This Volume contains Teledyne's input to the Kilowatt Isotope Power System Phase II Plan. Included is a description of the Flight System Heat Generation System, Flight System Radiator, Thermal Insulation Stability, GDS Heat Generation System and GDS Radiator.

This preliminary bibliography has been prepared for the 1978-79 Intercollegiate Debate regarding guaranteed employment.

The development of a Kilowatt Isotope Power System (KIPS) was begun in 1975 for the purpose of satisfying the power requirements of satellites in the 1980's. The KIPS is a /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/-fueled organic Rankine cycle turbine power system to provide a design output of 500 to 2000 W. Included in this volume are: launch and flight safety considerations; quality assurance techniques and procedures to be followed through system fabrication, assembly and inspection; and the reliability program made up of reliability prediction analysis, failure mode analysis and criticality analysis. (LCL)

This volume of the Brayton Isotope Power System, Phase II Plan, contains the self-evaluation by AiResearch, GE, and TECO, addressing Section 3 of The Dynamic Systems Evaluation Criteria and Procedures established by the Department of Energy. These evaluation criteria addresses: Component Feasibility; Flight System Design Performance; GDS Test Results; Reliability and Practicality; Safety; Spacecraft Integration; and Cost and Risk. Included in each of these general categories are several attributes, each of which addresses a separate component, feature, or area of interest related to the power system, its development status, degree of preparedness for proceeding into a flight program, and/or the contractors' performance during Phase I. The key elements which indicate the readiness of a radioisotope power system to progress into a flight qualification program are: an advanced state of development of the power conversion system; demonstrated or exhibited potential for space systems standards of reliability; evident capability of meeting system safety requirements; favorable cost/benefit tradeoff considering projected missions and technology advancement potential; and proven feasibility of fabricating and qualifying a flight system and integrating it with a candidate spacecraft and launch vehicle. As a result of considerable government investment in Brayton system component development, the MHW isotope heat source and …

The development of a Kilowatt Isotope Power System (KIPS) was begun in 1975 for the purpose of satisfying the power requirements of satellites in the 1980's. The KIPS is a /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/-fueled organic Rankine cycle turbine power system to provide a design output of 500 to 2000 W. Phase II of the overall 3-phase KIPS program is described. This volume presents a program plan for qualifying the organic Rankine power system for flight test in 1982. The program plan calls for the design and fabrication of the proposed flight power system; conducting a development and a qualification program including both environmental and endurance testing, using an electrical and a radioisotope heat source; planning for flight test and spacecraft integration; and continuing ground demonstration system testing to act as a flight system breadboard and to accumulate life data. (LCL)

Operation of the existing Hanford nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities will increase the release of nitrogen oxides (NO/sub x/) to the atmosphere over present emission rates. Stack emissions from two reprocessing facilities, one waste storage facility and two coal burning power plants will contain increased concentrations of NO/sub x/. The opacity of the reprocessing facilities' emissions is predicted to periodically exceed the State and local opacity limit of twenty percent. Past measurements failed to detect differences in the ambient air NO/sub x/ concentration with and without reprocessing plant operations. Since the facilities are not presently operating, increases in the non-occupational ambient air NO/sub x/ concentration were predicted from theoretical diffusion models. Based on the calculations, the annual average ambient air NO/sub x/ concentration will increase from the present level of less than 0.004 ppM to less than 0.006 ppM at the Hanford site boundaries. The national standard for the annual mean ambient air NO/sub 2/ concentration is 0.05 ppM. Therefore, the non-occupational ambient air NO/sub x/ concentration will not be increased to significant levels by reprocessing operations in the Hanford 200 Areas.

Data were acquired on the behavior of the polyethylene upwelling pipe for the GRI/DOE Marine Biomass Biological Test Farm during several phases of pipe assembly and ocean towing and deployment. The pipe is nominally 28 in O.D., 1400 feet long with wall thicknesses of 0.9 and 1.75 inches. The entire effort was conducted over a period of six weeks and was implemented on a strictly non-interference basis with the main Biomass Program. Three types of data were acquired during shore and ocean based operations conducted in the southern California area during the period from 15 September-27 September 1978. Axial strain data were obtained from two rows of 15 transducers each, separated circumferentially by 90/sup 0/ and distributed along the entire length of the pipe. Photographic data were also acquired from helicopter, boat and shore stationed cameras. The third type of data acquired were lowering line tension measurements made during the second successful deployment operation.

