Application of a two-phase turbine system to waste heat recovery was examined. Bottoming cycle efficiencies ranging from 15 to 30% were calculated for a 720/sup 0/F diesel exhaust temperature. A single stage demonstration unit, designed for non-toxic fluids (water and DowTherm A) and for atmospheric seals and bearings, had a cycle efficiency of 23%. The net output power was 276 hp at 8,100 rpm, increasing the total shaft power from 1,800 hp for the diesel alone, to 2,076 hp for the combined system. A four stage organic turbine, for the same application, had a rotational speed of 14,700 rpm while a four stage steam turbine had 26,000 rpm. Fabrication drawings were prepared for the turbine and nozzle. The major improvement leading to higher cycle efficiency and lower turbine rpm was found to be the use of a liquid component with lower sensible heat. A reduction in capital cost was found to result from the use of a contact heat exchanger instead of tube-fin construction. The cost for a contact heat exchanger was only $35-52/kWe compared to $98/kWe for a tube-fin heat exchanger. Design drawings and materials list were prepared. A program resulting in the demonstration of a two-phase bottoming system …

The effect of shock wave risetime on material ejection in aluminum has been studied for loading stresses of 21 GPa. Uniform loading was accomplished with plate impact techniques by mounting specimens on a ramp wave generator. Projectile impact on one side of the wave generator produced a wave which dispersed with propagation distance. This wave was then made incident to an aluminum specimen, so that the specimen experienced non-shock loading. It was found that mass ejection from aluminum surfaces can be reduced by over two orders of magnitude relative to shock loading conditions by accelerating the surface with a wave risetime greater than about 35 ns. These results suggest an explanation for the apparent discrepancies which are sometimes observed in mass ejection measurements utilizing either plate impact or electron beam deposition to generate stress waves.

An HCl laser which uses isotopic V-V energy transfer collisions as a pumping mechanism has been demonstrated. This multiline laser, which utilized an intracavity cold gas isotope filter, increased the energy from the P/sub 1/ lines of H/sup 37/Cl while decreasng the energies of the P/sub 1/ and P/sub 2/ lines of H/sup 35/Cl. Previously unreported lines, including emission from R branch transitions, have also been observed from single-line HCl and HBr lasers.

The interaction of oxygen with a thorium metal surface is being studied by monitoring the luminescence of thorium in an electron beam. By combining luminescence measurements with Auger electron spectroscopy data, it is possible to distinguish between processes that depend upon the oxygen pressure at the sample surface, and those that depend only upon the amount of adsorbed oxygen.

Significant progress in plasma confinement and temperature has been achieved in the 2XIIB facility at Livermore. These encouraging results, and their theoretical corroboration, have provided a firm basis for the design of a new generation of magnetic mirror experiments, adding support to the mirror concept of a fusion reactor. Two new mirror experiments have been proposed to succeed the currently operating 2XIIB facility. The first of these called TMX (Tandem Mirror Experiment) has been approved and is currently under construction. TMX is designed to utilize the intrinsic positive plasma potential of two strong, and relatively small, minimum B mirror cells to enhance the confinement of a much larger, magnetically weaker, centrally-located mirror cell. The second facility, MFTF (Mirror Fusion Test Facility), is currently in preliminary design with line item approval anticipated for FY 78. MFTF is designed primarily to exploit the experimental and theoretical results derived from 2XIIB. Beyond that, MFTF will develop the technology for the transition from the present small mirror experiments to large steady-state devices such as the mirror FERF/FTR. The sheer magnitude of the plasma volume, magnetic field, neutral beam power, and vacuum pumping capacity, particularly in the case of MFTF, has placed new and exciting …

The Laboratory for Nuclear Science (LNS) has continued its study of resource sharing via general-purpose computer networks. This report describes experiments performed with the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and the Argonne National Laboratory in using the network for off-loading calculations and obtaining access to unique hardware and software. It also gives performance statistics of the network and cost comparisons. Continued investigation of message and teleconferencing systems is described. Plans for improved usage of the ARPANET, for expansion of computer-aided communications facilities, and for investigation of networks other than the ARPANET are proposed. To date the study has demonstrated that resource sharing via networks will provide LNS with access to computer facilities not available on site, and thus improve the quality of energy research done in the laboratory. However, certain barriers, both technical and nontechnical, exist that must be overcome. In the technical area continued investigation is planned into improving the user interface to the network with cooperative projects at other sites, such as the development of a standard command language, expanded network oriented documentation, and consulting facilities. Methods of managing network services and allocating costs will be studied in an effort to eliminate some of the nontechnical barriers.

