The health of FFTF systems was assessed assuming a continued facility standby condition. The review was accomplished in accordance with the guidelines of FFTF-EI-083, Plant Evaluation Program. The attached document includes an executive summary of the significant conclusions and assessment reports for each system evaluated.

All transuranic (TRU) waste must be sufficiently characterized and certified before it is shipped to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows use of acceptable knowledge (AK) for waste characterization. EPA uses the term AK in its guidance document and defines AK and provides guidelines on how acceptable knowledge should be obtained and documented. This AK package has been prepared in accordance with Acceptable Knowledge Documentation (TWCP-QP-1.1-021,R.2). This report covers acceptable knowledge information for five waste streams generated at TA-55 during operations to fabricate various heat sources using feedstock {sup 238}Pu supplied by the Savannah River Site (SRS). The {sup 238}Pu feedstock itself does not contain quantities of RCRA-regulated constituents above regulatory threshold limits, as known from process knowledge at SRS and as confirmed by chemical analysis. No RCRA-regulated chemicals were used during {sup 238}Pu fabrication activities at TA-55, and all {sup 238}Pu activities were physically separated from other plutonium processing activities. Most of the waste generated from the {sup 238}Pu fabrication activities is thus nonmixed waste, including waste streams TA-55-43, 45, and 47. The exceptions are waste streams TA-55-44, which contains discarded lead-lined rubber gloves used in the gloveboxes that contained the {sup …

The Mixed Waste Focus Area (MWFA) Characterization Development Strategy delineates an approach to resolve technology deficiencies associated with the characterization of mixed wastes. The intent of this strategy is to ensure the availability of technologies to support the Department of Energy� s (DOE) mixed waste low-level or transuranic (TRU) contaminated waste characterization management needs. To this end the MWFA has defined and coordinated characterization development programs to ensure that data and test results necessary to evaluate the utility of non-destructive assay technologies are available to meet site contact handled waste management schedules. Requirements used as technology development project benchmarks are based in the National TRU Program Quality Assurance Program Plan. These requirements include the ability to determine total bias and total measurement uncertainty. These parameters must be completely evaluated for waste types to be processed through a given nondestructive waste assay system constituting the foundation of activities undertaken in technology development projects. Once development and testing activities have been completed, Innovative Technology Summary Reports are generated to provide results and conclusions to support EM-30, -40, or -60 end user/customer technology selection. The Active and Passive Computed Tomography non-destructive assay system is one of the technologies selected for development by the …

Incidents of liner corrosion in nuclear power containment structures have been recorded. These incidents and concerns of other possible liner corrosion in containment have prompted an interest in determining g the capacity of a degraded containment. Finite element analyses of a typical pressurized water reactor (PWR) reinforced concrete containment with liner corrosion were conducted using the A13AQUS finite element code with the ANACAP-U nonlinear concrete constitutive model. The effect of liner corrosion on containment capacity was investigated. A loss of coolant accident was simulated by applying pressure and temperature changes to the structure without corrosion to determine baseline failure limits, followed by multiple analyses of the containment with corrosion at different locations and varying degrees of liner degradation. The corrosion locations were chosen at the base of the containment wall, near the equipment hatch, and at the midheight of the containment wall. Using a strain-based failure criterion the different scenarios were evaluated to prioritize their effect on containment capacity

Insulated pressure vessels are cryogenic-capable pressure vessels that can be fueled with liquid hydrogen (LIQ) or ambient-temperature compressed hydrogen (CH2). Insulated pressure vessels offer the advantages of liquid hydrogen tanks (low weight and volume), with reduced disadvantages (lower energy requirement for hydrogen liquefaction and reduced evaporative losses). This paper shows an evaluation of the applicability of the insulated pressure vessels for light-duty vehicles. The paper shows an evaluation of evaporative losses and insulation requirements and a description of the current experimental plans for testing insulated pressure vessels. The results show significant advantages to the use of insulated pressure vessels for light-duty vehicles.

