Resource Type

Electric Utility Infrastructure Vulnerabilities: Transformers, Towers, and Terrorism (open access)

Electric Utility Infrastructure Vulnerabilities: Transformers, Towers, and Terrorism

None
Date: April 9, 2004
Creator: Abel, Amy; Parfomak, Paul W. & Shea, Dana A.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Monitoring the Migrations of Wild Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon Juveniles, 2007-2008 (open access)

Monitoring the Migrations of Wild Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon Juveniles, 2007-2008

This report provides results from an ongoing project to monitor the migration behavior and survival of wild juvenile spring/summer Chinook salmon in the Snake River Basin. Data reported is from detections of PIT tagged fish during late summer 2007 through mid-2008. Fish were tagged in summer 2007 by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in Idaho and by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) in Oregon. Our analyses include migration behavior and estimated survival of fish at instream PIT-tag monitors and arrival timing and estimated survival to Lower Granite Dam. Principal results from tagging and interrogation during 2007-2008 are: (1) In July and August 2007, we PIT tagged and released 7,390 wild Chinook salmon parr in 12 Idaho streams or sample areas. (2) Overall observed mortality from collection, handling, tagging, and after a 24-hour holding period was 1.4%. (3) Of the 2,524 Chinook salmon parr PIT tagged and released in Valley Creek in summer 2007, 218 (8.6%) were detected at two instream PIT-tag monitoring systems in lower Valley Creek from late summer 2007 to the following spring 2008. Of these, 71.6% were detected in late summer/fall, 11.9% in winter, and 16.5% in spring. Estimated parr-to-smolt survival to Lower …
Date: July 9, 2009
Creator: Achord, Stephen; Sandford, Benjamin P. & Hockersmith, Eric E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
FUEL HANDLING FACILITY WORKER DOSE ASSESSMENT (open access)

FUEL HANDLING FACILITY WORKER DOSE ASSESSMENT

The purpose of this design calculation is to estimate radiation doses received by personnel working in the Fuel Handling Facility (FHF) of the Monitored Geological Repository (MGR). The FHF is a surface facility supporting waste handling operations i.e. receive transportation casks, transfer wastes, prepare waste packages, and ship out loaded waste packages and empty casks. The specific scope of work contained in this calculation covers both collective doses and individual worker group doses on an annual basis, and includes the contributions due to external and internal radiation. The results are also limited to normal operations only. Results of this calculation will be used to support the FHF design and License Application.
Date: August 9, 2004
Creator: Achudume, A.
System: The UNT Digital Library
New Crystalline Materials for Nonlinear Frequency Conversion, Electro-Optic Modulation, and Mid-Infrared Gain Media (open access)

New Crystalline Materials for Nonlinear Frequency Conversion, Electro-Optic Modulation, and Mid-Infrared Gain Media

New crystalline materials were investigated for applications in frequency conversion of near-infrared wavelengths and as gain media for tunable mid-infrared solid-state lasers. GaCa{sub 4}O(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} (GdCOB), YCa{sub 4}O(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} (YCOB), LaCa{sub 4}O(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} (LaCOB), and Gd{sub 0.275}Y{sub 0.725}Ca{sub 4}O(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} were characterized for frequency conversion of 1 {micro}m lasers. For type I doubling at 1064 nm, LaCOB, GdCOB, and YCOB were found to have effective coupling coefficients (d{sub eff}) of 0.52 {+-} 0.05, 0.78 {+-} 0.06, and 1.12 {+-} 0.07 pm/V, respectively. LaCOB was measured to have angular and thermal sensitivities of 1224 {+-} 184 (cm-rad){sup -1} and < 0.10 (cm-{sup o}C){sup -1}, respectively. The effective coupling coefficient for type II noncritically phasematched (NCPM) doubling at 1064 nm in Gd{sub 0.275}Y{sub 0.725}Ca{sub 4}O(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} was measured to be 0.37 {+-} 0.04 pm/V. We predict LaCOB to have a type I NCPM fundamental wavelength of 1042 {+-} 1.5 nm. Due to its low angular and thermal sensitivities for doubling near 1047 nm, LaCOB has potential for frequency doubling of high-average power Nd:LiYF{sub 4} and Yb:Sr{sub 5}(P0{sub 4}){sub 3}F lasers. LaCOB, GdCOB, and YCOB were also investigated for optical parametric oscillator applications and we determined that they …
Date: August 9, 2002
Creator: Adams, J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Level Densities and Radiative Strength Functions in 170,171Yb (open access)