The parametric analysis and preliminary conceptual design for a multicell field reversed mirror reactor (FRM) are described.

This report summarizes the results obtained from a series of petrofabric analyses of deformed and undeformed salt specimens. The specimens were originally obtained from a bedded salt mine near Lyons, Kansas where Project Salt Vault was conducted and from an operating salt mine in a domal salt formation at Jefferson Island, LA. Specimens from each site were tested in quasi-static triaxial compression and triaxial creep at RE/SPEC Inc. Subsequently, specimens which exhibited representative macroscopic deformational characteristics were selected for these fabric studies. The purpose of the petrofabric studies is to assist in developing a fundamental physical understanding of the mechanical results. Undeformed specimens were examined by optical techniques to determine preferred crystal orientations. Deformed specimens were studied by petrofabric techniques in order to characterize the deformational mechanisms. Finally, the results of the petrofabrics are compared to the mechanical data.

Metal/air fuel cells are reviewed in terms of their potential application in electric vehicles. Attention is focused on those metals (light alkali and alkaline earth metals, and aluminum) which, in combination with oxygen, have theoretical energy densities (2--13 kWh/kg-metal) exceeding that of gasoline (utilized in automobiles at 2--3 kWh/kg). Lithium and aluminum have yielded 8- and 4 kWh/kg, respectively, in laboratory experimental cells. The slurry Zn/air system achieves 0.85 kWh/kg-Zn in prototype vehicle cells and is reviewed for comparison. Calcium can probably yield 1.8 kWh/kg-Ca, but its potential as a fuel has not yet been fully explored. The remaining metals appear to be unsuitable for use in aqueous electrolyte fuel cells. The discharge characteristics of lithium, aluminum, and (possibly) calcium/air cells indicate the potential for electric vehicles of the highway performance and minimum range (300 miles) of subcompact automobiles, rapid refueling for unlimited range extension, and the storage in the fuel cell of sufficient metal for ranges in excess of 1000 miles. Barriers to the concept are the economic necessity of recycling cell reaction products (except in the case of calcium), the expansion or creation of vast metal production industries, and the change-over of existing service station infrastructures to allow …

The rotating disk electrode system designed to obtain a complete set of experimental data (electrode polarization and coulombic efficiency) for electrode materials is described. Preliminary experiments with the rotating disk Ca electrode yielded polarization curves for Ca dissolution. Open-circuit potentials for the disk electrodes were essentially indistinguishable from the computer interelectrode IR drop. Limiting currents were obtained in NaOH--NaCl mixtures. Tafel-like behavior was found for Ni(O/sub 2/). Cooling curves were obtained in vacuo for KI--LiI eutectic composition. The following tabulations are given: cell voltage losses in the recycling process; critical data used in the calculation of energy conversion degradation of the system due to transport of Li and LiOH . H/sub 2/O between fixed-site recycling centers and refueling stations; and a breakdown of energy losses associated with Li production, battery discharge, and materials transport. 3 figures, 3 tables. (RWR)

To obtain picosecond photographs of nanosecond radiation sources, a six-frame ultra-high speed radiation camera based on hydrated electron absorption phenomena has been developed. A time-dependent opacity pattern is formed in an acidic aqueous cell by a pulsed radiation source. Six time-resolved picosecond images of this changing opacity pattern are transferred to photographic film with the use of a mode-locked dye laser and six electronically gated microchannel plate image intensifiers. Because the lifetime of the hydrated electron absorption centers can be reduced to picoseconds, the opacity patterns represent time-space pulse profile images.

