Publications

Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, manages the Utility Battery Exploratory Technology Development Program, which is sponsored by the US Department of Energy`s Office of Energy Management. In this capacity, Sandia is responsible for the engineering analyses and development of rechargeable batteries for utility-energy-storage applications. This report details the technical achievements realized during fiscal year 1991. Sodium/Sulfur, Zinc/Bromine, Nickel/Hydrogen, Aluminium/Air and Lead/Acid batteries are evaluated.

This report presents the results of single-well hydraulic tests performed in seven wells in the vicinity of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) site in southeastern New Mexico in 1988 and 1989. The tests discussed in this report were performed in four of the five members of the Rustler Formation. The tests include: a slug-withdrawal test of the unnamed lower member of the Rustler ate well H-16; slug-withdrawal and slug-injection tests of the Culebra Dolomite Member at well AEC-7; slug-injection tests of the Culebra at well D-268; a pumping test of the Culebra at well H-18; pulse-injection, slug-injection, and slug-withdrawal tests of Magenta Dolomite Member at well H-2b1; pulse-withdrawal, slug-withdrawal, and slug-injection tests of the Magenta at well H-3b1; and pulse-withdrawal and slug-withdrawal tests of the Forty-niner Member at well H-3d. The tests were intended to provide data on the transmissivities of the Rustler members for use in regional-scale modeling of groundwater flow through the Rustler.

The ES&H Training Catalog is a tool to assist managers in determining which training courses they require their employees to complete. The narrative description under ``Who Shall Attend`` describes the characteristics of the employees and contractors under the direction of Sandia who are required by law, regulation, DOE Order, or SNL Directive to complete the training in order to be in compliance. The narrative is ``Who Should Attend`` describes the individuals for which the course is `highly recommended,`` although they are not mandated to attend.

SANET is a computer program intended for use in constructing, evaluating, and printing event trees for safety and reliability studies. SANET allows the user to graphically construct event trees, assign probabilities to the branches on the tree and include a variety of labels. Fast, publication quality printed output can be obtained. SANET requires an IBM compatible PC with a 80286, 80386 or 80486 processor, VGA graphics, a mouse and an HP Laserjet printer.

The technological innovation process comprises a range of stages, steps, and activities extending fro generation of new ideas through successful practical application of those ideas. This process constitutes the larger context within which technology transfer programs must necessarily operate if the goal is to transform new knowledge and technology into products which are competitive in the emerging global marketplace. A basic grasp of the principles and issues involved in the total innovation process is essential for developing and improving programs, prioritizing activities, and making strategic and operational decisions which will be appropriate and effective. This report attempts to provide a relatively brief overview of the total innovation process and related issues. This focus follows from the intent of the federal technology transfer initiative, which is essentially to facilitate the rapid advance of technological progress and to enhance national economic competitiveness. It is important to recognize that the transfer of technology between organizations or individuals is only one part of the complete process, although possibly a critical part in some situations. From an economic standpoint, technology transfer without resulting successful commercialization is meaningless. This report should be useful primer for people from any sector of the economy, even though it is intended to address the context for the transfer of federal laboratory technology in particular.

Two laboratory tests were designed to study the behavior of SnTe and CsOH in steam at {approximately}1230 K with the reactor materials Inconel 600, 304 stainless steel, silver and nickel, a nonoxidizing constituent of Inconels and steels in reactor accident environments. Thermochemical calculations examined the sensitivity of species in the H-O-Cs-Te-Sn system to temperature, to hydrogen and SnTe concentrations and to total system pressure. Test results indicate that should SnTe be formed from fission product tellurium and the tin in zircaloy cladding, it may not remain stable in steam in the presence of unoxidized (or lightly oxidized) metals. Calculations show a small amount of SnTe, in equilibrium with steam, decomposes to primarily Te and SnO. It is felt that these decomposition producets react with the reactor materials since Sn and Te are seen to be deposited separately and not as SnTe. The deposition velocity for SnO vapor in the system was estimated to be 0.57 m/s. The response of CsOH in the system was similar to behavior observed previously: some cesium combined with silicon found in Inconel and stainless steel oxides. At lower temperatures ({le}940 K) CsOH corroded Inconel, stainless steel and nickel providing enhanced surface area for additional trapping of species. There was no experimental evidence for the formation of cesium telluride; vapor equilibrium calculations did not predict formation either. 33 refs., 29 figs, 7 tabs.

An analytical expression and an integral representation are presented for the contribution, Y{sup (n)} = {Sigma}{sup (n)}{delta}{Omega}{sub n}, of n-event multiple scattering chains to the observed backscattering spectrum in heavy-ion backscattering (HIBS) measurements. The approximations introduced in deriving the results are chosen such that an upper limit is placed on Y{sup (n)} by the expressions. The Rutherford elastic scattering cross section is used to describe individual collisions between incident projectiles and target atoms. Screening of the Rutherford scattering cross section is included in an approximate fashion which maintains the upper limit estimate. Inelastic energy loss between collision events is assumed proportional to the projectile velocity. Specific application of theses expressions is made to HIBS detection of trace amounts of heavy atom impurities on a Si by 200--400 keV C{sup +} beams. The predicted multiple scattering background for this applications is compared with the predicted single scattering signal for 10{sup 10} atoms/cm{sup 2} of Fe, Cu, Zr, Sn, or Au, as surface impurity. The comparison shows that the multiple scattering background poses no barrier to extending the sensitivity of HIBS detection of impurities in this mass range to levels as low as 10{sup 8} atoms/cm{sup 2} for the upper part of the energy range considered. Comparison of calculations with and without screening included show that the screening of the Rutherford cross section by atomic electrons is a significant factor in preventing multiple scattering effects from interfering with HIBS spectrometry at impurity levels in the 10{sup 10} atoms/cm{sup 2} range.

