This paper describes the design and testing of critical gas turbine components. Development of catalytic combustors and diagnostic equipment is included.

The authors are performing experiments to study hydrodynamic perturbation growth in x-ray driven targets to test models used to analyze the stability of ignition targets. They use cylindrical implosions to directly image perturbation growth and ``feed-through`` to the inner surface in convergent geometry. The implosion trajectories and azimuthal structure of inner and outer marker layers on the cylinder are measured by axial radiography. Perturbation growth of 25 at a convergence ratio of two has been measured on the inner layer, in addition to the effects of hohlraum drive asymmetries, nonlinear mode saturation, mode coupling, and the deceleration phase of the implosion. In other experiments, they are studying the planar analog of instability coupling between the inner surface of a cryogenic ignition capsule and the ablation surface. This instability coupling mechanism provides an important seed for perturbation growth in ignition capsule implosions.

This status report summarizes the activities and accomplishments of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project`s (YMP`s) quality assurance program for January 1 to September 30, 1995. The report includes major sections on program activities and trend analysis.

This document details the experience of New York City`s compressed natural gas refuse haulers. These 35 ton vehicles have engines that displace 10 liters and provide 240 horsepower. Fuel economy, range, cost, maintenance, repair issues, and emissions are discussed. Photographs and figures illustrate the attributes of these alternative fuel vehicles.

This report addresses the amendment to shielding of multi-leg penetrations into the RHIC collider.

Arylamine-containing diblock copolymers were prepared via ring- opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) to afford well-defined phase- separated materials. Alteration of the functionaity in a block, as well as the size of the blocks, allowed for the synthesis of self- assembled monolayers on a copper surface. The arylamine-containing block exhibited a strong binding affinity for the copper surface as seen by neutron reflectivity experiments. In addition, neutron reflectivity data verifies the self-assembly of block copolymer monolayers normal to the copper surface. Block copolymers prepared in this manner allow for the preparation of a wide range of adhesives and corrosion resistant materials. The use of ring-opening metathesis polymerization is important because it permits the synthesis of a variety of functionalized block copolymers.

This is an analysis of the leachate collection data in burial ground 218-W-5, trenches 31 and 34. The data was taken from February 1995 through May 1996.

This document supports the development and presentation of the following accident scenario in the TWRS Final Safety Analysis Report: Caustic Spray Leak. The calculations needed to quantify the risk associated with this accident scenario are included within.

Weapons are often in close proximity to one another during transport or storage. If one weapon explodes, there is a possibility that the fragments generated will initiate a subsequent explosion in one or more neighboring weapons. Propagating explosions of this sort have the potential for severe consequences either because of the total amount of explosives that react or because the response of individual weapons may be particularly energetic. In this paper, we consider a well-defined problem in which the nature of the progression to all possible end states can be studied. We wish to determine the expected number of weapons to detonate along with other useful quantities. We examine the possible end states that the system can reach and show that we can represent the propagation process as a series of discrete time transitions. The transition probabilities from one state to the next then will depend only on the present state of the system. We present results of simulations that illustrate the effect of varying the detonation probability parameters.

Polymeric materials used as binders in energetic materials exhibit interesting and unique material behavior. These include full geometrical recovery after deformation and a rate dependent stress strain relationship which can be categorized as viscoelastic. Taylor Cylinder Impact Tests have been conducted for adiprene-100 polyurethane. These produce time resolved cylinder profiles from which deformation wave speed can be extracted as a function of strain and strain-rate. Using this information and a set of conservation `Jump` relationships applied across the deformation wave front, stress points as a function of strain and strain rate can be extracted. This discretized information then can be used in the development of a constitutive relationship suitable for use in a three dimensional computer code calculation.

Analytical methods for RCRA listed elements on Portland cement type waste have been employed using both microwave and open hot plate digestions with subsequent analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-AES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), graphite furnace atomic absorption (GFAA) and cold vapor atomic absorption and fluorescence (CVAA/CVAFS). Four different digestion procedures were evaluated including an open hot plate nitric acid digestion, EPA SW-846 Method 3051, and 2 methods using modifications to Method 3051. The open hot plate and the modified Method 3051, which used aqua regia for dissolution, were the only methods which resulted in acceptable data quality for all 14 RCRA-listed elements. Results for the nitric acid open hot plate digestion were used to qualify the analytical methods for TRU waste characterization, and resulted in a 99% passing score. Direct chemical analysis of TRU waste is being developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory in an attempt to circumvent the problems associated with strong acid digestion methods. Technology development includes laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS), dc arc CID atomic emission spectroscopy (DC-AES), and glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS). Analytical methods using …

Summaries are given of the progress on each of the following research projects: (1) a multi-resolution finite element method for computing multiscale solutions; (2) numerical study of free interface problems; (3) numerical simulation of two-dimensional particle coarsening; (4) numerical simulation of three-dimensional water waves; (5) vortex dynamics; (6) vortex models and turbulence; (7) flow in a non-uniform Hele-Shaw cell; (8) numerical analysis/scientific computing.

