Actinide cross section data at thermonuclear neutron energies are needed for the calculation of ICF pellet center burnup of fission reactor waste, viz. 14 MeV neutron fission of the very long-lived actinides that pose storage problems. A major advantage of pellet center burnup is safety: only milligrams of highly toxic and active material need to be present in the fusion chamber, whereas blanket burnup requires the continued presence of tons of actinides in a small volume. The actinide data tables required for Monte Carlo calculations of the burnup of /sup 241/Am and /sup 243/Am are discussed in connection with typical burnup reactor fusion and fission spectra. 2 figures.

The prinicpal effort during this contract period was directed toward preparing for on-line radiochemical experiments at LAMPF directed toward studying rare processes such as (..pi../sup -/, ..pi../sup +/), (n, ..delta../sup + +/) and (..mu../sup -/, e/sup +/) in /sup 88/Sr. Chemical scavenging techniques to remove interfering products were shown to be effective without significantly affecting the sensitivity of the detection system. Sensitivities of less than 0.1 ..mu..b for the first two processes appear achievable. Detailed statistical analysis of last years' experiments is leading to new limits, about an order of magnitude lower than already reported, on the formation of polyneutrons, reinforcing the conclusion that such species are not particle stable. 100/sup -/GeV ..pi../sup -/ studies of copper spallation are revealing no dramatic differences between spallation with pions and that with protons. Essentially, this report consists of a collection of abstract-like summaries.

The characterization data obtained during the period October through December 1978 are described. One well in Allegany County, New York, was sampled in September 1978. A total of 412 samples were collected from the Allegany County, New York well (165 for Battelle and 247 for other DOE/MERC contractors). Two other wells, namely in Wetzel County, West Virginia and Johnson County, Kentucky, were cored during the last quarter of 1978. A total of 109 samples were obtained from the Wetzel County, West Virginia well (46 samples for Battelle and 63 samples for other DOE/MERC contractors). The samples were obtained from depths of 6100 to 6635 feet. Characterization data on I-2 (EGSP Ind. No. 2), Clark County, Indiana, and Y-1 (EGSP New York No. 1), Allegany County, New York wells are reported and discussed. Analysis of the hydrocarbon gases in Y-1 samples indicates that the longer chain hydrocarbon gases (ethane, propane, butane) in these shales are significantly higher than in the previous wells studied. The Indiana well (I-2) shows surprisingly high carbon contents compared with the hydrocarbon gas contents. The carbon contents of the Y-1 (Allegany County, New York) well, on the other hand, are somewhat lower than would be predicted from …

The technology verification phase program plan of the Dynamic Isotope Power System (DIPS) project is presented. DIPS is a project to develop a 0.5 to 2.0 kW power system for spacecraft using an isotope heat source and a closed-cycle Rankine power-system with an organic working fluid. The technology verification phase's purposes are to increase the system efficiency to over 18%, to demonstrate system reliability, and to provide an estimate for flight test scheduling. Progress toward these goals is reported. (LCL)

Transient processes in radiative transfer have recently become of interest in the modeling of astrophysical phenomena, particularly with regard to the brightness of novae, supernovae, and perhaps even galactic clouds adjacent to quasars. Analytic solutions to a particular class of Marshak wave problems are presented with and without the Marshak (Milne) boundary condition. The choice of boundary condition can have a decisive effect on the coupling of radiative energy to the material energy in the vicinity of a material boundary. The analytic solution obtained can be useful as a tool for calibrating numerical calculation techniques.

Thermal design of solar receivers is commonly accomplished via approximate models, where the receiver is treated as an isothermal box with lumped quantities of heat losses to the surroundings by radiation, conduction and convection. These approximate models, though adequate for preliminary design purposes, are not detailed enough to distinguish between different receiver designs, or to predict transient performance under variable solar flux, ambient temperatures, etc. A computer code has been written for this purpose and is given the name HEAP, an acronym for Heat Energy Analysis Program. HEAP has a basic structure that fits a general heat transfer problem, but with specific features that are custom-made for solar receivers. The code is written in MBASIC computer language. This document explains the detailed methodology followed in solving the heat transfer problem, and includes a program flow chart, an explanation of input and output tables, and an example of the simulation of a cavity-type solar receiver.