The MELCOR code has been used to simulate the FLECHT SEASET natural circulation experiments done in a scale-model Westinghouse-PWR test facility, with code results compared to experimental data. Sensitivity studies have been done, for both single-phase and two-phase natural circulation conditions, on time step effects and machine dependencies; nodalization studies and studies on several code modelling options were also done. Good agreement is found between prediction and observation for steady-state, single-phase liquid natural circulation. The code could reproduce the major thermal/hydraulic response characteristics in two-phase natural circulation, but only through a number of nonstandard input modelling modifications; MELCOR cannot reproduce the requisite physical phenomena with ``normal`` input models. Because the same response is observed in similar tests at other facilities over a range of scales and is expected to occur in full-scale plants as well, the ability of the user to ``match`` the observed behavior through a small set of nonstandard input modelling changes allows MELCOR to be used in PRA studies in which such physics are expected to be encountered, while awaiting corrections to the code models involved. The time step control algorithm in MELCOR does not run this problem efficiently; a substantial reduction in time step results in significantly less oscillation predicted at only a small increase run time.

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is planned as a mined geologic repository for the disposal of transuranic (TRU) radioactive wastes generated by defense programs of the United States Department of Energy. One of the criteria for evaluating the suitability of the WIPP for disposal of TRU wastes is compliance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency`s (EPA) standards for such facilities. The Containment Requirements of those standards require calculating cumulative releases of radionuclides to the accessible environment by all combinations of events and processes (scenarios) that may affect the escape and transport of radionuclides from the repository for 10, 000 years after decommissioning of the facility. Because the release limits established by the EPA are probabilistic, scenario probabilities are also required. A panel of experts was convened to estimate the probabilities of occurrence of the events used in scenario development and to identify additional human-intrusion events for inclusion in a safety assessment of the WIPP. This report documents the background presentations that were made to the panel about the WIPP program, regulatory guidelines, and performance-assessment program, and site-specific and regional geologic and hydrologic characteristics that may affect the WIPP disposal system.

This report is a revision and update of the original geologic site characterization report that was published in 1980. Many of the topics addressed in the earlier report were predictive in nature and it is now possible to reexamine them some 12 years later, using the data from 17 new caverns and more than ten years of SPR storage experience. Revised maps of the salt configuration show on overhand and faults on the north side of the dome, defining more clearly the edge relationships with respect to the SPR caverns. Caprock faults may locally influence the pattern of subsidence, which is occurring primarily as a result of cavern creep closure. The greater subsidence rate occurring at West Hackberry will likely require mitigative action within a few years. Seismicity of low intensity recurs infrequently at West Hackberry, but a small earthquake in 1983 caused dish rattling in the immediate vicinity.

Cementitious materials, together with other materials, are being considered to seal a potential repository at Yucca Mountain. A concern with cementitious materials is the chemical and mineralogic changes that may occur as these materials age while in contact with local ground waters. A combined theoretical and experimental approach was taken to determine the ability to theoretically predict mineralogic changes. The cementitious material selected for study has a relatively low Ca:Si ratio approaching that of the mineral tobermorite. Samples were treated hydrothermally at 200{degrees}C with water similar to that obtained from the J-13 well on the Nevada Test Site. Post-test solutions were analyzed for pH as well as dissolved K, Na, Ca, Al, and Si. Solid phases formed during these experiments were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X- ray diffraction. These findings were compared with predictions made by the geochemical modeling code EQ3NR/E06. It was generally found that there was good agreement between predicted and experimental results.

Two years ago, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories showed that a massively parallel computer with 1024 processors could solve scientific problems more than 1000 times faster than a single processor. Since then, interest in massively parallel processing has increased dramatically. This review paper discusses some of the applications of this emerging technology to important problems at Sandia. Particular attention is given here to the impact of massively parallel systems on applications related to national defense. New concepts in heterogenous programming and load balancing for MIMD computers are drastically increasing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and SDI modeling capabilities. Also, researchers are showing that the current generation of massively parallel MIMD and SIMD computers are highly competitive with a CRAY on hydrodynamic and structural mechanics codes that are optimized for vector processors.

Two-dimensional Acousto-Optic (AO) correlators differ from the frequency plane correlators in that multiplying, shifting, and adding, rather than Fourier transforming are used to obtain the correlations. Thus, many of the available composite filter design techniques are not aimed at designing filters for use in AO correlators since they yield frequency-domain functions. In this paper, a method is introduced for designing filter impulse responses of arbitrary extent for implementation on AO correlators. These filters are designed to yield sharp correlation peaks. Simulation results are included to illustrate the viability of the proposed approach. Also included are some initial results from the first successful use of grey-scale composite filters on an AO correlator.

Previously, we have (lesigueci 3-level filters (suitable for implementation on magneto-optic spatial light modulators) to maxiiiiize the output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and to separately maximize Peak-to-Correlation Energy (PCE) that iieasures the correlation peak sharpness. In practice, we want the correlation peaks to he sharp (i.e., large PCE) as well as noise-tolerant (i.e., large SNR). In this paper, we vill present a new method to optimally coiiibine these two desirable properties into a single optimization procedure. Similar methods to trade off SNR versus Peak Efficiency and PCE versus Peak Efficiency will be presented. Both siiiiulation and experinental results will be included.

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), in southeastern New Mexico, is a research and development facility to demonstrate safe disposal of defense-generated transuranic waste. The US Department of Energy will designate WIPP as a disposal facility if it meets the US Environmental Protection Agency's standard for disposal of such waste; the standard includes a requirement that estimates of cumulative releases of radioactivity to the accessible environment be incorporated in an overall probability distribution. The WIPP Project has chosen an approach to calculation of an overall probability distribution that employs the concept of scenarios for release and transport of radioactivity to the accessible environment. This report reviews the use of Monte Carlo methods in the calculation of an overall probability distribution and presents a logical and mathematical foundation for use of the scenario concept in such calculations. The report also draws preliminary conclusions regarding the shape of the probability distribution for the WIPP system; preliminary conclusions are based on the possible occurrence of three events and the presence of one feature: namely, the events attempted boreholes over rooms and drifts,'' mining alters ground-water regime,'' water-withdrawal wells provide alternate pathways,'' and the feature brine pocket below room or drift.'' Calculation of the WIPP systems's overall probability distributions for only five of sixteen possible scenario classes that can be obtained by combining the four postulated events or features.

