NonDestructive Testing (NDT) is commonly used to monitor structures before, during and after testing. This paper reports on the use of two NDT techniques to monitor the behavior of a typical wind turbine blade during a quasi-static test-to-failure. The test used a three-point spanwise load distribution to load a 7.9-m blade to failure. The two NDT techniques used were acoustic emission and coherent optical. The former monitors the acoustic energy produced by the blade as it is loaded. The latter uses electronic shearography to measure the differences in surface displacements between two load states with an accuracy of a few microns. Typical results are presented to demonstrate the ability of these two techniques to locate and monitor both high damage regions and flaws in the blade structure. Further, this experiment highlights the limitations in the techniques that must be addressed before one or both can be transferred, with a high probability of success, to the inspection and monitoring of turbine blades during the manufacturing process and under normal operating conditions.

Modeling of load behavior in Z-pinch plasma radiation sources driven by high current generators requires accurate measurement of fast-rise-time multimegampere electrical currents close to the load. Using a novel application of high pressure technology, we have demonstrated that fast-response piezoelectric stress transducers can measure such currents under conditions of extremely high current density, induced electric fields, and bremsstrahlung radiation where conventional current diagnostics fail. Large signal, nanosecond-time-resolution lithium niobate piezoelectric stress gauges are employed to directly measure the magnetic pressure B{sup 2}/2{mu}{sub 0} = {mu}{sub 0}I{sup 2}/8{pi}{sup 2}r{sup 2} generated at radius r by a current I flowing in a radial transmission line near the load of a pulsed power current source. With a current diagnostic consisting of a pure tungsten electrode on a Y-cut lithium niobate stress gauge, current densities up to 1/2{pi}cr = 78MA/m can be measured before the electrode yield strength and piezoelectric operating stress limit are exceeded. Based on this work, we have developed a compact modular current probe for use on the high current (20--25 MA) DECADE simulator being constructed for the Defense Nuclear Agency. We also describe recent work extending this measurement technique to higher current densities (125 MA/m) using a cooper-sapphire electrode impedance …

The Solution High-Energy Burst Assembly (SHEBA) at Los Alamos is a low-enriched (4.95 wt. %) aqueous uranyl fluoride solution critical assembly. There are two SHEBA configurations, both consisting of right circular cylinders with a central control rod. The first configuration, hereafter called the old SHEBA, had a fuel solution diameter of 54.6 cm and a measured critical solution height of 36.5 cm. An improved modification, hereafter called the new SHEBA, has a fuel solution diameter of 48.9 cm but since it is not yet operational, the critical solution height has not yet been measured. In this presentation the application of the discrete-ordinates (S{sub N}) code TWODANT using Hansen-Roach cross sections and the MCNP Monte Carlo code using continuous-energy cross sections for calculating the critical solution heights for both the old and new SHEBA assemblies is described. The code`s predictions are compared and it is shown that a single calculation with a standard computer code may yield misleading results, especially when using a Monte Carlo code.

Many applications in material science, chemistry, and atomic physics require an x-ray source that has a repetition rate of 1 Hz to a few kHz. In these fields, a very wide range of photon energies is of interest. One application is time-resolved surface photoelectron spectroscopy and microscopy where low energy (< 1{mu}J) pulses are required to avoid space charge effects but high-repetition rates ({approx} kHz) provide the high average power which is needed to obtain the desired resolution. In pump-probe experiments, it is desirable to have the repetition rate of the x-ray source be comparable to the repetition rate of the corresponding IR, optical, or UV laser. We show that the very high-repetition rate of synchrotrons (1--1000 MHz) results in an inefficient use of x rays for these types of experiments and that a kHz repetition rate x-ray laser would be an excellent source for many experiments. For some applications, a slower repetition rate of order 1 Hz is adequate provide the energy per pulse is larger ({approx}1 mJ). For example, in photoelectron spectroscopy of free clusters, an x-ray laser can provide the required large number of nearly monoenergetic photons during the short time the clusters can be probed in …