An initial survey of the literature produced a list of ceramic materials with properties which made them potential candidates for use in molten-carbonate fuel cell tiles or electrodes. Seven of the materials in the original list were dropped from consideration because of unfavorable thermodynamic properties; four materials were set aside because of high cost, lack of availability, or fabrication difficulties. Thirteen compositions were tested statically at 1000 K in a Li/sub 2/CO/sub 3/-K/sub 2/CO/sub 3/ bath under a dry CO/sub 2/ atmosphere. Only four of the materials tested showed severe degradation reactions in the molten carbonate. A low-temperature process for forming small diameter, high-aspect ratio ceramic fibers for fuel cell use has been developed. A short-term program to initiate a computer study on the thermodynamic analysis of fuel cell materials was initiated at Montana State University. The report on this program is included as Appendix B. The MHD and high-temperature fuel cell literature was surveyed, and material properties were evaluated to identify MHD materials with potential use for fuel cell applications. A technology transfer report of these findings was prepared. This report is included as Appendix A. Laboratory facilities were established to conduct research on interfacial diffusion processes which could …

State and federal tax treatment as an incentive to development and non-tax financial incentives such as: the federal geothermal loan guarantee program, the federal geothermal reservoir insurance, and state financial incentives are discussed. (MHR)

The MHD and high-temperature fuel cell literature was surveyed for data pertaining to materials properties in order to identify materials used in MHD power generation which also might be suitable for component use in high-temperature fuel cells. Classes of MHD-electrode materials evaluated include carbides, nitrides, silicides, borides, composites, and oxides. Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/-stabilized ZrO/sub 2/ used as a reference point to evaluate materials for use in the solid-oxide fuel cell. Physical and chemical properties such as electrical resistivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, and thermodynamic stability toward oxidation were used to screen candidate materials. A number of the non-oxide ceramic MHD-electrode materials appear promising for use in the solid-electrolyte and molten-carbonate fuel cell as anodes or anode constituents. The MHD-insulator materials appear suitable candidates for electrolyte-support tiles in the molten-carbonate fuel cells. The merits and possible problem areas for these applications are discussed and additional needed areas of research are delineated.

A study of a series of copper(I) compounds which contain a strongly absorbing chromophore (e.g., CuBr(PPh/sub 3/)-(2,2'-bipyridine)) for use as sensitizers in photochemical energy storage systems is described. The generally low sensitization efficiencies of these compounds preclude their use as sensitizers in a practical photochemical energy storage system. Nevertheless, some interesting mechanistic information has emerged from this study, the full details of which are being written for publication. Also, the related compound, Ru(bipy)/sub 2/(NBD)/sup +2/, which features a norbornadiene molecule coordinated directly to a strongly absorbing metal containing fragment was examined. The original rationale for studying this compound was the expectation that the absorption of visible light would result in the population of an electronically excited state in which the electron density of the NBD is considerably perturbed. Relaxation of this state could then occur by a pathway which leads to the rearranged product, quadricyclene. It was found, however, that the sensitization efficiency of this compound is quite low. A comprehensive study of the factors which affect the sensitization efficiencies of Ir(bipy)/sub 2/(bipy')OH/sub 2//sup +3/ is unerway. In order to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which organic sensitizers affect the conversion of norbornadiene to quadricyclene, a study to measure the actual …

As part of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Low-Cost Solar Array Project, test methods have been evaluated and procedures developed for testing photovoltaic flat-plate solar cell modules for resistance to impact by hailstones. Testing has included the use of simulated hailstones (frozen ice spheres projected at terminal velocity), steel balls, and other projectile types applied with three loading methods: pneumatic gun, gravity drop, and static loading. Results are presented that compare the advantages and disadvantages of the three test methods. Dropped-steel-ball tests are shown to exhibit little correlation with high-velocity ice-ball tests, whereas statically-loaded steel balls show a somewhat better correlation with ice-ball tests. Results are also presented on the hail impact strength of 16 flat-plate photovoltaic modules. The module designs tested have been shown to be capable of withstanding as large as 1-1/2-inch diameter and not capable of withstanding as small as 1/2-inch diameter simulated hail. The top surface material of the modules has a dominant influence on the hail impact resistance of the modules. In order of increasing impact strength for a given thickness, the top surface materials encountered in the modules tester were: clear silicone rubber, annealed glass, tempered glass, and acrylic sheet. The critical failure mechanism of …

The prototype surface examination station for the Fuels and Materials Examination Facility (FMEF) will use closed circuit television (CCTV) for routine modes of operation along with a nuclear periscope for special examination needs. The CCTV and the nuclear periscope were evaluated against prescribed station requirements and compared in a side-by-side demonstration. A quantitative evaluation of their outputs showed that both systems were capable of meeting surface anomaly detection requirements. The CCTV system was superior in its ability to collect, suppress and present data into a more useful form for the experimenters.

Reconstructing past climatic variations can lead to a better understanding of possible future precipitation and groundwater recharge patterns. Work so far has led to several new insights into past climate variability and will provide input into the hydrologic modeling effort in progress for the Waste Management Program. Short-term reconstructions (0 to 350 y) suggest that the basin and range of the southwestern United States have the driest, least variable precipitation record. The Pacific Northwest shows higher variability and several trends lasting for more then 25 y. The Southern High Plains have even more variability, but the upper Midwest and Southwest vary most and have the highest precipitation amounts. Pollen and lake level data from the literature suggest that the Southwest was wetter during at least part of the last glacial maximum than it is today.

