The verification and adjustment of plant models for decay heat removal analysis using a mix of engineering judgment and formal techniques from control theory are discussed. The formal techniques facilitate dealing with typical test data which are noisy, redundant and do not measure all of the plant model state variables directly. Two pretest examples are presented.

Exposure to noise, H{sub 2}S, NH/sub 3/, hazardous chemicals and wastes, and heat are the major occupational health hazards associated with geothermal energy development - from drilling to power production. Exposures to these agents, although not unique to geothermal energy development, occur in situations peculiar to the industry. Reports show that occupational illnesses associated with geothermal energy development are increasing, while the corresponding rates from all power production are decreasing. Most of those related to geothermal energy result from the H{sub 2}S-abatement systems used in response to environmental pollution regulations.

A study of depository recharge and repressurization has been reviewed. Specific consideration has been given to the validity of two initial assumptions in that study. The first was a decision to ignore lateral flow and end effects into the depository. The second was a decision to ignore thermal effects. The review has been made with particular concern to assessing the sufficiency of the Golder model for estimation of worst-case (minimum) recharge-repressurization time (RRT) in a bedded salt depository. It has been concluded that several errors by Golder may have little net effect on this worst case scenario. Combination of lateral flow and thermal effects may, however, reduce the value of the Golder model for estimation of minimum RRT in a bedded salt facility. Several subjects for further model development are suggested, though the availability of data to support such models is not addressed.

Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLL) is conducting research on the seismic risk of nuclear power plants through the Seismic Safety Margins Research Program (SSMRP). Phase I of the SSMRP will include a study of an existing plant and site. Results are presented of a study of existing and planned nuclear power plants in the United States. Selection criteria were developed and a recommendation for a specific plant for the SSMRP Phase I effort is given. Power plant characteristics including types of nuclear steam supply steam, containment structure, electric power capacity, geographic location, site seismicity, and foundation soil properties were evaluated.

A diametral extensometer was developed and employed during temperature ramp tests with the Fuel Cladding Transient Tester (FCTT). Plastic strain measurements were performed using unirradiated 20% cold-worked AISI 316 stainless steel tubing ramped at 5.6 and 111/sup 0/C/s with internal pressures from 3.4 to 93.1 MPa. Results demonstrated that plastic deformation can occur at stresses well below the conventional 0.2% yield strength and that most deformation in such tests occurs in the final 50/sup 0/C before failure. Postirradiation tests were performed on fuel pin cladding irradiated to 5.8 x 10/sup 22/ n/cm (E > 0.1 MeV) with irradiation temperatures to 540/sup 0/C. The tests showed that, for test pressures of 17.2 MPa or less, the stress-strain behavior was unchanged from unirradiated material behavior although the strains at failure were greatly decreased.

The physical properties of brittle materials are of interest because of the rapidly expanding use of these material in high-pressure and shock wave techology, e.g., geophysics and explosive compaction as well as military applications. These materials are characterized by unusually high sonic velocities, have large dynamic impedances and exhibit large dynamic yield strengths.

This document sets forth recommendations for a verification program to test the ability of operational nuclear power plants to achieve safe shutdown immediately following a safe-shutdown earthquake. The purpose of the study is to develop a program plan to provide assurance by physical demonstration that nuclear power plants are earthquake resistant and to allow nuclear power plant operators to (1) decide whether tests should be conducted on their facilities, (2) specify the tests that should be performed, and (3) estimate the cost of the effort to complete the recommended test program.

A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code.