Potential limits for the shallow earth burial of transuranic elements were examined by simplified models of the individual pathways to man. Pathways examined included transport to surface steams, transport to ground water, intrusion, and people living on the burial ground area after the wastes have surfaced. Limits are derived for each pathway and operational limits are suggested based upon a dose to the organ receiving the maximum dose rate of 0.5 rem/y after 70 years of exposure for the maximum exposed individual.

The overall objective of this research is to design, synthesize and evaluate cyclic and polycyclic host organic compounds for their abilities to complex and lipophilize guest metal ions, their complexes and clusters. Host organic compounds consist of strategically placed solvating, coordinating and ion-pairing sites tied together by covalent bonds through hydrocarbon units around cavities shaped to be occupied by guest metal ions, or metal ions plus their ligands. Specificity in complexation is sought by matching the following properties of host and guest: cavity and metal ion sizes; geometric arrangements of binding sites; numbers of binding sites; characters of binding sites; and valences. The specific compounds synthesized and their complexing and lipophilizing properties are reported.

The Solar Array Manufacturing Industry Costing Standards (SAMICS) provide standard formats, data, assumptions, and procedures for determining the price a hypothetical solar array manufacturer would have to be able to obtain in the market to realize a specified after-tax rate of return on equity for a specified level of production. This document summarizes the methodology and its theoretical background. It is contended that the model is sufficiently general to be used in any production-line manufacturing environment.

The Solar Array Manufacturing Industry Costing Standards (SAMICS) provide standard formats, data, assumptions, and procedures for determining the price a hypothetical solar array manufacturer would have to be able to obtain in the market to realize a specified after-tax rate of return on equity for a specified level of production. This document presents the methodology and its theoretical background. It is contended that the model is sufficiently general to be used in any production-line manufacturing environment. Implementation of this methodology by the Solar Array Manufacturing Industry Simulation computer program (SAMIS III, Release 1) is discussed.

Some criteria for identifying dense plasmas are given. The theoretical analysis gives the following: general characteristics of dense plasmas, statistical model for compressed atoms, and ionization equilibrium in dense plasmas. (MOW)

This report is a summary of the SPSA Annual Technical Report. It covers Small Power Systems Applications activities for FY 1978. Studies were conducted to address current small power system technology as applied to power plants up to 10 MWe in size. Markets for small power systems were characterized and cost goals were established for the project. Candidate power plant system design concepts were selected for evaluation and preliminary performance and cost assessments were made. Economic studies were conducted at JPL and under contract to Burns and McDonnell. Breakeven capital costs were determined for leading contenders among the candidate systems. An applications study was made of the potential use of small power systems in providing part of the demand for pumping power by the extensive aqueduct system of California, estimated to be 1000 MWe by 1985. Criteria and methodologies were developed for application to the ranking of candidate power plant system design concepts. Experimental power plants concepts of 1 MWe rating were studied by three contractors as a Phase I effort leading toward the definition of a power plant configuration for subsequent detail design, construction, testing, and evaluation as Engineering Experiment No. 1 (EE No. 1). Site selection criteria and …

Small Power Systems Applications activities for FY 1978 are reported. Studies were conducted to address current small power system technology as applied to power plants up to 10 MWe in size. Markets for small power systems were characterized and cost goals were established for the project. Candidate power plant system design concepts were selected for evaluation and preliminary performance and cost assessments were made. Economic studies were conducted at JPL and under contract to Burns and McDonnell. Breakeven capital costs were determined for leading contenders among the candidate systems. An applications study was made of the potential use of small power systems in providing part of the demand for pumping power by the extensive aqueduct system of California, estimated to be 1000 MWe by 1985. Criteria and methodologies were developed for application to the ranking of candidate power plant system design concepts. Experimental power plants concepts of 1 MWe rating were studied by three contractors as a Phase I effort leading toward the definition of a power plant configuration for subsequent detail design, construction, testing and evaluation as Engineering Experiment No. 1 (EE No. 1). Site selection criteria and ground rules for the solicitation of EE No. 1 site participation …

Refinements of the design of the 50 MT/year Experimental Process System Development Unit (EPSDU) have been made and competitive bids have been received from mechanical, electrical, and structural contractors. Emergency procedures have been defined to counter a variety of contingencies disclosed in operations and safety reviews. Work continues with the fluidized-bed model to define conditions under which useful segregation of large particles can be obtained. Experimental work with an electrolytic cell for zinc chloride disclosed no significant increase in power efficiency by steps taken to increase electrolyte circulation. On the basis of materials compatibility and permeability tests, 310 stainless steel was chosen for the shell of the fluidized-bed reactor and SiC-coated graphite for the liner. Experiments on the volatility of lead, iron, and cadmium at the ppM level in zinc at its boiling point are being continued with provisions being made to withdraw molten samples so as to avoid segregation on freezing, believed to be the cause of earlier discrepancies.