The status and program plans for the DOE program to design and develop a long-life, safe Brayton isotope power system for space power are described. (WHK)

This is Appendix C to the Pilot Plant Overall Plant design description document for the 10-MW pilot central receiver plant to be located at Barstow, California. The environmental design criteria to be used for plant design day performance, operational limits, and survival environmental limits are specified. Data are presented on insolation, wind, temperature, and other meteorological conditions. (WHK)

Research was conducted on photosensitizers for the norbornadiene to quadricyclene conversion.

An analytic method is presented for determining the dilation of fast reactor fuel assembly ducts. For temperatures where creep is linearly dependent on stress, the method is rigorous in satisfying equilibrium, compatibility and stress-strain equations. Solutions are presented for two cases: (1) a duct with constant pressure differential, (2) a duct with varying pressure differential. Results are in close agreement with finite element results of the MARC-CDC program. The method is used to predict the dilation of the Fast Test Reactor (FTR) ducts under different operating conditions. Presented are the stress, strain and dilation predictions along the duct wall, and the duct dilation variations with its geometric and loading parameters.

The eastern part of the White Mountain batholith is dominated by four intrusive complexes, which contain similar sequences of intrusive rocks. Although the details of the sequence of intrusion differ from complex to complex, the Osceola Granite is generally an early phase, followed by the development of ring dikes of Albany Porphyritic Quartz Syenite and finally the intrusion of Conway Granite. One intrusive complex contains riebeckite granite as a late phase, and at least two complexes fed volcanic eruptions, some of the products of which are preserved in subsided blocks. A specialized study of the orientation of joints was made in the eastern halo of the batholith. Measurement of gravity over the eastern part of the batholith and reduction of these data allows gravity residuals to be calculated and two- and three-dimensional models for the eastern part of the batholith to be constructed. The gravity models are consistent with steeply dipping contacts with the country rocks, and the maximum depth of the eastern part of the batholith is between 4 km and 5.25 km. The temperature distribution within the eastern part of the batholith can be determined using existing parameters for heat flow, heat production, and conductivity augmented by new …

Separate abstracts were prepared for the five papers presented. (WHK)

The report described a system built around the Computing Gamma Spectrometer (PSA) LEA 74-008. The software primarily supports high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy using either a high-purity intrinsic germanium detector (HPGe) or a lithium-drifted germanium detector (Ge(Li)).

Mechanical Technology Incorporated is developing a 1 KWe Free-Piston Stirling ENgine (FPSE) Power System. The plan for testing the demonstrator power system is presented. The test hardware is a Free-Piston Stirling Engine prime mover driving a linear alternator. The demonstrator system is basically a modular assembly. The modules are the reciprocating alternator section, engine section, heater head insulation package assembly, and the pressure vessel. The test objective is to demonstrate a system with greater than 30% overall efficiency at 1 KW, 45 hz operating conditions, and to identify and isolate engine losses to provide a basis for future engine improvements.

Accurate simulation of high density target implosion requires material properties (ionization, pressure, energy, opacity, and transport coefficients) at densities where bound electrons are significantly perturbed by neighboring atoms. In the LASNEX code, this data is supplied by tables and/or calculated from a Stromgren model for ionization equilibrium. Improvements have been made in this model which aim at assuring thermodynamic consistency and obtaining better agreement with more elaborate calculations. Arbitrary degeneracy is allowed for the free electrons. Consistent Coulomb contributions to pressure and continuum lowering are obtained. A new pressure ionization scheme merges bound electrons into the continuum as a smooth function of density and the corresponding contribution to pressure is calculated. Results are shown for aluminum.

The effort included the design, fabrication and Systems Verification Testing of the Deep Drilling System. The Systems Verification Test was conducted during October 1978 in a test well located on the premises of Brown Oil Tools Inc., Houston, Texas. In general, the Systems Verification test program was an unqualified success. All of the system elements of the Deep Drilling System were exercised and evaluated and in every instance the system can be declared ready for operational well demonstration. The motor/bit shaft combination operated very well and seal performance exceeds the design goals. The rig floor system performed better than expected. The power cable flexural characteristics are much better than anticipated and longitudinal stability is excellent. The prototype production connectors have functioned without failure. The cable reels and drive skid have also worked very well during the test program. The redesigned and expanded instrumentation subsystem also functioned very well. Some electronic component malfunctions were experienced during the early test stages, but they were isolated quickly and repaired. Subsequent downhole instrumentation deployments were successfully executed and downhole data was displayed both in the Electrodril instrumentation trailer and on the remote control and display unit.