Geothermal energy is the natural heat of the earth, and can be tapped as a clean, safe, economical alternative source of energy. Much of the geothermal energy resource is recoverable with current or near-current technology and could make a significant contribution both to increasing domestic energy supplies and to reducing the US dependence on imported oil. Geothermal energy can be used for electric power production, residential and commercial space heating and cooling, industrial process heat, and agricultural process applications. This report describes the progress for fiscal year 1980 (FY80) of the Federal Geothermal Program. It also summarizes the goals, strategy, and plans which form the basis for the FY81 and FY82 program activities and reflects the recent change in national policy affecting Federal research, development and demonstration programs. The Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council (IGCC) believes that substantial progress can and will be made in the development of geothermal energy. The IGCC goals are: (1) reduce the institutional barriers so that geothermal projects can be on-line in one-half the current time; (2) make moderate temperature resources an economically competitive source of electricity; (3) remove the backlog of noncompetitive lease applications; (4) competitive lease all KGRA lands; and (5) cut the cost …

Progress in understanding the thermal conductivity of sphere-pac fuel beds has been made both at Oregon State University and Exxon Nuclear Company supported by the Fuel Performance Improvement Program (FPIP). FPIP is sponsored by the U. S. Department of Energy and is being performed by Consumers Power Company, Exxon Nuclear Company, and Pacific Northwest Laboratory. The purpose of the program is to test and demonstrate improved li9ht water reactor fuel concepts that are more resistant to failure from pellet-cladding interaction during power increases than standard pellet fuel.

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.

The PAT-2 package is designed for the safe transport of plutonium and/or uranium in small quantities. The PAT-2 package is resistant to severe accidents, including that of a high-speed jet aircraft crash, and is designed to withstand such environments as extreme impact, crushing, puncturing and slashing loads, severe hydrocarbon-fueled fires, and deep underwater immersion, with no escape of contents. The package meets the requirements of 10 CFR 71 for Fissile Class I packages with a cargo of 15 grams of Pu-239, or other isotopic forms described herein, not to exceed 2 watts of thermal activity. This SAR presents design and oprational information including evaluations and analyses, test results, operating procedures, maintenance, and quality assurance information.

The disclosure relates to a portable device adapted to handle objects which are not to be touched by hand. A piston and bore wall form a vacuum chamber communicating with an adaptor sealably engageable with an object to be lifted. The piston is manually moved and set to establish vacuum. A valve is manually actuable to apply the vacuum to lift the object.

This report gives an economic analysis of usury ceilings, laws which set the maximum legal rate of interest to be charged on particular types of loans. It provides a brief overview of recent Federal l e g i s l a t i o n dealing with usury, with special emphasis on the Federal authorities mandated by P.L. 96-221, and the effectiveness of Federal preemption of State usury laws.

The investigation of the scattering of lower-hybrid waves by density fluctuations in tokamaks is distinguished by the presence in the wave equation of a large, random, derivative-coupling term. Assuming the fluctuations to be of long wavelength compared to the incident wave the similarity of the wave equation to the Schroedinger equation for a particle in a random magnetic field is used to derive a two-way diffusion equation for the wave energy density. The diffusion constant found disagrees with earlier findings and the source of the discrepancy is pointed out. When the correct boundary conditions are imposed this equation can be solved by separation of variables. However most of the important features of the solution are apparent without detailed algebra.

In this experiment, which uses a superconducting solenoid at the CERN ISR, a large sample of two-jet events produced in proton-proton collisions at 62 GeV centre-of-mass energy has been examined for evidence of three-jet structures; that is, for the presence of events in which three particle jets can be separately identified at large transverse momenta relative to the initial proton directions, there also being spectator jets following these directions, making five jets in all. Such three-jet events are expected to be produced by gluon bremsstrahlung, as has been observed in the e/sup +/e/sup -/ case, but several additional mechanisms are expected in the case of hadronic collisions. The three-jet events are identified by cluster analysis, the particles of each event being sorted into the best three-cluster and two-cluster combinations. Results are briefly described. (WHK)

Annual report of the Argonne National Laboratory Radiological and Environmental Research Division regarding activities related to ecology. This report discuses programs including a development project for microcosm screening systems, two initiatives in ecological modeling, and a program of field experiments for a national assessment of crop losses due to air pollution.