The successful 2-D simulations of z-pinch experiments (reproducing such features as the measured experimental current drive, radiation pulse shape, peak power and total radiated energy) can lead to a better understanding of the underlying physics in z-pinch implosions and to the opportunity to use such simulations in the analysis of experimental data and in the design of new experiments. Such use has been made with LANL simulations of experiments on the Sandia Saturn and Z accelerators. Applications have included ''vacuum'' and ''dynamic'' hohlraum experiments; variations in mass, radius and length; and ''nested'' array configurations. Notable examples include the explanation of the power/length results in reduced length pinches and the prediction of the current best power and pulsewidth nested array experiment. Examples of circumstances where the simulation results do not match the experiments will be given along with a discussion of opportunities for improved simulation results.

Even though austenitic alloys are commonly used in a hydrogen environment, hydrogen-induced fracture of these alloys has been reported. Most recently it has been shown that the failure of these alloys in hydrogen is initiated by void formation at slip band intersections. It is the object of this work to investigate the atomistic mechanisms that occur at these slip band intersections in the presence of hydrogen. Specifically it has been suggested that dislocation-dislocation interactions may play a large role in the initiation of voids or cracks. Hirth has summarized the various forms of dislocation interactions, traditionally called Lomer-Cottrell Locks (LCLs), that can occur. Baskes et al. have investigated the effects of stress on a LCL using an Embedded Atom Method (EAM) model for nickel developed previously by Angelo et al. The EAM is a well-established semi-empirical method of atomistic calculation that has been successfully used for over a decade to calculate the energetics and structure of defects in transition metals. The work by Angelo et al. established that the trapping of hydrogen to single dislocations had a maximum energy of ca. 0.1 eV while the trapping to a LCL was significantly greater, {approximately}0.33 eV, thus the authors expect that a …

The Basis for Interim Operation (BIO) document for K Reactor in Cold Standby and the L- and P-Reactor Disassembly Basins was prepared in accordance with the draft DOE standard for BIO preparation (dated October 26, 1993).

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has been conducting a comprehensive program to quantify and assess the air quality impacts of the emissions of ozone precursors, air toxins, and greenhouse gases from alternative fuel vehicles. This program includes both an emissions estimation component and a photochemical modeling component to study three fuels: reformulated gasoline, compressed natural gas, and 85% methanol (M85). This report describes the use of the CALGRID model in the Los Angeles modeling domain using the State-Wide Air Pollution Research Center (SAPRC90) chemical mechanism and an early version of the SAPRC93 mechanism. A variety of conclusions can be drawn from the results of this study, including results from chemical mechanism testing; development of meteorological inputs; model evaluation and comparison; and the analyses of the impacts of the emissions scenarios. The report summarizes the study's major findings in these areas.

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) linac beam position monitors can be used to monitor the position of a positron beam also containing electrons. To accomplish this task, both the signal at the bunching frequency of 2856 MHz and the signal at 2 x 2856 MHz are acquired and processed for each stripline. The positron beam position is obtained by forming a linear combination of both 2856- and 5712-MHz signals for each stripline and then performing the standard difference over sum computation. The required linear combination of the 2856- and 5712-MHz signals depends on the electrical calibration of each stripline/cable combination. In this paper, the calibration constants for both 2856-MHz and 5712-MHz signals for each stripline are determined using a pure beam of electrons. The calibration constants are obtained by measuring the 2856- and 5712-MHz stripline signals at various electron beam currents and positions. Finally, the calibration constants measured using electrons are used to determine positron beam position for the mixed beam case.

Characterization Engineering (CE) continues to make progress in support of the project goal of characterizing the Hanford high-level waste tanks. Four core sampling systems were operational during this reporting period -- push mode core sample system No. 1 and rotary mode core sample systems No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4. The availability average for all core sampling systems increased to 46 percent from the last quarter average of 43 percent. Six tanks were core sampled during the reporting period and 72 samples were retrieved. Average sampler recovery for system No. 1 was 76 percent, below the performance goal of 80 percent. The systems No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 goal of 60 percent was satisfied by overall recovery of 77 percent. This reporting period included the completion of modifications to Exhauster C for rotary mode core sampling (RMCS) and successful Acceptance and Operational testing. The portable exhauster was upgraded to Major Stack. All of the permit issues were resolved and the exhauster will be deployed when the Readiness Review is complete. During this reporting period significant progress was made in other areas as well. Grab Sampling retrieved samples of waste from fifteen tanks. Vapor Sampling was utilized in …

This document identifies radiological, chemical and physical conditions inside the Fuel Transfer Pit and Fuel Storage Basins. These spaces are located inside the Plutonium Recycle Test Reactor structure (309 Building.) The fuel handling and storage feature of the PRTR were primarily located in these spaces. The conditions were assessed as part of overall 309 Building transition.

