QIKMIX is a quick-turnaround computer code developed to compute the radiative Rosseland mean opacity of specified mixtures at specified temperature and density points. The QIKLIB data base, which QIKMIX uses, has been derived from the OPLIB library. For most mixtures, QIKMIX can compute opacities over a temperature range of 50 to 25,000 eV in less than 1 min of CDC 7600 computer time. The purpose of this report is to discuss the QIKLIB data base and the operation of the QIKMIX code.

First results from the SLAC-LBL Mark II magnetic detector at SPEAR are presented. The performance of the detector is discussed and preliminary results are given on inclusive baryon production R/sub p + anti p/, R/sub ..lambda.. + anti ..lambda../, on decay modes of the D mesons and on two-photon production of eta' mesons.

The difficulty of applying the WKB approximation to problems involving arbitrary potentials has been confronted. Recent work has produced a convenient expression for the potential correction term. However, this approach does not yield a unique correction term and hence cannot be used to construct the proper modification. An attempt is made to overcome the uniqueness difficulties by imposing a criterion which permits identification of the correct modification. Sections of this work are: semiclassical eigenvalues for potentials defined on a finite interval; reactive scattering exchange kernels; a unified model for elastic and inelastic scattering from a solid surface; and selective absorption on a solid surface. (GHT)

A description of the sequence of events and the decisions leading to the design of a versatile pulse programmer for pulsed NMR are presented. Background and application information is discussed in order that the reader might better understand the role of the pulse programmer in a NMR spectrometer. Various other design approaches are presented as a basis for comparison. Specifications for this design are proposed, the hardware implementation of the specifications is discussed, and the software operating system is presented.

The Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory contribution to the Waste Isolation Safety Assessment Program, Task 4, for the second quarter of FY-79 involved plutonium, americium, and uranium (VI) batch sorption studies on argillite, is presented. The behavior of plutonium and americium in aqueous solutions at pH approx. = 8 with respect to container sorption, filtering, and centrifuging was also investigated. Studies of the variability of the sorption behavior for tuff were completed. Migration rate studies on crushed and fractured materials were initiated. The development of the systems for performing controlled atmosphere measurements has been completed. Additional chemical analysis has been performed, as were some studies related to microautoradiography. Additional cation exchange capacity and ethylene glycol surface area measurements have also been made.

Ways of detecting tau neutrinos emerging from a beam dump are studied. Key signatures are elaborated and contrasted with background arising from muon and electron neutrino interactions. Expected event rates are given for various neutrino spectra. 16 references.

The goal of the Seabed Disposal Program is to assess the technical and environmental feasibility of using geologic formations under the sea floor for the disposal of processed high-level radioactive wastes or repackaged spent reactor fuel. Studies are focused on the abyssal hill regions of the sea floors in the middle of tectonic plates and under massive surface current gyres. The red-clay sediments here are from 50 to 100 meters thick, are continuously depositional (without periods of erosion), and have been geologically and climatologically stable for millions of years. Mineral deposits and biological activity are minimal, and bottom currents are weak and variable. Five years of research have revealed no technological reason why nuclear waste disposal in these areas would be impractical. However, scientific assessment is not complete. Also, legal political, and sociological factors may well become the governing elements in such use of international waters. These factors are being examined as part of the work of the Seabed Working Group, an international adjunct of the Seabed Program, with members from France, England, Japan, Canada, and the United States.

A computer model SHADE (Selection of Heliostat Arrangement for Distributed Engines) has been developed at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory to aid in determining the optical performance of two-axis tracking parabolic concentrators. The shading of individual mirror assemblies in a field of parabolic dishes determines the optimal field arrangement and the most efficient method of plant operation. SHADE provides a simple and inexpensive analytical tool for examining certain design aspects of solar thermal power systems using a network of point-focusing parabolic concentrators.

Within the last several years, foreign-assistance donor agencies have begun to provide significant aid for the search for renewable energy sources for developing nations. This paper reports preliminary results from a survey of development--assistance projects in renewable energy sources, indicating which areas are extensions of traditional assistance areas and which are new areas of involvement. The last two portions of the paper indicate certain shortcomings in the current effort, and linkages that must be emphasized in order to incease the effectiveness of the range of donor activities.

The emphasis of much of the current and planned research on the toxicity of alpha-emitting radionuclides is directed toward the complexities of actual and potential conditions of occupational environmental exposures of human beings. These, as well as the more limited studies on mechanisms of biological transport and effects, should increase our ability to predict health risks more accurately and to deal more confidently with human exposures, if and when they occur.

Experimental measurements are being taken on critical configurations of fuel rod clusters mocking up LWR-type fuel elements in close proximity water storage. The results will serve to benchmark the computer codes used in designing nuclear power reactor fuel storage racks. Measurements on Cores XIII through XXI are reported in this document.