Two active Li/SOCl2 cells for use in artillery-fired atomic projectiles are being developed. Voltage delay is the primary mode of electrochemical failure in these cells at -35°C. To minimize this anode polarization, the anode passivation is inhibited by adding chloromethyl chlorosulfate (CMCS) to the sulfur dioxide complex of lithium tetrachloroaluminate (LiAlCl4-SO2) in the cell electrolyte. One battery powers the telemetry system (TM battery) and the other powers a projectile event timer circuit (PET battery). The authors utilize the PET battery and PET load profile to demonstrate the effect of electrolyte additives on anode passive film growth and associated voltage delay. Similar effects were also observed in the TM battery. A limited number of PET prototypes was available for this study. Therefore, several tests were performed in hermetically sealed prismatic laboratory test cells which were constructed using the same electrochemical components which are used in the PET cells.

Surface damage has been observed on the rails of rocket sled tracks and on the barrels of high-velocity guns. The phenomenon is generally referred to as ``ongoing``. Damage to a stationary surface (guider) is created from the oblique impact of a high-velocity object (slider) moving over its surface. The surface damage (gouge) is typically a shallow crater in the shape of a teardrop with the leading edge characterized by the wider end and a slightly raised lip. For rocket sleds, rail gouging occurs when the sled velocity is greater than 1.5 km/sec; while in guns, barrel gouging occurs when the velocity exceeds 4 km/sec. A model is developed to describe the phenomenon of gouging. An unbalanced slider randomly causes a shallow-angle, oblique impact between the slider and the guider. At sufficiently high velocity, the impact produces a thin, but very hot, layer of soft material at the contact surface. Under the action of a moving load, the soft layer lends itself to an antisymmetric deformation and a gouge is formed when this soft material is over-run by the slider. The model is simulated numerically with a hydrodynamic (CTH) code. The results of the simulations are in good agreement with the observed phenomena. Based on the simulated temperature and pressure profiles at the contact surface, design criteria for gouge mitigation are developed in this study. 45 refs., 29 figs., 1 tab.

A description of the Remote Area Monitoring System utilized on nuclear tests conducted by Sandia National Laboratories and the Defense Nuclear Agency is presented. The configuration of the detectors as used on a test is described, as well as the system hardware. Calibration of the detectors before fielding is also discussed.

The annular Core Research Reactor (ACRR) Source Term (ST) Experiment program was designed to obtain time-resolved data on the release of fission products from irradiated fuels under well-controlled light water reactor severe accident conditions. The ST-1 Experiment was the first of two experiments designed to investigate fission product release. ST-1 was conducted in a highly reducing environment at a system pressure of approximately 0.19 MPa, and at maximum fuel temperatures of about 2490 K. The data will be used for the development and validation of mechanistic fission product release computer codes such as VICTORIA.

There are four papers contained in this report which were presented at the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) Gas Workshop to provide information about studies of waste-generated gas being conducted for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The paper by Davies et al. provides a general overview of the physical conditions pertinent to waste-generated gas and of the coupling of chemical, hydrologic, and structural processes. The paper by Brush et al. describes specific gas-generation processes and the laboratory- and bin-scale experiments being carried out to characterize these processes. The paper by Mendenhall et al. describes coupled modeling of gas generation and room closure, and provides an analysis of the potential for fracture generation and growth. the paper by Webb describes a series of sensitivity calculations carried out to assess the importance of hydrologic parameters, such as formation permeability and two-phase characteristic curves. Together, these papers provide an overview of the present (September 1991) status of waste-generated gas studies for the WIPP.

A three dimensional pretest finite element analysis of the Intermediate Scale Borehole Test has been performed. In the analysis, the 7.7 years simulation period includes the mining of Rooms C1 and C2, and the N1420 cross drift, at time zero; drilling of the borehole between the two rooms at 5.7 years; and 2 years of post-drilling response. An all salt configuration was used in the calculation. The 1984 Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) reference elastic-secondary creep law, with reduced elastic moduli, was used to model the creeping response of the salt. Results show that after mining of the rooms and cross drift a relatively high von Mises stress state exists around the perimeter of the pillar. However, by 5.7 years, or immediately prior to drilling of the borehole, the pillar has relaxed to an almost uniform von Mises stress of about 7--8 MPa. After the borehole is drilled, a relatively high von Mises stress field is once again set up in the immediate vicinity of the hole. This drives the creep closure of the borehole. The hole closes more in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction, resulting in ovalling of the hole. At the end of the simulation, the von Mises stress around the borehole is still higher than that in the remained of the pillar. Thus, the closure rates are relatively high at the end of the simulation time.

A parametric model for releases of radionuclides from spent-nuclear-fuel containers in a waste repository is presented. The model is appropriate for use in preliminary total-system performance assessments of the potential repository site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada; for this reason it is simpler than the models used for detailed studies of waste-package performance. Terms are included for releases from the spent fuel pellets, from the pellet/cladding gap and the grain boundaries within the fuel pellets, from the cladding of the fuel rods, and from the radioactive fuel-assembly parts. Multiple barriers are considered, including the waste container, the fuel-rod cladding, the thermal ``dry-out``, and the waste form itself. The basic formulas for release from a single fuel rod or container are extended to formulas for expected releases for the whole repository by using analytic expressions for probability distributions of some important parameters. 39 refs., 4 figs., 4 tabs.

The design of the potential Yucca Mountain repository is subject to many thermal goals related to the compliance of the site with federal regulations. This report summarizes a series of sensitivity studies that determined the expected temperatures near the potential repository. These sensitivity studies were used to establish an efficient loading scheme for the spent fuel canisters and a maximum areal power density based strictly on thermal goals. Given the current knowledge of the site, a design-basis areal power density of 80 kW/acre can be justified based on thermal goals only. Further analyses to investigate the impacts of this design-basis APD on mechanical and operational aspects of the potential repository must be undertaken before a final decision is made.

Current and future needs in automative, aircraft, space, military, and well logging industries require operation of electronics at higher temperatures than today's accepted limit of 395 K. Without the availability of high-temperature electronics, many systems must operate under derated conditions or must accept severe mass penalties required by coolant systems to maintain electronic temperatures below critical levels. This paper presents ongoing research and development in the electronics community to bring high-temperature electronics to commercial realization. Much of this work was recently reviewed at the First International High-Temperature Electronics Conference held 16--20 June 1991 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 4 refs., 1 tab.

