Acoustic emission monitoring was used in hydrostatic experiments on flawed pressure vessels and thermal shock experiments on flawed cylindrical specimens. The results of the experiments are discussed.

None

The ultrasonic examination data relative to the discontinuity located in the pilgrim I reactor Vessel Nozzle N-2B weld was reviewed. The data was obtained during the 1976 in-service inspection. The results of the review of several examinations are tabulated, test conditions discussed, and a conclusion made as to probable flaw size.

An annotated bibliography has been prepared which includes summaries of 82 publications dating from 1920 and dealing with the measurement of the surface tensions of Groups III-A, IV-A, and V-A metals in the liquid state. The bibliography is organized by key element investigated, and contains a tabulation of correlations for surface tension as a function of temperature. A brief discussion dealing with variables and methods has been included.

The local environment surrounding Mound Laboratory was monitored for tritium and plutonium-238 released by Mound Laboratory. The results are reported for calendar year 1975. The environmental parameters analyzed included air, water, foodstuffs, soil, and silt. For radioactive species, the average concentrations of plutonium-238 and tritium were within the stringent standards adopted by the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration. Data concerning nonradioactive species in air and water are also presented and compared to federal, state, and local standards, where applicable. (auth)

The data obtained from the environmental monitoring program of the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory for the calendar year 1975 are described and general trends are discussed. (auth)

A summary is presented of research progress at the University of Illinois at Urbana, Illinois during the calendar year 1975. Included are listings of personnel, reports on facilities and operations, and a list of publications submitted or published and papers presented during 1975. (SDF)

Factors which affect product quality can be divided into two major categories: technological and human. Effective control over these factors requires controls at all important stages of production. Facilities selected for machining and processing and for assembly and packaging are an important determinant of the cost and quality. If selected measuring equipment, processes, machines and materials are sufficiently accurate to provide an in-tolerance part, reasonable costs and acceptable quality can be expected. On the other hand, if processing equipment cannot consistently provide an in-tolerance part, high costs, scrap and rework are inevitable outcomes. In a particular situation, a study may dwell on an established process (e.g., a vendor's) or on controllable process variables defining several potential processes. Hence, two general areas of application for statistical methods which are of interest are as follows: (1) determining manufacturing process capability for an established process; and (2) optimizing a product characteristic with respect to controllable process variables. The paper cites a few quality problems within each of these areas, presents examples as illustrations, lists applicable statistical methods and lists the applicable BKC computer routines which BKC has used to facilitate the solution.

X-ray fluorescence (XRE) and neutron activation analysis (NAA) are compared; a periodic table of the elements showing their sensitivity to each method is included. It is proposed to use both methods to make chemical abundances measurements on archaeological samples, including Bichrome Ware and Palestinian samples. The intent is to see if NAA can be replaced by XRF. (DLC)

In April 1974, the United States Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) authorized General Atomic Company, General Electric Company, and Westinghouse Astronuclear Laboratory to assess the available technology for producing process heat utilizing a very high temperature nuclear reactor (VHTR). The VHTR is defined as a gas-cooled graphite-moderated reactor. Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been given a lead role in evaluating the VHTR reactor studies and potential applications of the VHTR. Process temperatures up to the 760 to 871/sup 0/C range appear to be achievable with near-term technology. The major development considerations are high temperature materials, the safety questions (especially regarding the need for an intermediate heat exchanger) and the process heat exchanger. The potential advantages of the VHTR over competing fossil energy sources are conservation of fossil fuels and reduced atmospheric impacts. Costs are developed for nuclear process heat supplied from a 3000-MW(th) VHTR. The range of cost in process applications is competitive with current fossil fuel alternatives.

Quantitative estimations are made for the atmospheric dispersion of gases, heat, and noise due to geothermal energy sources in Southern California's Imperial Valley. In particular, gas concentration per unit source strength, change in mixing ratio, relative humidity, temperature, and the ratio of heat flux to solar constant are calculated. The possibility of atmospheric refraction of source noise is also considered.

This report describes a proposed system for automating atomic absorption analysis. The system consists of two atomic absorption instruments and an automatic sampler that can be attached to either instrument. A computer program controls the sampling and gathers data. The program then uses the data to perform bookkeeping, data processing, and report writing.