This report describes The Climate and Hydrologic History of Southern Nevada During Late Quaternary.

The design of integrated controls for a complex system like a wind turbine relies on a system model in an explicit format, e.g., state-space format. Current wind turbine codes focus on turbine simulation and not on system characterization, which is desired for controls design as well as applications like operating turbine model analysis, optimal design, and aeroelastic stability analysis. This paper reviews structural modeling that comprises three major steps: formation of component equations, assembly into system equations, and linearization.

This presentation covers the strategy and analysis of an experiment to characterize a gas tungsten arc welding process. The experiment combined four uncontrolled noise factors and four controlled process parameters. A nontraditional response surface design was employed. Multiple responses were modeled. Optimal settings for the process parameters to successfully weld the widest range of the pertinent product features were identified. Thus, the process was made ''robust'' against ''noise'' factors. Comparisons are made between the experimental and analytical approach taken versus the Taguchi style of experimentation and analysis. This comparison is mainly done with respect to the information gained, such as product design criteria, incoming material specifications, and process adjustments for nonconforming material.

Treatment of [Fe(OEP)]20 with trichloroacetic acid results in ruffled formation of (octaethylporphinato trichloroacetato)iron(HI). Various crystalline solvates can be isolated, depending on the crystallization solvent. Initial crystallization with CHC13/hexanes resulted in the isolation of an unsolvated form. [Fe(OEP)(02C2C13 )]. This form contains distinct porphyrin core conformations at the same site: one is domed and the other is ruffled. Crystal data for [Fe(OEP)(02C2C13 )]: Q = 14.734(4) .4. b = 13.674(1) .\. c = 17..541 [,.5] .~. 3 = 90.67(1)0, V = 35-!5.8(14) .\3. monoclinic. space group R1/ n. Z = 4. Subsequent crystallization with CHC13/hexanes resulted in a new crystalline form, [Fe(OEP)(OzC2C13 )~.- CHC13; the porphyrin core is slightly ruffled. Crystal data for [Fe(OEP)(OoC2C13 )]. CHC13: a =12.323(1) .~, 6 = 13.062(3) .\. C = 14.327(2) .$, Q = 89.32(1)", .3 = 113.36(2)0. :~ = 105.26(1)'. V = `2031.3(6) .\3. triclinic. space group Pi. Z = 2. Crystallization with CH2C12/hexanes resulted in the isolation of yet another form, [Fe(OEP) (02 C2C13)]. H02C2C13. which contains two independent molecules in the unit cell: molecule is slightly saddled and molecule B is modestly ruffled. Crystal data for [Fe(OEP)(02ClC13 )]. H02C2C13: a = 13.148(3) .\, b = 13.45.5(3) A, c = Q3.761(5) -& ~ = …

Uranium alloys are candidates for the fuel phase in aluminum matrix dispersion fuels requiring high uranium loading. Certain uranium alloys have been shown to have good irradiation performance at intermediate burnup. Previous studies have shown that acceptable fission gas swelling behavior and fuel-aluminum interaction is possible only if the fuel alloy can be maintained in the high temperature body-centered-cubic {gamma}-phase during fabrication and irradiation, i.e., at temperatures at which {alpha}-U is the equilibrium phase. Transition metals in Groups V through VIII are known to allow metastable retention of the gamma phase below the equilibrium isotherm. These metals have varying degrees of effectiveness in stabilizing the gamma phase. Certain alloys are metastable for very long times at the relatively low fuel temperatures seen in research reactor operation. In this paper, the existing data on the gamma stability of binary and ternary uranium alloys is analyzed. The mechanism and kinetics of decomposition of the gamma phase are assessed with the help of metal alloy theory. Alloys with the highest possible uranium content, good gamma-phase stability, and good neutronic performance are identified for further metallurgical studies and irradiation tests. Results from theory will be compared with experimentally generated data.

