Acoustic data from boiling stability tests on the THORS (Thermal-Hydraulic Out-of-Reactor Safety) facility are presented and discussed. The THORS sodium loop is a high temperature test facility that contains the bundle 6A, a full length stimulated fuel subassembly with nineteen electrically heated pins. Boiling stability tests on the THORS facility were designed to determine if a stable boiling region exists during the thermal hydraulic test at normal and off-normal conditions. Boiling was observed and the stable boiling region was determined. The acoustic data observed by three ANL sodium-immersible microphones have provided the following information: (1) the boiling signal is clearly observed and shows a correlation with the inlet flow fluctuations; (2) the signal level and the repetition rate of the boiling signal are directly related to the applied heat flux; (3) a typical boiling pulse consists of a high frequency signal due mainly to the bubble collapse and a low frequency (approximately 75 Hz) void oscillation; (4) a boiling pulse yields a frequency spectrum with significant amplitudes up to 80 KHz as compared with 4 KHz for background pulses; and (5) the frequency content of a boiling pulse can be mostly explained in terms of various resonance frequencies of the …

Newsletter issued by the Advisory Council for Technical-Vocational Education in Texas discussing news, events, and other relevant information related to technical and vocational education for adults in Texas.

Electrostatic instabilities occurring in mirror-confined ion velocity-distributions have been thoroughly investigated. The electromagnetic instability of greatest concern is the Alfven-ion-cyclotron (AIC) mode. In this work we investigate both convective and absolute growth, both in homogeneous plasma and in finite machines, for a variety of ion velocity-distributions. Good agreement is found with the results from the particle simulation code ''Superlayer''. Quasilinear effects are outlined and a rough criterion found for the importance of Dupree-type broadening.

The Amchitka Radiobiological Program is a continuing program to collect biological and environmental samples for radiometric analyses. Results of analyses for samples collected during 1976 include gamma-emitting radionuclides in air filters, freshwater, birds, lichens, marine algae, marine invertebrates, fish, aufwuchs, and freshwater moss and plants; /sup 90/Sr in rats, birds, and soil; /sup 239/ /sup 240/Pu in sand, soil, marine algae and fish; and tritium (/sup 3/H) in seawater, freshwater, and biological organisms.

A brief review of the analytical techniques which are currently used to obtain range and energy deposition distributions associated with the implantation of energetic ions into solid targets.

A heavy crude oil produced from the Bartlett field in southeastern Kansas by the Solfrac process developed by ERDA was characterized by procedures developed, in large part, by the ERDA Energy Research Centers in Bartlesville, Okla., and Laramie, Wyo., through the American Petroleum Institute Research Project 60. After removal of the solvent used in the Solfrac process, two distillate fractions accounting for about 50 percent of the solvent-free crude were prepared and analyzed by a combination of techniques including acid and base extractions, adsorption chromatography, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry, and gas chromatography. Concentrations of major hydrocarbon and sulfur compound types were well within the ranges observed for five previously studied crude oils, but acid and base fractions were smaller for the Bartlett crude. High-resolution mass spectral data for the Bartlett crude showed the presence of some oxygenate material which were not determined in the previous studies of petroleum crudes. These data plus physical and chemical properties determined by the ERDA/BERC routine crude oil analyses provided an extensive characterization of the portion of Bartlett crude boiling below 540/sup 0/C. These data are valuable for determining appropriate refining processes for efficiently upgrading this crude …

Realistic analysis of future energy systems is a difficult, but crucial, component of assuring future energy supplies. The procedure proposed in this paper is a dynamic, net energy assessment that is a resource-based method for evaluating future energy systems. The model is system, site, and application specific and is equally applicable to general system characterizations and specific designs. The implications of possible resource and societal constraints on energy development are investigated.

