Publications

We present a theory for transforming the system-theory-based realization models into the corresponding physical coordinate-based structural models. The theory has been implemented into computational procedure and applied to several example problems. Our results show that the present transformation theory yields an objective model basis possessing a unique set of structural parameters from an infinite set of equivalent system realization models. For proportionally damped systems, the transformation directly and systematicaly yields the normal modes and modal damping. Moreover, when nonproportional damping is present, the relative magnitude and phase of the damped mode shapes are separately characterized, and a corrective transformation is then employed to capture the undamped normal modes and nondiagonal modal damping matrix.

No abstract available.

A tunable, high-accelerating-gradient cavity has been designed for use in the rf system of the Low Energy Booster (LEB) at the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). Details of the cavity design are discussed along with low level, swept frequency, and high pwoer test results.

Three potential methods for measuring the surface tritium content of the TFTR vacuum vessel are described, each based on a different technique for measuring the in situ beta emission from tritium. These methods should be able to provide both a local and a global assessment of the tritium content within the top [approx] 1[mu]m of the inner wall surface.

This paper develops corrections to the impedance per unit length when the conductor cross section includes sharp corners. The case of a right internal angle is treated in detail. Corrections are given for all real positive values of the ratio of internal to external magnetic permeabilities. Both the real and imaginary parts of the corrections are determined. Application of the results to a conductor of square cross section is given. Higher order terms are developed and compared to a numerical solution. These higher order terms are generalized to the conductor of rectangular cross section. © 1994 IEEE

The Robotic All-Terrain Lunar Exploration Rover (RATLER) is a four wheeled all-wheel-drive dual-body vehicle. A uniquely simple method of chassis articulation is employed which allows all four wheels to remain in contact with the ground, even while climbing over step-like obstacles as large as 1.3 wheel diameters. The RATLER design concept began at Sandia National Laboratories in late 1991 with a series of small, proof-of-principle, working scale models. The models proved the viability of the concept for high mobility through mechanical simplicity, and eventually received internal funding at Sandia National Laboratories for full scale, proof-of-concept prototype development. Whereas the proof-of-principle models demonstrated the mechanical design's capabilities for mobility, the full scale proof-of-concept design currently under development is intended to support field operations for experiments in telerobotics, autonomous robotic operations, telerobotic field geology, and advanced man-machine interface concepts. The development program's current status is described, including an outline of the program's work over the past year, recent accomplishments, and plans for follow-on development work.

This paper describes a collision avoidance system using Whole Arm Proximity (WHAP) sensors on a PUMA 560 robot arm. The capacitance-based sensors generate electric fields which can completely encompass the robot arm and detect obstacles as they approach from any direction. The directional obstacle information gathered by the WHAP sensors together with the sensor geometry and robot configuration is used to scale the commanded joint velocities of the robot. A linearized relationship between the WHAP sensor reading and the distance from the obstacle allows direct transformation of perturbations in WHAP readings to perturbations in joint velocities. The WHAP reading is used to directly reduce the component of the command input velocity along the normal axis of the sensor, allowing graceful reductions in speed as the arm approaches the obstacle. By scaling only the component of the velocity vector in the direction of the nearest obstacles, the control system restricts motion in the direction of obstacles while permitting unconstrained motion in other directions.

The computational fluid dynamics code FIDAP (Fluid Dynamics International) is used to perform simulations of the steady laminar flow of an incompressible fluid in a three-dimensional rectangular cavity. Although most previous studies have considered a 'lid-driven' cavity, where a uniform horizontal velocity is imposed on the cavity lid, the flow in the channel above the cavity is explicitly included in the computational domain in these simulations. Simulations are performed for various Reynolds numbers in the range 0 ≤ Re ≤ 1000 and are compared to corresponding two-dimensional results. The three-dimensional flows are seen to exhibit a smooth topology change around Re ≈ 35.

Detection of air-borne environmental contaminants, such as organic solvents, requires unambiguous compound identification and sensitivity to concentrations below those permitted by regulating agencies. One promising detection approach uses a pulsed supersonic molecular beam vacuum expansion in combination with fluorescence signal spectral analysis to identify species in a chemical mixture. This report describes the use and performance of the ultraviolet excitation molecular beam fluorometer.

We have studied a singly-resonant KTP ring OPO pumped by nanosecond pulses from a frequency-doubled NdYAG laser. We present measurements of the temporal and spatial intensity profiles of the incident pump beam and OPO output beams, including the depleted pump, as well as the output energy as a function of pump laser energy. These measurements have been carried out for both injection-seeded and unseeded operation of the OPO The results of these measurements have been compared to the output of a computer model.

The Telemanaged Mobile Security Station (TMSS) was developed at Sandia National Laboratories to investigate the role of mobile robotics in exterior perimeter security systems. A major feature of the system is its capability to perform autonomous patrols of the security site's network of roads. Perimeter security sites are well known, structured environments; the locations of the roads, buildings, and fences are relatively static. A security robot has the advantage of being able to learn its new environment prior to autonomous travel. The TMSS robot combines information from a microwave beacon system and on-board dead reckoning sensors to determine its location within the site. The operator is required to teleoperate the robot in a teach mode over all desired paths before autonomous operations can commence. During this teach phase, TMSS stores points from its position location system at two meter intervals. This map data base is used for planning paths and for reference during path following. Details of the position location and path following systems will be described along with system performance and recommendations for future enhancements.

A method was developed for applying an inorganic conversion coating on that is procedurally similar to chromate conversion coating methods; this method, however does not use or involve hazardous/toxic chemicals. The coating forms by precipitation involving Al{sup 3+} Li{sup +}, OH{sup {minus}}, CO{sub 3}{sup 2}{minus}, and possibly other anions. This polycrystalline coating is continuous, conformal and persistent in aggressive environments. Coating thicknesses range from several tenths to ten micrometers. Although the outer portions of the coating are porous, the pores do not penetrate to the substrate interface. These coatings do not match the levels of performance offered by commercially available chromate conversion coatings, but are capable of meeting many of the corrosion resistance, electrical resistivity, and paint adhesion requirements established in MIL-C-5541E ``Chemical Conversion Coatings on Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys.`` In this paper, methods for producing the talc coating on aluminum alloys 1100 and 6061-T6 are described and compared to traditional chromate conversion coating methods. Resulting coating structure and composition are described. Performance data for the talc coatings in MIL-C-5541E required tests are presented along with data commercial chromate-based coatings.

Fluorescence depolarization studies of polysilane chains in solution have shown that energy transfer along the polymer chains occurs for only a very short time relative to the excited state lifetime and only over short distances before the excited states become trapped in long, low-energy segments. However, in solid films we have shown in previous work that excitons are highly mobile throughout their 600 ps lifetime at room temperature, presumably because energy transfer among neighboring, parallel chain segments becomes possible. In this paper we report that the exciton-exciton annihilation rate constant decreases by only a factor of five between room temperature and 12 K, showing that the excitons do not become trapped even at low temperatures.

Analog-to-digital converters are frequently modeled as a linear polynomial plus a random process. The parameters of the linear polynomial are the familiar gain and offset of the analog-to-digital converter. The output of the random process is uniformly distributed on plus or minus the least significant bit of the analog-to-digital converter. In this paper, the transfer function of an analog-to-digital converter is modeled as a nonlinear polynomial plus a random process. This model can explain the generation of harmonics by the analog-to-digital converter, but the simpler linear model cannot. The parameters of the nonlinear polynomial are estimated from the response to the analog-to-digital converter to a sine wave. The model parameters are used to estimate the nonlinear part of the transfer function of the analog-to-digital converter.

Many safety analyses depend on uncertain inputs and on mathematical models chosen from various alternatives, but give fixed results (implying no uncertainty). Conventional uncertainty analyses help, but are also based on assumptions and models, the accuracy of which may be difficult to assure. Some of the models and assumptions that on cursory examination seem reasonable can be misleading. As a result, quantitative assessments, even those accompanied by uncertainty measures, can give unwarranted impressions of accuracy. Because analysis results can be a major contributor to a safety-measure decision process, risk management depends on relating uncertainty to only the information available. The uncertainties due to abnormal environments are even more challenging than those in normal-environment safety assessments, and therefore require an even more cautious approach. A fuzzy-algebra analysis is proposed in this article that has the potential to appropriately reflect the information available and portray uncertainties well, especially for abnormal environments. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

The blast-induced movement and final location of geologic layers that may cause environmental problems can be predicted using discrete element methods. This prediction capability can be used by mine operators to locate the material in the muck pile during excavation which would allow encapsulation to prevent groundwater infiltration.

In support of the Department of Energy`s Dismantlement Program, the Optoelectronics Characterization and Sensor Development Department 2231 at Sandia National Laboratories/New Mexico has developed an in situ nonintrusive Optoelectronic Inventory System (OIS) that has the potential for application wherever periodic inventory of selected material is desired. Using a network of fiber-optic links, the OIS retrieves and stores inventory signatures from data storage devices (which are permanently attached to material storage containers) while inherently providing electromagnetic pulse immunity and electrical noise isolation. Photovoltaic cells (located within the storage facility) convert laser diode optic power from a laser driver to electrical energy. When powered and triggered, the data storage devices sequentially output their digital inventory signatures through light-emitting diode/photo diode data links for retrieval and storage in a mobile data acquisition system. An item`s exact location is determined through fiber-optic network and software design. The OIS provides an on-demand method for obtaining acceptable inventory reports while eliminating the need for human presence inside the material storage facility. By using modularization and prefabricated construction with mature technologies and components, an OIS installation with virtually unlimited capacity can be tailored to the customer`s requirements.

Time-resolved velocity interferometry measurements have been made on boron carbide and silicon carbide ceramics to assess dynamic equation-of-state and strength properties of these materials. Hugoniot precursor characteristics, and post-yield shock and release wave properties, indicated markedly different dynamic strength and flow behavior for the two carbides.

To investigate the feasibility of producing a compact, efficient blue laser source, pumped-cavity second harmonic generation of diode lasers was explored. It is desirable to have such lasers to increase optical disk storage density, for color displays and for under-the-sea green-blue optical signal transmission. Based on assumed cavity losses, a cavity was designed and numerical analysis predicted an overall conversion efficiency to the second harmonic wavelength of 76% from a 75 mW diode laser. The diode laser used in these experiments had a single longitudinal and a single transverse mode output at 860 nm. The best conversion efficiency obtained (26%) was less than optimum due to the 2.5% single-pass linear losses associated with the cavity. However, calculations based on these higher losses are in good agreement with the experimentally determined values. In additions, a factor of 1.65 increase in the second harmonic output power is anticipated by reducing the input mirror reflectivity to better impedance-match the cavity. With this relatively low second harmonic conversion, the power to light conversion is 7.8%.

A series of explosive tests were performed to establish containment integrity data for commonly used handling and storage containers of energetic materials at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, N.M. The tests consisted of two phases: (1) each container was tested for explosive integrity and propagation, and (2) the data were used to evaluate a nominal donor-receptor test matrix for verifying the confinement integrity of a typical explosives service locker.

This study is a comparison of hydraulic fracture models run using test data from the GRI Staged Field Experiment No. 3. Models compared include 2D, pseudo-3D, and 3D codes, run on up to eight different cases. Documented in this comparison are the differences in length, height, width, pressure, and efficiency. The purpose of this study is to provide the completions engineer with a practical comparison of the available models so that rational decisions can be made as to which model is optimal for a given application.

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) from an airborne platform has been proposed for imaging targets beneath the earth`s surface. The propagation of the radar`s energy within the ground, however, is much different than in the earth`s atmosphere. The result is signal refraction, echo delay, propagation losses, dispersion, and volumetric scattering. These all combine to make SAR image formation from an airborne platform much more challenging than a surface imaging counterpart. This report treats the ground as a lossy dispersive half-space, and presents a model for the radar echo based on measurable parameters. The model is then used to explore various imaging schemes, and image properties. Dynamic range is discussed, as is the impact of loss on dynamic range. Modified window functions are proposed to mitigate effects of sidelobes of shallow targets overwhelming deeper targets.

Oxynitrides have been grown by oxidation in N2O in a standard thermal oxidation furnace. Two N2O processes have been studied: Oxidation in N2O only, and two-step oxidation with initial oxidation in O2 followed by oxidation/nitridation in N2O. Results are presented for radiation damage at 80 and 295K, hole trapping, interface trap creation, electron spin resonance, and hole detrapping using thermally-stimulated current analysis. N2O oxydo not appear to have the well-known drawbacks of NH3-annealed oxynitrides. Creation of interface traps during irradiation is reduced in the N2O oxynitrides, with the degree of improvement depending on the fabrication process. © 1994 IEEE

The radiation hardness of commercial Floating Gate 256K E2PROMs from a single diffusion lot was observed to vary between 5 to 25 krad(Si) when irradiated at a low dose rate of 64 mrad(Si)/s. Additional variations in E2PROM hardness were found to depend on bias condition and failure mode (i.e., inability to read or write the memory), as well as the foundry at which the part was manufactured. This variability is related to system requirements, and it is shown that hardness level and variability affect the allowable mode of operation for E2PROMs in space applications. The radiation hardness of commercial I-Mbit CMOS SRAMs from Micron, Hitachi, and Sony irradiated at 147 rad(Si)/s was approximately 12, 13, and 19 krad(Si), respectively. These failure levels appear to be related to increases in leakage current during irradiation. Hardness of SRAMs from each manufacturer varied by less than 20%, but differences between manufacturers are significant. The Qualified Manufacturer's List approach to radiation hardness assurance is suggested as a way to reduce variability and to improve the hardness level of commercial technologies. © 1994 IEEE

This report is divided into: budget, capital equipment requests, general programmatic overview and institutional issues, DOE center of excellence for synthesis and processing of advanced materials, industrial interactions and technology transfer, and research program summaries (new proposals, existing programs). Ceramics, semiconductors, superconductors, interfaces, CVD, tailored surfaces, adhesion, growth and epitaxy, boron-rich solids, nanoclusters, etc. are covered.

Autosim is a software package written to control and trigger the programmable instruments that are used to supply simulated signals to the recording devices on underground nuclear weapons effects tests at the Nevada Test Site. These instruments are located either in the tunnel or at a remote site, and may be controlled from anywhere on the Department 9320 Computer Network. Autosim incorporates commands to control the operation of the Laser Calibrator that is a fiber optic device that transmits a signal from down-hole to the uphole recorders. Autosim also supports the task of characterizing the cable links by communicating to some high bandwidth digitizers that are used to input the pulse of the downhole simulator. To minimize the learning interval, Autosim utilizes menus and offers on-line help on most of the selections in the menu options.

Ceramic chip capacitors can potentially crack due to thermal stresses in a surface mount assembly process. The electrical performance of the cracked capacitors will degrade with time, and they will prematurely short. In high reliability applications, the cracked capacitors must be identified and eliminated. We have developed and demonstrated the temperature-humidity-bias (THB) aging technique to identify cracked capacitors. The initial phase of the study involved setting up automated test equipment to monitor 100 surface mounted capacitors at 85% relative humidity, 85{degree}C with 50 volts dc bias. The capacitors subjected to severe thermal shock were aged along with control samples. Failure mode analysis was done on the failed capacitors. The capacitors with surface cracks short-out within the first 8 hours of aging, whereas the capacitors that failed after a longer aging time (8 to 1000 hours) had a shorting path in an internal void. Internal voids are typical defects introduced during manufacturing of multilayer ceramic (MLC) capacitors. In the second phase of the study, we used the THB aging technique to study the effect of surface mount processes on capacitor cracking and, thus the reliability. The surface mount processes studied were vapor phase, infra-red (IR) and convection belt reflow soldering. The results shoed that 6.3% of vapor phase soldered capacitors, and 1.25% of the IR and convection belt soldered capacitors had cracks. In all capacitors, regardless of the solder process used, an additional 3 to 4% of the capacitors failed due to a shorting path in the internal void. The results of this study confirm that this technique can be used to screen cracked capacitors and compare different solder and manufacturing processes.

The excess base current in an irradiated BJT increases superlinearly with total dose at low-total-dose levels. In this regime, the excess base current depends on the particular charge-trapping properties of the oxide that covers the emitter base junction. The device response is dose-rate-, irradiation-bias-, and technology-dependent in this regime. However, once a critical amount of charge has accumulated in the oxide, the excess base current saturates at a value that is independent of how the charge accumulated. This saturated excess base current depends on the device layout, bulk lifetime in the base region, and the measurement bias. In addition to providing important insight into the physics of bipolar-transistor total-dose response, these results have significant circuit-level implications. For example, in some circuits, the transistor gain that corresponds to the saturated excess base current is sufficient to allow reliable circuit operation. For cases in which the saturated value of current gain is acceptable, and where other circuit elements permit such over-testing, this can greatly simplify hardness assurance for space applications. © 1994 IEEE

This report gives the results of a study of the production of electricity from geothermal energy with particular emphasis on the drilling of geothermal wells. A brief history of the industry, including the influence of the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act, is given. Demand and supply of electricity in the United States are touched briefly. The results of a number of recent analytical studies of the cost of producing electricity are discussed, as are comparisons of recent power purchase agreements in the state of Nevada. Both the costs of producing electricity from geothermal energy and the costs of drilling geothermal wells are analyzed. The major factors resulting in increased cost of geothermal drilling, when compared to oil and gas drilling, are discussed. A summary of a series of interviews with individuals representing many aspects of the production of electricity from geothermal energy is given in the appendices. Finally, the implications of these studies are given, conclusions are presented, and program recommendations are made.