Level Densities and Radiative Strength Functions in 170,171Yb

Level densities and radiative strength functions in {sup 171}Yb and{sup 170}Yb nuclei have been measured with the {sup 171}Yb({sup 3}He, {sup 3}He{prime}{gamma}){sup 171}Yb and {sup 171}Yb({sup 3}He,{alpha}{gamma}){sup 170}Yb reactions. A simultaneous determination of the nuclear level density and the radiative strength function was made. The present data adds to and is consistent with previous results for several other rare earth nuclei. The method will be briefly reviewed and the result from the analysis will be presented. The radiative strength function for {sup 171}Yb is compared to previously published work.
Date: June 9, 2003
Creator: Agvaanluvsan, U.; Schiller, A.; Becker, J. A.; Berstein, L. A.; Guttormsen, M.; Mitchell, G. E. et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Trade and the Americas (open access)

Trade and the Americas

None
Date: November 9, 2001
Creator: Ahearn, Raymond J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
U.S.-European Union Trade Relations: Issues and Policy Challenges (open access)

U.S.-European Union Trade Relations: Issues and Policy Challenges

None
Date: June 9, 2003
Creator: Ahearn, Raymond J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Transatlantic Regulatory Cooperation: A Possible Role for Congress (open access)

Transatlantic Regulatory Cooperation: A Possible Role for Congress

This report focuses on the creation of the Transatlantic Economic Council; the role of legislatures in the regulatory process; and the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue and its new role as an advisor to transatlantic regulatory efforts.
Date: March 9, 2009
Creator: Ahearn, Raymond J. & Morelli, Vincent
System: The UNT Digital Library
Science Based Stockpile Stewardship and RIA (open access)

Science Based Stockpile Stewardship and RIA

One aspect of Science Based Stockpile Stewardship (SBSS) is to improve the quality of neutron cross section data for certain isotopes. The isotopes of interest are used to monitor neutron and charged particle fluxes in environments of brief, intense neutron fluxes. The accuracy of flux determination is dependent on the accuracy of cross section data for the stable isotopes loaded into the system and the unstable isotopes produced when the neutrons are incident on the monitor. For isotopes with a half-life greater than one day it is possible, given the production rates of RIA, to make radioactive targets for neutron irradiation. This would require the ability to harvest isotopes at RIA, an onsite radiochemistry facility for processing the harvested material into a target, and an onsite neutron source facility. The radiochemistry facility will need to handle activity levels on the order of 100's of Curie's while the neutron source facility will need to provide high intensity ''monoenergetic'' neutrons from 10's keV to 20 MeV. For isotopes with a half-life much less than one day, only indirect methods can be used to get information on the neutron cross sections because of the lack of a target. Both experimental techniques will be …
Date: June 9, 2003
Creator: Ahle, L. E.; Bernstein, L. A.; Hausmann, M. & Vieira, D. J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Search for X-Ray Induced Acceleration of the Decay of the 31-yr Isomer 178Hf Using Synchrotron Radiation (open access)

Search for X-Ray Induced Acceleration of the Decay of the 31-yr Isomer 178Hf Using Synchrotron Radiation

Releasing the energy stored in an isomeric nuclear state in a controlled way with an atomic or electromagnetic trigger is an attractive speculation: the energy gain may be on the order of the ratio of nuclear/atomic energies - MeV/keV. (Nuclear isomers are loosely defined as excited nuclear states with lifetimes longer than 10{sup -9} s.) Nuclear isomers, therefore, represent an opportunity for a stand-alone energy source if suitable schemes for trigger and control of the energy release can be found. Potential applications include space drive, as well as very bright {gamma}-ray sources. The nucleus {sup 178}Hf has a nuclear isomer with excitation energy E{sub x} = 2.447 MeV. The 2.447-MeV isomeric state decays slowly (t{sub 1/2} = 31 y) to the nearby state at 2.433 MeV. The J{sup {pi}} = 13{sup -} state loses energy in a rapid (t {approx} 10{sup -12} s) {gamma}-ray cascade ending at the 8{sup -} rotational band head which in turn decays via the ground-state rotational band cascade. The {gamma}-ray cascade is delayed at the 8{sup -} state at 1.147 MeV, since the 8{sup -} state is also isomeric, with t{sub 1/2} = 4 s. Very scarce quantities of the 16{sup +}, 31-yr isomer are …
Date: May 9, 2002
Creator: Ahmad, I.; Banar, J. C.; Becker, J. A.; Gemmell, D. S.; Kraemer, A.; Mashayekhi, A. et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
EARLY ENTRANCE COPRODUCTION PLANT (open access)