C++ is the first object-oriented programming language which produces sufficiently efficient code for consideration in computation-intensive physics and engineering applications. In addition, the increasing availability of massively parallel architectures requires novel programming techniques which may prove to be relatively easy to implement in C++. For these reasons, Division 1541 at Sandia National Laboratories is devoting considerable resources to the development of C++ libraries. This document describes the first of these libraries to be released, PHYSLIB, which defines classes representing Cartesian vectors and (second-order) tensors. This library consists of the header file physlib.h, the inline code file physlib.inl, and the source file physlib.C. The library is applicable to both three-dimensional and two-dimensional problems; the user selects the 2-D version of the library by defining the symbol TWO D in the header file physlib.h and recompiling physlib.C and his own code. Alternately, system managers may wish to provide duplicate header and object modules of each dimensionality. This code was produced under the auspices of Sandia National Laboratories, a federally-funded research center administered for the United States Department of Energy on a non-profit basis by AT T. This code is available to US citizens, and institutions under research, government use and/or commercial license agreements.

This is the user's guide to CEPXS/ONELD Version 1.1, a code package for coupled electron-photon transport in one-dimensional slab geometry. The code package consists of the multigroup cross-section generating code, CEPXS; the preprocessor code, PRE1D; the discrete ordinates code, ONELD; and the postprocessor code, POST1D. In Version 1.1, new features have been implemented through several new keywords. Since Version 1.0 keywords are still applicable, this document should be considered as an addendum to the Version 1.0 User's Guide. 5 refs.

This report presents a precursory examination of a number of issues pertaining to socket contacts in hermetic connectors. The principal issues addressed are high-contact resistance and contact chatter (circuit discontinuities). Efforts examining the characteristics of the existing socket contact design, the possibility of connector/contact rework, quick-fix solutions, and contact redesigns are summarized.

A model that predicts the final velocity of high-power, pulsed-laser-driven thin flyers is described. The required input parameters can either be obtained from standard handbooks or simply extracted from one set of data. The model yields a number of features and scaling laws that are well verified by experiment. Specific comparisons of model predictions with experimental results illustrate excellent agreement for variations of laser fluence and pulse width as well as flyer diameter and thickness.

The goal of the Limited Flight Path (LFP) test series was to investigate the effect of reactor subcompartment flight path length on direct containment heating (DCH). The test series consisted of eight experiments with nominal flight paths of 1, 2, or 8 m. A thermitically generated mixture of iron, chromium, and alumina simulated the corium melt of a severe reactor accident. After thermite ignition, superheated steam forcibly ejected the molten debris into a 1:10 linear scale the model of a dry reactor cavity. The blowdown steam entrained the molten debris and dispersed it into the Surtsey vessel. The vessel pressure, gas temperature, debris temperature, hydrogen produced by steam/metal reactions, debris velocity, mass dispersed into the Surtsey vessel, and debris particle size were measured for each experiment. The measured peak pressure for each experiment was normalized by the total amount of energy introduced into the Surtsey vessel; the normalized pressures increased with lengthened flight path. The debris temperature at the cavity exit was about 2320 K. Gas grab samples indicated that steam in the cavity reacted rapidly to form hydrogen, so the driving gas was a mixture of steam and hydrogen. These experiments indicate that debris may be trapped in reactor subcompartments and thus will not efficiently transfer heat to gas in the upper dome of a containment building. The effect of deentrainment by reactor subcompartments may significantly reduce the peak containment load in a severe reactor accident. 8 refs., 49 figs., 6 tabs.

The Department of Energy's Solar Thermal Program has as one of its program elements the development and evaluation of conversion device technologies applicable to dish-electric systems. The primary research and development combines a conversion device (heat engine), solar receiver, and generator mounted at the focus of a parabolic dish concentrator. The Stirling-cycle heat engine was identified as the conversion device for dish-electric with the most potential for meeting the program's goals for efficiency, reliability, and installed cost. To advance the technology toward commercialization, Sandia National Laboratories has acquired a Stirling Thermal Motors, Inc., kinematic Stirling engine, STM4-120, for evaluation. The engine is being bench-tested at Sandia's Engine Test Facility and will be combined later with a solar receiver for on-sun evaluation. This report presents the engine characteristics, finite element analyses of critical engine components, test system layout, instrumentation, and preliminary performance results from the bench test.

The purpose of this NUREG is to present technical information that should be useful to NRC licensees in designing interior intrusion detection systems. Interior intrusion sensors are discussed according to their primary application: boundary-penetration detection, volumetric detection, and point protection. Information necessary for implementation of an effective interior intrusion detection system is presented, including principles of operation, performance characteristics and guidelines for design, procurement, installation, testing, and maintenance. A glossary of sensor data terms is included. 36 figs., 6 tabs.

Different insert (insulator) materials are undergoing evaluation to replace the Fiberite E-3938 BE96 material currently used. Also being evaluated is the reconfiguration of the insert and metal shell-edge geometries for the purpose of reducing the alleged interference principally responsible for insert damage.

The irradiation embrittlement of neutron shield tank (NST) material (A212 Grade B steel) from the Shippingport reactor has been characterized. Irradiation increases the Charpy transition temperature (CTT) by 23--28{degrees}C (41--50{degrees}F) and decreases the upper-shelf energy. The shift in CTT is not as severe as that observed in high-flux isotope reactor (HFIR) surveillance specimens. However, the actual value of the CTT is higher than that for the HFIR data. The increase in yield stress is 51 MPa (7.4 ksi), which is comparable to HFIR data. The NST material is weaker in the transverse orientation than in the longitudinal orientation. Some effects of position across the thickness of the wall are also observed; the CTT shift is slightly greater for specimens from the inner region of the wall. Annealing studies indicate complete recovery from embrittlement after 1 h at 400{degrees}C (752{degrees}F). Although the weld metal is significantly tougher than the base metal, the shifts in CTT are comparable. The shifts in CTT for the Shippingport NST are consistent with the test and Army reactor data for irradiations at <232{degrees}C (<450{degrees}F) and show very good agreement with the results for HFIR A212-B steel irradiated in the Oak Ridge Research Reactor (ORR). The effects of irradiation temperature, fluence rate, and neutron flux spectrum are discussed. The results indicate that fluence rate has no effect on radiation embrittlement at rates as low as 2 {times} 10{sup 8} n/cm{sup 2}{center dot}s and at the low operating temperatures of the Shippingport NST, i.e., 55{degrees}C (130{degrees}F). This suggests that the accelerated embrittlement of HFIR surveillance samples is most likely due to the relatively higher proportion of thermal neutrons in the HFIR spectrum compared to that for the test reactors. 28 refs., 25 figs.