In this paper we describe an algorithm by which obstructions and surface features in an underground storage tank can be modeled and used to generate virtual barrier functions for a real-time telerobotic system, which provides an aid to the operator for both real-time obstacle avoidance and for surface tracking. The algorithm requires that the slave's tool and every object in the waste storage tank be decomposed into convex polyhedral primitives, with the waste surface modeled by triangular prisms. Intrusion distance and extraction vectors are then derived at every time step by applying Gilbert's polyhedra distance algorithm, which has been adapted for the task. This information is then used to determine the compression and location of nonlinear virtual spring-dampers whose total force is summed and applied to the manipulator/teleoperator system. Experimental results using a PUMA 560 and a simulated waste surface validate the approach, showing that it is possible to compute the algorithm and generate smooth, realistic pseudo forces for the teleoperator system using standard VME bus hardware.

Low energy Ar and Xe ion bombardment of Ge (001) produces large numbers of point defects on the Ge surface and in the near-surface regions. Defect concentrations on the surface are detected and quantified in real time during bombardment using in situ Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED). We report the energy dependence of the defect yield for 70-500 eV Ar and Xe ion bombardment, and the temperature dependence of the defect yield (defects/ion) during 200 eV ion bombardment. The defect yield drops rapidly as the substrate temperature during bombardment is varied from 175 K to 400 K. We attribute the yield reduction to surface recombination of adatoms and vacancies produced in the same collision cascade.

Least-squares sine-fit algorithms are used extensively in signal processing applications. The parameter estimates produced by such algorithms are subject to both random and systematic errors when the record of input samples consists of a fundamental sine wave corrupted by harmonic distortion or noise. The errors occur because, in general, such sine-fits will incorporate a portion of the harmonic distortion or noise into their estimate of the fundamental. Bounds are developed for these errors for least-squares four-parameter (amplitude, frequency, phase, and offset) sine-fit algorithms. The errors are functions of the number of periods in the record, the number of samples in the record, the harmonic order, and fundamental and harmonic amplitudes and phases. The bounds do not apply to cases in which harmonic components become aliased.

FPT0 is the first of six tests that are scheduled to be conducted in an experimental reactor in Cadarache, France. The test apparatus consists of an in-pile fuel bundle, an upper plenum, a hot leg, a steam generator, a cold leg, and a small containment. Thus, the test is integral in the sense that it attempts to simulate all of the processes that would be operative in a severe nuclear accident. In FPT0, the fuel will be trace irradiated; in subsequent tests high burn-up fuel will be used. This report discusses separate pretest analyses of the FPT0 fuel bundle and primary circuit have been conducted using the USNRC`s source term code, VICTORIA-92. Predictions for release of fission product, control rod, and structural elements from the test section are compared with those given by CORSOR-M. In general, the releases predicted by VICTORIA-92 occur earlier than those predicted by CORSOR-M. The other notable difference is that U release is predicted to be on a par with that of the control rod elements; CORSOR-M predicts U release to be about 2 orders of magnitude greater.

DC and pulsed-DC electromigration tests were performed at the wafer level using standard and self-stressing test structures. DC characterization tests over a very large temperature range (180 to 560 °C) were consistent with an interface diffusion mechanism in parallel with lattice diffusion. That data allowed for extraction of the respective activation energies and the diffusion coefficient of the rapid mechanism. The ability to extract simultaneously a defect-based diffusion coefficient and activation energy is significant given the extreme difficulty in making those measurements in aluminum. The pulsed-DC experiments were conducted over a range that includes the highest frequency to date, from DC to 500 MHz. Measurements were also made as a function of duty factor from 15% to 100% at selected frequencies. The data shows that the pulsed-DC lifetime is consistent with the average current density model at high (>10 MHz) frequencies and showed no additional effects at the highest frequency tested (500 MHz). At low frequencies, we attribute the lessened enhancement to thermal effects rather than vacancy relaxation effects. Finally, the deviation in lifetime from the expected current density dependence, characterized over 1 1/2 orders of magnitude in current density, is explained in terms of a shift in the boundary condition for electromigration as the current density is decreased.

This report identifies and describes emerging nondestructive inspection (NDI) methods that can potentially be used to inspect commercial transport and commuter aircraft for structural damage. The nine categories of emerging NDI techniques are: acoustic emission, x-ray computed tomography, backscatter radiation, reverse geometry x-ray, advanced electromagnetics, including magnetooptic imaging and advanced eddy current techniques, coherent optics, advanced ultrasonics, advanced visual, and infrared thermography. The physical principles, generalized performance characteristics, and typical applications associated with each method are described. In addition, aircraft inspection applications are discussed along with the associated technical considerations. Finally, the status of each technique is presented, with a discussion on when it may be available for use in actual aircraft maintenance programs. It should be noted that this is a companion document to DOT/FAA/CT-91/5, Current Nondestructive Inspection Methods for Aging Aircraft.

This report describes efforts conducted under Tasks 3 and 4 of the second phase of the project to develop a single-element stretched-membrane dish concept to reduce the cost of a high-performance concentrating solar collector. We completed the detailed design for such a collector suitable to drive a 25-kWe Stirling motor generator. The design includes the collectors, optical element, the drive, and support systems. The aperture of the optical element was sized to provide the required energy to the engine based on test data and analytical models of the concentrator receiver, and engine. The design of the optical element was improved based on experience gained from the design, fabrication, and testing of several prototypes.

Thin films of amorphous carbon/hydrogen, also known as diamond-like carbon or DLC, are of interest as an economical alternative to diamond in a variety of coatings applications. We have investigated the thermal stability of DLC films deposited onto tungsten and aluminum substrates via plasma CVD of methane. These films contain approximately 40 atom % hydrogen, and based on Auger spectra the carbon in the films is estimated to be approximately 60% sp3 hybridized and 40% sp2 hybridized. Thermal desorption, Auger, and Raman measurements all indicate that the DLC films are stable to 250-300 °C. Between 300 and 500 °C, thermal evolution of hydrogen from the films is accompanied by the conversion of carbon from sp3 to sp2 hybridization, and Raman spectra indicate the conversion of the overall film structure from DLC to micro-crystalline graphite or so-called `glassy' carbon. These results suggest that DLC of this type is potentially useful for applications in which the temperature does not exceed 250 °C.

This manual is intended to act as a working guide for setting up a Science Fair Volunteer Support Committee at your school. The Science Fair Volunteer Support Committee, or SFVSC, is the key component of the Science Fair Self-Help program, which was developed by Sandia National Laboratories and is designed to support a school`s science activities. The SFVSC is a team of parents and community volunteers who work in concert with a school`s teaching staff to assist and manage all areas of a school Science and Engineering Fair. The main advantage of creating such a committee is that it frees the science teachers from the organizational aspects of the fair and lets them concentrate on their job of teaching science. This manual is based on information gained through a Self-Help Development pilot program that was developed by Sandia National Laboratories during the 1991--92 school year at three Albuquerque, NM, middle schools. The manual describes the techniques that were successful in the pilot program and discusses how these techniques might be implemented in other schools. This manual also discusses problems that may be encountered, including suggestions for how they might be resolved.

The code HORSMIC was written to solve the problem of calculating the shape of hydrocarbon (gas or liquid) storage caverns formed by solution mining in bedded salt formations. In the past many storage cavems have been formed by vertically drilling into salt dome formations and solution mining large-aspect-ratio, vertically-axisymmetric caverns. This approach is generally not satisfactory for shallow salt beds because it would result in geomechanically-unstable, pancake-shaped caverns. In order to produce a high aspect ratio cavern in the horizontal direction a more complicated strategy must be employed. This report describes one such strategy, and documents the use of the computer model HORSMIC which can be used to estimate the shape of the cavern produced by a prescribed leaching schedule. Multiple trials can then be used to investigate the effects of various pipe hole configurations in order to optimize over the cavern shape.

The objective of the ``Hydrodynamics of Maneuvering Bodies`` LDRD project was to develop a Lagrangian, vorticity-based numerical simulation of the fluid dynamics associated with a maneuvering submarine. Three major tasks were completed. First, a vortex model to simulate the wake behind a maneuvering submarine was completed, assuming the flow to be inviscid and of constant density. Several simulations were performed for a dive maneuver, each requiring less than 20 cpu seconds on a workstation. The technical details of the model and the simulations are described in a separate document, but are reviewed herein. Second, a gridless method to simulate diffusion processes was developed that has significant advantages over previous Lagrangian diffusion models. In this model, viscous diffusion of vorticity is represented by moving vortices at a diffusion velocity, and expanding the vortices as specified by the kinematics for a compressible velocity field. This work has also been documented previously, and is only reviewed herein. The third major task completed was the development of a vortex model to describe inviscid internal wave phenomena, and is the focus of this document. Internal wave phenomena in the stratified ocean can affect an evolving wake, and thus must be considered for naval applications. The vortex model for internal wave phenomena includes a new formulation for the generation of vorticity due to fluid density variations, and a vortex adoption algorithm that allows solutions to be carried to much longer times than previous investigations. Since many practical problems require long-time solutions, this new adoption algorithm is a significant step toward making vortex methods applicable to practical problems. Several simulations are described and compared with previous results to validate and show the advantages of the new model. An overview of this project is also included.

This report documents results of a series of scoping experiments on boiling from downward-facing surfaces in support of the Sandia New Production Reactor, Vessel-Pool Boiling Heat Transfer task. Quenching experiments have been performed to examine the boiling processes from downward-facing surfaces using two 61-centimeter diameter test masses, one with a flat test surface and one with a curved test surface having a radius of curvature of 335 cm, matching that of the Cylindrical Boiling facility test vessel. Boiling curves were obtained for both test surfaces facing horizontally downward. The critical beat flux was found to be essentially the same, having an average value of approximately 0.5 MW/m{sup 2}. This value is substantially higher than current estimates of the heat dissipation rates required for in-vessel retention of core debris in the Heavy Water New Production Reactor as well as some of the advanced light water reactors under design. The nucleate boiling process was found to be cyclic with four relatively distinct phases: direct liquid/solid contact, nucleation and growth of bubbles, coalescence, and ejection.

We demonstrate the use of HAST and Assembly Test Chips to evaluate the susceptability of epoxy molding compounds to moisture induced corrosion of Al conductors. We show that the procedure is sufficiently sensitive to discriminate between assembly processes used by different molding facilities. Our data show that the location in time of the 'knee' in the failure distribution is dependent on material properties of the epoxy. Reducing the failure rate in the early or 'extrinsic' region of the time-failure distribution is key to achieving high reliability. We examine the failure modes in the extrinsic region for test chips encapsulated with a number of high quality molding compounds in an attempt to better understand this region.

This report describes the instrumentation locations of the Tore Supra Phase III Outboard Limiter, including the locations and signal names of the flowmeters and thermocouples. Shot 11044 was evaluated in some detail. The heat loads in the fourteen cooling tubes that form the limiter head were calculated from the data and the results compared with the heat loads predicted using a 3-D model heat transfer calculation that calculates the distribution of power on the limiter based upon the power scrape-off length, the mag magnetic configuration and the shape of the limiter.

We are studying carbon thin films by using a pulsed excimer laser to ablate pyrolytic graphite targets to form highly tetrahedral coordinated amorphous carbon (at-C) films. These films have been grown on room temperature p-type Si (100) substrates without the intentional incorporation of hydrogen. In order to understand and optimize the growth of at-C films, parametric studies of the growth parameters have been performed. We have also introduced various background gases (H2, N2 and Ar) and varied the background gas pressure during deposition. The residual compressive stress levels in the films have been measured and correlated to changes in the Raman spectra of the at-C band near 1565 cm-1. The residual compressive stress falls with gas pressure, indicating a decreasing atomic sp3-bonded carbon fraction. We find that reactive gases such as hydrogen and nitrogen significantly alter the Raman spectra at higher pressures. These effects are due to a combination of chemical incorporation of nitrogen and hydrogen into the film as well as collisional cooling of the ablation plume. In contrast, films grown in non-reactive Ar background gases show much less dramatic changes in the Raman spectra at similar pressures.

Granular salt can be used to construct high performance permanent seals in boreholes which penetrate rock salt formations. These seals are described as seal systems comprised of the host rock, the seal material, and the seal rock interface. The performance of these seal systems is defined by the complex interactions between these seal system components through time. The interactions are largely driven by the creep of the host formation applying boundary stress on the seal forcing consolidation of the granular salt. The permeability of well constructed granular salt seal systems is expected to approach the host rock permeability (<10-21 m2 (10"9 darcy)) with time. The immediate permeability of these seals is dependent on the emplaced density. Laboratory test results suggest that careful emplacement techniques could result in immediate seal system permeability on the order of 10'16 m2 to 10*1* m2 (10*4 darcy to 10"^ darcy). The visco-plastic behavior of the host rock coupled with the granular salts ability to "heal" or consolidate make granular salt an ideal sealing material for boreholes whose permanent sealing is required.

The Department of Energy’s Solar Thermal Electric Program is managed by the Solar Thermal and Biomass Power Division, which is part of the Office of Utility Technologies. The focus of the Program is to commercialize solar electric technologies. In this regard, three major projects are currently being pursued in trough, central receiver, and dish/Stirling electric power generation. This paper describes these three projects and the activities at the National Laboratories that support them.

Northern Research and Engineering Corp. (NREC) is currently under contract to Sandia National Laboratories to solarize a 30 kWe Brayton engine that is based on turbo-charger technology. This program is also supported by the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR), which is supplying the solar receiver through an agreement with the International Energy Agencyl Solar PACES. The engine is a low pressure, highly recuperated engine. The turbo-machinery is built up from commercial turbo-chargers, which ensures low cost and high reliability. A combustor will be included in the system to allow for full power production during cloud transients. Current estimates are that the engine/alternator thermal-to-electric efficiency will be 30+%. The solar receiver to be supplied by DLR will be an advanced version of their VOBREC volumetric receiver. This receiver has a parabolic quartz window and ceramic foam absorber. The estimated efficiency of the receiver is 9W%. Sandia has developed an economic model to estimate the levelized energy cost (LEC) of energy produced by dish/engine systems. The model includes both the operating characteristics of the dishes and engines as well as a detailed economic model. The results of the analysis indicate that the dish/Brayton systems compare favorably with dishlstirling systems.

The National Ignition Facility (NIF), which is expected to resolve important Defense Program and inertial fusion energy issues for energy production in the future, will consist of a laser system with 192 independent beamlets transported to a target chamber. The target chamber is a multi-purpose structure that provides the interface between the target and the laser optics. The chamber must be capable of achieving moderate vacuum levels in reasonable times; it must remain dimensionally stable within micron tolerances, provide support for the optics, diagnostics, and target positioner; it must minimize the debris from the x-ray and laser light environments; and it must be capable of supporting external neutron shielding. The chamber must also be fabricated from a low neutron activation material. This paper describes the conceptual design of the target chamber, target positioner, and shielding for the NIF.

Highly tetrahedral-coordinated-amorphous-carbon (a-tC) films deposited by pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) on silicon substrates are studied. These films are grown at room-temperatures in a high-vacuum ambient. a-tC films grown in this manner have demonstrated stability to temperatures in excess of T = 1000 °C, more than sufficient for any post-processing treatment or application. Film surfaces are optically smooth as determined both visually and by atomic-force microscopy. PLD growth parameters can be controlled to produce films with a range of sp2 - sp3 carbon-carbon bond ratios. Films with the highest yield of sp3 C-C bonds have high resistivity, with a dielectric permittivity constant ε to approximately 4, measured capacitively at low frequencies (1 - 100 kHz). These a-tC films are p-type semiconductors as grown. Schottky barrier diode structures have been fabricated.

Pool-boiler reflux receivers have been considered as an alternative to heat pipes for the input of concentrated solar energy to Stirling-cycle engines in dish-Stirling electric generation systems. Pool boilers offer simplicity in design and fabrication. The operation of a full-scale pool-boiler receiver has been demonstrated for short periods of time. However, to generate cost-effective electricity, the receiver must operate without significant maintenance for the entire system life, as much as 20 to 30 years. Long-term liquid-metal boiling stability and materials compatibility with refluxing NaK-78 is not known and must be determined for the pool boiler receiver. No boiling system has been demonstrated for a significant duration with the current porous boiling enhancement surface and materials. At least one theory explaining lncipientboiling behavior of alkali metals indicates that favorable start-up behavior should deteriorate over time. Many factors affect the stability and startup behavior of the boiling system. Therefore, it is necessary to simulate the full-scale pool boiler design as much as possible, including flux levels, materials, and operating cycles. On-sun testing is impractical because of the limited test time available. A test vessel was constructed with a Friction Coatings Inc, porous boiling enhancement surface. The boiling surface consisted of a brazed stainless steel powder with about 50% porosity. The vessel was heated with a quartz lamp array providing about 90 Wlcm2 peak incident thermal flux. The vessel was charged with NaK-78, which is liquid at room temperature. This allows the elimination of costly electric preheating, both on this test and on fullscale receivers. The vessel was fabricated from Haynes 230 alloy, selected for its high temperature strength and oxidation resistance. The vessel operated at 750°C around the clock, with a 112-hour shutdown cycle to ambient every 8 hours. Temperature data was continually collected. The test completed 7500 hours of lamp-on operation time, and over 1000 startups from ambient. The test was terminated when a small leak in an lnconel 600 thermowell was detected. The test design and data are presented here. Metallurgical analysis of virgin and tested materials has begun, and initial results are also presented.