When restricted to cost arrays possessing the sum Monge property, many combinatorial optimization problems with sum objective functions become significantly easier to solve. Examples include the usual sum-objective-function versions of the assignment problem, the transportation problem, the traveling-salesman problem, and several shortest-path problems. Furthermore, the more general algebraic assignment and transportation problems, which are formulated in terms of an ordered commutative semigroup (H, *, {le}), are similarly easier to solve given cost arrays possessing the corresponding algebraic Monge property, which requires that for all i < k and j < {ell}, a[i,j] * a[k,{ell}] {le} a[i,{ell}] * a[k,j]. In this paper, we show that Monge-array results for two sum-of-edge-costs shortest-path problems can likewise be extended to a general algebraic setting, provided the problems` ordered commutative semigroup (H, *, {le}) satisfies one additional restriction. We also show how our algorithms can be modified to solve certain bottleneck shortest-path problems, even though the ordered commutative semigroup ({Re}, max, {le}) naturally associated with bottleneck problems does not satisfy our additional restriction. We also provide improved algorithms for several other bottleneck combinatorial optimization problems whose cost arrays possess the strict bottleneck Monge property. Finally, we show how our bottleneck shortest-path techniques can be used …

Four-gap superconducting resonators have been developed at Argonne for use in the low-beta positive ion injector (PII) for ATLAS. These structures have been used successfully for ion velocities as low as 0.007c with q/m = 0.1. First order matrix optics and linear theory for the phase space transformations in accelerating systems are applied to the PII linac which includes low-beta heavy ion rf resonators and magnetic solenoids. These provide a new method to match initial phase space ellipses when used with higher order transfer maps or ray-tracing calculations. And also we present a quantitative measure of nonlinearities using the concept of rms emittances and deviations of phase space coordinates between linear and nonlinear transformations. As a byproduct a way of identifying the dominant source of nonlinearity of system is indicated.

Geomorphic analyses combined with mapping of fluvial terraces and upland geomorphic surfaces provide new approaches and data for evaluating the Quaternary activity of post-Cretaceous faults that are recognized in subsurface data at the Savannah River Site in the Upper Coastal Plain of southwestern South Carolina. Analyses of longitudinal stream and terrace profiles, regional slope maps, and drainage basin morphometry indicate long-term uplift and southeast tilt of the site region. Preliminary results of drainage basin characterization suggests an apparent rejuvenation of drainages along the trace of the Pen Branch fault (a Tertiary reactivated reverse fault that initiated as a basin-margin normal fault along the northern boundary of the Triassic Dunbarton Basin). This apparent rejuvenation of drainages may be the result of nontectonic geomorphic processes or local tectonic uplift and tilting within a framework of regional uplift.

Designers, implementers, and marketers of data analysis tools typically have different perspectives than users. Consequently, data analysis often find themselves using tools focused on graphics and programming concepts rather than concepts which reflect their own domain and the context of their work. Some user studies focus on usability tests late in development; others observe work activity, but fail to show how to apply that knowledge in design. This paper describes a methodology for applying observations of data analysis work activity in prototype tool design. The approach can be used both in designing improved data analysis tools, and customizing visualization environments to specific applications. We present an example of user-centered design for a prototype tool to cull large data sets. We revisit the typical graphical approach of animating a large data set from the point of view of an analysis who is culling data. Field evaluations using the prototype tool not only revealed valuable usability information, but initiated in-depth discussions about user`s work, tools, technology, and requirements.

This report brings into focus the results of numerous studies that have addressed issues associated with the validity of assumptions which are used to justify reducing the dimensionality of numerical calculations of water flow through Yucca Mountain, NV. it is shown that, in many cases, one-dimensional modeling is more rigorous than previously assumed.

This investigation examines the ability of an elastic T-stress analysis coupled with modified boundary layer (MBL) solution to predict stresses ahead of a crack tip in a variety of planar geometries. The approximate stresses are used as input to estimate the effective driving force for cleavage fracture (J{sub 0}) using the micromechanically based approach introduced by Dodds and Anderson. Finite element analyses for a wide variety of planar cracked geometries are conducted which have elastic biaxiality parameters ({beta}) ranging from {minus}0.99 (very low constraint) to +2.96 (very high constraint). The magnitude and sign of {beta} indicate the rate at which crack-tip constraint changes with increasing applied load. All results pertain to a moderately strain hardening material (strain hardening exponent ({eta}) of 10). These analyses suggest that {beta} is an effective indicator of both the accuracy of T-MBL estimates of J{sub 0} and of applicability limits on evolving fracture analysis methodologies (i.e. T-MBL, J-Q, and J/J{sub 0}). Specifically, when 1{beta}1>0.4 these analyses show that the T-MBL approximation of J{sub 0} is accurate to within 20% of a detailed finite-element analysis. As ``structural type`` configurations, i.e. shallow cracks in tension, generally have 1{beta}1>0.4, it appears that only an elastic analysis may be …