EARLY ENTRANCE COPRODUCTION PLANT

The overall objective of this project is the three phase development of an Early Entrance Coproduction Plant (EECP) which produces at least one product from at least two of the following three categories: (1) electric power (or heat), (2) fuels, and (3) chemicals. The objective is to have these products produced by technologies capable of using synthesis gas derived from coal and/or other carbonaceous feedstocks. The objectives of Phase I were to determine the feasibility and define the concept for the EECP located at a specific site; develop a Research, Development, and Testing (RD&T) Plan for implementation in Phase II; and prepare a Preliminary Project Financing Plan. The objective of Phase II is to implement the work as outlined in the Phase I RD&T Plan to enhance the development and commercial acceptance of coproduction technology that produces high-value products, particularly those that are critical to our domestic fuel and power requirements. The project will resolve critical knowledge and technology gaps on the integration of gasification and downstream processing to coproduce some combination of power, fuels, and chemicals from coal and/or other carbonaceous feedstocks. The objective of Phase III is to develop an engineering design package and a financing and testing …
Date: June 9, 2003
Creator: Ahmed, Mushtaq; Anderson, John H.; Benham, Charles; Berry, Earl R.; Brent, Fred; Demirel, Belma et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
EARLY ENTRANCE COPRODUCTION PLANT (open access)

EARLY ENTRANCE COPRODUCTION PLANT

The overall objective of this project is the three phase development of an Early Entrance Coproduction Plant (EECP) which uses petroleum coke to produces at least one product from at least two of the following three categories: (1) electric power (or heat), (2) fuels, and (3) chemicals. The objective is to have these products produced by technologies capable of using synthesis gas derived from coal and/or other carbonaceous feedstocks. The objectives of Phase I were to determine the feasibility and define the concept for the EECP located at a specific site; develop a Research, Development, and Testing (RD&T) Plan for implementation in Phase II; and prepare a Preliminary Project Financing Plan. The objective of Phase II is to implement the work as outlined in the Phase I RD&T Plan to enhance the development and commercial acceptance of coproduction technology that produces high-value products, particularly those that are critical to our domestic fuel and power requirements. The project will resolve critical knowledge and technology gaps on the integration of gasification and downstream processing to coproduce some combination of power, fuels, and chemicals from coal and/or other carbonaceous feedstocks. The objective of Phase III is to develop an engineering design package and …
Date: September 9, 2003
Creator: Ahmed, Mushtaq; Anderson, John H.; Benham, Charles; Berry, Earl R.; Brent, Fred; He, Ming et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Stochastic Engine Initiative: Improving Prediction of Behavior in Geologic Environments We Cannot Directly Observe (open access)

The Stochastic Engine Initiative: Improving Prediction of Behavior in Geologic Environments We Cannot Directly Observe

The stochastic engine uses modern computational capabilities to combine simulations with observations. We integrate the general knowledge represented by models with specific knowledge represented by data, using Bayesian inferencing and a highly efficient staged Metropolis-type search algorithm. From this, we obtain a probability distribution characterizing the likely configurations of the system consistent with existing data. The primary use will be optimizing knowledge about the configuration of a system for which sufficient direct observations cannot be made. Programmatic applications include underground systems ranging from environmental contamination to military bunkers, optimization of complex nonlinear systems, and timely decision-making for complex, hostile environments such as battlefields or the detection of secret facilities. We create a stochastic ''base representation'' of system configurations (states) from which the values of measurable parameters can be calculated using forward simulators. Comparison of these predictions to actual measurements drives embedded Bayesian inferencing, updating the distributions of states in the base representation using the Metropolis method. Unlike inversion methods that generate a single bestcase deterministic solution, this method produces all the likely solutions, weighted by their likelihoods. This flexible method is best applied to highly non-linear, multi-dimensional problems. Staging of the Metropolis searches permits us to run the simplest model …
Date: May 9, 2002
Creator: Aines, R; Nitao, J; Newmark, R; Carle, S; Ramirez, A; Harris, D et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Computer Modeling of Saltstone Landfills by Intera Environmental Consultants (open access)

Computer Modeling of Saltstone Landfills by Intera Environmental Consultants

This report summaries the computer modeling studies and how the results of these studies were used to estimate contaminant releases to the groundwater. These modeling studies were used to improve saltstone landfill designs and are the basis for the current reference design. With the reference landfill design, EPA Drinking Water Standards can be met for all chemicals and radionuclides contained in Savannah River Plant waste salts.
Date: August 9, 2001
Creator: Albenesius, E.L.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Radiation dose measurements of the insertion devices. (open access)

Radiation dose measurements of the insertion devices.