Neutron-induced angle-integrated fission cross sections of /sup 232/Th were measured from 0.7 to 9 MeV with a nominal neutron energy resolution of 0.15 ns/m. Data were taken for the angular intervals 0 to 23.4/sup 0/, 0 to 33.7/sup 0/, 0 to 51.7/sup 0/, and 0 to 90/sup 0/. The structures at approx. 1.4, approx. 1.6, and approx. 1.7 MeV were interpreted in terms of rotational bands with K = 1/2, 3/2, and greater than or equal to 5/2. The approximate relative fission strengths for the K-bonds are in the proportion 1.7:2.4:1.0, 0.0:2.6:1.0, and 1.0:2.8:0.0 for the three structures, respectively.

Data-taking on the pion-beta-decay measurement and substantial progress in its analysis are reported. The low-energy anti pp annihilation cross section experiment is near completion. Planning for a new pi-zero-to-three-gamma experiment at LAMPF is complete. The proposal to use the LEAR facility at CERN for further anti pp work has been approved, and some contributions to the preparation of a neutrino experiment proposal at LAMPF.

The basement area of the proposed High Explosive Applications Facility (HEAF) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory includes 10-kg HE assembly and process cells, and a 10-kg corridor for the transport of up to 10 kg of HE from the receiving dock to the cells and to the experimental firing tanks. Previous model experiments developed a process cell-maze configuration that attenuated the effects of an accidental 10-kg detonation to acceptable levels (maximum of 10 to 11 psi reflected). This document reports 1/8-scale model tests conducted to confirm the maze design and to determine the blast pressures in adjacent areas in the final HEAF building configuration. In addition, pressure/time information was obtained at selected points in the model expansion chamber to provide the architect-engineer with information for structural design.

The ion optics of an existing mass separator are documented. The elctrostatic and magnetic stages are analyzed theoretically, both separately and in combination, by paying particular attention to the ion trajectories, the linear and angular magnifications, and the dispersion. The possibility of converting the magnet into a tunable unit by means of current-carrying elements in the gap is demonstrated. The feasibility of correction coils constructed from printed circuit board is shown.

The purpose of the program was to develop a system for citizens to independently measure radiation levels in and around their communities. This report describes the process by which the Program was developed and operated. It also presents the methods used to select and train the citizens in making and interpreting the measurements. The test procedures used to select the equipment for the program are described as are the results of the testing. Finally, the actual monitoring results are discussed along with the citizens' reactions to the program.

Verification of the regional wind energy resource assessments produced by the Pacific Northwest Laboratory addresses the question: Is the magnitude of the resource given in the assessments truly representative of the area of interest. Approaches using qualitative indicators of wind speed (tree deformation, eolian features), old and new data of opportunity not at sites specifically chosen for their exposure to the wind, and data by design from locations specifically selected to be good wind sites are described. Data requirements and evaluation procedures for verifying the resource are discussed.

With the use of a particle simulation code we have investigated the ballistic transport of heavy ion beams through a gas-filled reactor for inertial confinement fusion. The background gas pressure has been taken to be 10/sup -4/ torr - 10/sup -3/ torr of Lithium vapor as is appropriate to the HYLIFE reactor concept. During transport to the pellet, Coulomb collisions of beam particles with the background gas will convert a fraction of the beam to charges states higher than the initial value. Collisons will also produce an associated swarm of knock-on electrons. As the beam approaches the pellet, anharmonic components of the space charges forces will lead to a distortion of the phase space of the beam and a consequent degradation of the focal properties of the beam. This degradation can be described in terms of an increase in the rms emittance of the beam. The degree of emittance growth depends sensitivity upon the initial spatial distribution of particles in the beam. For this study we have modified a single-disk particle simulation code, DESTIN (2), to follow two species of particles, the number of which varies in a prescribed fashion dependent upon reactor temperature as the beam converges toward the …

In large tokamaks, runaway electrons may be accelerated up to energies over 20 MeV by the toroidal electric field. When these particles leave the plasma, they impact the material limiters and emit bremsstrahlung hard x-rays. This bremsstrahlung may cause photonuclear reactions in the limiter, leaving radioisotopes behind. Both the amount of activation and its spatial distribution on the limiter provide information on the confinement of high energy electrons. The stainless steel poloidal ring limiter from the Princeton Large Torus has been analyzed and six observable photonuclear reactions with energy thresholds have been found for the reactions varying from 8 to 23 MeV. The amount of activation from each reaction determines the average number of runaway electrons above each activation threshold energy. The inferred runaway electron population decreases exponentially with energy as exp (-E/3.2 MeV) implying an energetic runaway electron confinement time of 50 to 80 msec. The poloidal variation of the activation can be described by a 0.02 cm scrape-off layer step size which implies about a 90 msec confinement time.