At the present time, rules for design of piping for nuclear power plant elevated temperature service are contained in Code Case 1592-8. A Task Group under the Code Working Group on Pipe Design has prepared a revised portion on piping for a future revision of Code Case 1592. This revised portion contains explicit equations for calculating stresses; those stresses are limited by the general stress limits of the Code Case. The stress equations involve the use of stress indices which, except for the B/sub 2/' indices, are given in the present Code, NB-3600. This report started as an effort to develop appropriate B/sub 2/' indices for inclusion on the Code Case. However, the report shows that the B/sub 1/ and B/sub 2/ indices are based on limit load concepts hence there is no need for the B/sub 2/' indices. The general concepts and motivation behind the stress index approach is described. The background of the B/sub 1/ and B/sub 2/ indices is given for the several types of piping products covered by the indices. This report is concerned with stress indices in equations as used for checking the equivalent of ''Primary Stress Intensity Limits.'' It does not address the use …

The flow rate of pressurized argon escaping from individual fuel holes in High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) fuel-element blocks by diffusion through graphite webs surrounding the holes was measured for ten fuel-element blocks. The argon permeability varied significantly from block to block. Also, within the blocks, the permeability varied as a function of radial distance from the axis of the prismatic shape. The argon permeability was highest in the center of the fuel blocks. Argon permeability contours were not entirely symmetric, nor were they necessarily centered at the geometric center of the block. The argon permeabilities of fuel holes near the center and exterior of the blocks, where the web thickness is different from that of regular holes, differed from those of the regular fuel holes; however, the difference was too small to be of practical importance.

This quarterly report is the fourth in a series intended to provide information on research and engineering activities being performed to improve the processing of irradiated reactor fuels, the production of plutonium, and the management of resultant chemical wastes. The work reported here was performed during the period January through March 1977.

The attenuation of solar radiation by the atmosphere between the heliostat and receiver of a Central Receiver solar energy system has been computed for a number of atmospheric conditions and tower-heliostat distances. The most important atmospheric variable is found to be the atmospheric aerosol content. No dependence of atmospheric water vapor is found and only a weak dependence on solar zenith angle. For a 500 m heliostat-tower distance two to four percent reductions are expected under typical desert conditions (50 to 120 km visibility). The reduction is approximately linear with heliostat-tower distance. A representative value of the attenuation coefficient is 0.051 km/sup -1/.

The attenuation of solar radiation by the atmosphere between the heliostat and receiver of a Central Receiver solar energy system has been computed for a number of atmospheric conditions and tower-heliostat distance.

Four different techniques for sample preparation were evaluated for determining vanadium and nickel in crude oils by atomic absorption (AA) spectroscopy: (1) The flame-analyzed dilution method which consists of direct-flame AA analysis after diluting the sample with a suitable organic solvent; (2) the flame-analyzed, wet-ashing method in which the sample is combusted and the residue is then dissolved before flame analysis; (3) the flameless, dilution method which involves flameless AA analysis of the sample following dilution with a suitable organic solvent; and (4) the direct, flameless method in which the crude oil or residue is directly analyzed by flameless AA. The flame-analyzed dilution method yielded erratic and inaccurate analytical results for samples of crude oils as well as for a residual sample containing standard amounts of vanadium and nickel; hence, it is unsatisfactory for oil-identification. Similarly, the direct, flameless method is unsatisfactory owing to the small concentration range available for analysis (less than approximately 15 ppM). Both the flame-analyzed, wet-ashing and flameless-dilution methods yield reliable and reproducible (better than 10%) quantitative data for nickel and vanadium in crude oils and crude oil residues. Results demonstrate that the error associated with the loss of volatile metal containing compounds upon wet-ashing is …

This technical progress report summarizes the research work accomplished during the first six months of the investigation on the significance of radiation heat transfer in attenuating the radiological consequences from LMFBR core disruptive accidents. Considerable progress has been made in modeling and computing the effects of radiative cooling on a rising HCDA bubble buoyant through a sodium pool. Our results reveal that most of the fuel vapor within the bubble can be effectively condensed out by radiating cooling. The finding has a profound implication as it could lead to a substantial reduction in subsequent aerosal releases.