Results of radiation dose measurements of the insertion devices for the year 2000 have been added as Figures 29-35.
Date: May 9, 2001
Creator: Alderman, J.; Semones, E. & Job, P. K.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Chemical aspects of actinides in the geosphere: towards a rational nuclear materials management (open access)

Chemical aspects of actinides in the geosphere: towards a rational nuclear materials management

A complete understanding of actinide interactions in the geosphere is paramount for developing a rational Nuclear and Environmental Materials Management Policy. One of the key challenges towards understanding the fate and transport of actinides is determining their speciation (i.e., oxidation state and structure). Since an element's speciation directly dictates physical properties such as toxicity and solubility, this information is critical for evaluating and controlling the evolution of an actinide element through the environment. Specific areas within nuclear and environmental management programs where speciation is important are (1) waste processing and separations; (2) wasteform materials for long-term disposition; and (3) aqueous geochemistry. The goal of this project was to develop Actinide X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy ( U S ) as a core capability at LLNL and integrate it with existing facilities, providing a multi-technique approach to actinide speciation. XAS is an element-specific structural probe which determines the oxidation state and structure for most atoms. XAS can be more incisive than other spectroscopies because it originates from an atomic process and the information is always attainable, regardless of an element's speciation. Despite the utility, XAS is relatively complex due to the need for synchrotron radiation and significant expertise with data acquisition and analysis. …
Date: February 9, 2001
Creator: Allen, P & Sylwester, E
System: The UNT Digital Library
Urban Dispersion Program MSG05 Field Study: Summary of Tracer and Meteorological Measurements (open access)

Urban Dispersion Program MSG05 Field Study: Summary of Tracer and Meteorological Measurements

The Urban Dispersion Program is a multi-year project, funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to better understand the flow and dispersion of airborne contaminants through and around the deep street canyons of New York City. The first tracer and meteorological field study was a limited study conducted during March 2005 near the Madison Square Garden in midtown Manhattan. Six safe, inert, gaseous perfluorocarbon tracers were released simultaneously at five street-level locations during two experimental days. In addition to collecting tracer data, meteorological data were also collected. Brookhaven National Laboratory conducted the bulk of the tracer and meteorological field efforts with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Stevens Institute of Technology assisting by measuring the vertical profile of winds. The Environmental Protection Agency worked with Brookhaven National Laboratory in accomplishing the personal exposure component of the study. This report presents some results from this analysis. In general, different release locations showed vastly different plume footprints for tracer materials, and the situation was made very complex with upwind and/or crosswind transport of tracer near street-level for the different release locations. Overall wind speeds and directions upwind and over the city were generally constant throughout each of the two experimental periods.
Date: August 9, 2006
Creator: Allwine, K Jerry & Flaherty, Julia E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Numerical Analysis Of Three Component Induction Logging In Geothermal Reservoirs (open access)

Numerical Analysis Of Three Component Induction Logging In Geothermal Reservoirs

This project is supporting the development of the ''Geo-Bilt'', geothermal electromagnetic-induction logging tool that is being built by ElectroManetic Instruments, Inc. The tool consists of three mutually orthogonal magnetic field antennas, and three-component magnetic field receivers located at different distances from the source. In its current configuration, the source that has a moment aligned along the borehole axis consists of a 1m long solenoid, while the two trans-axial sources consist of 1m by 8cm loops of wire. The receivers are located 2m and 5m away from the center of the sources, and five frequencies from 2 kHz to 40 kHz are being employed. This study is numerically investigating (1) the effect of the borehole on the measurements, and (2) the sensitivity of the tool to fracture zone-geometries that might be encountered in a geothermal field. The benefits of the results are that they will lead to a better understanding of the data that the tool produces during its testing phase and an idea of what the limitations of the tool are.
Date: January 9, 2002
Creator: Alumbaugh, Dr. David L.
System: The UNT Digital Library
House and Senate Chaplains (open access)