In attempt to ultimately control the characteristics of the PZT films, we have decided to investigate some of the basic chemistry associated with these solutions. Frequently, these solutions have been generated from Group IV metal alkoxides in acetic acid (HOAc). Therefore, studies of the simple reactivity between M(OCHMe2)4 (M = Ti, Zr) and HOAc have been undertaken. These reactions were monitored by 1H, 13C, 17O NMR, FT-IR, TGA/DTA, and single crystal X-ray studies. Films were produced from spin-coat deposition of crystalline material (from the titanium reaction) in toluene and aged solutions as well.

This paper describes three applications of the boundary element method and their implementations on the Intel Paragon supercomputer. Each of these applications sustains over 99 Gflops/s based on wall-clock time for the entire application and an actual count of flops executed; one application sustains over 140 Gflops/s! Each application accepts the description of an arbitrary geometry and computes the solution to a problem of commercial and research interest. The common kernel for these applications is a dense equation solver based on LU factorization. It is generally accepted that good performance can be achieved by dense matrix algorithms, but achieving the excellent performance demonstrated here required the development of a variety of special techniques to take full advantage of the power of the Intel Paragon.

A compact, easily transportable, pulse generator has been developed for a variety of applications that require a pulse duration in the range of 1p sec., voltages from 150 to 300 KV and current levels from 2,000 to 3,000 amps. The generator has a simple cylindrical configuration and modular construction to facilitate assembly and service. The generator may be operated single-pulse or repetitively at pulse repetition rates to 50 Hz in a burst mode.

A wideband EMF' tester consisting of a high voltage modulator, transmission line, high voltage peaking switch, and a "EM test cell has been developed that delivers repetitive high frequency EMF' pulses to an RF-sealed double-test volume of about 1 k3. The pulse shape is rectangular, has a duration of 4 ns and a risetime of 120 ps. The system can be operated at pulse repetition rates up to 1500 Hz and electric field levels up to 125 kV/m. Both voltage and pulse rate are continuously adjustable over these ranges and may be operated in any combination.

High-temperature post-oxidation annealing of poly-Si/SiO2/Si structures such as metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors and metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors is known to result in enhanced radiation sensitivity, increased 1/f noise, and low field breakdown. We have studied the origins of these effects from a spectroscopic standpoint using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and atomic force microscopy. One result of high temperature annealing is the generation of three types of paramagnetic defect centers, two of which are associated with the oxide close to the Si/SiO2 interface (oxygen-vacancy centers) and the third with the bulk Si substrate (oxygen-related donors). In all three cases the origin of the defects may be attributed to out-diffusion of O from the SiO2 network into the Si substrate with associated reduction of the oxide. We present a straightforward model for the interfacial region which assumes the driving force for O out-diffusion is the chemical potential difference of the O in the two phases (SiO2 and the Si substrate). Experimental evidence is provided to show that enhanced hole trapping and interface-trap and border-trap generation in irradiated high-temperature annealed Si/SiO2/Si systems are all related either directly, or indirectly, to the presence of oxygen vacancies.

The Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) concept was originally developed in the 1940's. Recently, because of increasing energy costs, utility interest, and the development of simple and durable ground source heat exchangers, GHP's have gained international attention as a proven means of energy conservation and electrical peak power demand reduction. GHP systems require installation of a buried heat exchanger to utilize the nearly constant ground temperature making them more efficient than conventional air source heat pumps. However, the high installation cost for both residential and commercial applications is a major obstacle to their market penetration. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) through its sponsors, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Defense (DOD), has embarked on a research program to find ways to reduce GHP installation costs and improve performance, thereby increasing their market penetration. The major elements of the program are: data acquisition to quantify the performance of GHP's, research and development (R&D) of the ground source heat exchanger aimed at reducing installation costs, and support of DOE efforts to market the GHP concept. This paper describes the current status of our program, some experimental and analytical results, and plans for future activities.

Path planning needs to be fast to facilitate real-time robot programming. Unfortunately, current planning techniques are still too slow to be effective, as they often require several minutes, if not hours of computation. To overcome this difficulty, we present an adaptive algorithm that uses past experience to speed up future performance. It is a learning algorithm suitable for automating flexible manufacturing in mirementally-changing environments. The algorithm allows the robot to adapt to its environment by having two ezperience manipulation schemes: For minor environmental change, we use an object-attached experience abstraction scheme to increase the Flexibility of the learned experience; for major environmental change, we use an on-demand experience repair scheme to retain those experiences that remain valid and useful. Using this algorithm, we can effectively reduce the overall robot planning time by re-using the computation result for one task to plan a path for another.

Path planning needs to be fast to facilitate real-time robot programming. Unfortunately, current planning techniques are still too slow to be effective, as they often require several minutes, if not hours of computation. To overcome this difficulty, we present an adaptive algorithm that uses past experience to speed up future performance. It is a learning algorithm suitable for incrementally-changing environments such as those encountered in manufacturing of evolving prod-ucts and waste-site remediation. The algorithm allows the robot to adapt to its environment by having two experience manipulation schemes: For minor environmental change, we use an object-attached experience abstraction scheme to increase the flexibility of the learned experience; for major environmental change, we use an on-demand experience repair scheme to retain those experiences that remain valid and useful. Using this algorithm, we can effectively reduce the overall robot planning time by re-using the computation result for one task to plan a path for another.

Property scaling becomes an issue whenever heterogeneous media properties are measured at one scale but applied at another (i.e., data is collected at the core scale but analysis is conducted at the grid block scale). A research program has been established to challenge current understanding of property scaling with the aim of developing and testing models that describe scaling behavior in a quantitative manner. Scaling of constitutive rock properties is investigated through physical experimentation involving the collection of gas-permeability data measured over a range of discrete scales. The approach is to systematically isolate those factors that influence property scaling and investigate their relative contributions to overall scaling behavior. Two blocks of rock, each exhibiting differing heterogeneity structure, have recently been examined. The two samples were found to yield different scaling behavior, as exhibited by changes in the distribution functions and semivariograms. Simple models have been fit to the measured scaling behavior that are of similar functional form but of different magnitude.

A computer code has been developed to determine the size of a ground-launched, multistage missile which can intercept a theater ballistic missile before it leaves the atmosphere. Typical final conditions for the inteceptor are 450 km range, 60 km altitude, and 80 sec flight time. Given the payload mass (35 kg), which includes a kinetic kill vehicle, and achievable values for the stage mass fractions (0.85), the stage specific impulses (290 sec), and the vehicle density (60 lb/ft3), the launch mass is minimized with respect to the stage payload mass ratios, the stage burn times, and the missile angle of attack history subject to limits on the angle of attack (10 deg), the dynamic pressure (60,000 psf), and the maneuver load (200,000 psf deg). For a conical body, the minimum launch mass is approximately 1900 kg. The missile has three stages, and the payload coasts for 57 sec. A trade study has been performed by varying the flight time, the range, and the dynamic pressure limits. With the results of a sizing study for a 70 lb payload and qmar = 35,000 psf, a more detailed design has been carried out to determine heat shield mass, tabular aerodynamics, and altitude dependent thrust. The resulting missile has approximately 100 km less range than the sizing program predicted primarily because of the additional mass required for heat protection. On the other hand, launching the same missile from an aircraft increases its range by approximately 100 km. Sizing the interceptor for air launch with the same final conditions as the ground-launched missile reduces its launch mass to approximately 1000 kg.

Factors that control phase evolution, microstructural development and ferroelectric domain assemblage are evaluated for chemically prepared lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films. Zirconium to titanium stoichiometry is shown to strongly influence microstructure. As Ti content increases, there is an apparent enhancement of the perovskite phase nucleation rate, grain size becomes smaller, and the amount of pyrochlore phase, if present, decreases. While the pyrochlore matrix microstructure for near morphotropic phase boundary composition thin films consists of two interpenetrating nanophases (pyrochlore and an amorphous phase); the pyrochlore microstructure for PZT 20/80 films deposited on MgO substrates is single phase and consists of 10 nm grains. Zirconium to titanium stoichiometry also has a substantial influence on process integration. Near morphotropic phase boundary films exhibit extensive reaction with underlying Ti02 diffusion barriers; conversely, there is no chemical reaction for identically processed PZT 20/80 thin films. We have attempted to directly correlate the optical quality of PZT thin films to the following microstructural features: 1) presence of a second phase, 2) domain orientation, and 3) nanometer surface morphology. © 1994, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

A dual-element, stretched-membrane central receiver heliostat was designed and manufactured in 1989, by a private US company engaged in the development of commercial central receiver solar technology. The two-module collector, with a collection area of 97.5 m{sup 2}, extends stretched-membrane mirror technology on several fronts with face-down stow capability and a digital controller that integrates tracking and focusing control on a single programmable control board. The solar collector was installed at Sandia`s National Solar Thermal Test Facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico and evaluated over a three-and-a-half year period which ended in September 1993. The measured performance and the operational and maintenance characteristics of this commercial prototype are the subject of this report. The results of beam quality measurements, tracking repeatability tests, measurements of beam movement in elevated winds, performance tests of the focusing system, and all-day beam quality and tracking tests are presented, and the authors offer a detailed discussion of the knowledge gained through operation and maintenance and of the improvements made or suggested to the heliostat`s design.

This report presents the results of an inspection around fastener holes in simulated lap splice specimens using a Nortec-30 Eddyscan inspection system. The inspector performing the tests had no prior knowledge of the extent or location of cracks in the specimens examined. The results of the inspection are presented in terms of various probability of detection curve models and are compared to various other eddy current inspections performed on the same set of test specimens. Results indicate that the system is capable, with high confidence, of detecting 60 to 70 mil cracks from under countersink fasteners.

This report presents a provisional lifetime prediction method which attempts to account for creep- fatigue interactions typically encountered in the design of solar central receivers that spend a considerable fraction of their operating periods subjected to compressive stresses at elevated temperature. During its operating life, a solar central receiver will be exposed to a large number of startup/shut- down cycles (relative to other power-producing systems), along with only short periods (up to 10-12 hrs.) of steady-state operation during each daily cycle. As such, fatigue-related deformation is expected to dominate the damage leading to failure in the high temperature alloys used for such as receiver. Thus, the provisional method concentrates on a fatigue-based damage approach, with direct accounting for the effects of thermo-mechanical fatigue and hold times at elevated temperatures. Note that creep damage is treated in an implicit way only, by means of the hold time correction. The starting point for the methodology is the isothermal low cycle fatigue data set used to develop fatigue design curves for ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Case N-47. Since the original data were not available for materials of interest (316 Stainless Steel and Alloy 800H), we attempted to estimate the original data sets by stripping away the safety factors of 2 on Δϵ and 20 on N₁ from the N-47 design curves. These "baseline data curves" for N₁ versus Δϵ, which represent the mean low cycle fatigue properties for each alloy at a given temperature, are tabulated in the Appendix in both tabular format and by means of sixth-order polynomial equations. The baseline data curves are first reduced to account for the effects of frequency and hold time. Comparison of hold time data for both 316 SS and 800H have indicated that additional factors of safety are required to make the frequency and hold time reductions conservative for all data considered. Therefore, safety factors of 1.5 on Δϵ and 4.5 on N₁ are used, and these are shown to give generally conservative predictions. Finally, reductions for thermomechanical fatigue damage are made which are a function of f, the fraction of thermally imposed strain to the total imposed strain. It is expected that the resulting fatigue design curves should yield reasonable life predictions for the design of solar central receivers.

Performance assessment calculations are based on geochemical models that assume that interactions among radionuclides, rocks and groundwaters under natural conditions, can be estimated or bound by data obtained from laboratory-scale studies. The data include radionuclide distribution coefficients, measured in saturated batch systems of powdered rocks, and retardation factors measured in short-term column experiments. Traditional approaches to model validation cannot be applied in a straightforward manner to the simple reactive transport models that use these data. An approach to model validation in support of performance assessment is described in this paper. It is based on a recognition of different levels of model validity and is compatible with the requirements of current regulations for high-level waste disposal. Activities that are being carried out in support of this approach include (1) laboratory and numerical experiments to test the validity of important assumptions inherent in current performance assessment methodologies,(2) integrated transport experiments, and (3) development of a robust coupled reaction/transport code for sensitivity analyses using massively parallel computers.

We report the synthesis and optical properties of Rb[Ti{sub 1-2x}Ln{sub x}Nb{sub x}]OAsO{sub 4}. The solid solubility of lanthanide ions in the materials decreases exponentially as the size of the lanthanide ion increases. The materials exhibit absorption spectra characteristic of the particular lanthanide ion in the structure. The spectral regions between absorption peaks are transparent and will allow the transmission of fundamental and second-harmonic radiation. The charge transfer band is red-shifted 0 to 27 nm relative to RbTiOAsO{sub 4} (midpoint 331 nm). Second-harmonic intensities measured at 532 nm decrease exponentially as lanthanide ion concentration increases.

Saturation profiles resulting from TOUGH2 numerical simulations of water infiltration into a tuff matrix from a saturated vertical fracture have been compared to experimental results. The purpose was to determine the sensitivity of the infiltration on local heterogeneities and different representations of two-phase characteristic curves used by the model. Findings indicate that the use of simplified (linearized) capillary pressure curves with rigorous (van Genuchten) relative permeability curves resulted in a more computationally efficient solution without a loss in accuracy. However, linearized forms of the relative permeability functions produced poor results, regardless of the form of the capillary pressure function. In addition, numerical simulations revealed that the presence of local heterogeneities in the tuff caused non-uniform saturation distributions and wetting fronts in the in matrix.

As Sandia National Laboratories and the Physical and Chemical Sciences Center develop an increasingly diverse set of customers, research partners, and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA`s) with industry, there is a need for providing more concise information describing their technical achievements and capabilities. This publication, Research Briefs, is designed to inform the present and potential partners in research and technology advancement. Their research emphasizes semiconductor physics, electronic materials, surface physics and chemistry, plasma and chemical processing sciences, lasers and optics, vision science, ion-solid interactions and defect physics, and advanced materials physics. The specific programs they pursue are driven by the research goals which are greatly influenced by interactions with the government and industrial customers.

Tests were performed to evaluate the corrosivity of several nitrate salt mixtures on the containment materials likely to be used in a molten-salt solar central receiver power plant. Objective was to determine if common salt impurities (e.g., chloride) aggravate corrosion. The test was conducted for 7008 hours on A36 carbon steel at 320C and 304 and 316 stainless steels at 570C. Seven salt mixture containing a variety of impurity concentrations were used. Corrosion rates were determined by descaled weight loss for coupons removed periodically from the melts. The nitrate mixtures were analyzed for changes in impurity levels and accumulation of soluble corrosion products. Test results indicate generally that corrosion is slow and that impurities do not contribute dramatically to corrosion rates of carbon and stainless steels.

Ion implantation in insulators causes modifications in the refractive-index as a result of radiation damage, phase separation, or compound formation. As a consequence, light waveguides may be formed with interesting applications in the field of optoelectronics. Recently implantation of metals ions (e.g. silver, copper, gold, lead,...) showed the possibility of small radii colloidal particles formation, in a thin surface layer of the glass substrate. These particles exhibit an electron plasmon resonance which depends on the optical constants of the implanted metal and on the refractive-index of the glass host. The non-linear optical properties of such colloids, in particular the enhancement of optical Kerr susceptibility, suggest that the, ion implantation technique may play an important role for the production of all-optical switching devices. In this paper an analysis of the state-of-the-art of the research in this field will be presented in the framework of ion implantation in glass physics and chemistry.

Copper implantations (90 keV, 5{times}10{sup 16} ions/cm{sup 2}) were made into fused silica, borosilicate glasses and soda-lime glass. The copper distribution has been found to vary according to glass type. The optical absorption band characteristic of the implanted metal optical properties was observed only for copper-implanted fused silica. Absorption for all the other samples was either not observable or was negligibly small, however very small metallic particles are present also in soda-lime glass. Subsequent nitrogen implantation (100 keV, 1.5{times}10{sup 17} ions/cm{sup 2}) completely eliminated the copper-colloid induced absorption in the copper-implanted fused silica, while it facilitated formation of copper-colloids in soda-lime glass.