A program was established for the DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) to evaluate factors that are anticipated to affect waste glass reaction during repository disposal, especially in an unsaturated environment typical of what may be expected for the proposed Yucca Mountain repository site. This report covers progress in FY 1995 on the following tasks: (1) Tests are ongoing to evaluate and compare the reactivity of fully radioactive glasses with that of glasses having the same compositions except for the absence of radionuclides under conditions representative of a high-level waste repository environment. Data from these tests will be used to evaluate the effect of radionuclides on the glass corrosion behavior and to determine the disposition of the radionuclides as the glass corrodes. Static dissolution tests and unsaturated tests are being conducted with several Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) and West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) glasses. (2) A series of static dissolution tests is being performed to compare the corrosion behavior of nuclear waste glasses made with SRL 131 and SRL 202 frits at different S/V ratios. The S/V ratio affects the extent to which dissolved glass species are diluted; the solution chemistry then affects continued glass dissolution. The solutions generated …

This document presents statistics on energy useage for 1995. A reviving domestic economy, generally low energy prices, a heat wave in July and August, and unusually cold weather in November and December all contributed to the fourth consecutive year of growth in U.S. total energy consumption, which rose to an all-time high of almost 91 quadrillion Btu in 1995 (1.3). The increase came as a result of increases in the consumption of natural gas, coal, nuclear electric power, and renewable energy. Petroleum was the primary exception, and its use declined by only 0.3 percent. (Integrating the amount of renewable energy consumed outside the electric utility sector into U.S. total energy consumption boosted the total by about 3.4 quadrillion Btu, but even without that integration, U.S. total energy consumption would have reached a record level in 1995.)

EIA is proud of its accomplishments during 1995. We developed a strategic plan, with goals and objectives to guide us and focus our activities. We used customer and employee feedback to develop these goals. We have performance measures to assess progress and identify areas for improvement. Finally, we became and remain fully committed to reengineering our business processes to achieve efficiencies. EIA is a leader in providing high quality, policy-independent energy information to meet the requirements of Government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding. EIA has a long history of serving a broad spectrum of customers and being responsive to their needs. EIA`s motto is: On-line or off the shelf, EIA is the first place to go for the last word in energy information.

The Westinghouse AP600 reactor is an advanced pressurized water reactor with passive safety systems to protect the plant against possible accidents and transients. The design has been submitted to the U.S. NRC for design certification. The NRC has selected the Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC)-PF1/MOD2 for performing large break loss-of coolant-accident (LBLOCA) analysis to support the certification effort. This document defines the tests to be used in the current phase of developmental assessment related to AP600 LBLOCA.

The Appalachian Clean Coal Technology Consortium (ACCTC) has been established to help U.S. Coal producers, particularly those in the Appalachian region, increase the production of lower-sulfur coal. The consortium has three charter members, including Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, West Virginia University, and the University of Kentucky. The Consortium also includes industry affiliate members that form an Advisory Committee. In keeping with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, first-year R&D activities are focused on two areas of research: fine coal dewatering and modeling of spirals. The industry representatives to the Consortium identified fine coal dewatering as the most needed area of technology development. Dewatering studies will be conducted by Virginia Tech`s Center for Coal and Minerals Processing. A spiral model is developed by West Virginia University. The research to be performed by the University of Kentucky has recently been determined to be: ``A Study of Novel Approaches for Destabilization of Flotation Froth``. Acoomplishments to date are reported.

We have recently been applying a powerful computational tool, direct numerical simulation (DNS), to evaluate the stability of imploding inertial confinement fusion (ICF) capsules designed for the National Ignition Facility. In DNS, we explicitly calculate the evolution of realistic surface perturbations far into their nonlinear regimes, using a 2D Lagrangian radiation-hydrodynamics code. Because the mesh may become greatly distorted during the calculation, requiring frequent application of an automatic rezoner, and because we use a 2D code to represent 3D perturbations whose nonlinear behavior is shape- dependent, we have been seeking to assess the accuracy of DNS in as many regimes as possible. For this purpose, we have conducted experimental campaigns to observe the instability of radiatively driven imploding cylinders, deuterated-shell spherical capsules, and radiatively accelerated flat foils perturbed on the unheated surface (``feedout`` experiments). We have compared DNS calculations to data from these experiments, and to theoretical predictions for incompressible Rayleigh-Taylor instability, with satisfactory agreement. Thus we are gradually accumulating confidence in the validity of DNS as applied to ICF.