The objective of the TVA Aquatic Plant Management Program is to support in an environmentally and economically responsible manner, the balanced multiple uses of the water resource of the Tennessee Valley. This is accomplished by following an integrated approach to prevent introduction and spread of noxious species, documenting occurrence and spread of existing species, and suppressing or eliminating problems in designated high use areas. It is not the TVA objective, nor is it biologically feasible and prudent to eliminate all aquatic vegetation. Aerial photography, helicopter reconnaissance, and field surveys are used to assess distributions and abundance of various aquatic macrophytes. Water level fluctuations are supplemented by herbicide applications to control undesirable vegetation. Investigations are conducted to evaluate water level fluctuation schemes, as well as biological, mechanical, and alternative chemical control techniques which offer potential for more environmentally compatible and cost-effective management operations.

This report examines the feasibility of a standard poloidal diverter design for ARIES- 2/4 with the determination of the peak thermal loading on, and the plasma temperature facing a poloidal double null diverter. The ARIES-2/4 reactors produce 2,141 MW of fusion power of which 1712 MW is contained in the neutron channel. Of the remaining 429 MW of charged particle power, 47 MW is radiated from the core by bremsstrahlung and synchrotron modes to the vessel walls. The remaining 382 MW of charged particle or transport power crosses the core/edge interface. The fact that the bulk of the power is contained in the neutron channel makes the application of a poloidal divertor possible. The ARIES-2/4 diverter constraints for peak heat load and peak particle temperature are set by current technology and materials knowledge. Divertor geometry constraints are imposed by the plasma equilibrium and the 2/4 vacuum vessel. The diverter heat load and plasma temperatures are determined from edge particle and energy balances. These balances are important characteristics of the plasma edge because the transport power from the plasma core must pass through the edge and be deposited on tokamak components. The Braams' B2 code is a multifluid ion and electron …

This report examines the feasibility of a standard poloidal diverter design for ARIES- 2/4 with the determination of the peak thermal loading on, and the plasma temperature facing a poloidal double null diverter. The ARIES-2/4 reactors produce 2,141 MW of fusion power of which 1712 MW is contained in the neutron channel. Of the remaining 429 MW of charged particle power, 47 MW is radiated from the core by bremsstrahlung and synchrotron modes to the vessel walls. The remaining 382 MW of charged particle or transport power crosses the core/edge interface. The fact that the bulk of the power is contained in the neutron channel makes the application of a poloidal divertor possible. The ARIES-2/4 diverter constraints for peak heat load and peak particle temperature are set by current technology and materials knowledge. Divertor geometry constraints are imposed by the plasma equilibrium and the 2/4 vacuum vessel. The diverter heat load and plasma temperatures are determined from edge particle and energy balances. These balances are important characteristics of the plasma edge because the transport power from the plasma core must pass through the edge and be deposited on tokamak components. The Braams` B2 code is a multifluid ion and electron …

Removal of mineral matter from liquid hydrocarbons derived from the direct liquefaction of coal is required for product acceptability. This program is directed towards development of an improved process for de-ashing and recovery of coal-derived residual oil: the use of ceramic membranes for high-temperature microfiltration and disfiltration. Using laboratory-scale ceramic membrane modules, samples of a coal-derived residual oil containing ash will be processed by crossflow microfiltration, followed by solvent addition and refiltration (disfiltration). Recovery of de-ashed residual oil will be demonstrated. Data from this program will be used to develop a preliminary engineering design and cost estimate for a demonstration pilot plant incorporating full-scale membrane modules. In addition, estimates for production system capital and operating costs will be developed to assess process economic feasibility.The five program tasks include (1) ceramic membrane fabrication, (2) membrane test system assembly, (3) testing of the ceramic membranes, (4) design of a demonstration system using full scale membrane modules, and (5) development of estimates for microfiltration capital and operating costs and assessment of process economic feasibility. A subcontract is being sought with Exxon Research and Engineering (ER+E) to conduct microfiltration and diafiltration with CeraMem`s modules using a coal liquid made at Exxon`s liquefaction facility in …