One important application for the Fe-29Ni-17Co (Kovar{trademark}) alloy in wire form is in brazed feed through assemblies which are integral parts of vacuum electronic devices. Since Cu metal brazes are performed at process temperatures of about 1100{degrees}C, there is opportunity for significant grain growth to occur during the brazing operation. Additional high temperature exposure includes decarburization of the Fe-29Ni-17Co alloy wire in wet hydrogen for 30 min. at 1000{degrees}C prior to the Cu brazing operation. Two approaches have been used to characterize grain growth in two lots of Fe-29Ni-17Co alloy: (1) a once-through processing study to study the effect of one-time-only device thermal processing on the resulting grain size, and (2) an isothermal grain growth study involving various times at 800--1100{degrees}C. The results of the once-through processing study indicate that acceptable grain sizes are obtained from both cold worked and mill-annealed wire lots following Cu brazing. The isothermal grain growth study indicates that the linear intercept distance for Fe-29Ni-17Co can be described with a power law function of time, and that thermal exposure must be controlled at temperatures in excess of 900{degrees}C in order to avoid excessive grain growth. A second study has characterized the oxidation kinetics of Fe-29Ni-17Co alloy wire in air at temperatures ranging from 550--700{degrees}C. This study indicates the parabolic growth law applies for this material, and between 550 and 700{degrees}C, oxidation in this alloy occurs at an activation energy of 27.9 kcal/mole. Other oxidation studies at higher temperatures ({ge}750{degrees}C) indicate an activation energy of 52.2 kcal/mole for oxidation of Fe-29Ni-17Co alloy at temperatures greater than 790{degrees}C. Quantitative point analyses of the oxide scale formed at 600{degrees}C suggest that a significant fraction of the scale is close to the stoichiometry of the Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}-type oxide.

The Natural Excitation Technique (NExT) was used to analyze STARS launch data during first and second stage flight using telemetered acceleration data. A continuous track of modal frequencies and modal damping was acquired for the first and second elastic modes of the system during first stage flight and for the first mode during second stage flight. The results from this modal analysis of launch data allowed a final quantification of the inherent bias errors which result from ground-based modal tests. Also, NExT is shown to be an important new tool for analyzing structural dynamics data during launch.

Alkylene-bridge polygerm- and polygermsilsequioxanes have been formed by hydrolysis-condensation of their corresponding (EtO){sub 3}M(CH{sub 2}){sub n}Ge(OEt){sub 3} monomers under HCl- and NEt{sub 3}-catalyzed conditions in ethanol. Solid state {sup 13}C and {sup 29}Si NMR indicate the retention of the alkylene bridging moiety during polymerization. The resulting aerogels are mesoporous materials with high surface areas. Incorporation of the short ethylene bridging unit results in higher surface areas than when heylene bridges are present. The porous nature of hexylene-bridged hybrid network [Si(CH{sub 2}){sub 6}GeO{sub 3}]{sub n} appears insensitive to the acidic or basic nature of the catalyst employed in it formation, in contrast to its polysilsesquioxane counterpart. Work is underway to determine the origin of porosity in these materials, and to characterize xerogel materials generated from these monomers.

The rate at which elements can be transported in groundwater systems is governed in part by the solubility of the element in the groundwater. This report documents plutonium solubility experiments in a brine simulant relevant to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. Approximately 1 to 2.5 mL of five stock solutions containing single oxidation states of plutonium (Pu(IV)-polymer, Pu{sup 3+}, Pu{sup 4+}, PuO{sub 2}{sup +}, and PuO{sub 2}{sup 2+}) were added to {approximately}75 mL of synthetic H-17 Brine in five reaction vessels. Initial plutonium concentrations ranged from 1.3 {times} l0{sup {minus}4} to 5.l {times} l0{sup {minus}4} M (moles per liter) total plutonium. Because these initial concentrations were far above the plutonium solubility limit in H-17 Brine, plutonium-containing solids precipitated. Aqueous plutonium concentrations were measured over time until steady-state was reached, requiring over 300 days in H-17 Brine.

The development of high peak power simulators, laser drivers, free electron lasers, and Inertial Confinement Fusion drivers is being extended to high average power short-pulse machines with the capabilities of performing new roles in environmental cleanup and industrial manufacturing processes. We discuss a new class of short-pulse, high average power accelerator that achieves megavolt electron and ion beams with 10`s of kiloamperes of current and average power levels in excess of 100 KW. Large treatment areas are possible with these systems because kilojoules of energy are available in each output pulse. These systems can use large area x-ray converters for applications requiring greater depth of penetration such as food pasteurization and waste treatment. The combined development of this class of accelerators and applications, at Sandia National Laboratories, is called Quantum Manufacturing.

This report discusses the possibility of human intrusion into the WIPP facility, an undergound disposal facility for alpha-bearing wastes. The probability of exploratory drilling occurring at the site is described.

Force reconstruction is a procedure in which the externally applied force is inferred from measured structural response rather than directly measured. In a recently developed technique, the response acceleration time-histories are multiplied by scalar weights and summed to produce the reconstructed force. This reconstruction is called the Sum of Weighted Accelerations Technique (SWAT). One step in the application of this technique is the calculation of the appropriate scalar weights. In this paper a new method of estimating the weights, using measured frequency response function data, is developed and contrasted with the traditional SWAT method of inverting the mode-shape matrix. The technique uses frequency response function data, but is not based on deconvolution. An application that will be discussed as part of this paper is the impact into a rigid barrier of a weapon system with an energy-absorbing nose. The nose had been designed to absorb the energy of impact and to mitigate the shock to the interior components.

This paper focuses on the development of an approximate time-optimal feedback strategy for conducting rest-to-rest maneuvers of a magnetically levitated table. Classical switching curves are modified to account for the complexities of magnetic actuation as well as the coupling of the rigid body modes through the control. A smooth blend of time-optimal and proportional-derivative controls is realized near the destination point to correct for inaccuracies produced by the approximate time-optimal strategy. Detailed computer simulations of the system indicate that this hybrid control strategy provides a significant reduction in settling time as compared to proportional-derivative control alone.

Arithmetic averaging is simple, stable, and can be very effective in attenuating the undesirable components in a complex signal, thereby providing smoothing or trend removal. An arithmetic average is easy to calculate. However, the resulting modifications to the data, in both the time and frequency domains, are not well understood by many experimentalists. This paper discusses the following aspects of averaging: (1) types of averages -- simple, cumulative, and moving; and (2) time and frequency domain effects of the averaging process.

Charge storage devices in which non-equilibrium depletion regions represent stored charge are sensitive to ionizing radiation. This results since the radiation generates electron-hole pairs that neutralize excess ionized dopant charge. Silicon structures, such as dynamic RAM or CCD cells are particularly sensitive to radiation since carrier diffusion lengths in this material are often much longer than the depletion width, allowing collection of significant quantities of charge from quasi-neutral sections of the device. For GaAs the situation is somewhat different in that minority carrier diffusion lengths are shorter than in silicon, and although mobilities are higher, we expect a reduction of radiation sensitivity as suggested by observations of reduced quantum efficiency in GaAs solar cells. Dynamic memory cells in GaAs have potential increased retention times. In this paper, we report the response of a novel GaAs dynamic memory element to transient ionizing radiation. The charge readout technique is nondestructive over a reasonable applied voltage range and is more sensitive to stored charge than a simple capacitor.

Ab initio electronic-structure calculations are combined with empirical bond-additivity corrections to yield thermochemical properties of gas-phase molecules. A self-consistent set of heats of formation for molecules in the Si-H, Si-H-Cl, Si-H-F, Si-N-H and Si-N-H-F systems is presented, along with preliminary values for some Si-O-C-H species.

Realistic computer prediction of high-velocity impact and penetration events involving composite materials requires a knowledge of the material behavior under large compressive stresses at high rates of deformation. As an aid to the development of constitutive models for composites under these conditions, methods for numerical simulation of the material response at the microstructural level are being developed. At present, the study is confined to glass fiber/epoxy composites. The technique uses a numerical model of a representative sample of the microstructure with randomly distributed fibers. By subjecting the boundary of this numerical sample to prescribed loading histories, a statistical interpretation allows prediction of the global material response. Because the events at the microstructural scale involve locally large deformation, and because of the constantly changing picture with regard to contact between the fibers, the Eulerian code CTH is used for these calculations. Certain aspects of material failure can also be investigated using this approach. The method allows the mechanical behavior of composite materials to be studied with fewer assumptions about constituent behavior and morphology than typically required in analytical efforts.

Experimental measurements of force into a ``rigid`` test item representing a typical system level vibration test were conducted to evaluate several methods of force measurements. The methods evaluated included: (1) Direct measurement with force gages between the test item and the fixturing; (2) Measurement of the force at the shaker/fixture interface and correcting the force required to drive the fixturing using two methods, (a) mass subtraction and (b) SWAT (sum of weighted accelerations technique), (3) Force deduced from voltage and current needed to drive the test item. All of the methods worked over a limited frequency range of five to a few hundred Hertz. The widest bandwidth was achieved with force at the shaker/fixture interface with SWAT corrections and from the voltage and current measurements.

Densifying non-mined diamond powder precursors with diamond produced by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) is an attractive approach for forming thick diamond deposits that avoids many potential manufacturability problems associated with predominantly chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. The authors have developed two techniques: electrophoretic deposition and screen printing, to form nonmined diamond powder precursors on substrates. They then densify these precursors in a hot filament assisted reactor. Analysis indicated that a hot filament assisted chemical vapor infiltration process forms intergranular diamond deposits with properties that are to some degree different from predominantly hot-filament-assisted CVD material.

The National Center for Advanced Information Components Manufacturing (NCAICM) projects focus on manufacturing processes, materials, user facilities, standard tools, and equipment for large area emissive flat panel displays and microelectronics. Two types of projects are funded; (1) precompetitive projects done at the Center and (2) joint industry/national laboratory projects, which may carry intellectual property rights, where the work will be done at the appropriate industry or laboratory site. A summary of the NCAICM projects will be presented.

The organometallic chemical vapor deposition of transition metal carbides (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, and Cr) from tetraneopentyl-metal precursors has been carried out. Metal carbides can be deposited on Si, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, and stainless steel substrates from M[CH{sub 2}C(CH{sub 3}){sub 3}]{sub 4} at temperatures in the range of 300 to 750 C and pressures from 10{sup {minus}2} to 10{sup {minus}4} Torr. Thin films have also been grown using a carrier gas (Ar, H{sub 2}). The effects of variation of the metal center, deposition conditions, and reactor design on the resulting material have been examined by SEM, XPS, XRD, ERD and AES. Hydrocarbon fragments generated in the deposition chamber have been studied in by in-situ mass spectrometry. Complementary studies examining the UHV surface decomposition of Zr[CH{sub 2}C(CH{sub 3}){sub 3}]{sub 4} have allowed for a better understanding of the mechanism leading to film growth.

The Intelligent Systems and Robotics Center at Sandia National Laboratories is developing technologies for the automation of processes associated with environmental remediation and information-driven manufacturing. These technologies, which focus on automated planning and programming and sensor-based and model-based control, are used to build intelligent systems which are able to generate plans of action, program the necessary devices, and use sensors to react to changes in the environment. By automating tasks through the use of programmable devices tied to computer models which are augmented by sensing, requirements for faster, safer, and cheaper systems are being satisfied. However, because of the need for rapid cost-effective prototyping and multi-laboratory teaming, it is also necessary to define a consistent approach to the construction of controllers for such systems. As a result, the Generic Intelligent System Controller (GISC) concept has been developed. This concept promotes the philosophy of producing generic tool kits which can be used and reused to build intelligent control systems.

Neutron reflectivity is among the few techniques able to probe a buried interface. Through the use of isotopic labeling, complicated interface structures may be determined with a resolution on the order of 5 {angstrom}. However, for highly complex thin film and interface structures, it is often necessary to perform complementary experiments to reduce the number of unknown variables, and thus enable an unambiguous interpretation of the neutron reflectivity. To this end, the authors have combined X-ray and neutron reflectivity to study changes in a metal/polymer interface (molybdenum/polyurethane, hereafter Mo/PU) upon exposure to a humid environment. In particular, the authors have tracked the adsorption of moisture to the interface and variations in the density of the interphase. This information was obtained as a function of the concentration of a silane coupling agent added to the bulk of the PU. Adhesion of the Mo/PU interface is important to programs in the DOE complex. This paper reports the first results of this study.

A novel CFD/structural analysis was performed to predict functionality of a cross parachute under loadings near the structural limits of the parachute. The determination of parachute functionality was based on the computed structural integrity of the canopy and suspension lines. In addition to the standard aerodynamic pressure loading on the canopy, the structural analysis considered the reduction in fabric strength due to the computed aerodynamic heating. The intent was to illustrate the feasibility of such an analysis with the commercially available software PATRAN.

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FALCON is a high-power, steady-state, nuclear reactor-pumped laser (RPL) concept that is being developed by the Department of Energy. The FALCON program has experimentally demonstrated reactor-pumped lasing in various mixtures of xenon, argon, neon, and helium at at wavelengths of 585, 703, 725, 1271, 1733, 1792, 2032, 2630, 2650, and 3370 nm with intrinsic efficiency as high as 2.5%. The major strengths of a reactor-pumped laser are continuous high-power operation, modular construction, self-contained power, compact size, and a variety of wavelengths (from visible to infrared). These characteristics suggest numerous applications not easily accessible to other laser types. A ground-based RPL could beam its power to space for such activities as illuminating geosynchronous communication satellites in the earth`s shadow to extend their lives, beaming power to orbital transfer vehicles, removing space debris, and providing power (from earth) to a lunar base during the long lunar night. The compact size and self-contained power also makes an RPL very suitable for ship basing so that power-beaming activities could be situated around the globe. The continuous high power of an RPL opens many potential manufacturing applications such as deep-penetration welding and cutting of thick structures, wide-area hardening of metal surfaces by heat treatment or cladding application, wide-area vapor deposition of ceramics onto metal surfaces, production of sub-micron sized particles for manufacturing of ceramics, wide-area deposition of diamond-like coatings, and 3-D ceramic lithography.

The purpose of this paper is to document a few of the many environmental information systems that currently exist worldwide. The paper is not meant to be a comprehensive list; merely a discussion of a few of the more technical environmental database systems that are available. Regulatory databases such as US Environmental Protection Agency`s (EPA`s) RODS (Records of Decision System) database [EPA, 1993] and cost databases such as EPA`s CORA (Cost of Remedial Action) database [EPA, 1993] are not included in this paper. Section 2 describes several US Department of Energy (DOE) Environmental Restoration and Waste Management (EM) information systems and databases. Section 3 discusses several US EPA information systems on waste sites and technologies. Section 4 summarizes a few of the European Community environmental information systems, networks, and clearinghouses. And finally, Section 5 provides a brief overview of Geographical Information Systems. Section 6 contains the references, and the Appendices contain supporting information.

Sandia National Laboratories is a vertically multi-disciplined research and development laboratory with a long history of designing and developing d electro-mechanical products in the national interest. Integrating new technologies into the prototyping phase of our development cycle is necessary to reduce the cycle time from initial design to finished product. The introduction of rapid prototyping machines into the marketplace promises to revolutionize the process of producing prototype parts with relative speed and production-like quality. Issues of accuracy, feature definition, and surface finish continue to drive research and development of these processes. Sandia uses Stereolithography (SL) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) capabilities to support internal product development efforts. The primary use of SL and SLS is to produce patterns for investment casting in support of a Sandia managed program called FASTCAST that integrates computational technologies and experimental data into the investment casting process. These processes are also used in the design iteration process to produce proof-of-concept models, hands-on models for design reviews, fit-check models, visual aids for manufacturing, and functional parts in assemblies. This presentation will provide an overview of the SL and SLS processes and an update of our experience and success in integrating these technologies into the product development cycle. Also presented will be several examples of prototype parts manufactured using SL and SLS with a focus on application, accuracy, surface and feature definition.

An investigation has been performed to evaluate the capabilities of the Annular Core Research Reactor and its supporting Hot Cell Facility for the production of {sup 99}Mo and its separation from the fission product stream. Various target irradiation locations for a variety of core configurations were investigated, including the central cavity, fuel and reflector locations, and special target configurations outside the active fuel region. Monte Carlo techniques, in particular MCNP using ENDF B-V cross sections, were employed for the evaluation. The results indicate that the reactor, as currently configured, and with its supporting Hot Cell Facility, would be capable in meeting the current US demand if called upon. Modest modifications, such as increasing the capacity of the external heat exchangers, would permit significantly higher continuous power operation and even greater {sup 99}Mo production ensuring adequate capacity for future years.

The Automated Sensor Tester (AST) is being developed by Sandia National Laboratories for the Department of Energy (DOE) to be a tool to aid in testing exterior intrusion detection sensors in a fixed site security system. This is accomplished by automatically performing a simulated intrusion test of the sensors installed in the Perimeter Intrusion Detection and Assessment System (PIDAS). During the test, a target is moved across the detection zone of the sensor, simulating a human moving through the detection zone. The first phase of this project concentrated on automatically testing the bi-static microwave exterior intrusion detection sensor in one sector of a PIDAS. This sensor was selected because it is commonly used, and the test target has been determined and is presently in use. The goal of the AST project is to provide consistent test results, automatic data logging, easier data reduction and reduced manpower to perform the DOE mandated and frequent intrusion detection sensor tests. The AST will help to determine that the intrusion sensor being tested is functional and has even and adequate detection along its entire detection zone. The AST consists of two vehicles and a data logger. The Mother Vehicle contains the processing and navigation capability and deployed and retrieved the Target Vehicle. The Target Vehicle provided the alarm stimulus. The Alarm Interface/Data Logger was connected to the intrusion sensors alarm signal and recorded the test results. This system will autonomously conduct a series of tests on an entire PIDAS sector. This paper describes the three elements of the AST system and their operation.