An alternative mechanism for the evolution of recrystallization nuclei is described for a model of irradiation-induced recrystallization of UO{sub 2} wherein the stored energy in the material is concentrated in a network of sinklike nuclei that diminish with dose due to interaction with radiation-produced defects. The sinklike nuclei are identified as cellular dislocation structures that evolve relatively early in the irradiation period. A generalized theory of radiation-induced amorphization and crystallization, developed for intermetallic nuclear materials, is applied to UO{sub 2}. The complicated kinetics involved in the formation of a cellular dislocation network are approximated by the formation and growth of subgrains due to the interaction of shock waves produced by fission- induced damage to the material.

Performance characteristics of a microstrip gas counter operated as a x-ray fluorescence spectrometer are reported. Gas amplification as a function of microstrip anode-cathode voltage was measured, and the breakdown threshold voltage was determined in pure xenon. The detector temporal stability and the effect of gas purity were assessed. Energy resolution and linearity, detection efficiency, and uniformity of spatial response in the 2- to 60-keV x-ray energy range were determined from the pulse-height distributions of the fluorescence x-ray spectra induced in a variety of single- and multi-element sample materials. Energy resolution similar to conventional proportional counters was achieved at 6 keV.

The objective of this project is to demonstrate that detailed reservoir characterization of slope and basin clastic reservoirs in sandstones of the Delaware Mountain Group in the Delaware Basin of West Texas and New Mexico is a cost effective way to recover a higher percentage of the original oil in place through strategic placement of infill wells and geologically based field development. Project objectives are divided into two major phases. The objectives of the reservoir characterization phase of the project are to provide a detailed understanding of the architecture and heterogeneity of two fields, the Ford Geraldine unit and Ford West field, which produce from the Bell Canyon and Cherry Canyon Formations, respectively, of the Delaware Mountain Group and to compare Bell Canyon and Cherry Canyon reservoirs. Reservoir characterization will utilize 3-D seismic data, high-resolution sequence stratigraphy, subsurface field studies, outcrop characterization, and other techniques. Once the reservoir- characterization study of both fields is completed, a pilot area of approximately 1 mi{sup 2} in one of the fields will be chosen for reservoir simulation. The objectives of the implementation phase of the project are to (1) apply the knowledge gained from reservoir characterization and simulation studies to increase recovery from …

NREL currently operates the largest structural testing facility in US for testing wind turbine blades. A data acquisition system was developed to measure blade response and monitor test status; it is called BSTRAIN (Blade Structural Test Real-time Acquisition Interface Network). Software objectives were to develop a robust, easy-to-use computer program that could automatically collect data from static and fatigue blade tests without missing any significant events or overloading the computer with excess data. The program currently accepts inputs from up to 32 channels but can be expanded to over 1000 channels. In order to reduce the large amount of data collected during long fatigue tests, options for real-time data processing were developed including peak-valley series collection, peak-valley decimation, block decimation, and continuous recording of all data. Other BSTRAIN features include automated blade stiffness checks, remote terminal access to blade test status, and automated VCR control for continuous test recording. Results from tests conducted with the software revealed areas for improvement including test accuracy, post-processing analysis, and further data reduction.

Historically, methods used to identify methanotrophic and polyaromatic hydrocarbon-degrading (PAH) bacteria in environmental samples have been inadequate because isolation and identification procedures are time-consuming and often fail to separate specific bacteria from other environmental microorganisms. Methanotrophic bacteria have been isolated and characterized from TCE-contaminated soils (Bowman et al. 1993; Fliermans et al., 1988). Fliermans et al., (1988) and others demonstrated that cultures enriched with methane and propane could cometabolically degrade a wide variety of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons including ethylene; 1,2-cisdichloroethylene (c-DCE); 1,2-trans-dichloroethylene (t-DCE); vinyl chloride (VC); toluene; phenol and cresol. Characterization of select microorganisms in the natural setting is important for the evaluation of bioremediation potential and its effectiveness. This realization has necessitated techniques that are selective, sensitive and easily applicable to soils, sediments, and groundwater (Fliermans, et al., 1994). Additionally these techniques can identify and quantify microbial types in situ in real time

The Class 2 Project at West Welch was designed to demonstrate the use of advanced technologies to enhance the economics of improved oil recovery (IOR) projects in lower quality Shallow Shelf Carbonate (SSC) reservoirs, resulting in recovery of additional oil that would otherwise be left in the reservoir at project abandonment. Accurate reservoir description is critical to the effective evaluation and efficient design of IOR projects in the heterogeneous SSC reservoirs. Therefore, the majority of Budget Period 1 was devoted to reservoir characterization. Technologies being demonstrated include: (1) Advanced petrophysics; (2) Three dimensional (3-D) seismic; (3) Cross-well bore tomography; (4) Advanced reservoir simulation; (5) Carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) stimulation treatments; (6) Hydraulic fracturing design and monitoring; and (7) Mobility control agents.