Objective is to develop a solvent extraction process for treating acidic high activity nuclear wastes in order to remove 99.9% of the cesium and strontium. A series of macrocyclic polyethers ''crown'' compounds which have the ability to form organic soluble complexes with the alkali metals (Cs/sup +1/) and the alkaline earth metals (Sr/sup +2/) are being screened. These ''crown'' compounds have been tested for solubility in both CCl/sub 4/ and kerosene, each solvent containing a range of TBP concentrations. Also distribution coefficients of both cesium and strontium have been measured between these organic phases with individual ''crown'' compounds dissolved in them and an aqueous phase containing no acid or 0.0125M to 3M nitric acid. Other distribution coefficients for both metals have been measured in systems as above with DEHPA. Results show very good extraction of the Cs/sup +1/ and Sr/sup +2/ into the organic phase when DEHPA is used. The highest distribution coefficients obtained (organic/aqueous) were 0.8 +- .05 for Cs/sup +1/ and 2000 for Sr/sup +2/. The search for a more organic soluble ''crown'' compound continues as this would increase the amount of metal carried by the organic phase. For this reason, Parish Chemical Company in Provo, Utah is …

Objective is to develop a solvent extraction system for treating acidic high activity nuclear wastes in order to remove 99.9% of the cesium and strontium. A series of macrocyclic polyethers ''crown compounds'' which can form organic soluble complexes with the alkali metals (Cs/sup +1/) and the alkali earth metals (Sr/sup +2/) are being screened. Thus far, five ''crown'' compounds have been tested for solubility in both carbon tetrachloride and kerosene, each solvent containing a range of TBP concentrations. Also distribution coefficients of both cesium and strontium have been measured. Results have been negative in that sufficient extraction of either Cs/sup +1/ or Sr/sup +2/ into the organic phase was not achieved to make a solvent extraction process feasible. The highest distribution coefficient obtained (organic/aqueous)/sup (2)/ was 0.04 +- 0.02 for both Sr/sup +2/ and Cs/sup +1/. The problem seems to lie in the low solubility of the ''crowns'' in the organic phases and the apparent ability of the ''crowns'' to distribute into the aqueous phase and complex the metal. The solubility data indicate that the addition of aliphatic character to the ''crowns'' improves their organic solubility whereas aromatic addition decreases their organic solubility. Accordingly, a new ''crown'', 4, 4'-didecanolybenzo 24-crown-8, …

To determine if in-situ drying is a practical method of removing the nonrecoverable interstitial liquid, a process test is needed. By reducing the tank ventilation rate, the salt cake or sludge will increase in temperature and more moisture can be evaporated. As long as the air flow rate is great enough to replace the moisture laden air with ambient air, the moisture removal rate (MRR) should increase. The maximum MRR will be determined by reducing the flow rate in a stepwise procedure. Tanks 105-BY, 107-BY, and 110-U have been chosen for use in these tests. Temperature increases resulting from the process tests will not exceed the maximum tank temperature limits.

The inducer pump, designed and fabricated as a test article to evaluate the inducer/impeller pump concept for providing improved suction performance of large sodium pumps, met or exceeded all performance goals. The inducer stage in front of the centrifugal impeller dramatically reduces the size of pumps. It was demonstrated that the inducer can operate at suction specific speeds in excess of 35,000, whereas conventional centrifugal pumps have demonstrated capability to only 12,000. The inducer pump employs several components of the 2000 and 4000 gpm NaK pumps from the Connecticut Aircraft Nuclear Engine Laboratory (CANEL) Programs. Use of the volute, thermal barrier and shaft oil seal from the CANEL pumps allowed acceleration and cost reduction of the Inducer Pump Program.

The products of sodium-water reactions which had taken place in the Large Leak Test Rig at the Liquid Metal Engineering Center were sampled and characterized. The products consisted of the expected compounds in the Na-O-H system, and dissolved readily in ethanol. Removal of such products from a system by melting and draining does not appear feasible, but removal by dissolution in alcoholic solvents should be investigated further.

Highlights of technical progress during March 1977 are presented for thirteen separate program activities which comprise the ORNL research program for the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research's Division of Reactor Safety Research.

A neutral fraction approaching 97 percent can be attained by photodetachment of negative ions if the photon density and thickness are adequate. This high efficiency of neutralization is desirable not only because of the improvement in power balance and power efficiency but also because of the increase in the useable beam current per module. Only modest improvements in commercial solid-state lasers are required to fulfill the requirements of a photodetachment cell for a fusion reactor. The wavelength of 0.85 x 10/sup -4/ cm is suitable with respect to the photodetachment cross section, the performance characteristics of present-day lasers, and the high reflectivity of the mirrors required for the optical cavity. Improvements may be possible by using resonances in the near ultraviolet region to enhance the photodetachment cross section. Three reactor-design studies were conducted and it was found that the required laser power is only economical for large injection systems in which beams of several hundred amperes are passed through a single optical cavity for photodetachment. The method is not economical for smaller systems.