We are studying the boron nitride system using a pulsed excimer laser to ablate from hexagonal BN (cBN) targets to form cubic BN (cBN) films. We are depositing BN films on heated (25--800C) Si (100) surfaces and are using a broad-beam ion source operated with Ar and N{sub 2} source gases to produce BN films with a high percentage of sp{sup 3}-bonded cBN. In order to optimize growth and nucleation of cBN films, parametric studies of the growth parameters have been performed. The best films to date show >85% sp{sup 3}-bonded BN as determined from Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) reflection spectroscopy. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction confirm the presence of cBN in these samples. The films are polycrystalline and show grain sizes up to 30--40 mn. We find from both the FTIR and TEM analyses that the cBN content in these films evolves with growth time. Initially, the films are deposited as hBN and the cBN nucleates on this hBN underlayer. Importantly, the position of the cBN IR phonon also changes with growth time. Initially this mode appears near 1130 cm{sup {minus}1} and the position decreases with growth time to a constant value of 1085 cm{sup {minus}1}. Since in bulk cBN this IR mode appears at 1065 cm{sup {minus}1}, a large compressive stress induced by the ion bombardment is suggested. In addition, we report on the variation in cBN percentage with temperature.

The physical properties of in-situ produced composites, such as the TEOS-polysiloxane based systems, are directly related to the complex interaction of structural features from the nano- to macro-scopic scales. The nature of these structural interactions are a key element in understanding and controlling mechanical properties in these systems. We believe that the smallest scale structures, in the nanometer range, correlate with properties such as the modulus while large-scale structures on the micron scale effect failure in these materials. This paper discusses techniques for analysis of structural features and interrelation of structural features over these wide ranges of size using small-angle light, x-ray and neutron scattering. Combination of data from different instruments allows for characterization of the interaction between these different size scale features.

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In 1992 and 1993, numerous innovative and emerging technologies for characterizing metal and mixed waste contaminants and their migration beneath landfills in and environments were field tested at Sandia`s Chemical Waste Landfill. Many of these technologies are being evaluated as part of the Landfill Characterization System (LCS). The LCS emphasizes minimally intrusive technologies and downhole sensors that strive to be cheaper, better, safer and faster than conventional methods. Major aims of the LCS are to demonstrate, test and evaluate these technologies, and determine whether substantial cost saving over traditional baseline methods can be realized. To achieve these goals, the LCS uses an integrated systems approach that stresses the application of complementary and compatible technologies. Successful field demonstrations combined with favorable economics, will greatly assist the commercialization of these technologies to the private sector and to Environmental Restoration groups throughout the DOE Complex. In this paper, a technical and economic evaluation of selected technologies that comprise the LCS is presented. Because sampling and analysis is the most costly part of a characterization effort, the economic evaluation presented here focuses specifically on these activities. LCS technologies discussed include the ``Smart Sampling Methodology`` and two field screening analytical methods, stripping voltammetry and x-ray fluorescence.

Electroheological suspensions typically contain particles of approximately one {mu}m in diameter. Thus light-scattering offers a natural method of probing the microstructure of these suspensions. We report the development of an index matched single-scattering fluid, as well a slight-scattering studies of this fluid in both a quiescent and sheared regime. In the first case, the results are in agreement with a phenomenological theory of coarsening based on thermal fluctuations. In the second case, they agree with an ``independent droplet`` model of the suspensions structure under shear.

The success of technology transfer agreements depends not just on the technical work, but on how well the arrangements to protect and dispose of the intellectual properties that make up the technologies are handled. Pertinent issues that impact the protection and disposition of intellectual properties during the technology transfer process at Sandia National Laboratories, a multiprogram laboratory operated for the Department of Energy by the Martin Marietta Corporation, are discussed. Subjects addressed include the contracting mechanisms (including the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement [CRADA] and the Work-for-Others agreement), proprietary information, The Freedom of Information Act, patents and copyrights, the statement of work, Protected CRADA Information, licensing considerations, title to intellectual properties, march-in rights, and nondisclosure agreements.

An evaluation of the key elements affecting Direct Containment Heating (DCH) was performed for the Surry plant. This involved determining the dominant high pressure core damage sequences, the probability of proceeding to vessel breach at high pressure, the DCH loads, and the containment strength. Each of these factors was evaluated separately, and then the results were combined to give the overall threat from DCH. The maximum containment failure probability by DCH for Surry is 10{sup {minus}3} when considering four base DCH scenarios and using the two-cell equilibrium (TCE) model. However, higher contamination failure probabilities are estimated in sensitivity cases. When the depressurization and containment loads aspects are combined, the containment failure probability (conditional on station blackout sequence) is less than 19{sup {minus}2}. CONTAIN calculations were performed to provide insights regarding DCH phenomenological uncertainties and potential conservatisms in the TCE model. The CONTAIN calculations indicated that the TCE calculations were conservative for Surry and that the dominant factors were neglect of heat transfer to surroundings and complete combustion of hydrogen on DCH time scales.

A major obstacle to understanding of unsaturated fracture flow is the paucity of physical data on both fracture aperture structure and the effects of phase structure on permeability. An experimental procedure is developed for collecting detailed data on aperture and phase structure from a transparent analog fracture. Stable phase structures of varying complexity are creating within the horizontal analog fracture. Wetting phase permeability is measured under steady-state conditions. A process based model for wetting phase relative permeability is explored. Average distribution of the wetting phase is shown to provide insufficient information for modeling relative permeability; descriptive models must account for spatial structure of the phases.

Migration of hazardous contaminants within geologic settings depends on natural processes. Climatic fluctuations can affect the magnitudes and rates of many of these processes. In any long-term environmental evaluation of natural processes, responses to climatic change must be considered. Four generalized categories of natural responses to Quaternary climatic change are recognized for the Nevada Test Site (NTS) region of southwestern Nevada and adjacent California: (1) biologic, (2) geomorphic, (3) hydrologic (including surface and subsurface) and (4) pedologic/diagenetic. Specific examples that correspond to the four categories illustrate the broad range of complex natural processes the are affected by climatic change. These responses dictate the potential effects of climatic change on contaminant transport, effects that are being examined by existing and planned environmental-restoration and waste-management programs within the region. Regulatory requirements for many of these programs include long-term (>10,000-year) waste isolation because of radiologic components. The purpose here is not to be exhaustive in documenting all known natural responses to climatic change in the NTS region, but rather to give a flavor of the scope of interdisciplinary and interrelated fields of Quaternary science that must be considered in evaluating the possible effects of climatic change on long-term environmental programs.

The X Window System was originally developed in 1984 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It provides client-server computing functionality and also facilitates the establishment of a distributed computing environment. Since its inception the X Window System has undergone many enhancements. Despite these enhancements there will always be a functionality desired in the standard released version of X that is not supported or commercially or academically available. The developers of the X Window System have designed it in such a way that it is possible to add functionality that is not included in the standard release. This is called an extension. Extensions are one method used to develop a customized version of the X Window System to support a specialized application. This report presents the mechanics of adding an extension and examines a particular extension that was developed at Sandia National Laboratories to support data compression in X Windows which was one aspect of the Desktop Video and Collaborative Engineering Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD).

This research investigates the relationship between execution discipline and performance. The hypothesis has two parts: 1. Different execution disciplines exhibit different performance for different computations, and 2. These differences can be effectively predicted by heuristics. A machine model is developed that can vary its execution discipline. That is, the model can execute a given program using either the control-driven, data-driven or demand-driven execution discipline. This model is referred to as a ``variable-execution-discipline`` machine. The instruction set for the model is the Program Dependence Web (PDW). The first part of the hypothesis will be tested by simulating the execution of the machine model on a suite of computations, based on the Livermore Fortran Kernel (LFK) Test (a.k.a. the Livermore Loops), using all three execution disciplines. Heuristics are developed to predict relative performance. These heuristics predict (a) the execution time under each discipline for one iteration of each loop and (b) the number of iterations taken by that loop; then the heuristics use those predictions to develop a prediction for the execution of the entire loop. Similar calculations are performed for branch statements. The second part of the hypothesis will be tested by comparing the results of the simulated execution with the predictions produced by the heuristics. If the hypothesis is supported, then the door is open for the development of machines that can vary execution discipline to increase performance.

This paper describes a collision avoidance system using Whole Arm Proximity (WHAP) sensors on an articulated robot arm. The capacitance-based sensors generate electric fields which completely encompass the robot arm and detect obstacles as they approach from any direction. The robot is moved through the workspace using a velocity command generated either by an operator through a force-sensing input device or a preprogrammed sequence of motions. The directional obstacle information gathered by the WHAP sensors is then used in a matrix column maximization algorithm that automatically selects the sensor closest to an obstacle during each robot controller cycle. The distance from this sensor to the obstacle is used to reduce the component of the command input velocity along the normal axis of the sensor, allowing graceful perturbation of the velocity command to prevent a collision. By scaling only the component of the velocity vector in the direction of the nearest obstacle, the control system restricts motion in the direction of an obstacle while permitting unconstrained motion in other directions. The actual robot joint positions and the WHAP sensor readings are communicated to an operator interface consisting of a graphical model of the Puma robot and its environment. Circles are placed on the graphical robot surface at positions corresponding to the locations of the WHAP sensor. As the individual sensors detect obstacles, the associated circles change color, providing the operator with visual feedback as to the location and relative size of the obstacle. At the same time, the graphical robot position is updated to reflect the actual state of the robot. This information, coupled with the selective constraints imposed by the WHAP control system, permit the operator to plan alternative paths around unmodeled, but sensed, obstacles.

This video cassette and its corresponding script describe efforts at Sandia Laboratories to develop surveillance equipment to include geophone sensors, point sensors, line sensors, and video surveillance cameras.

Four photovoltaic-powered lighting systems were installed in a National Forest Service campground in June of 1991. These systems have identical arrays, loads and charge controllers. The only difference was in the rated capacity of the battery bank for each system. The battery banks all use the same basic battery as a building block with four systems utilizing either one battery, two batteries, three batteries or four batteries. The purpose of the experiment is to examine the effect of the various battery sizes on the ability of the system to charge the battery, energy available to the load, and battery lifetime. Results show an important trend in system performance concerning the impact of charge controllers on the relation between array size and battery size which results in an inability to achieve the days of battery storage originally designed for.

During 1989-90, a refluxing liquid-metal pool-boiler solar receiver designed for dish/Stirling application at 75 kWt throughput was successfully demonstrated at Sandia National Laboratories. Significant features of this receiver included (1) boiling sodium as the heat transfer medium and (2) electric-discharge-machined (EDM) cavities as artificial nucleation sites to stabilize boiling. Following this first demonstration, a second-generation pool-boiler receiver that brings the concept closer to commercialization has been designed, constructed, and successfully tested. For long life, the new receiver is built from Haynes Alloy 230. For increased safety factors against film boiling and flooding, the absorber area and vapor-flow passages have been enlarged. To eliminate the need for trace heating, sodium has been replaced by the sodium-potassium alloy NaK-78. To reduce manufacturing costs, the receiver has a powdered-metal coating instead of EDM cavities for stabilization of boiling. To control incipient-boiling superheats, especially during hot restarts, it contains a small amount of xenon. In this paper, we present the receiver design and report the results of on-sun tests using a nominal 75 kWt test-bed concentrator to characterize boiling stability, hot-restart behavior, and thermal efficiency at temperatures up to 750°C. We also report briefly on late results from an advanced-concepts pool-boiler receiver.

The article presents the use of Monte Carlo simulations or incoherent scattering model to calculate profiles from precipitates embedded at different depths in thin specimens and then compared the simulations with experimental data measured from embedded particles. Incoherent scattering models is believed to be the best simulation for spatial resolution for x ray microanalysis in the AEM.

The development of UHF spark-switched L-C oscillators is described. L-C oscillators with center frequencies of 450 to 800 MHz were constructed. Q of the oscillators increased when a resonant antenna or antenna-reflector combination was added. Prototypes with simple fat-dipole antennas and small parabolic reflectors radiated normalized electric field strengths of 60 kV/m. The L-C oscillator, fat dipole, and small parabolic cylinder reflector were mounted in a way that will maximize the radiated power.

Codes and standards have served remarkably well in reducing both the frequency and consequences of pressure vessel and piping system failures. Past successful uses of safety standards show that safety can indeed be designed into potentially hazardous systems. Operational maintenance and inspection programs can also ensure and perpetuate design and manufactured reliability. However, as more advanced and challenging applications with high pressure systems and potentially hazardous operations are encountered we need to sharpen our technology, estimate reliability, quantify consequences, and manage risks with cost-effective process. Practical systems are constructed of several components, and design standards are not always available for every component. A variable level of safety is, therefore, admitted within a system and some assessment of the overall safety is desired. Additionally, when potential personnel safety consequences are large but isolated, secondary protective steps should be considered such as barricading, protective enclosures, or remote operation. This paper discusses rationale and activates that are based on probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) methods. While general application of PRA is not advocated at this time, certain derivative parts are suggested for use in closed-loop, risk management activities. Risk management process developments such as development of probabilistic data for threats to system safety and system response, component design requirements, system safety rules, distributed safety goals and technical derivations of numerical criteria are encouraged. Suggested activities are proposed as topics for future High Pressure Technology Development Activities.

Synthesis of hybrid organic-inorganic materials with ionic functionality within the polymer backbone has been achieved. A new family of hypervalent spiro anionic polysiliconates and polygermylates has been prepared. These materials were shown to be thermally stable to moderate temperatures and are completely air and moisture stable. Analysis by solution and solid state NMR verified the presence of the hypervalent functionality. We are currently examining the effect that alteration of the condensing reagent and/or the counterion may have on bulk properties of the ionomeric material.

Three concepts to measure incident flux (1) relative, real-time power measurement, (2) flux mapping and incident power measurement, and (3) real-time flux mapping) and two concepts to measure receiver surface temperatures low and high resolution temperature measurements) on an external central receiver are discussed along with the potential and shortcomings of these concepts to make the desired measurements and the uncertainties associated with the measurements caused by atmospheric and surface property variations. These concepts can aid in the operation and evaluation of the receiver and plant. Tests have shown that the incident flux distribution on a surface can be mapped out using a fixed, narrow white target and a CCD camera system by recording the images of the beam as it is passed over the target and by building a composite image. Tests with the infrared cameras have shown they are extremely valuable tools in determining temperature profiles during startup of the receiver and throughout operation. This paper describes each concept in detail along with the status of testing to determine the feasibility of these concepts.

The calculated valence charge density of the recently synthesized NaPd{sub 3}H{sub 2} compound is compared with that of palladium hydride, PdH, from which it can be derived.

Use of lead-indium solders in microelectronics packaging has increased over the last decade. Increased usage is due to improved properties, such as greater thermo-mechanical fatigue resistance, lower intermetallic formation rates with base metallizations, such as copper, and lower reflow temperatures. However, search of literature reveals no comprehensive studies on phase equilibrium relations between copper metal and lead-indium solder. Our effort involves a combination of experimental data acquisition and computer modeling to obtain the Cu-In-Pb ternary phase diagram. Isotherms and isopleths of interest at low temperatures are achieved by means of differential scanning calorimetry and electron probe microanalysis. Thermodynamic models of these sections served as a guide for efficient experimentation.

Nitrided gate oxides have been fabricated by furnace oxidation in N{sub 2}O with and without prior oxidation in O{sub 2}. SIMS nitrogen profiles show a sharp peak at the Si-insulator interface for both processes. Improved breakdown characteristics and reduced oxide damage after irradiation and charge injection are obtained.

The role of net positive oxide trapped charge and surface recombination velocity on excess base current in BJTs is identified. The effects of the two types of damage can be detected by plotting the excess base current versus base-emitter voltage. Differences and similarities between ionizing-radiation-induced and hot electron-induced degradation are discussed.

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The inertial confinement fusion (ICF) program at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) is directed toward validating light ions as an efficient driver for ICF defense and energy applications. The light ion laboratory microfusion facility (LMF) is envisioned as a facility in which high gain ICF targets could be developed and utilized in defense-related experiments. The relevance of LMF technology to eventual inertial fusion energy (IFE) applications is assessed via a comparison of LMF technologies with those projected in the Light Ion Beam Reactor Assessment (LIBRA) conceptual reactor design study.