Results of our research on the oil fields of the Basin and Range province of the western USA continue to support the following concept: Convecting, moderate-temperature geothermal systems in this region have fostered and in some cases critically influenced the generation, migration, and entrapment of oil. At one Basin-Range field (Grant Canyon), oil-bearing and aqueous fluid inclusions in late-stage hydrothermal quartz were entrapped at temperatures comparable to those now prevailing at reservoir depths (120--130{degrees}C); apparent salinities of the aqueous varieties match closely the actual salinity of the modern, dilute oil-field waters. The inclusion-bearing quartz has the oxygen-isotopic signature for precipitation of the mineral at contemporary temperatures from modern reservoir waters. Measured and fluid-inclusion temperatures define near-coincident isothermal profiles through the oil-reservoir interval, a phenomenon suggesting ongoing heat and mass transfer. These findings are consistent with a model whereby a still-active, convectively circulating, meteoric-hydrothermal system: (1) enhanced porosity in the reservoir rock through dissolution of carbonate; (2) hydrothermally sealed reservoir margins; (3) transported oil to the reservoirs from a deep source of unknown size and configuration; and (4) possibly accelerated source-rock maturation through an increase in the local thermal budget. Grant Canyon and other Basin-Range oil fields are similar to the …

C. Trillo I has developed a model of the plant with RELAP5/MOD2/36.04. This model will be validated against a selected set of start-up tests. One of the transients selected to that aim is the turbine trip, which presents very specific characteristics that make it significantly different from the same transient in other PWRs of different design, the main difference being that the reactor is not tripped: a reduction in primary power is carried out instead. Pre-test calculations were done of the Turbine Trip Test and compared against the actual test. Minor problems in the first model, specially in the Control and Limitation Systems, were identified and post-test calculations had been carried out. The results show a good agreement with data for all the compared variables.

The S-Area Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) will initially process Batch 1 sludge in the sludge-only processing mode, with simulated non-radioactive Precipitate Hydrolysis, Aqueous (PHA) product, without the risk of nuclear criticality. The dilute concentration of fissile material in the sludge combined with excess of neutron absorbers during normal operations make criticality throughout the whole process incredible. Subsequent batches of the DWPF involving radioactive precipitate slurry and PHA will require additional analysis. Any abnormal or upset process operations, which are not considered in this report and could potentially separate fissile material, must be individually evaluated. Scheduled maintenance operation procedures are not considered to be abnormal.

As part of the ICAP (International Code Assessment and Applications Program) agreement between ECN (Netherlands Energy Research Foundation) and USNRC, ECN has performed a number of assessment calculations for the thermohydraulic system analysis code RELAP5/MOD2/36.05. This document describes the assessment of this computer program versus a natural circulation experiment as conducted at the Borssele Nuclear Power Plant. The results of this comparison show that the code RELAP5/MOD2 predicts well the natural circulation behaviour of Nuclear Power Plant Borssele.

As part of the ICAP (International Code Assessment and Applications Program) agreement between ECN (Netherlands Energy Research Foundation) and USNRC, ECN has performed a number of assessment calculations with the computer program RELAP5. This report describes the results as obtained by ECN from the assessment of the thermohydraulic computer program RELAP5/MOD2/CY 36.05 versus a series of reflood experiments in a bundle geometry. A total number of seven selected experiments have been analyzed, from the reflood experimental program as previously conducted by ECN under contract of the Commission of the European Communities (CEC). In this document, the results of the analyses are presented and a comparison with the experimental data is provided.

Stellarators have significant operational advantages over tokamaks as ignited steady-state reactors: no dangerous disruptions, no need for continuous current drive and power recirculated to the plasma, less severe constraints on the plasma parameters and profiles, and access from the inboard side for easier maintenance. The US is starting a multi-year multi-institutional stellarator reactor study whose purpose is to ``identify and assess the feasibility of critical issues and their consequences for development of the stellarator concept as a steady-state fusion reactor.`` The activities during the first year are focusing on physics optimization and selection of one or more stellarator coil configurations for more detailed engineering design evaluation. The physics team is focusing on torsatron modularization, modular stellarators with lower aspect ratio, the divertor geometry, development of transport models, and overall system studies. The engineering team is studying design issues relating to minimizing the inboard thickness of the blanket and shields, the feasibility of the superconducting magnets, and maintenance schemes.