An analysis of thermosyphoning in a stream generator model is presented. The model considers the transient development of buoyancy-driven steam flow in the steam generator tubing, secondary side heat transfer and an inlet plenum mixing model. Numerical solutions are obtained for conditions intended to simulate the natural circulation phenomena in a 3-Loop pressurized water reactor in a loss-of-coolant accident scenario. The relation between the circulation rate and the heating rate is determined. The sensitivity of the model to various key parameters is examined. 16 refs.

The drive designed and built by the Solar Power Engineering Company (SPECO) for its large area heliostat failed under high wind loads during a winter storm. This report details the testing and analysis done to verify the load capabilities of the rebuilt heliostat drive. Changes in design and improvements in fabrication resulted in a usable drive. 12 figs., 7 tabs.

Data are presented from the 18 W/m{sup 2} Mockup for Defense High-Level Waste, a very large scale in situ test fielded underground at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). These data include selected fielding information, test configuration, instrumentation activities, and comprehensive results from a large number of gages. The results in this report give measured data from the mechanical response gages, i.e., room closure gages, extensometers, and stress meters emplaced in the test. Construction of the test began in June 1984; gage data in this report cover the complete test duration, that is, to June 1990.

Coaxial transmission cells have been developed for testing optical fiber current sensors. Three of these cells are airlines that provide transverse electromagnetic mode operation to 1.0, 2.3, and 13.7 GHz. Standing wave ratios are <1.5 for the unloaded airlines over their given frequency ranges. Solid and liquid dielectric coaxial cells use materials with high relative permittivities, >9.1. A ceramic test cell has a useful frequency range to 2.5 GHz; the liquid cells, filled with propanol, methanol, or water, are good to {approximately}500 MHz. The properties of the liquid cells are described using a model of a multilayer coaxial dielectric system with complex relative permittivities. 15 refs.

Structural calculations were performed to evaluate the source-term nuclear fuels transport cask (ST Cask) under various hypothetical accident scenarios. (1) Three-dimensional transient dynamic analyses were performed to evaluate the strength of the cask`s end-closure clamp mechanism. The calculations were performed for two impact orientations: a side impact and a 20{degrees} corner impact. The calculations identified three weaknesses in the clamp design: a gap designed between the clamp and the cask provides a deformation mode which loosens the clamp, two unconstrained swing bolts used to fasten the clamp can lose preload and come free; and insufficient stiffness of the clamp in torsion. (2) An axisymmetric finite element model was used to evaluate the dynamics of end-drops from 5 and 10 ft. The calculations show that loads generated in the end-drops could break the payload support cable and damage the payload winch. Lead slump resulted in both end-drop calculations. The stresses generated in the cask wall during the end-drops was insufficient to cause buckling. (3) To determine the factor of safety to yield, calculations in which the cask was treated as a beam loaded under its own weight were performed for two support configurations: simply supported at both ends and simply supported at the center (trunnion loading). (4) The survival of the cask from a 1-m drop onto a mild steel punch was evaluated based on equations derived from empirical data. The calculations showed that the ST Cask could survive such an event. (5) Finally, the bolt configuration for the upper-closure was analyzed and determined to be inadequate because it does not prevent the closure from sliding relative to the cask body. Specific recommendations for design changes are made in the report to eliminate identified problems.

Thermal and mechanical models for intact and jointed rock mass behavior are being developed, verified, and validated at Sandia National Laboratories for the Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project. Benchmarking is an essential part of this effort and is one of the tools used to demonstrate verification of engineering software used to solve thermomechanical problems. This report presents the results of the third (and final) phase of the first thermomechanical benchmark exercise. In the first phase of this exercise, nonlinear heat conduction code were used to solve the thermal portion of the benchmark problem. The results from the thermal analysis were then used as input to the second and third phases of the exercise, which consisted of solving the structural portion of the benchmark problem. In the second phase of the exercise, a linear elastic rock mass model was used. In the third phase of the exercise, two different nonlinear jointed rock mass models were used to solve the thermostructural problem. Both models, the Sandia compliant joint model and the RE/SPEC joint empirical model, explicitly incorporate the effect of the joints on the response of the continuum. Three different structural codes, JAC, SANCHO, and SPECTROM-31, were used with the above models in the third phase of the study. Each model was implemented in two different codes so that direct comparisons of results from each model could be made. The results submitted by the participants showed that the finite element solutions using each model were in reasonable agreement. Some consistent differences between the solutions using the two different models were noted but are not considered important to verification of the codes. 9 refs., 18 figs., 8 tabs.

Licensing of the potential nuclear-waste repository at Yucca Mountain by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would require, among other things, demonstrations of the long term usability of the underground facilities. Such a demonstration involves analysis of the mechanical response of the rock to the presence of underground openings and heat-producing waste, which in turn requires data on the mechanical properties of the rock. This document describes the experimental results from a scoping study which led to the development of procedures for performing quality-affecting rock-mechanics experiments on intact rock. The future experiments performed with these procedures will produce information on the time-dependent deformation of welded tuff and represent one aspect of the overall effort to characterize the rheology of the rock mass. 3 refs., 42 figs., 6 tabs.

This report describes a joint shear model used in conjunction with a computational model for jointed media with orthogonal joint sets. The joint shear model allows nonlinear behavior for both joint sets. Because nonlinear behavior is allowed for both joint sets, a great many cases must be considered to fully describe the joint shear behavior of the jointed medium. An extensive set of equations is required to describe the joint shear stress and slip displacements that can occur for all the various cases. This report examines possible methods for simplifying this set of equations so that the model can be implemented efficiently form a computational standpoint. The shear model must be examined carefully to obtain a computationally efficient implementation that does not lead to numerical problems. The application to fractures in rock is discussed. 5 refs., 4 figs.