This paper summarizes the results of a study performed by the US and Germany to assess the technical and economic potential of central receiver power plants and to identify the necessary research and development (R&D) activities required to reach demonstration and commercialization. Second generation power plant designs, employing molten-salt and volumetric-air receivers, were assessed at the size of 30 and 100 MWe. The study developed a common guideline and used data from previous system tests and studies. The levelized-energy costs for the second generation plants were estimated and found to be competitive with costs from fossil-fueled power plants. Potential for further cost reductions exists if technical improvements can be introduced successfully in the long term. Additionally, the study presents results of plant reliability and uncertainty analyses. Mid- and long-term technical potentials are described, as well as recommendations for the R&D activities needed to reach the goal of large-scale commercialization. The results of this study have already helped direct research in the US and Europe. For example, the favorable potential for these technologies has led to the Solar Two molten-salt project in the US and the TSA volumetric receiver test in Spain. In addition, early analysis conducted within this study indicated that an advanced thermal storage medium was necessary to achieve favorable economics for the air plant. This led to the design of the thermal storage system currently being tested in Spain. In summary, each of the investigated receiver technologies has mid- and long-term potential for improving plant performance and reducing capital and energy costs (resulting in less than 10 cts/kWh given excellent insolation conditions) in an environmentally safe way and largely independent of fossil-fuel prices.

We have developed a novel molecular beam mass spectrometry technique that can quantitatively analyze the gas-phase composition in a CVD reactor. The technique simultaneously monitors a wide variety of radical and stable species, and their concentrations can be determined with sensitivities approaching 1 ppM. Measurements performed in a diamond deposition system have given us keen insights into the important phenomena that affect the growth environment. This paper first discusses the primary gas sampling design issues. In the second part, the details of the experimental results and their implications will be described.

Hydrotalcite coatings on aluminum alloys are being developed for corrosion protection of aluminum in aggressive saline environments. Coating bath composition, surface pretreatment, and alloying elements in aluminum all influence the performance of these coatings during salt spray testing. The coating bath, comprised of lithium carbonate, requires aging by dissolution of aluminum into the bath in order to grow corrosion resistant coatings. Coatings formed in non- aged baths do not perform well in salt spray testing. The alloying elements in aluminum alloys, especially copper, influence the coating growth and formation leading to thin coatings. The effect of the alloy elements is to limit the supply of aluminum to the coating/electrolyte interface and hinder growth of hydrotalcite upon aluminum alloys.

Adsorption/desorption were studied using combined surface analytical techniques. An approximate initial sticking coefficient for Cs on sapphire was measured using reflection mass spectrometry and found to be 0.9. Thermal Desorption Mass Spectrometry (TDMS) and Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) were used to verify that a significant decrease in sticking coefficient occurs as the Cs coverage reaches a critical submonolayer value. TDMS analysis demonstrates that Cs is stabilized on a clean sapphire surface at temperatures (1200 K) in excess of the temperatures experienced by sapphire in a TOPAZ-2 thermionic fuel element (TFE). Surface contaminants on sapphire can enhance Cs adsorption relative to the clean surface. C contamination eliminates the high temperature state of Cs desorption found on clean sapphire but shifts the bulk of the C desorption from 400 to 620 K. Surface C is a difficult contaminant to remove from sapphire, requiring annealing above 1400 K. Whether Cs is stabilized on sapphire in a TFE environment will most likely depend on relation between surface contamination and surface structure.

The JPL Micro-Precision Interferometer (MPI) is a testbed for studying the use of control-structure interaction technology in the design of space-based interferometers. A layered control architecture will be employed to regulate the interferometer optical system to tolerances in the nanometer range. This paper summarizes coordinated test and analysis efforts aimed at producing such a model for the MPI structure. Pretest analysis, modal testing and test-analysis reconciliation results are summarized for a series of tests at both the component and full system levels.

Ortho-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile (CS) is one of a number of riot control agents referred to as tear gas, although it is in fact a particulate suspension. The toxicity of this material has been studied in various detail. The purpose of this study was to review and summarize the literature data available on the toxicity of CS.

Cold Smoke is a dense white smoke produced by the reaction of titanium tetrachloride and aqueous ammonia aerosols. Early studies on the toxicity of this nonpyrotechnically generated smoke indicated that the smoke itself is essentially non-toxic (i.e. exhibits to systemic toxicity or organ damage due to exposure) under normal deployment conditions. The purpose of this evaluation was to review and summarize the recent literature data available on the toxicity of Cold Smoke, its chemical constituents, and its starting materials.

The Microsoft (MS) Windows product is widely available for PC`s. There exists many thousands of them at Sandia. All of the MS applications in Windows have a Help file. This help file informs the user ``how to`` use and run that application. It is an ``on-line`` manual. The ``Help Compiler`` was obtained from Microsoft. Use of this compiler enables one to insert text in a form the MS ``Help Engine`` recognizes. This means all of the features of the Help file: Hypertext (hot links), browsing, searching, indexing, bookmarks, annotation, are available for your text. This turns a document into a ``Smart Document.`` The use of this Smart Document System (SDS) for Engineering Procedures (EPs) is described.

This item is a copy of the Dec., 1993 issue of Manufacturing Technology, a Sandia Technology Bulletin. It has information on a number of different projects being conducted by Sandia in the general area of manufacturing sciences. Topics addressed include the following: center for information-technology manufacturing gears up, luctrative flat-panel display market targeted; researchers make copper stick to teflon, patterned adhesion may provide ideal conductor/substrate combination for microcircuits; contact algorithm enhances simulation of manufacturing processes, algorithm efficiently handles previously difficult analyses of punching and cutting operations; national machine tool partnership rolls into action, national laboratories share technology to boost US machine-tool industry; closed-loop MAST system eyes robotic manufacturing, fast, accurate, low-cost sensor demonstrated on furnace brazing.

A brief history of lightning protection at Pantex nuclear explosive areas (NEAs) is given. An assessment of current Pantex lightning protection at NEAs is summarized. Recommendations for further improvements in lightning protection are described.

Supercomputing `93, a high-performance computing and communications conference, was held November 15th through 19th, 1993 in Portland, Oregon. For the past two years, Sandia National Laboratories has used this conference to showcase and focus its communications and networking endeavors. At the 1993 conference, the results of Sandia`s efforts in exploring and utilizing Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) technologies were vividly demonstrated by building and operating three distinct networks. The networks encompassed a Switched Multimegabit Data Service (SMDS) network running at 44.736 megabits per second, an ATM network running on a SONET circuit at the Optical Carrier (OC) rate of 155.52 megabits per second, and a High Performance Parallel Interface (HIPPI) network running over a 622.08 megabits per second SONET circuit. The SMDS and ATM networks extended from Albuquerque, New Mexico to the showroom floor, while the HIPPI/SONET network extended from Beaverton, Oregon to the showroom floor. This paper documents and describes these networks.

An analysis of the impact of the Minuteman III Payload Transporter Type III into a nonyielding target at 46 m.p.h. and 30 m.p.h., and into a yielding target at 46 m.p.h. is presented. The analysis considers the structural response of the tiedown system which secures the Minuteman III re-entry system to the floor of the payload transporter. A finite element model of the re-entry system, its tiedown system, which includes tie-rods and shear pins, and the pallet plate which is attached to the transporter floating plate, was constructed. Because accelerations of the payload transporter are not known, acceleration data from one-quarter scale testing of the Safe Secure Trailer was used to investigate the response of the tiedown system. These accelerations were applied to the pallet plate. The ABAQUS computer code was used to predict the forces in the members of the tiedown system.

SAFSIM (System Analysis Flow SIMulator) is a FORTRAN computer program for simulating the integrated performance of complex flow systems. SAFSIM provides sufficient versatility to allow the engineering simulation of almost any system, from a backyard sprinkler system to a clustered nuclear reactor propulsion system. In addition to versatility, speed and robustness are primary SAFSIM development goals. SAFSIM contains three basic physics modules: (1) a fluid mechanics module with flow network capability; (2) a structure heat transfer module with multiple convection and radiation exchange surface capability; and (3) a point reactor dynamics module with reactivity feedback and decay heat capability. Any or all of the physics modules can be implemented, as the problem dictates. SAFSIM can be used for compressible and incompressible, single-phase, multicomponent flow systems. Both the fluid mechanics and structure heat transfer modules employ a one-dimensional finite element modeling approach. This document contains a description of the theory incorporated in SAFSIM, including the governing equations, the numerical methods, and the overall system solution strategies.

Preliminary estimates of national benefits from electric utility applications of battery energy storage through the year 2010 are presented along with a discussion of the particular applications studied. The estimates in this report were based on planning information reported to DOE by electric utilities across the United States. Future studies are planned to refine these estimates as more application-specific information becomes available.

The integrity of the electrostatic bonding procedures used to equilibrate operating technicians and weapon components was questioned during the course of the quality evaluation assessments of the W70, W68, and B57 dismantlement programs. A multi-disciplined, interlaboratory team was convened on an ad hoc basis to resolve certain static bonding issues. The accomplishments of this team in upgrading the integrity of the bonding process include recommendations on the proper use of wrist straps, training of technicians in their use, and procedures to reduce accumulation of static charge on components during routine handling operations.

The On-Line Aerosol Monitor (OLAM) is a light attenuation device designed and built at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) by EG&G Idaho. Its purpose is to provide an on-line indication of aerosol concentration in the PHEBUS-FP tests. It does this by measuring the attenuation of a light beam across a tube through which an aerosol is flowing. The OLAM does not inherently give an absolute response and must be calibrated. A calibration has been performed at Sandia National Laboratories` (SNL) Sandia Aerosol Research Laboratory (SARL) and the results are described here. Ammonium chloride and sodium chloride calibration aerosols are used for the calibration and the data for the sodium chloride aerosol is well described by a model presented in this report. Detectable instrument response is seen over a range of 0.1 cm{sup 3} of particulate material per m{sup 3} of gas to 10 cm{sup 3} of particulate material per m{sup 3} of gas.

Pressure-pulse, constant-pressure flow, and pressure-buildup tests have been performed in bedded evaporites of the Salado Formation at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) site to evaluate the hydraulic properties controlling brine flow through the Salado. Transmissivities have been interpreted from six sequences of tests conducted on five stratigraphic intervals within 15 m of the WIPP underground excavations.

This report responds to the Department of Energy`s request that Sandia National Laboratories compare existing technologies against several advanced technologies as they apply to DOE needs to monitor the movement of material, weapons, or personnel for safety and security programs. The authors describe several material control systems, discuss their technologies, suggest possible applications, discuss assets and limitations, and project costs for each system. The following systems are described: WATCH system (Wireless Alarm Transmission of Container Handling); Tag system (an electrostatic proximity sensor); PANTRAK system (Personnel And Material Tracking); VRIS (Vault Remote Inventory System); VSIS (Vault Safety and Inventory System); AIMS (Authenticated Item Monitoring System); EIVS (Experimental Inventory Verification System); Metrox system (canister monitoring system); TCATS (Target Cueing And Tracking System); LGVSS (Light Grid Vault Surveillance System); CSS (Container Safeguards System); SAMMS (Security Alarm and Material Monitoring System); FOIDS (Fiber Optic Intelligence & Detection System); GRADS (Graded Radiation Detection System); and PINPAL (Physical Inventory Pallet).

An essential component of a horizontal, underground nuclear test setup at the Nevada Test Site is the auxiliary closure system. The massive gates that slam shut immediately after a device has been detonated allow the prompt radiation to pass, but block debris and hot gases from continuing down the tunnel. Thus, the gates protect experiments located in the horizontal line-of-sight steel pipe. Sandia National Laboratories has been the major designer and developer of these closure systems. This report records the history of SNL`s participation in and contributions to the technology of auxiliary closure systems used in horizontal tunnel tests in the underground test program.

This paper represents a review copy for text that is to be included in the Shock and Vibration Recommended Practice Document. This section on pyroshock is written as a general introduction to and description of the topic leading to presentation of an extensive bibliography on the subject. Pyroshock is an evolving science that needs continued focus on both achieving improvements in testing and measurement techniques and advancing instrumentation capabilities. when desired predictability and repeatability in practice occurs, hopefully in the near future, recommended practices can be presented.

VICTORIA is a mechanistic computer code that treats fission product behavior in the reactor coolant system during a severe accident. During an accident, fission products that deposit on structural surfaces produce heat loads that can cause fission products to revaporize and possibly cause structures, such as a pipe, to fail. This mechanism had been lacking from the VICTORIA model. This report describes the structural heat-up model that has recently been implemented in the code. A sample problem shows that revaporization of fission products can occur as structures heat up due to radioactive decay. In the sample problem, the mass of deposited fission products reaches a maximum, then diminishes. Similarly, temperatures of the deposited film and adjoining structure reach a maximum, then diminish.

This performance assessment characterized plausible treatment options conceived by the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) for its spent fuel and high-level radioactive waste and then modeled the performance of the resulting waste forms in two hypothetical, deep, geologic repositories: one in bedded salt and the other in granite. The results of the performance assessment are intended to help guide INEL in its study of how to prepare wastes and spent fuel for eventual permanent disposal. This assessment was part of the Waste Management Technology Development Program designed to help the US Department of Energy develop and demonstrate the capability to dispose of its nuclear waste, as mandated by the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. The waste forms comprised about 700 metric tons of initial heavy metal (or equivalent units) stored at the INEL: graphite spent fuel, experimental low enriched and highly enriched spent fuel, and high-level waste generated during reprocessing of some spent fuel. Five different waste treatment options were studied; in the analysis, the options and resulting waste forms were analyzed separately and in combination as five waste disposal groups. When the waste forms were studied in combination, the repository was assumed to also contain vitrified high-level waste from three DOE sites for a common basis of comparison and to simulate the impact of the INEL waste forms on a moderate-sized repository, The performance of the waste form was assessed within the context of a whole disposal system, using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency`s Environmental Radiation Protection Standards for Management and Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel, High-Level and Transuranic Radioactive Wastes, 40 CFR 191, promulgated in 1985. Though the waste form behavior depended upon the repository type, all current and proposed waste forms provided acceptable behavior in the salt and granite repositories.

The purpose of this document is to present technical information that should be useful for understanding and applying locking systems for physical protection and control. There are major sections on hardware for locks, vaults, safes, and security containers. Other topics include management of lock systems and safety considerations. This document also contains notes on standards and specifications and a glossary.

Demonstrated in this study is the phase identification through a combination of backscattered electron Kikuchi patterns (BEKP) and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS) by the identification of crystals present on ruthenium oxide thin films on Si. The crystals were identified as RuO2, a tetragonal phase. The charge coupled device (CCD)-based detector is also briefly described. The ability of the CCD-based detector to collect high quality patterns without the use of photographic emulsions enables on-line analysis of the BEKP's.

Hazardous operations which in the past have been completed by technicians are under increased scrutiny due to high costs and low productivity associated with providing protective clothing and environments. As a result, remote systems are needed to accomplish many hazardous materials handling tasks such as the clean up of waste sites in which the exposure of personnel to radiation, chemical, explosive, and other hazardous constituents is unacceptable. Traditional remote operations have proven to have very low productivity when compared with unencumbered humans. Computer models augmented by sensing and structured, modular computing environments are proving to be effective in automating many unstructured hazardous tasks.

Photoconductive Semiconductor Switches (PCSS) are being used in, or tested for, many different pulsed power applications as diverse as ultrawideband (UWB) transmitters and high current pulsers. Some aspects of the switches that are relevant to most of the applications are: switch lifetime (longevity), switch opening time (related to the lifetime of carriers in the semiconductor), switching jitter, and the required laser energy. This paper will emphasize the results that we have obtained with Si switches for UWB applications. These include: measurement of switch longevity (a total of 80 Coulombs or 40 C/cm for a 2 cm wide switch and 18.4 Coulombs or 73 Coulombs/cm for a 0.25 cm wide switch), switching at high repetition rates (up to 540 Hz), measurement of carrier lifetime decay rates (a fast one of a few μs, and a slow one of about 330 μs), and measurements on the effect of neutron irradiation on carrier lifetimes. The total charge switched seems to be the highest ever reported for a PCSS. We have used these Si switches in a variety of circuits to produce: a monocycle with a period of about 10 ns corresponding to a center frequency of about 84 MHz, and ringing (many pulse) waveforms with periods of about 1 ns and 7.5 ns corresponding to center frequencies of 770 MHz and 133 MHz. We will also discuss recent studies on the switching properties of GaP.

The use of focused laser beams and fiber optics to control the location and density of current filaments in GaAs photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSS) is described in this paper. An intensified CCD camera is used to monitor the infrared photoluminescence of the filaments during fast initiation of high gain switching for several sizes of lateral GaAs PCSS (e.g. 0.5×5, 1×5, 2.5×5, 2×30, and 15×20 mm2). The switches are triggered with either a focused, mode-locked, Nd:YAG laser (532 and 1064 nm) or fiber-optically coupled semiconductor laser diodes (approximately 900 nm). The dependencies of the size, location, and density of the current filaments on the optical trigger, switch voltage, and switch current will be discussed. The impact of optically controlled current filaments on device design and lifetime is emphasized. Electro-optical switching amplification is demonstrated using the high gain switching mode of GaAs (lock-on). A single semiconductor laser diode is used to trigger a small GaAs PCSS. This PCSS is used to drive a 15-element laser diode array. Both electrical and optical pulse compression, sharpening, and amplification are achieved. Estimates for electrical and optical power gains are 8000 and 750 respectively.