The procedure for fabrication of porous sintered-ceramic separators and the technical feasibility of using such separators in Li-Al/molten LiCl-KCl/FeS battery cells have been investigated. Processing techniques have been developed to fabricate ~1.5-2.5 mm thick, ~35-60% porous, flat, sintered Y{sub 2}O{ sub 3} and MgO separator plates with sufficient strength to allow handling prior to and during cell assembly. These separators performed successfully in laboratory-scale cells for up to ~2000 h and 283 cycles, indicating that the concept of a sintered separator is viable for Li-Al/FeS batteries. The particularly attractive features of these separators are potentially low cost, pre-fabricated form that allows easy cell assembly, and small pore size (average diameter 0.5-1.0 ~m) which provides good particle retention. The test results from the sintered-separator cells indicate that Y{sub 2}O{ sub 3} is probably unsuitable for long-term performance in Li-Al/FeS cells because of its reaction with the positive active material. This is in agreement with the recently reported data on cells with Y{sub 2}O{ sub 3} felt and powder separators. Sintered MgO separators, however, showed good chemical and mechanical stability in the cell environment. (auth)

This report outlines the design of a 65 MW (e) gross turbine generator set in which a hydrocarbon gas mixture is used as the motive fluid. The turbine generator set is part of a geothermal binary cycle electric power plant proposed for the Heber site in the Imperial Valley, California. Aerodynamic design considerations and estimated unit performance for three hydrocarbon gas mixtures are presented. Real gas properties and equations of state are reviewed as they affect the turbine design and the thermodynamic cycle. The mechanical designs for the casing, rotor dynamics, shaft sealing and unit construction are detailed. Support systems such as the lube and seal supply system, turbine controls, etc., are reviewed. An extensive hydrocarbon turbine general specification is also included.

A unified experimental and analytical study of pulverized coal combustion and low-BTU gasification in an atmospheric cyclone reactor was performed. Experimental results include several series of coal combustion tests and a coal gasification test carried out via fuel-rich combustion without steam addition. Reactor stability was excellent over a range of equivalence ratios from .67 to 2.4 and air flowrates from 60 to 220 lb/hr. Typical carbon efficiencies were 95% for air-rich and stoichiometric tests and 80% for gasification tests. The best gasification results were achieved at an equivalence ratio of 2.0, where the carbon, cold gas and hot gas efficiencies were 83, 45 and 75%, respectively. The corresponding product gas heating value was 70 BTU/scf. A macroscopic model of coal combustion in the cyclone has been developed. Fuel-rich gasification can also be modeled through a gas-phase equilibrium treatment. Fluid mechanics are modeled by a particle force balance and a series combination of a perfectly stirred reactor and a plug flow reactor. Kinetic treatments of coal pyrolysis, char oxidation and carbon monoxide oxidation are included. Gas composition and temperature are checked against equilibrium values. The model predicts carbon efficiency, gas composition and temperature and reactor heat loss; gasification parameters, such as …

An effort was made to model the response of high voltage transmission cables to the torsional loads which occur in the in situ condition of the cable buried in a pipe. Tests were run on a torsion machine in the laboratory which was able to accommodate a reversal of load. The behavior of the cable was studied as it went through cycles of beng twisted in opposite directions alternately. Strain in the tape was measured, as were torque and angle. Mathematical models were derived to determine the torsional stiffness of the cable and the distribution of radial stress in the cable insulation. An attempt was made to compare these models to the test results. The torsional stiffness model compared favorably; however, the results for stress could not be analyzed due to the fact that the material constants which were needed could not be obtained. When these constants become available, the mathematical model will undergo further analyzation to determine its feasibility.

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The (n,..gamma..) spectrum from a sample of /sup 242/Pu irradiated in the thermal column of the Omega West Reactor was observed from 100 to 5200 keV with both Ge(Li) and NaI(Tl) detectors. The energies and partial cross sections were determined for 407 gamma lines, using the Ge(Li) detector. The continuous spectrum observed with NaI(Tl) is displayed in 20 keV energy bins. Summing over the NaI(Tl) spectrum, an (n,..gamma..) cross section equal to 18.5 +- 1 barns was obtained, and also a multiplicity of 4.5 +- 0.2 photons per captured neutron. 9 references.

Designers and Manufacturers need a tool for evaluating the optical quality of solar concentrators. This paper describes a novel alternative to the laser ray trace technique.

This report presents the methodology and results of an analysis to determine the impact and leverage of federal options for supporting the growth of the photovoltaic industry. Results were projected for combinations of the following: an aggressive federal research and development program, achievement of a technological breakthrough, and immediate or breakthrough-dependent incentives including direct price reductions, keyed-to-breakeven subsidies, and federal puchases. The modeling methodology and market assumptions were also tested to determine their effect on analysis results.

Theoretical aspects of the measurements of production of low transverse momentum secondaries in high-energy hadron-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions are discussed. Applications of the quark model to those processes are discussed in some detail. 58 references.

Qualification tests have been conducted of a measurement system for determining the pressure of certain fuel rods in the loss-of-fluid-test (LOFT) reactor. Because of physical size (0.35-in. OD by 5.5-in length) and operational characteristics, an eddy current device was selected as the most promising measurement transducer for the application. The sensor must operate at pressure up to 17.2 MPa (2500 psig) and at temperatures up to 800/sup 0/F. During the reactor transient caused by loss of coolant flow, sensor temperature and applied pressure will vary rapidly and significantly. Consequently, qualification tests included subjection of the sensor to rapid depressurization, temperature transients, and blowdowns in an autoclave, as well as to calibrations and various slow temperature cycles.

The conceptual design and material study, TASK 1, of a 1200kV termination is complete. Detailed analytic and model studies have commenced. Optimal materials, configurations, and fabrication plans are expected to be determined upon completion of these studies.

A thermodynamic and economic performance analysis code, SOLSTEP, was developed to facilitate the evaluation of solar thermal power plant designs. The code conducts a time step simulation of the plant thermodynamic performance using actual recorded meteorological and insolation data. Each analysis case provides capacity factor and levelized energy cost results for several plant configurations using various combinations of collector field size and storage capacity. The code has been used to analyze a variety of solar thermal generic concepts involving several collector types and energy conversion and storage subsystems.

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