The results of a mail survey used to tap the opinions of the public at large in the study area are described. Attention in that section is focused on awareness of the resource, favorability toward the impending development, concerns about the development, attitudes regarding how the development should take place, levels of community satisfaction, and perceived future problems due to community growth. An analysis is given of the 33 interviews conducted with local representatives of the financial and commercial sectors, government, industry, agriculture, and environmental groups. The main foci here are perceived problems and benefits associated with geothermal development and the local capacity for coping with strains on community services resulting from any population growth which may be generated by resource development. A comparison and synthesis of the results from the general survey and the sector interviews is included. In conclusion, policy recommendations are made for means through which to consolidate goals and to achieve resource development objectives with minimal antagonism of and problems for local citizens and community sectors.

The shapes of integral Auger-electron signals from chemical-vapor-deposited silicon nitride with 0.3 at percent and 12 at percent oxygen have been compared with each other and with signals from clean Si and SiO/sub 2/. The data show the probable existence of elementally bound Si in the nitrides. Incorporation of oxygen decreases the structure associated with elemental Si but does not cause the Si L/sub 2/,/sub 3/ VV line shape to change to that characteristic of SiO/sub 2/. The nitrogen peak shape was not affected by the increase in oxygen content to 12 at percent, but the shape of the oxygen signal, and its energy location in silicon nitride is considerably different than for oxygen in SiO/sub 2/. These data indicate that a detailed investigation of silicon nitride could lead to a better understanding of properties important to passivation and memory.

The goal of the ERDA/JPL LSSA program of $0.50/W selling price for array modules in 1986 turns out to have been remarkably appropriate. An extensive and detailed analysis of technologies which could be related to array module manufacturing was completed and a minimum manufacturing cost in a highly automated line of $0.30/W was found assuming the silicon is free. The panels are of a double glass construction and are based on round wafers. Screen printed silver has been used as the metallization with a spray-coated AR layer. The least expensive junction formation technology appears to be ion implantation; however, several other technologies also may be used with very little cost penalty as described. Based on the required investment, a profit of $0.05/W appears reasonable. If silicon wafers are available at a price of $20 to 40/M/sup 2/, a selling price for these array modules of $0.50 to 0.66/W is projected. An analysis of the impact of factory size has been made. For a production level of 500 MW/yr, the price above is derived. For comparison, a factory processing 50 MW/yr using the same technology would sell modules for $0.54/W to $0.70/W. An analysis of the impact of wafer size indicates …

The production line will be used to fabricate 3-in.-diameter silicon solar cells using the elements of the manufacturing sequences identified previously as most likely to achieve the cost goal of $0.50/W. A plan for introducing and selecting variables was established including three major junction-formation techniques: ion implantation, gaseous (POCl/sub 3/), and spin-on diffusion sources. The testing and development of screen-printed metallization with evaporated Ti/Ag contacts used as a control is included. Organization of the facility was accomplished, including incoming wafer inspection, lot identification, and data logging; in addition, equipment assembly and check-out was completed. Twenty-two wafer lots (25 wafers/lot) were started with some lots devoted to initial calibration of equipment. A plan for modeling and analyzing solar cell performance is presented which is based on measured dark I-V characteristics and a computed value of light-generated current. A statistical approach is outlined for relating measured electrical performance with the manufacturing sequences. Panel design procedures are outlined in some detail starting with the problem of cell selection from an assumed Gaussian distribution of cell parameters. Further considerations of cell size in relation to packing factor and geometric, structural, and land usage factors are given.

The report assesses the availability and implementation of energy conservation technology, particularly in the residential sector. Of concern is that energy-conserving innovations are restricted and, in some cases, blocked entirely from reaching the marketplace by a variety of institutional barriers. An ERDA-sponsored project to identify practical policy or program options whose implementation would increase the rate and degree of market penetration of these products is summarized. From research performed over a five-month period, the report describes the results of a survey of energy-conserving products and certification practices and procedures; energy-conserving products identified as being restricted; identification and analysis of the effects of these barriers; and the recommendations of policies and programs to mitigate the effects of the identified barriers. (MCW)