Ground water flow in unsaturated, fractured rock is often assumed to be dominated by the porous matrix component. This is frequently based on the argument that water flowing in the fractures is rapidly imbibed into the rock matrix by capillary suction forces with negligible resistance to uptake at the matrix-fracture interface. However, the existence of a low-permeability mineralized layer or coating at this interface may substantially reduce matrix imbibition and consequently result in fracture-dominated flow. To test this concept, four tuff samples containing natural fractures were obtained from tuff formations in southern Nevada. By performing imbibition experiments into the matrix rock, across a mineralized fracture face and then across a fresh uncoated fracture face, water uptake as a function of time and coating was measured. A relatively simple model has been developed to describe the imbibition behavior. 6 refs.

The Network File System (NFS) is used in UNIX-based networks to provide transparent file sharing between heterogeneous systems. Although NFS is well-known for being weak in security, it is widely used and has become a de facto standard. This paper examines the user authentication shortcomings of NFS and the approach Sandia National Laboratories has taken to strengthen it with Kerberos. The implementation on a Cray Y-MP8/864 running UNICOS is described and resource/performance issues are discussed. 4 refs., 4 figs.

The current status of lifetime prediction under conditions of thermomechanical creep/fatigue is reviewed. Each method is summarized and the results of the application to solder joints is shown. While each method has been applied with some success, a predictive, phenomenological approach has not been developed and validated. A method which captures the response of a crack to steady-state and cycling environments appears to hold most the most promise to provide a useful design tool.

We present a simple and effective path planning algorithm, an essential component in facilitating robot programming, based on a series of plausible task restriction. It is designed to solve realistic'' problems very quickly, at the expense of not being able to solve every problem. First, the notion of realistic'' problems is motivated with heuristic arguments and formalized through task restrictions. Next, an algorithm solving the resulting tasks of interest is provided. We prove its corrections and theoretical efficiency, and demonstrate empirically its effectiveness and speed. We expect our algorithm to be of practical significance based on its simplicity and predicted performance. 9 refs., 7 figs.

To address the need of a practical motion planner for manipulators, we present an efficient and resolution-complete algorithm that has performance commensurate with task difficulty. The algorithm uses SANDROS, a new search strategy that combines hierarchical, nonuniform-multi-resolution, and best-fit search to find a near-optimal solution in the configuration space. This algorithm can be applied to any manipulator, and has been tested with 5 and 6-degree-of-freedom robots, with execution time ranging from 20 seconds to 10 minutes on a 16 MIPS workstation. 14 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.

HISPLT is a graphics postprocessor designed to plot time histories for wave propagation codes. HISPLT is available for CRAY UNICOS, CRAY CTSS, VAX VMS computer systems, and a variety of UNIX workstations. The original HISPLT code employs a database structure that allows the program to be used without modification to process data generated by many wave propagation codes. HISPLT has recently been modified to process time histories for the reactor safety analysis code, MELCOR. This report provides a complete set of input instructions for HISPLT and provides examples of the types of plotted output that can be generated using HISPLT. 6 refs., 8 figs., 5 tabs.

The purpose of this NUREG is to present technical information that should be useful to NRC licensees in designing closed-circuit television systems for video alarm assessment. There is a section on each of the major components in a video system: camera, lens, lighting, transmission, synchronization, switcher, monitor, and recorder. Each section includes information on component selection, procurement, installation, test, and maintenance. Considerations for system integration of the components are contained in each section. System emphasis is focused on perimeter intrusion detection and assessment systems. A glossary of video terms is included. 13 figs., 9 tabs.

Blade fatigue life is an important element in determining the economic viability of the Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). A principal source of blade fatigue is thought to be the stochastic (i.e., random) aerodynamic loads created by atmospheric turbulence. This report describes the theoretical background of the VAWT Stochastic Aerodynamic Loads (VAWT-SAL) computer code, whose purpose is to numerically simulate these random loads, given the rotor geometry, operating conditions, and assumed turbulence properties. A Double-Multiple-Stream Tube (DMST) analysis is employed to model the rotor's aerodynamic response. The analysis includes the effects of Reynolds number variations, different airfoil sections and chord lengths along the blade span, and an empirical model for dynamic stall effects. The mean ambient wind is assumed to have a shear profile which is described by either a power law or a logarithmic variation with height above ground. Superimposed on this is a full 3-D field of turbulence: i.e., in addition to random fluctuations in time, the turbulence is allowed to vary randomly in planes perpendicular to the mean wind. The influence of flow retardation on the convection of turbulence through the turbine is also modeled. Calculations are presented for the VAWT 34-m Test Bed currently in operation at Bushland, Texas. Predicted time histories of the loads, as well as their Fourier spectra, are presented and discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the differences between so-called steady-state'' (mean wind only) predictions, and those produced with turbulence present. Somewhat surprisingly, turbulence is found to be capable of either increasing or decreasing the average output power, depending on the turbine's tip-speed ratio. A heuristic explanation for such behavior is postulated, and a simple formula is derived for predicting the magnitude of this effect without the need for a full stochastic simulation. 41 refs., 32 figs., 1 tab.

Division 2525 Battery Test Laboratory is a fully automated battery testing facility used in evaluating various battery technologies. The results of these tests are used to verify developers' claims, characterize prototypes, and assist in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each technology. The Test Facility consists of a central computer and nine remote computer controlled battery test systems. Data acquired during the battery testing process is sent to the central computer system. The test data is then stored in a large database for future analysis. The central computer system is also used in configuring battery tests. These test configurations are then sent to their appropriate remote battery test sites. The Battery Test Facility can perform a variety of battery tests, which include the following: Life Cycle Testing; Parametric Testing at various temperature levels, cutoff parameters, charge rates, and discharge rates; Constant Power Testing at various power levels; Peak Power Testing at various State-of-Charge levels; Simplified Federal Urban Driving Schedule Tests (SFUDS79). The Battery Test Facility is capable of charging a battery either by constant current, constant voltage, step current levels, or any combination of them. Discharge cycles can be by constant current, constant resistance, constant power, step current levels, or also any combination of them. The Battery Test Facility has been configured to provide the flexibility to evaluate a large variety of battery technologies. These technologies include Lead-Acid, Sodium/Sulfur, Zinc/Bromine, Nickel/Hydrogen, Aluminum/Air, and Nickel/Cadmium batteries.