Progress is reported for a Baseline Gas Turbine Development Program sponsored by the Heat Engine Systems Branch, Division of Transportation Energy Conservation (TEC) of the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA). Structurally, this program is made up of three parts: (1) documentation of the existing automotive gas turbine state-of-the-art; (2) conduction of an extensive component improvement program; and (3) utilization of the improvements in the design, and building of an Upgraded Engine capable of demonstrating program goals.

Results of studies on the effects of irradiation on Escherichia coli showed that error-prone repair mutagenesis can be induced by ionizing radiation and uv light; induced single-strand DNA break repair has been confirmed and its characterization is in process; and there is clearly a separation between the induction of lambda and other phenomena. The dose-effect relationship differs and the phenomenon of radioresistance is removed. The action spectra for uv induced mutagenesis was plotted. (CH)

This is the second of two volumes which document the result of an investigation of Battery-Flywheel Power Systems.

This report documents the results of an investigation of a Battery-Flywheel Power Systems by Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in association with Airesearch Manufacturing Company of California.

Separate abstracts were prepared for the six sections of the report. (HLW)

During an ERDA safety and health inspection, Brookhaven National Laboratory was cited for failure to monitor and report the amount of airborne contaminants released to the environment via laboratory hoods. However, an analysis of potential environment releases of radiological and nonradiological contaminants from these hoods illustrate that even under worst case situations, emissions of these contaminants would not endanger the community air quality. Brookhaven is therefore requesting an exemption from the ERDA requirement. Rationalization supporting this request is presented in this report. (auth)

A number of urethane and epoxy-modified urethane systems were evaluated as room-temperature-curing adhesives. The systems were formulated to yield a variety of modulus levels and to be compatible with certain chemically sensitive materials.

A series of boron-filled vinyl copolymer elastomer (VCE) and Viton A fluoroelastomer formulations was prepared and the physical characteristics of the cured formulations determined. Their weight loss on heating to 300/sup 0/C, as determined by two different analytical methods, did not agree. The presence of up to 0.23 percent boric acid in the boron powders used to fill a standard boron-filled VCE elastomer did not appear to affect the physical characteristics of the cured formulation. 7 tables. (auth)

We have consistently demonstrated viral like particles in mitogen stimulated lymphocyte cultures from leukemic cows and cows with a persistent lymphocytosis. Our electron microscopic studies of these particles have shown them to be similar to the known oncogenic RNA viruses in size, plasma membrane budding, and in their C-type morphology. We have concentrated these bovine C-type particles approximately 1,000 fold by continuous flow ultracentrifugation. Our investigations employing these concentrated particles have indicated that they are RNA containing, possess an RNA directed DNA polymerase, and band in a sucrose density gradient at a density of 1.17 gm/cm/sup 3/. The goal of our current study is to conclusively prove the viral etiology of bovine leukemia.

Recent emphases have been directed by Federal government regulatory agencies and other research groups on the carcinogenic effects of certain aromatic hydrocarbon components in naturally occurring petroleum products. These are used in plant operations, and underline the importance of evaluating environments. Since Rocky Flats Plant uses large quantities of fuel oil, the author was prompted to undertake a search of the chemical literature. Articles and accounts of studies were reviewed on nonbiological laboratory methods for determining the carcinogenicity of residual fuel oils and related high-boiling petroleum fractions. The physical and chemical methods involve the separation or measurement (or both) of polynuclear aromatic constituents which generally are responsible for the carcinogenic effects. Thus, the author suggests that the total carcinogenic activity of any petroleum product may not be due to a specific potent carcinogen, but rather to the cumulative effect of several individually weak carcinogens. The literature search is presented as an annotated bibliography, current as of January 1, 1975, and includes significant parts of the studies along with the total number of other references found when the citation was examined in its entirety. Part I deals with laboratory chemical and physical methods of determining carcinogenicity or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (or …

Technical discussions to determine the state of the art and the potential for new geothermal well cementing materials are being held with well owners, cementing service companies, and governmental and private laboratories.

A coordinated program for the development of improved cements specifically designed for geothermal well applications was initiated in April 1976. A successful program will lead to a major advance in the technology required to economically utilize geothermal energy. The goals for the overall program are as follows: (1) Preparation of an integrated research and development plan for the investigation of new well-cementing materials specifically designed for geothermal well applications. (2) To provide the technical basis for the development, testing, and practical demonstration of high-temperature cementing materials for geothermal wells. (3) Rapid transfer and implementation of the technology in the private sector. To date, a preliminary management plan has been prepared and the state of the art of well cementing is being determined by a series of meetings with companies that develop and utilize the technology.