The effects of cementite particles and subgrain boundaries on work-hardening behavior of spheroidized carbon steels were investigated by making direct measurements of residual internal stresses. These internal stresses developed due to plastic incompatibilities between elastic particles and an elastic-plastic matrix. A continuum analysis of these internal stress fields, based upon a multiple slip model, is presented and is found to be in good accord with the experiments. The internal stresses appear to saturate in the plastic strain range of 3 approx. 5% where a transition in strain-hardening behavior was observed ("double-n" behavior), and to contribute approximately 20% to total work-hardening. The cementite-particle-pinned-subgrain-boundaries, formed during a post-quench annealing treatment, were found to lower the internal stress, thus indicating that they assisted the relaxation processes of entrapped Orowan loops by acting as sources of dislocations. The flow stress increment in dispersion hardened alloys due to work-hardening consisted of internal stress, forest stress, and source-shortening stress. The flow stress curves of spheroidized carbon steels were found to be described by a modified mean-square-root addition law of the form: sigma/sub f/ = sigma/sub epsilon/sub p/=0/ = sigma/sup i/ ((..delta..sigma/sup s/)/sup 2/ + (..delta..sigma/sup ss/)/sup 2/ + (sigma/sup f/)/sup 2/)/sup 1///sup 2/.The maximum normal interfacial …

At both Hanford and Idaho, DHDECMP (dihexyl-N, N-diethylcarbamylmethylene phosphonate) continuous counter-current solvent extraction processes are being developed for removal of americium, plutonium, and, in some cases, other actinides from acidic wastes generated at these locations. Bench and, eventually, pilot and plant-scale testing and application of these processes have been substantially enhanced by the discovery of suitable chemical and physical methods of removing deleterious impurities from technical-grade DHDECMP. Flowsheet details, as well as various properties of purified DHDECMP extractants, are enumerated.

This report describes progress made on the Project during the period of September 9, 1976 to March 31, 1977 towards the determination of the biological effects of high strength electric fields on small laboratory animals. The efforts to date can be divided into five categories: (1) the design, construction, and testing of a prototype and special studies exposure system; (2) the design and construction of exposure systems for rats and mice; (3) dosimetry; (4) experiments to determine the maximum field strength which does not produce corona discharge, ozone formation, shocks to the animal, hair stimulation, or a behavioral preference by rats to avoid exposure to the field; and (5) preparations for the biological screening experiments.

Overall boiling heat transfer coefficients were determined experimentally for a proposed Thermal Energy Storage (TES) salt (NaNO/sub 3/) in a vertical-tube boiler for the following range of variables: (1) water flow = 840 to 2800 lb/h/ft/sup 2/; (2) Steam temp. = 295 to 475/sup 0/F; (3) steam pressure = 50 to 500 psi; and (4) heat flux = 2100 to 6700 Btu/hr/ft/sup 2/. Tube and vessel heat fluxes and energy recovery fractions were also determined.

Calculations are presented of the E1 amplitude expected in forbidden M1 transitions of Tl and Cs if parity is violated in the neutral weak e-N interaction, as proposed in a number of gauge models, including that of Weinberg and Salam. Valence electron wave functions are generated as numerical solutions to the Dirac equation in a modified Tietz central potential. These wave functions are used to calculate allowed E1 transition rates, hfs splittings, and Stark E1 transition ampitudes. These results are compared with experiment and the agreement is generally good. The relativistic Tl 6/sup 2/P/sub 1/2/-7/sup 2/P/sub 1/2/ M1 transition amplitude M is also calculated, and corrections due to interconfiguration interaction, Breit interaction, and hfs mixing are included. The parity violating E1 amplitude E/sub PV/ is calculated and a value for the circular dichroism in the Weinberg model delta = -2.6 x 10/sup -3/ is obtained. Parity violating effects in other Tl transitions are discussed. Contributions to the M1 amplitude for the forbidden Cs 6/sup 2/S/sub 1/2/-7/sup 2/S/sub 1/2/ and 6/sup 2/S/sub 1/2/-8/sup 2/S/sub 1/2/ transitions and to the Cs 6/sup 2/S/sub 1/2/ g-factor anomaly from relativistic effects, Breit interaction, interconfiguration interaction, and hfs mixing are calculated, and it is found …