--1997) are attached. The scientific participants were leaders in basic research from academic, industrial, and federal laboratories in such disciplines as astronomy, astrophysics, atmospheric science, biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, engineering, genetics, material sciences, mathematics, microbiology, neuroscience, physics, and …

The objective of this Class 3 project is to demonstrate that detailed reservoir characterization of slope and basin clastic reservoirs in sandstones of the Delaware Mountain Group in the Delaware Basin of West Texas and New Mexico is a cost effective way to recover a higher percentage of the original oil in place through strategic placement of infill wells and geologically based field development. Project objectives are divided into two main phases. The original objectives of the reservoir-characterization phase of the project were (1) to provide a detailed understanding of the architecture and heterogeneity of two representative fields of the Delaware Mountain Group, Geraldine Ford and Ford West, which produce from the Bell Canyon and Cherry Canyon Formations, respectively, (2) to chose a demonstration area in one of the fields, and (3) to simulate a CO 2 flood in the demonstration area. The Bureau's industry partner for the initial Phase 1 of the project was Conoco, Inc.. After the reservoir characterization and simulation of an area at the northern end of the Ford Geraldine unit were completed, Conoco decided not to proceed to Phase 2, installation of a CO 2 flood in the demonstration area. This decision by Conoco provides …