Assessment of Technetium in the Savannah River Site Environment is the last in a series of eight documents on individual radioisotopes released to the environment as a result of SRS operations. The earlier documents describe the environmental consequences of tritium cesium, iodine, uranium plutonium, strontium, and carbon. Technetium transport and metabolism have been studied by the nuclear industry because it is a fission product of uranium, and by the medical community because {sup 99m}Tc commonly is used as a diagnostic imaging agent in nuclear medicine. Technetium has been produced at SRS during the operation of five production reactors. The only isotope with environmental significance is {sup 99}Tc. Because of the small activities of {sup 99}Tc relative to other fission products, such as {sup 90}Sr and {sup 137}Cs, no measurements were made of releases to either the atmosphere or surface waters. Dose calculations were made in this document using conservative estimates of atmospheric releases and from a few measurements of {sup 99}Tc concentrations in the Savannah River. Technetium in groundwater has been found principally in the vicinity of the separation areas seepage basins. Technetium is soluble in water and follows groundwater flow with little retardation. While most groundwater samples are negative …

Much of the remaining oil offshore is trapped in formations that are extremely complex due to intrusions of salt domes. Conventional seismic processing techniques cannot clearly image either these traps or the full extent of oil-bearing segments near the salt domes; therefore, substantial volumes of oil may have remained uncontacted by previous drilling. Recently, however, significant innovations have been made in seismic processing and mathematical migration of seismic signal. In addition, significant advances have been made in deviated and horizontal drilling technologies and applications. These technology advances make it possible to reprocess existing seismic data to identify non-contacted portions of the reservoirs, which can then be contacted using advanced drilling technologies to kick out new wells from existing wells. Effective application of these technologies, along with improved recovery methods, offers opportunities to significantly increase Gulf of Mexico production, delay platform abandonments, and preserve access to a substantial remaining oil target for enhanced recovery and other advanced recovery processes. During this reporting period, data collection continued from the Minerals Management Service (MMS) and several operators. Modifications to BOAST II and MASTER reservoir simulators for the integration of radial grid systems and for use in simulating miscible gas injection processes in steeply …

In this note we introduce the basic concepts of asymptotic analysis. After some comments of historical interest we begin by defining the order relations O, o, and O{sup {number_sign}}, which enable us to compare the asymptotic behavior of functions of a small positive parameter {epsilon} as {epsilon} {down_arrow} 0. Next, we introduce order functions, asymptotic sequences of order functions and more general gauge sets of order functions and define the concepts of an asymptotic approximation and an asymptotic expansion with respect to a given gauge set. This string of definitions culminates in the introduction of the concept of a regular asymptotic expansion, also known as a Poincare expansion, of a function f : (0, {epsilon}{sub o}) {yields} X, where X is a normed vector space of functions defined on a domain D {epsilon} R{sup N}. We conclude the note with the asymptotic analysis of an initial value problem whose solution is obtained in the form of a regular asymptotic expansion.

In this note we discuss the approximation of integrals that depend on a parameter. The basic tool is simple, namely, integration by parts. Of course, the power of the tool is evidenced in applications. The applications are many; they include Laplace integrals, generalized Laplace integrals, Fourier integrals, and Stokes' method of stationary phase for generalized Fourier integrals. These results illustrate beautifully Hardy's concept of applications of mathematics, that is, certain regions of mathematical theory in which the notation and the ideas of the (method of integration by parts] may be used systematically with a great gain in clearness and simplicity''. The notation differs slightly from Working Note No. 1, for reasons that are mainly historical. The asymptotic analysis of integrals originated in complex analysis, where the (real or complex) parameter, usually denoted by x, is usually introduced in such a way that the interesting behavior of the integrals occurs when x [yields] [infinity] in some sector of the complex plane. As there is nothing sacred about notation, and historical precedent is as good a guide as any, we follow convention and denote the parameter by x, focusing on the behavior of integrals as x [yields] [infinity] along the real axis …