Progress in the development of LMFBR and GCFR breeding blanket design parameters is reported under the following headings: interface self-shielding and advanced blanket investigations.

A tutorial overview of point-focusing parabolic collectors is presented. Optical and thermal characteristics of such collectors are discussed. Data representing typical achievable collector efficiencies are presented and the importance of balancing collector cost with concentrator quality is argued through the development of a figure of merit for the collector. The impact of receiver temperature on performance is assessed and the general observation made that temperatures much in excess of 1500 to 2000/sup 0/F can actually result in decreased performance. Various types of two-axis tracking collectors are described, including the standard parabolic deep dish, Cassegrainian and Fresnel, as well as two forms of fixed mirrors with articulating receivers. The present DOE program to develop these devices is briefly discussed, as are present and projected costs for these collectors. Pricing information is presented for the only known commercial design available on the open market.

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Many of the current techniques for fabricating experimental targets appear to be directly extendable to the high-rate, low-cost production of reactor targets. This report describes several new techniques that, in conjunction with the expansion of existing techniques, can constitute a target factory. We have evaluated this concept on the basis of a generalized reactor target design and the projected specifications of reactor-grade targets.

This summary report presents a condensation of the designs as developed from requirements and concept selection to preliminary design. The study consists of the following six tasks: (1) Design requirements: establish design environmental conditions and criteria. Develop methodology to both assess SKSS reliability and performance, and minimize life cycle costs. (2) Conceptual design: develop at least two SKSS conceptual designs for both barge and spar platform (eight in all). Consider commercial plant SKSS, verify feasibility, define problem areas, estimate life cycle cost. Develop deployment, operation and maintenance scenarios. Recommend an SKSS concept for each platform. (3) Preliminary design; prepare preliminary designs for two SKSS concepts selected by NOAA/DOE. Optimize the designs, provide deployment and retrieval procedures, support requirements, evaute reliability and performance. Assess effects of watch circle and water depth variation. (4) Development and testing recommendations: recommend programs required to confirm design assumptions and performance predictions, including material and component development, and soils investigation. Estimate cost and schedule required to perform these programs. (5) Cost-time analysis: develop a detailed cost and schedule for the acquisition, transportation, deployment, inspection, maintenance, spares, replacement and salvage for the SKSS designs. (6) Commercial plant SKSS recommendations: assess applicability of designs to commercial plant SKSS. …

The 12 papers included were entered into the data base separately. (WHK)

On February 14 and 15, 1978, a workshop on solar power development and thermal and thermochemical energy storage technology was held at Golden, Colorado. These proceedings contain the record of this workshop. They are divided into two volumes. Volume I presents an analysis and condensation of information discussed in round-table plenary sessions.

Studies were conducted to assess the technical and economic merits and limitations of advanced solar-geothermal hybrid electric power plant concepts. Geothermal resource characteristics and technologies were reviewed to determine the best possible ways of combining solar and geothermal technologies into a hybrid operation. Potential hybrid system concepts are defined and their performance, resource usage, and economics are assessed relative to the individual solar and geothermal resource development techniques. Key results are presented.

We studied the feasibility of computerized automation of the Analytical Laboratories Section at NASA's Lewis Research Center. Since that laboratory's duties are not routine, we set our automation goals with that in mind. We selected four instruments as the most likely automation candidates: an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, an emission spectrometer, an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and an x-ray diffraction unit. Our study describes two options for computer automation: a time-shared central computer and a system with microcomputers for each instrument connected to a central computer. A third option, presented for future planning, expands the microcomputer version. We determine costs and benefits for each option. We conclude that the microcomputer version best fits the goals and duties of the laboratory and that such an automated system is needed to meet the laboratory's future requirements.

To aid future hydrogen fusion researchers, I have correlated the measured physical and chemical properties of the hydrogens below 30/sup 0/K. I have further estimated these properties for deuterium--deuterium tritide--tritium (D/sub 2/--DT--T/sub 2/) fusion fuel. My resulting synthesis offers a timely view and review of cryogenic hydrogen properties, plus some hydrogen data to room temperature. My general thrust is for workers new to the field, although my discussion of the scientific background of the material would suit specialists.