PRONTO 3D is a three-dimensional transient solid dynamics code for analyzing large deformations of highly nonlinear materials subjected to high strain rates. It is a Lagrangian finite element program with explicit integration of the equations of motion through time. This report documents the implementation of a four-scale quadrilateral shell element into Version 6.0 of PRONTO 3D. This report describes the theory, implementation and use of a four-node shell element. Also described are the required architectural changes made to PRONTO 3D to allow multiple element types. Several test problems are documented for verification of the PRONTO 3D implementation and for demonstration of computational savings using shell elements for thin structures. These problems also serve as examples for the user. A complete, updated list of the PRONTO 3D input commands is also included.

This purpose of this NUREG is to present technical information that should be useful to NRC licensees for understanding and applying line supervision techniques to security communication links. A review of security communication links is followed by detailed discussions of link physical protection and DC/AC static supervision and dynamic supervision techniques. Material is also presented on security for atmospheric transmission and video line supervision. A glossary of security communication line supervision terms is appended. 16 figs.

This report describes the ranges of the residual contamination that may build up in spent-fuel transport casks. These contamination ranges are calculated based on data taken from published reports and from previously unpublished data supplied by cask transporters. The data involve dose rate measurements, interior smear surveys, and analyses of water flushed out of cask cavities during decontamination operations. A methodology has been developed to estimate the effect of residual contamination on spent-fuel cask containment requirements. Factors in estimating the maximum permissible leak rates include the form of the residual contamination; possible release modes; internal gas-borne depletion; and the temperature, pressure, and vibration characteristics of the cask during transport under normal and accident conditions. 12 refs., 9 figs., 4 tabs.

Chromate conversion coatings such as Parker Company`s Alodine coatings are widely used to increase the corrosion resistance of aluminum and aluminum alloys. The primary disadvantage of chromate-based processes is that they use and produce as waste hexavalent chromium (Cr{sup 6+}). We have discovered that the corrosion resistance of Al can be increased by forming an inorganic barrier coating using chemicals that pose a relatively small environmental hazard. These new coatings are formed using a process that is procedurally identical to the basic chromate conversion process. We have prepared new and conventional coatings on 1100 (99.0 Al minimum), 2024-T3 (Al-Cu-Mg) and 7075-T6 (Al-Zn-Mg) commercial sheet stock for accelerated electrochemical testing and coating conductivity testing. Results show that the new coatings offer increased corrosion resistance compared to uncoated Al, but do not yet match the performance of the chromate conversion coatings. The conductivity of these new films on 1100 Al is comparable to that of Alodine coatings; however, the new coatings are more resistive than Alodine coatings on 2024-T3 and 7075-T6.

A novel technique to monitor thin film deposition has been developed using optical fibers. The system measures the optical thickness of a film and not the physical thickness which results in accurate film deposition for optical applications regardless of deposition conditions. A discussion of the mathematics necessary to understand the operation of the system is presented. The details of the circuitry and software are presented. The performance of the system is then demonstrated for the deposition of SnO{sub 2} on an optical fiber. An analysis of the inherent errors present in the monitor electronics and measurement system and their effects on the accuracy of the deposition is presented. The system is then applied to several practical situations. First, the system is used to monitor the deposition of SnO{sub 2} films on microscope slides. The films on the slides are then shown to have optical thicknesses which are within 1% of the expected values. The system is next used to deposit SiO anti-reflective coatings on Si. The system is then used to monitor the aging effects seen in SiO and SnO{sub 2}. Finally, a seven layer dielectric mirror made from SnO{sub 2} and MgF{sub 2} films is deposited using the monitor. 25 figs., 1 tabs.

This paper presents a series of experiments in robotic sensori-motor control during grasping. The work utilizes a multifingered, dextrous robot hand equipped with a fingertip force sensor to explore dynamic grasp force adjustment during manipulation. The work is primarily concerned with the relationship between the weight of an object and the grasp force required to lift it. Too weak a grasp is unstable and the object will slip from the hand. Too strong a grasp may damage the object and/or the manipulator. An algorithm is presented which uses tactile information from the sensor to dynamically adjust the grasp force during lift. It is assumed that there is no a priori knowledge about the object to be manipulated. The effects of different arm/hand postures and object surfaces is explored. Finally, the use of sensory data to detect unexpected object motion and to signal transitions between manipulation phases -- with the coincident triggering of new motor programs -- is investigated. 15 refs., 12 figs.

The fabrication of electronic systems has relied upon eutectic tin-lead solder for the attachment of components to printed wiring boards. Higher service temperatures are approaching the durability limits of the eutectic solder. The tin-rich, lead-free solders are being actively studied as alternate alloys. Experiments that examined the wettability of 95Sn-5Sb (wt. %), 95.5Sn-4.0Cu0.5Ag, 96.5Sn-3.5Ag, and the control solder, 60Sn-40Pb, on oxygen-free, high conductivity copper were performed. A rosin based, mildly activated (RMA) flux and three water soluble, organic acid fluxes were used in the wetting balance/meniscometer measurements. The 95.5Sn-4.0Cu-0.5Ag and 95Sn-5Sb alloys exhibited good wetting, with contact angles of 35° < θ_c < 55° as compared to the excellent performance of the 60Sn-40Pb material (20°< θ_c <35°). The fair wettability observed with the 96.5Sn 3.5Ag solder (60° < θ_c <75°) was due in large part to the inability of the fluxes to significantly lower the solder-flux interfacial tension. The wetting rates of the 95.5Sn-4.0Cu-0.5Ag and 95Sn 5Sb solders were comparable to those of the control; the 96.5Sn 3.5Ag alloy wetting rate was slower than the other candidates. The solder film formed on the substrate surface by the 95.5Sn-4.0Cu0.5Ag alloy was very grainy. The water soluble fluxes exhibited a larger degree of residue formation than did the RMA flux.