To extend the life of gas delivery systems and improve wafer yields, there is a need for an in-line monitor of H{sub 2}O contamination. Goal of this project is to develop such an instrument, based on infrared spectroscopy, that has a detection limit of 30 ppB or better and costs $50K or less. This year`s work considered the application of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to H{sub 2}O detection in N{sub 2} and HCl. Using a modified commercial FTIR spectrometer and a long-path gas cell, a detection limit of about 10 ppB was demonstrated for H{sub 2}O in N{sub 2} and HCl. This includes about a factor of three improvement achieved by applying quantitative multivariate calibration methods to the problem. Absolute calibration of the instrument was established from absorptivities of prominent H{sub 2}O bands between 3600 and 3910 cm{sup {minus}1}. Methods are described to minimize background moisture in the beam path. Spectral region, detector type, resolution, cell type, and path length were optimized. Resolving the narrow H{sub 2}O bands (FWHM {approx} 0.20 cm{sup {minus}1}) is not necessary to achieve optimal sensitivity. In fact, optimal sensitivity is achieved at 2 to 4 cm{sup {minus}1} resolution, allowing the use of an inexpensive interferometer. A much smaller, second generation instrument is described that will have a conservatively estimated detection limit of 1 ppB. Since the present laboratory instrument can be duplicated in its essential parts for about $90K, it is realistic to project a cost of $50K for the new instrument. An accessory for existing FTIR spectrometers was designed that may be marketed for as little as $10K.

A gridless numerical technique called smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) has been coupled the transient dynamics finite element code, PRONTO. In this paper, a new weighted residual derivation for the SPH method will be presented, and the methods used to embed SPH within PRONTO will be outlined. Example SPH-PRONTO calculations will also be presented. Smooth particle hydrodynamics is a gridless Lagrangian technique. Requiring no mesh, SPH has the potential to model material fracture, large shear flows, and penetration. SPH computes the strain rate and the stress divergence based on the nearest neighbors of a particle, which are determined using an efficient particle sorting technique. Embedding the SPH method within PRONTO allows part of the problem to be modeled with quadrilateral finite elements while other parts are modeled with the gridless SPH method. SPH elements are coupled to the quadrilateral elements through a contact like algorithm.

The response of thickness shear mode (TSM) resonators in liquids is examined. Smooth-surface devices, which viscously entrain a layer of contacting liquid, respond to the product of liquid density and viscosity. Textured-surface devices, which also trap liquid in surface features, exhibit an additional response that depends on liquid density alone. Combining smooth and textured resonators in a monolithic sensor allows simultaneous measurement of liquid density and viscosity.

The Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project is studying Yucca Mountain in southwestern Nevada as a potential site for a high-level nuclear waste repository. Site characterization includes surface-based and underground testing. Analyses have been performed to support the design of site characterization activities so to have minimal impact on the ability of the site to isolate waste, and on tests performed as part of the characterization process. Two examples of site characterization activities are the construction of an Exploratory Studies Facility, which may include underground shafts, drifts, and ramps, and surface-based testing activities, which may require borehole drilling, excavation of test pits, and road watering for dust control. The information in this report pertains to two-dimensional numerical calculations modeling the movement of surficially applied water and the potential effects of that water on repository performance and underground experiments. This document contains information that has been used in preparing recommendations for two Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project documents: Appendix I of the Exploratory Studies Facility Design Requirements document, and the Surface-Based Testing Field Requirements Document.

The Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project is studying Yucca Mountain in southwestern Nevada as a potential site for a high-level radioactive waste repository. Analyses reported herein were performed to support the design of site characterization activities so that these activities will have a minimal impact on the ability of the site to isolate waste and a minimal impact on underground tests performed as part of the characterization process. These analyses examine the effect of water to be used in the underground construction and testing activities for the Exploratory Studies Facility on in situ conditions. Underground activities and events where water will be used include construction, expected but unplanned spills, and fire protection. The models used predict that, if the current requirements in the Exploratory Studies Facility Design Requirements are observed, water that is imbibed into the tunnel wall rock in the Topopah Springs welded tuff can be removed over the preclosure time period by routine or corrective ventilation, and also that water imbibed into the Paintbrush Tuff nonwelded tuff will not reach the potential waste storage area.

A dynamic simulator of the TOPAZ II reactor system has been developed for the Nuclear Electric Propulsion Space Test Program. The simulator combines first-principle modeling and empirical correlations in its algorithm to attain the modeling accuracy and computational through-put that are required for real-time execution. The overall execution time of the simulator for each time step is 15 ms when no data is written to the disk, and 18 ms when nine double precision data points are written to the disk once in every time step. The simulation program has been tested and it is able to handle a step decrease of $8 worth of reactivity. It also provides simulations of fuel, emitter, collector, stainless steel, and ZrH moderator failures. Presented in this paper are the models used in the calculations, a sample simulation session, and a discussion of the performance and limitations of the simulator. The simulator has been found to provide realistic real-time dynamic response of the TOPAZ II reactor system under both normal and casualty conditions.

Samples of chemically-vapor-deposited micrometer and sub-micrometer-thick films of polysilicon were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in cross-section and by Raman spectroscopy with illumination at their surface. TEM and Raman spectroscopy both find varying amounts of polycrystalline and amorphous silicon in the wafers. Raman spectra obtained using blue, green and red excitation wavelengths to vary the Raman sampling depth are compared with TEM cross-sections of these films. Films showing crystalline columnar structures in their TEM micrographs have Raman spectra with a band near 497 cm{sup {minus}1} in addition to the dominant polycrystalline silicon band (521 cm{sup {minus}1}). The TEM micrographs of these films have numerous faulted regions and fringes indicative of nanometer-scale silicon structures, which are believed to correspond to the 497cm{sup {minus}1} Raman band.

This paper examines some of the metrics that are commonly used to design correlation filter's for optical pattern recognition, including: the Fisher ratio, the signal-to-noise ratio, the equal correlation peak (ECP) contraint, and normalized correlation. Attention is given to the underlying assumptions that are required to move from Bayesian decision theory to a particular metric or design principle. Since a Bayes classifier is statistically optimum, this provides a means for assessing the merit of a particular approach. Although we only examine a few metrics in this paper, the approach is general and should be useful for assessing the merit and applicability of any of the numerous filter designs that have been proposed in the optical pattern recognition community.

Optical communication is likely to significantly speed up parallel computation because the vast bandwidth of the optical medium can be divided to produce communication networks of very high degree. However, the problem of contention in high-degree networks makes the routing problem in these networks theoretically (and practically) difficult. In this paper we examine Valiant`s h-relation routing problem, which is a fundamental problem in the theory of parallel computing. The h-relation routing problem arises both in the direct implementation of specific parallel algorithms on distributed-memory machines and in the general simulation of shared memory models such as the PRAM on distributed-memory machines. In an h-relation routing problem each processor has up to h messages that it wishes to send to other processors and each processor is the destination of at most h messages. We present a lower bound for routing an h-relation (for any h > 1) on a complete optical network of size -n. Our lower bound applies to any randomized distributed algorithm for this task. Specifically, we show that the expected number of communication steps required to route an arbitrary h-relation is {Omega}(h + {radical}log log n). This is the first known lower bound for this problem which does not restrict the class of algorithms under consideration.

We present a global motion planner for tracing curves in three dimensions with robot manipulator tool frames. This planner generates an efficient motion satisfying three types of constraints; constraints on the tool tip for curve tracing, robot kinematic constraints and robot-link collision constraints. Motions are planned using a global search algorithm and a local planner based on a potential-field approach. This planner can be used with potential-field approach. This planner can be used with any robots including redundant manipulators, and can any robots including redundant manipulators, and can control the trade-offs between its algorithmic completeness and computation time. It can be applied in many robotic tasks such as seam welding, caulking, edge deburrring and chamfering, and is expected to reduce motion programming times from days to minutes.

Robotic systems are often very complex and difficult to operate, especially as multiple robots are integrated to accomplish difficult tasks. In addition, training the operators of these complex robotic systems is time-consuming and costly. In this paper, a virtual reality based robotic control system is presented. The virtual reality system provides a means by which operators can operate, and be trained to operate, complex robotic systems in an intuitive, cost-effective way. Operator interaction with the robotic system is at a high, task-oriented, level. Continuous state monitoring prevents illegal robot actions and provides interactive feedback to the operator and real-time training for novice users.

Probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) is a process for evaluating hazardous operations by considering what can go wrong, the likelihood of these undesired events, and the resultant consequences. Techniques used in PRA originated in the 1960s. Although there were early exploratory applications to nuclear weapons and other technologies, the first major application of these techniques was in the Reactor Safety Study, WASH-1400, {sup 1} in which the risks of nuclear power accidents were thoroughly investigated for the first time. Recently, these techniques have begun to be adapted to nuclear weapon system applications. This report discusses this application to nuclear weapon systems.

In this paper, we present a new hybrid motion planner than is capable of exploiting previous planning episodes when confronted with new planning problems. Our approach is applicable when several (similar) problems are successively posed for the same static environment, or when the environment changes incrementally between planning episodes. At the heart of our system lie two low-level motion planners: a fast, but incomplete planner (which we call LOCAL), and a computationally costly (possibly resolution) complete planner (which we call GLOBAL). When a new planning problem is presented to our planner, a meta-level planner (which we call MANAGER) decomposes the problem into segments that are amenable to solution by LOCAL. This decomposition is made by exploiting a task graph, in which successful planning episodes have been recorded. In cases where the decomposition fails, GLOBAL is invoked. The key to our planner`s success is a novel representation of solution trajectories, in which segments of collision-free paths are associated with the boundary of nearby obstacles.

Sandia has been studying automatic assembly planning of electromechanical devices for some years, based on an implemented system called Archimedes. Work done to date has focussed on automatic generation of high-level plans, and translation of these plans into robotic control code and workcell layout. More recently, the importance of an assembly planning capability as a design aid has been emphasized, as it could potentially provide early feedback to a designer on the manufacturability of the design. This paper describes the work done on assembly planning to date, plans for extending it, and its applications to agile manufacturing. In particular, we describe an agile manufacturing demonstration project underway at Sandia, and the role the Archimedes assembly planning system will play in it.

Today, 109 nuclear power plants provide over 20 percent of the electrical energy generated in the US The operating license of the first of these plants will expire in the year 2000; one-third of the operating licenses will expire by 2010 and the remaining plant licenses are scheduled to expire by 2033. The National Energy Strategy assumes that 70 percent of these plants will continue to operate beyond their current license expiration to assist in ensuring an adequate, diverse, and environmentally acceptable energy supply for economic growth. In order to preserve this energy resource in the US three major tasks must be successfully completed: establishment of regulations, technical standards, and procedures for the preparation and review of a license renewal application; development, verification, and validation of technical criteria and bases for monitoring, refurbishing, and/or replacing plant equipment; and demonstration of the regulatory process. Since 1985, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has been working with the nuclear industry and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish and demonstrate the option to extend the life of nuclear power plants through the renewal of operating licenses. This paper focuses primarily on DOE`s Plant Lifetime Improvement (PLIM) Program efforts to develop the technical criteria and bases for effective aging management and lifetime improvement for continued operation of nuclear power plants. This paper describes current projects to resolve generic technical issues in the principal areas of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) integrity, fatigue, and environmental qualification (EQ).

We have evaluated a wide variety of microcellular carbon foams prepared by the controlled pyrolysis and carbonization of several polymers including: polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethacrylonitrile (PMAN), resorcinol/formaldehyde (RF), divinylbenzene/methacrylonitrile (DVB), phenolics (furfuryl/alcohol), and cellulose polymers such as Rayon. The porosity may be established by several processes including: Gelation (1-5), phase separation (1-3,5-8), emulsion (1,9,10), aerogel/xerogel formation (1,11,12,13), replication (14) and activation. In this report we present the complex impedance analysis and double layer charging characteristics of electrodes prepared from one of these materials for double layer capacitor applications, namely activated cellulose derived microcellular carbon foam.

This paper evaluates the correlation between values of minimum principal in situ stress derived from two different models which use data obtained from triaxial core tests and coefficient for earth at rest correlations. Both models use triaxial laboratory tests with different confining pressures. The first method uses a vcrified fit to the Mohr failure envelope as a function of average rock grain size, which was obtained from detailed microscopic analyses. The second method uses the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. Both approaches give an angle in internal friction which is used to calculate the coefficient for earth at rest which gives the minimum principal in situ stress. The minimum principal in situ stress is then compared to actual field mini-frac test data which accurately determine the minimum principal in situ stress and are used to verify the accuracy of the correlations. The cores and the mini-frac stress test were obtained from two wells, the Gas Research Institute`s (GRIs) Staged Field Experiment (SFE) no. 1 well through the Travis Peak Formation in the East Texas Basin, and the Department of Energy`s (DOE`s) Multiwell Experiment (MWX) wells located west-southwest of the town of Rifle, Colorado, near the Rulison gas field. Results from this study indicates that the calculated minimum principal in situ stress values obtained by utilizing the rock failure envelope as a function of average rock grain size correlation are in better agreement with the measured stress values (from mini-frac tests) than those obtained utilizing Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion.

Currently, the production of in situ reinforcement in polymeric systems by sol-gel methods is undergoing rapid development. However, understanding of synthesis/structure/property relationships is still lacking. In order to produce sol-gel derived composite materials with sufficient mechanical properties for commercial applications, this deficit of information must be addressed. We have completed a detailed investigation of in situ silica growth in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) systems. Factors which affect the domain growth, such as catalyst activity and silica loading, have been examined by solid state {sup 29}Si NMR, SEM, mechanical testing and small angle neutron scattering.

Infrared emission spectra of 21 borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) thin films on silicon wafers were collected with the samples held at constant temperature between 125--400{degree}C using a heating stage designed for precise temperature control ({plus_minus}{degree}C). Partial test squares calibrations applied to the BPSG infrared emittance spectra allowed four BPSG thin-film properties to be simultaneously quantified with precisions of 0.1 wt. % for boron and phosphorus, 35 {Angstrom} for film thickness, and 1.2{degree}C for temperature.

Experiments were performed to examine sensitivity of thin-film property determinations to several experimental variables when applying multivariate calibration methods to infrared reflection spectroscopic data. Results indicate that low angles of incidence are best for robust quantitative determination of boron, phosphorus, and film thickness in borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) dielectric films. However, the polarization state of the incidence beam does not affect the quantitative prediction ability.

Due to the growth in the use of analog fiber optic data transmission systems at the Nevada Test Site and other locations, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has recognized the need to be able to multiplex several data channels per fiber. Wavelength-division, frequency-division, and time-division multiplex techniques have been investigated. A time-division system using optically-multiplexed laser transmitters driving a common receiver was fielded on the HUNTERS TROPHY event at the NTS. Stability, noise, and dynamic range compared favorably with that seen on nonmultiplexed links. Amplitude, width, and rise time of data transmitted via the multiplexed links was consistent with that recorded from non-multiplexed links.

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) was evaluated as a potential technological improvement over the Coast Guard`s existing side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) for oil-spill surveillance applications. The US Coast Guard Research and Development Center (R&D Center), Environmental Branch, sponsored a joint experiment including the US Coast Guard, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Naval Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hazardous Materials Division. Radar imaging missions were flown on six days over the coastal waters off Santa Barbara, CA, where there are constant natural seeps of oil. Both the Coast Guard SLAR and the Sandia National Laboratories SAR were employed to acquire simultaneous images of oil slicks and other natural sea surface features that impact oil-spill interpretation. Surface truth and other environmental data were also recorded during the experiment. The experiment data were processed at Sandia National Laboratories and delivered to the R&D Center on a computer workstation for analysis by experiment participants. Issues such as optimal spatial resolution, single-look vs. multi-look SAR imaging, and the utility of SAR for oil-spill analysis were addressed. Finally, conceptual design requirements for a possible future Coast Guard SAR were outlined and evaluated.

Sandia National Laboratories was tasked by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to perform a Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) of a boiling water reactor (BWR) during low power and shutdown (LP&S) conditions. The plant chosen for the study was Grand Gulf Nuclear Station (GGNS), a BWR 6. In performing the analysis, it was found that in comparison with full-power PRAs, the low decay heat levels present during LP&S conditions result in a relatively large number of ways by which cooling can be provided to the core. In addition, because of the less stringent requirements imposed on system configurations possible is large and the availability of plant systems is more difficult to specify. These aspects of the LP&S environment led to the development and use of ``generic`` event trees in performing the analysis. The use of ``generic`` event trees, in turn, had a significant impact on the nature of the human reliability analysis (HRA) that was performed. This paper describes the development of the event trees for the LP&S PRA and important aspects of the resulting HRA.

The computer program, DMC (Distinct Motion Code), which was developed for simulating the rock motion associated with blasting, has been used to study the influence of row delay timing on rock motion. The numerical simulations correspond with field observations in that very short delays (< 50ms) and very long delays (> 300ms) produce a lower percent-cast than a medium delay (100 to 200 ms). The DMC predicted relationship between row delay timing and percent-cast is more complex than expected with a dip in the curve where the optimum timing might be expected. More study is required to gain a full understanding of this phenomenon.