This report deals with some techniques in applied programming using the Livermore Timesharing System (LTSS) on the CDC 7600 computers at the National Magnetic Fusion Energy Computer Center (NMFECC) and the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory Computer Center (LLLCC or Octopus network). This report is based on a document originally written specifically about the system as it is implemented at NMFECC but has been revised to accommodate differences between LLLCC and NMFECC implementations. Topics include: maintaining programs, debugging, recovering from system crashes, and using the central processing unit, memory, and input/output devices efficiently and economically. Routines that aid in these procedures are mentioned. The companion report, UCID-17556, An LTSS Compendium, discusses the hardware and operating system and should be read before reading this report.

This report is an introduction to the CDC 7600 computer and to the Livermore Timesharing System (LTSS) used by the National Magnetic Fusion Energy Computer Center (NMFECC) and the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory Computer Center (LLLCC or Octopus network) on their 7600's. This report is based on a document originally written specifically about the system as it is implemented at NMFECC but has been broadened to point out differences in implementation at LLLCC. It also contains information about LLLCC not relevant to NMFECC. This report is written for computational physicists who want to prepare large production codes to run under LTSS on the 7600's. The generalized discussion of the operating system focuses on creating and executing controllees. This document and its companion, UCID-17557, CDC 7600 LTSS Programming Stratagems, provide a basis for understanding more specialized documents about individual parts of the system.

Various resource data are presented showing that geothermal energy has the potential of satisfying a significant part of California's increasing energy needs. General factors slowing the development of geothermal energy in California are discussed and required actions to accelerate its progress are presented. Finally, scenarios for developing the most promising prospect in the state directed at timely on-line power are given. Specific actions required to realize each of these individual scenarios are identified.

A new, wide-range equation of state (EOS) has been constructed for Be. The composite theoretical model incorporates ionization equilibrium and condensed-matter and multiphase physics. It also satisfies all thermodynamic equilibrium constraints. The theoretical EOS has been compared with all available high-pressure and high-temperature Be data, and satisfactory agreement is generally achieved. The most interesting feature is the theoretical prediction of melting at just below 220 GPa (2 Mb), indicating an extremely wide pressure range for solid Be. A striking feature is the appearance of shell-structure effects in physical-process paths: 2 large loops appear on the principal Hugoniot and the behavior of release isentropes from rho = rho/sub 0/ is significantly affected.

A new approach that utilizes the equivalent solid plate method has been applied to the thermal stress analysis of HTGR fuel and control rod fuel blocks. Cases were considered where these blocks, loaded with reprocessed HTGR fuel pellets, were being cured at temperatures up to 1800/sup 0/C. A two-dimensional segment of a fuel block cross section including fuel, coolant holes, and graphite matrix was analyzed using the ORNL HEATING3 heat transfer code to determine the temperature-dependent effective thermal conductivity for the perforated region of the block. Using this equivalent conductivity to calculate the temperature distributions through different cross sections of the blocks, two-dimensional thermal-stress analyses were performed through application of the equivalent solid plate method. In this approach, the perforated material is replaced by solid homogeneous material of the same external dimensions but whose material properties have been modified to account for the perforations.

The system is designed for accurate, precise, and selective determination of from 10 to 180 mg of uranium in 2 to 12 cm/sup 3/ of solution. Samples, standards, and their solutions are handled on a weight basis. These weights, together with their appropriate identification numbers, are stored in computer memory and are used automatically in the assay calculations after each titration. The measurement technique (controlled-current coulometry) is based on the Davies-Gray and New Brunswick Laboratory method, in which U(VI) is reduced to U(IV) in strong H/sub 3/PO/sub 4/, followed by titration of the U(IV) with electrogenerated V(V). Solution pretreatment and titration are automatic. The analyzer is able to process 44 samples per loading of the sample changer, at a rate of 4 to 9 samples per hour. The system includes a comprehensive fault-monitoring system that detects analytical errors, guards against abnormal conditions which might cause errors, and prevents unsafe operation. A detailed description of the system, information on the reliability of the component subsystems, and a summary of its evaluation by the New Brunswick Laboratory are presented.