This report describes some of the activities in E (Experimental Physics) Division during the past year. E-Division carries out research and development in areas related to the missions of the Laboratory. Many of the activities are in pure and applied atomic and nuclear physics and in material science. In addition this report describes work on accelerators, microwaves, plasma diagnostics, determination of atmospheric oxygen and of nitrogen in tissue.

The COBRA/CFTL code has been developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for thermal-hydraulic analysis of simulated gas-cooled fast breeder reactor (GCFR) core assemblies to be tested in the core flow test loop (CFTL). The COBRA/CFTL code was obtained by modifying the General Atomic code COBRA*GCFR. This report discusses these modifications, compares the two code results for three cases which represent conditions from fully rough turbulent flow to laminar flow. Case 1 represented fully rough turbulent flow in the bundle. Cases 2 and 3 represented laminar and transition flow regimes. The required input for the COBRA/CFTL code, a sample problem input/output and the code listing are included in the Appendices.

Activities of the Los Alamos Nuclear Data Group for January 1 through March 31, 1981, are described. Topics include: (1) peripheral effects in R-matrix theory; (2) Coulomb corrections in light nuclei; (3) new R-matrix analysis of reactions in the /sup 7/Li system; (4) variance-covariance analysis of n + Li reactions; (5) calculated charged-particle emission in the mass-90 region; (6) determination of deformed optical model parameters for neutron reactions on /sup 235/U and /sup 239/Pu; (7) calculation of excited state cross sections for actinide nuclei; (8) calculation of the prompt neutron spectrum and ..nu../sub p/ for the spontaneous fission of /sup 252/Cf; (9) international nuclear model codes comparison study; (10) an improved calculation of heating and radiation damage from neutron capture; (11) LMFBR cross-section production with MAX; (12) TRANSX development; (13) THOR calculations; (14) covariance processing; (15) analysis of charges for use of central computing facility; (16) S/sub n/ calculations for D/sub 2/O sphere; (17) integral data testing of ENDF/B fission-product data; (18) decay power comparisons using ENDF/B-IV and -V data in CINDER-10; (19) ENDF/B-V data testing and summary data; (20) SPEC5: code to produce multigroup spectra; and (21) calculation of H. B. Robinson-2 fuel isotopics and comparison with measurements. (WHK)

Computer-supported acquisition, analysis, and storage of mirror fusion experimental data requires the solution of several problems. The data must be gathered with a minimum amount of noise, and transients must be excluded from the computer so that it can function properly. On Beta II (which was an experiment to produce field-reversed plasma rings from a coaxial plasma gun) the diagnostic system was planned to provide the shielding and isolation necessary to solve these two problems. The Beta II system has been in operation for about two years and provides 300-channel capacity, CAMAC interfaced, to a Hewlett Packard 21MX computer. The system routinely handles signals ranging from 1 mV to 50 kV, with bandwidths from .05 Hz to 10 MHz. The data are captured by transient recorders during a shot, then transferred to the computer. The computer stores the data on disc for immediate processing and on tape for long-term storage. Processed data from any number of channels (usually 20 to 30) is plotted between shots for immediate review. The rest of the data is processed and plotted during off hours.

From abstract: This abbreviated data report presents results of ground water and stream/surface sediment reconnaissance in the National Topographic Map Series (NTMS) Phoenix 10 x 2 quadrangle. Surface sediment samples were collected at 1388 sites, at a target sampling density of one site per 15 square kilometers (6 square miles). Ground water samples were collected at 155 sites. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) results are given for uranium and 16 other elements in sediments, and for uranium and 9 other elements in ground water. Mass spectrometry results are given for helium in ground water. Field measurements and observations are reported for each site. Analytical data and field measurements are presented in tables and maps.

Supplementary data containing analyses of ground water samples, surface sediment samples, stream water samples, site location maps, and a user's guide to accompany a report on hydrogeochemical and stream sediment reconnaissance in the Phoenix 1° x 2° NTMS Area, California and Arizona.

Significant progress has been made in the design and development of remotely operated breeder reactor fuel fabrication and support systems (e.g., analytical chemistry). These activities are focused by the Secure Automated Fabrication (SAF) Program sponsored by the Department of Energy to provide: a reliable supply of fuel pins to support US liquid metal cooled breeder reactors and at the same time demonstrate the fabrication of mixed uranium/plutonium fuel by remotely operated and automated methods.