When presented with a new supercomputer most users will first ask {open_quotes}How much faster will my applications run?{close_quotes} and then add a fearful {open_quotes}How much effort will it take me to convert to the new machine?{close_quotes} This paper describes some lessons learned at Sandia while asking these questions about the new 1800+ node Intel Paragon. The authors conclude that the operating system is crucial to both achieving high performance and allowing easy conversion from previous parallel implementations to a new machine. Using the Sandia/UNM Operating System (SUNMOS) they were able to port a LU factorization of dense matrices from the nCUBE2 to the Paragon and achieve 92% scaled speed-up on 1024 nodes. Thus on a 44,000 by 44,000 matrix which had required over 10 hours on the previous machine, they completed in less than 1/2 hour at a rate of over 40 GFLOPS. Two keys to achieving such high performance were the small size of SUNMOS (less than 256 kbytes) and the ability to send large messages with very low overhead.

A model of permeability changes in rock salt is developed and implemented in a time-dependent finite element code. Model parameters are developed from laboratory tests. The model is used to predict permeability changes adjacent to excavations in rock salt.

The purpose of this paper is to present a preliminary estimate of the nuclear-related public health risk presented by launching and operating the Russian TOPAZ II space reactor as part of the Nuclear Electric Propulsion Space Test Program (NEPSTP). This risk is then compared to the risks from the operation of commercial nuclear power reactors and previously planned and/or launched space nuclear power missions. For the current mission profile, the initial estimate of the risk posed by launching and operating TOPAZ II is significantly less (at least two orders of magnitude) than that estimated for prior space nuclear missions. Even allowing for the large uncertainties in this estimate, it does not appear that the NEPSTP mission will present a significant health risk to the public.

The WETCOR-1 test of simultaneous interactions of a high-temperature melt with water and a limestone/common-sand concrete is described. The test used a 34.1-kg melt of 76.8 w/o Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, 16.9 w/o CaO, and 4.0 w/o SiO{sub 2} heated by induction using tungsten susceptors. Once quasi-steady attack on concrete by the melt was established, an attempt was made to quench the melt at 1850 K with 295 K water flowing at 57 liters per minute. Net power into the melt at the time of water addition was 0.61 {plus_minus} 0.19 W/cm{sup 3}. The test configuration used in the WETCOR-1 test was designed to delay melt freezing to the walls of the test fixture. This was done to test hypotheses concerning the inherent stability of crust formation when high-temperature melts are exposed to water. No instability in crust formation was observed. The flux of heat through the crust to the water pool maintained over the melt in the test was found to be 0.52 {plus_minus} 0.13 MW/m{sup 2}. Solidified crusts were found to attenuate aerosol emissions during the melt concrete interactions by factors of 1.3 to 3.5. The combination of a solidified crust and a 30-cm deep subcooled water pool was found to attenuate aerosol emissions by factors of 3 to 15.

A structural analysis methodology has been developed for the NASA 2.5-inch frangible nut used on the Space Shuttle. Two of these nuts are used to secure the External Tank to the aft end of the Orbiter. Both nuts must completely fracture before the Orbiter can safely separate from the External Tank. Ideally, only one of the two explosive boosters contained in each nut must detonate to completely break a nut. However, after an uncontrolled change in the Inconel 718 material processing, recent tests indicate that in certain circumstances both boosters may be required. This report details the material characterization and subsequent structural analyses of nuts manufactured from two lots of Inconel 718. The nuts from the HSX lot were observed to consistently separate with only one booster, while the nuts from the HBT lot never completely fracture with a single booster. The material characterization requires only tensile test data and the determination of a tearing parameter based on a computer simulation of a tensile test. Subsequent structural analyses using the PRONTO2D finite element code correctly predict the differing response of nuts fabricated from these two lots. This agreement is important because it demonstrates that this technique can be used to screen lots of Inconel 718 before manufacturing frangible nuts from them. To put this new capability to practice, Sandia personnel have transferred this technology to the Pyrotechnics Group at NASA-JSC.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is planning to launch a network of scientific probes to Mars beginning in late 1996. The precursor to this network will be PATHFINDER. Decelerating PATHFINDER from the high speed of its approach to Mars will require the use of several deceleration techniques working in series. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has proposed that gas bags be used to cushion the payload`s ground impact on Mars. This report presents the computer code, BAG, which has been developed to calculate the pneumatic performance of gas bag impact attenuators and the one-dimensional rigid-body dynamic performance of a payload during ground impact.

Graph partitioning is a fundamental problem in many scientific settings. This document describes the capabilities and operation of Chaco, a software package designed to partition graphs. Chaco allows for recursive application of any of several different methods for finding small edge separators in weighted graphs. These methods include inertial, spectral, Kernighan-Lin and multilevel methods in addition to several simpler strategies. Each of these methods can be used to partition the graph into two, four or eight pieces at each level of recursion. In addition, the Kernighan-Lin method can be used to improve partitions generated by any of the other methods. Brief descriptions of these methods are provided, along with references to relevant literature. The user interface, input/output formats and appropriate settings for a variety of code parameters are discussed in detail, and some suggestions on algorithm selection are offered.

This document, the Stockpile Dismantlement Database (SDDB) training materials is designed to familiarize the user with the SDDB windowing system and the data entry steps for Component Characterization for Disposition. The foundation of information required for every part is depicted by using numbered graphic and text steps. The individual entering data is lead step by step through generic and specific examples. These training materials are intended to be supplements to individual on-the-job training.

This report is a followup to the work presented in NUREG/CR-5423 addressing early failure of a BWR Mark I containment by melt attack of the liner, and it constitutes a part of the implementation of the Risk-Oriented Accident Analysis Methodology (ROAAM) employed therein. In particular, it expands the quantification to include four independent evaluations carried out at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Argonne National Laboratories, Sandia National Laboratories and ANATECH, Inc. on the various portions of the phenomenology involved. These independent evaluations are included here as Parts II through V. The results, and their integration in Part I, demonstrate the substantial synergism and convergence necessary to recognize that the issue has been resolved.

A discrete element computer program, DMC (Distinct Motion Code) was developed to simulate blast-induced rock motion. To simplify the complex task of entering material and explosive design parameters as well as bench configuration, a full-featured graphical interface has been developed. DMC is currently executed on both Sun SPARCstation 2 and Sun SPARCstation 10 platforms and routinely used to model bench and crater blasting problems. This paper will document the design and development of the full-featured interface to DMC. The development of the interface will be tracked through the various stages, highlighting the adjustments made to allow the necessary parameters to be entered in terms and units that field blasters understand. The paper also discusses a novel way of entering non-integer numbers and the techniques necessary to display blasting parameters in an understandable visual manner. A video presentation will demonstrate the graphics interface and explains its use.

This report describes the source term estimation codes, XSORs. The codes are written for three pressurized water reactors (Surry, Sequoyah, and Zion) and two boiling water reactors (Peach Bottom and Grand Gulf). The ensemble of codes has been named ``XSOR``. The purpose of XSOR codes is to estimate the source terms which would be released to the atmosphere in severe accidents. A source term includes the release fractions of several radionuclide groups, the timing and duration of releases, the rates of energy release, and the elevation of releases. The codes have been developed by Sandia National Laboratories for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in support of the NUREG-1150 program. The XSOR codes are fast running parametric codes and are used as surrogates for detailed mechanistic codes. The XSOR codes also provide the capability to explore the phenomena and their uncertainty which are not currently modeled by the mechanistic codes. The uncertainty distributions of input parameters may be used by an. XSOR code to estimate the uncertainty of source terms.

Silica glass fibers have been produced and tested under ultra high vacuum (UHV) conditions to investigate the inert strength of pristine fibers in absence of reactive agents. Analysis of the coefficient of variation in diameter ({upsilon}{sub d}) vs the coefficient of variation of breaking strength ({upsilon}{sub {sigma}}) does not adequately explain the variation of breaking stress. Distribution of fiber tensile strength data suggests that the inert strength of such fibers is not single valued and that the intrinsic strength is controlled by defects in the glass. Furthermore, comparison of room temperature UHV data with LN{sub 2} data indicates that these intrinsic strengths are not temperature dependent.

A chemical vapor deposition technique is used to produce amorphous boron nitride and carbon thin films on high strength silica glass fibers. In this method, the fiber is drawn under ultra high vacuum conditions and low pressure process gases, in the presence of a hot tungsten filament, are used to grow films at low substrate temperatures. Films deposited with this technique do not degrade the intrinsic pristine strength of the silica fibers under dry conditions and, when stressed in chemically aggressive environments, act as effective barrier coatings.

A non-contact system for alignment of objects on mass properties measuring instruments is described. Test parts can be aligned to within the capabilities of the user and the fixture to make the adjustments. The current implementation can align objects to less than .001 inches at two points with final requested adjustments of a few ten-thousands of an inch. The non-contact capability allows the alignment of objects which are too compliant or fragile for traditional contacting measurement methods. Also, this system allows the definition of a reference axis on objects which are not perfectly symmetric. The reference axis is defined at the top of the object by an appropriate marker and defined at the bottom by a best fit circle through the surface at a specified height. A general description of the hardware, procedures, and results are presented for the non-user. Appendices which contain a complete description of the software, usage, and mathematical implementation are provided for the reader who is interested in using or further developing the system.

A comprehensive review of experimental base pressure and base heating data related to supersonic and hypersonic flight vehicles has been completed. Particular attention was paid to free-flight data as well as wind tunnel data for models without rear sting support. Using theoretically based correlation parameters, a series of internally consistent, empirical prediction equations has been developed for planar and axisymmetric geometries (wedges, cones, and cylinders). These equations encompass the speed range from low supersonic to hypersonic flow and laminar and turbulent forebody boundary layers. A wide range of cone and wedge angles and cone bluntness ratios was included in the data base used to develop the correlations. The present investigation also included preliminary studies of the effect of angle of attack and specific-heat ratio of the gas.

Materials used in the optical elements of a 1,061 m GSGG (gadolinium scandium gallium garnet) laser have been tested for transient radiation-induced absorption. The transient radiation-induced absorption in KK1, Schott S7005 and S7010, and M382 glasses have been determined for discrete wavelengths in the range 440--750 nm. Also, the transient radiation-induced absorption in {open_quotes}pure{close_quotes} and MgO doped LiNbO{sub 3} has been measured at 1,061 nm. Mathematical expressions composed of exponentials are fitted to the data.

This report was prepared at the request of the US Department of Energy`s Office of Energy Management for an objective comparison of the merits of battery energy storage with superconducting magnetic energy storage technology for utility applications. Conclusions are drawn regarding the best match of each technology with these utility application requirements. Staff from the Utility Battery Storage Systems Program and the superconductivity Programs at Sandia National contributed to this effort.

This report summarizes the effort to quantify the electromagnetic environments in the nuclear explosive areas at Pantex due to direct lightning. The fundamental measure of the threat to nuclear safety is assumed to be the maximum voltage between any two points in an assembly area, which is then available for producing arcing or for driving current into critical subsystems of a nuclear weapon. This maximum voltage has been computed with simple analytical models and with three-dimensional finite-difference computer codes.

The expert panel identified basic principles to guide current and future marker development efforts: (1) the site must be marked, (2) message(s) must be truthful and informative, (3) multiple components within a marker system, (4) multiple means of communication (e.g., language, pictographs, scientific diagrams), (5) multiple levels of complexity within individual messages on individual marker system elements, (6) use of materials with little recycle value, and (7) international effort to maintain knowledge of the locations and contents of nuclear waste repositories. The efficacy of the markers in deterring inadvertent human intrusion was estimated to decrease with time, with the probability function varying with the mode of intrusion (who is intruding and for what purpose) and the level of technological development of the society. The development of a permanent, passive marker system capable of surviving and remaining interpretable for 10,000 years will require further study prior to implementation.

The EXPO was organized to increase communication between US industry and DOE`s national laboratories. The report contains copies of viewgraphs of all speakers and reports of workshops designed to identify priority needs of industry. A conference synopsis and set of recommendations to DOE are also included.

Research in recent years has demonstrated the efficient use of solar thermal energy for driving endothermic chemical reforming reactions in which hydrocarbons are reacted to form synthesis gas (syngas). Closed-loop reforming/methanation systems can be used for storage and transport of process heat and for short-term storage for peaking power generation. Open-loop systems can be used for direct fuel production; for production of syngas feedstock for further processing to specialty chemicals and plastics and bulk ammonia, hydrogen, and liquid fuels; and directly for industrial processes such as iron ore reduction. In addition, reforming of organic chemical wastes and hazardous materials can be accomplished using the high-efficiency destruction capabilities of steam reforming. To help identify the most promising areas for future development of this technology, we discuss in this paper the economics and market potential of these applications.

The combined dynamic environments of vibration and linear acceleration are common to a large number of spacecraft components and other devices. Testing such devices has normally been a two-step process in which independent vibration and centrifuge tests are performed. There is a concern that the combined effects from these two dynamic environments could cause unexpected operational failures that were not predicted from either analysis or independent testing. This paper describes the design and performance of a testing facility that combines vibration and centrifuge testing in a single operation. The test facility is called the Vibrafuge and utilizes Sandia National Laboratories' (SNL) 29-ft underground centrifuge with an attached electrodynamic shaker. Also addressed are activities underway at SNL on development of a combined vibration and acoustic test facility (ATF).

An Integrated Demonstration Program, hosted by the Fernald Environmental Restoration Management Corporation (FERMCO), has been established for investigating technologies applicable to the characterization and remediation of soils contaminated with uranium. An important part of this effort is the evaluation of field screening tools capable of acquiring high resolution information on the distribution of uranium contamination in surface soils in a cost-and-time efficient manner. Consistent with this need, four field screening technologies have been demonstrated at two hazardous waste sites at the FERMCO. The four technologies tested are wide-area gamma spectroscopy, beta scintillation counting, laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (LA-ICP-AES), and long-range alpha detection (LRAD). One of the important findings of this demonstration was just how difficult it is to compare data collected by means of multiple independent measurement techniques. Difficulties are attributed to differences in measurement scale, differences in the basic physics upon which the various measurement schemes are predicated, and differences in the general performance of detector instrumentation. It follows that optimal deployment of these techniques requires the development of an approach for accounting for the intrinsic differences noted above. As such, emphasis is given in this paper to the development of a methodology for integrating these techniques for use in site characterization programs as well as the development of a framework for interpreting the collected data. The methodology described here also has general application to other field-based screening technologies and soil sampling programs.

This paper describes the development and use of the Multi-Axis Seam Tracking (MAST) sensor for tracking seams or other features in real-time. Four independent, spatially-distributed electric fields are used to sense changes in the relative position of the sensor and the workpiece. The MAST sensor is very inexpensive compared with commercially available seam tracking sensors. It can be used in systems to perform cost-effective small-lot manufacturing operations in a faster, more consistent manner. The MAST sensor is used in an automated system for dispensing braze paste during a rocket nozzle fabrication process.

Pitting of 1100 Al(Al-1.0(Fe,Cu,Si)) due to Al{sub 3}Fe constituent particles has been studied by examining a variety of intrinsic, extrinsic, and environmental factors that contribute to localized corrosion. Consistent with results from other studies, Al{sub 3}Fe is noble with respect to its microstructural surroundings and pitting is localized to the particle periphery. Polarization curves indicate that cathodic electron transfer reactions are supported on Al{sub 3}Fe at high rates, however, a anodic electron transfer reactions are not. Interparticle spacing appears to play a strong role in determining where pitting will occur, while Al{sub 3}Fe particle area plays a lesser role. Solution pH, applied potential, and exposure time each have measurable effects on the electrochemical behavior of Al{sub 3}Fe and the {alpha}-Al matrix phase which can impact either the galvanic potential of the Al{sub 3}Fe/{alpha}-Al couple, or charge transfer processes on Al{sub 3}Fe particles.

Using surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, three approaches to the effective use of chemically sensitive interfaces that are not highly chemically selective have been examined: (1) molecular identification from time-resolved permeation transients; (2) using multifrequency SAW devices to determine the frequency dependence of analyte/film interactions; (3) use of an array of SAW devices bearing diverse chemically sensitive interfaces to produce a distinct response pattern for each analyte. In addition to their well-known sensitivity to mass changes (0.0035 monolayer of N{sub 2} can be measured), SAW devices respond to the mechanical and electronic properties of thin films, enhancing response information content but making a thorough understanding of the perturbation critical. Simultaneous measurement of changes in frequency and attenuation, which can provide the information necessary to determine the type of perturbation, are used as part of the above discrimination schemes.

All of American industry is being subjected to increased competitive pressures due to customer needs for shorter cycle times and better quality. The investment casting industry could be in a unique position to satisfy these needs by incorporating several emerging technologies into production processes. The inherent versatility and flexibility of casting make it a truly agile manufacturing process. Because of its compatibility with new rapid prototyping technologies, investment casting could be one of the key vehicles in the new ``art to part`` paradigm. Recently, dramatic advances have been made in the quality of wax and plastic patterns, parts, and tooling by investment casting on time scales unheard of today. Because design and acquisition of tooling contributes heavily to the lead time for any market, these advances will strengthen the position of investment casting manufacturers and customers, and create opportunities in traditional and non-tradition markets. Key to achieving this goal is to use the technology to remove uncertainties from investment casting process. To do this, we must collectively build the infrastructure to enable investment casting companies to make parts right the first time, every time. Integration of mature and on-the-horizon technologies will make this revolution possible and create large growth in markets for investment castings.