The scope of this Design Requirements Document (DRD) is to identify the functions and associated requirements that must be performed to accept, transport, handle, and store immobilized low-activity waste (ILAW) produced by the privatized Tank Waste Remediation System (TWRS) treatment contractors. The functional and performance requirements in this document provide the basis for the conceptual design of the TWRS ILAW Interim Storage facility project and provides traceability from the program level requirements to the project design activity. Technical and programmatic risk associated with the TWRS planning basis are discussed in the Tank Waste Remediation System Decisions and Risk Assessment (Johnson 1994). The design requirements provided in this document will be augmented by additional detailed design data documented by the project.

The built-in electric field in polycrystalline CuInSe{sub 2} (CIS) near gold co-planar contacts was quantitatively revealed for the first time by the photomixing technique. A He-Ne laser beam was focused locally on the CIS sample near one of its contact. While both dc dark and photo-currents showed ohmic behavior, the high frequency ac current was non-zero for zero applied dc bias, which reveals a built-in electric field of {approx}1000V/cm. The capability of the photomixing technique to probe local charge transport properties is expected to be very useful for, e.g., the quantitative evaluation of the quality of ohmic contacts and the investigation of electric field induced p-n junction formation in CIS and related materials.

A new design for a single junction, thin film Si solar cell is presented. The cell design is compatible with low-temperature processing required for the use of a low-cost glass substrate, and includes effective light trapping and impurity gettering. Elements of essential process steps are discussed.

During the past year, the focus of our work on nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods was on the development and application of these methods to technologies such as ceramic matrix composite (CMC) hot-gas filters, CMC high-temperature heat exchangers, and CMC ceramic/ceramic joining. Such technologies are critical to the ''Vision 21 Energy-Plex Fleet'' of modular, high-efficiency, low-emission power systems. Specifically, our NDE work has continued toward faster, higher sensitivity, volumetric X-ray computed tomographic imaging with new amorphous silicon detectors to detect and measure axial and radial density variations in hot-gas filters and heat exchangers; explored the potential use of high-speed focal-plane-array infrared imaging technology to detect delaminations and variations in the thermal properties of SiC/SiC heat exchangers; and explored various NDE methods to characterize CMC joints in cooperation with various industrial partners. Work this year also addressed support of Southern Companies Services Inc., Power Systems Development Facility, where NDE is needed to assess the condition of hot-gas candle filters. This paper presents the results of these efforts.

We have developed and are continuing to refine semi-automated technology for the detection and inspection of surface and bulk defects and damage in large laser optics Different manifestations of the DAMOCLES system (Damage and Artifact Mapping Of Coherent-Laser-Exposed Substrates) provide an effective and economical means of being able to detect, map and characterize surface and bulk defects which may become precursors of massive damage in optics when subjected to high-fluence laser irradiation Subsequent morphology and evolution of damage due to laser irradiation can be tracked efficiently The strength of the Damocles system is that it allows for immediate visual observation of defects in an entire optic, which can range up to l-meter dimensions, while also being able to provide digital map and magnified images of the defects with resolutions better than 5 µm.

Achieving parallelism in simulations that use Monte Carlo transport methods presents interesting challenges. For problems that require domain decomposition, load balance can be harder to achieve. The Monte Carlo transport package may have to operate with other packages that have different optimal domain decompositions for a given problem. To examine some of these issues, we have developed a code that simulates the interaction of a laser with biological tissue; it uses a Monte Carlo method to simulate the laser and a finite element model to simulate the conduction of the temperature field in the tissue. We will present speedup and load balance results obtained for a suite of problems decomposed using a few domain decomposition algorithms we have developed.

This paper describes the operational experience in drying brines generated at a radioactive wastewater treatment facility. The brines are composed of aqueous ammonium sulfate/sodium sulfate and aqueous sodium nitrate/sodium sulfate, The brine feeds receive pretreatment to preclude dryer bridging and fouling. The dryer products are a distillate and a powder. The dryer is a vertical thin film type consisting of a steam heated cylinder with rotor. Maintenance on the dryer has been minimal. Although many operability problems have had to be overcome, dryer performance can now be said to be highly reliable.