House and Senate Chaplains

This report discusses the two chaplains, one in the House, the other in the Senate, who are the official clergy of Congress. At the beginning of each Congress, the House chaplain is elected for a 2-year term. The Senate chaplain does not have to be reelected at the beginning of a new Congress. There have been 61 Senate chaplains and 59 House chaplains.
Date: October 9, 2001
Creator: Amer, Mildred
System: The UNT Digital Library
Enron: A Select Chronology of Congressional, Corporate, and Government Activities (open access)

Enron: A Select Chronology of Congressional, Corporate, and Government Activities

This report presents basic background information on the collapse of the Enron Corporation, identifying public policy issues in financial market oversight. This report briefly summarizes some federal laws carrying criminal penalties which may be implicated in the events surrounding the collapse of the Enron Corp. This report compares the auditing and accounting reform measures passed by the House (H.R. 3763) and reported by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. This report compares the major provisions of three auditor and accounting reform proposals: H.R. 3763, S. 2673, and a rule proposed on June 20, 2002, by the SEC that would create a new auditor oversight board by using the SEC’s existing authority to regulate corporate accounting. The report focuses on Section 404(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the federal statute that regulates employer-sponsored pension plans. Section 404(a) is considered the “touchstone for understanding the scope and object of an ERISA fiduciary’s duties.”
Date: April 9, 2002
Creator: Anderson, J. Michael
System: The UNT Digital Library
Ethical and legal issues arising from complex genetic disorders. DOE final report (open access)

Ethical and legal issues arising from complex genetic disorders. DOE final report

The project analyzed the challenges raised by complex genetic disorders in genetic counselling, for clinical practice, for public health, for quality assurance, and for protection against discrimination. The research found that, in some settings, solutions created in the context of single gene disorders are more difficult to apply to complex disorders. In other settings, the single gene solutions actually backfired and created additional problems when applied to complex genetic disorders. The literature of five common, complex genetic disorders--Alzheimer's, asthma, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and psychiatric illnesses--was evaluated in depth.
Date: October 9, 2002
Creator: Andrews, Lori
System: The UNT Digital Library
Broadband Internet Access: Background and Issues (open access)

Broadband Internet Access: Background and Issues

This report is about the Broadband Internet Access, The Background and analysis of Broadband. It's importance, and about broadband technologies like Cable, Satellite and other technologies. The status of Broadband Deployment and Development Issues.
Date: June 9, 2005
Creator: Angele. A
System: The UNT Digital Library
Temperature management of centrifugal contactor for caustic-side solvent extraction of cesium from tank waste. (open access)

Temperature management of centrifugal contactor for caustic-side solvent extraction of cesium from tank waste.

A 32-stage centrifugal contactor underwent proof-of-concept testing for its potential use in caustic-side solvent extraction for removal of cesium from radioactive waste now stored in underground tanks at the Savannah River Site. This contactor met the performance goals. Maintaining this performance, however, depends on adequate temperature management. Subsequent calculations and measurements determined the effect of several sources of heat on the temperature of the liquid inside the contactor stages: heats of solvation and dilution, heat generated by the rotor in the mixing zone, and heat from the motor used to spin the rotor. The results indicated that over 90% of the heat comes from the motors, generating 12 W of thermal energy per stage. It was concluded that satisfactory temperature management of the contactor should be achievable by cooling the extraction section to remove 12 W of heat per stage.
Date: July 9, 2001
Creator: Arafat, H. A. & Leonard, R. A.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Tethered Lubricants for Small Systems (open access)

Tethered Lubricants for Small Systems

The objective of this research project is two-fold. First, to fundamentally understand friction and relaxation dynamics of polymer chains near surfaces; and second, to develop novel self-lubricated substrates suitable for MEMS devices. During the three-year performance period of this study the PI and his students have shown using theory and experiments that systematic introduction of disorder into tethered lubricant coatings (e.g. by using self-assembled monolayer (SAM) mixtures or SAMs with nonlinear, branched architectures) can be used to significantly reduce the friction coefficient of a surface. They have also developed a simple procedure based on dielectric spectroscopy for quantifying the effect of surface disorder on molecular relaxation in lubricant coatings. Details of research accomplishments in each area of the project are described in the body of the report.
Date: January 9, 2006
Creator: Archer, Lynden A.
System: The UNT Digital Library