A parabolized Navier-Stokes analysis of a turbulent, compressible, wake/boundary-layer flow field for a cable in tow is discussed. It is assumed that the cable is being towed by a missile-like configuration whose total drag coefficient is known. The cable is assumed to be perfectly aligned with the missile axis and is subjected to its wake. Modeled in the analysis is the far wake behind the missile, coupled with the turbulent boundary layer growth along the cable. An analytical starting solution for a parabolized Navier-Stokes code is presented. The starting solution is applicable downstream of the towing body's near wake and, therefore, circumvents the complex task of computing the towing body's flow field. An algebraic wake/boundary-layer turbulence model is used to simulate turbulent flow in both the decaying wake and growing boundary layer along the cable. Results are presented for a towing-body freestream Mach number of 5 and a Reynolds number of 36.0 x 10⁶ per ft at select distances along a thin cable.

Parachute system performance issues such as turnover and wake recontact may be influenced by velocities induced by the wake of the delivering aircraft. The magnitude and direction of these aircraft-induced velocities is dependent on the specific delivering aircraft (as characterized by its size, shape, and weight), the aircraft’s speed and flight path (including any maneuvers which it is performing), and the location on the aircraft from which the system is released. In addition, the parachute deployment sequence is of major importance. The most significant effects will tend to occur after parachute deployment since induced velocities from the aircraft may become significant when compared to the velocity of the parachute system. For example, any downwash behind an aircraft will tend to cause a parachute system, which is horizontally deployed, to fly at a more positive angle of attack. As the forward speed of the parachute system decreases after deployment, this induced angle of attack will tend to increase. This effect tends to retard the rate at which the parachute system “turns over” from a horizontal trajectory into a vertical one. On the other hand, a maneuvering aircraft might produce upwash in its wake which would produce an opposite effect. In this case, the turnover rate would be enhanced. Aircraft-induced velocities may also affect the process known as “wake recontact” in which the momentum of the parachute wake causes the wake itself to overtake the parachute. This sometimes causes severe collapse of the canopy such as reported by Spahr and Wolf. Wake recontact may be either hastened or delayed, depending upon the aircraft flight path and the parachute deployment sequence

This paper reviews some of the technical considerations and current practices for testing parachutes in conventional wind tunnels. Special challenges to the experimentalist caused by the fabric construction, flexible geometry, and bluff shape of parachutes are discussed. In particular, the topics of measurement technique, similarity considerations, and wall interference are addressed in a summary manner. Many references are cited which provide detailed coverage of the state of the art in testing methods.

Computer networks, supporting an organization's activities, are prevalent and very important to the organization's mission. Implementing a heterogenous organizational network allows the staff to select the computing environment that best supports their job requirements. This paper outlines the lessons learned implementing a heterogenous computer network based on networking standards such as TCP/IP and Ethernet. Such a network is a viable alternative to a proprietary, vendor supported network and can provide all the functionality customers expect in a computer network. 2 figs.

Two experiments, DCH-3 and DCH-4, were performed at the Surtsey test facility to investigate phenomena associated with a high-pressure melt ejection (HPME) reactor accident sequence resulting in direct containment heating (DCH). These experiments were performed using the same experimental apparatus with identical initial conditions, except that the Surtsey test vessel contained air in DCH-3 and argon in DCH-4. Inerting the vessel with argon eliminated chemical reactions between metallic debris and oxygen. Thus, a comparison of the pressure response in DCH-3 and DCH-4 gave an indication of the DCH contribution due to metal/oxygen reactions. 44 refs., 110 figs., 43 tabs.

This Manual is compiled from techniques used in the Industrial Hygiene Chemistry Laboratory of Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The procedures are similar to those used in other laboratories devoted to industrial hygiene practices. Some of the methods are standard; some, modified to suit our needs; and still others, developed at Sandia. The authors have attempted to present all methods in a simple and concise manner but in sufficient detail to make them readily usable. It is not to be inferred that these methods are universal for any type of sample, but they have been found very reliable for the types of samples mentioned.

The title of this paper might unfairly provoke readers if it conjures up visions of vast stores of high-tech gadgets in several hundred technology warehouses'' (also known as federal laboratories) around the country, open for browsing by those in search of a bargain. That vision, unfortunately, is a mirage. The term technology transfer'' is not really as accurate as is the term technology team-work,'' a process of sharing ideas and knowledge rather than widgets. In addition, instead of discussing the efforts of more than 700 federal labs in the US, I mean to address only those nine government-owned, contractor-operated multiprogram labs run by the Department of Energy. Nevertheless, the topic of technology team-work opportunities with DOE multiprogram national lab is of significance to those concerned with increasing economic competitiveness and finding technological solutions to a host of national problems. A significant fraction of US R D capabilities rests in the nine DOE multiprogram national laboratories -- and these labs have only just begun to join the other federal laboratories in these efforts due to the passage and recent implementation of the National Competitiveness Technology Transfer Act of 1989.

The case and junction temperatures of selected integrated circuits (ICs) on the processor module of the SANDAC V computer were calculated using BETAsoft-R,'' a personal computer, thermal analysis software program. The predicted data was then compared to corresponding IC case temperature measurements from laboratory tests of a functional SANDAC V computer. Although the difference between the actual and calculated values was somewhat higher than expected, the results of the analysis indicate that BETAsoft-R'' identified the critical ICs on the processor module and that it is capable of analyzing printed circuit boards for potential thermal problems before the design layout is finalized. 8 figs., 12 tabs.

Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, may soon have more responsibility for the operation of its own telephone system. The processes that constitute providing telephone service can all be improved through the use of a central data information system. We studied these processes, determined the requirements for a database system, then designed the first stages of a system that meets our needs for work order handling, trouble reporting, and ISDN hardware assignments. The design was based on an extensive set of applications that have been used for five years to manage the Sandia secure data network. The system utilizes an Ingres database management system and is programmed using the Application-By-Forms tools.

Radio-frequency (rf) electrical sources are commonly used to generate plasmas for processing of industrial materials and for related experimental work. Published descriptions of such plasmas usually include generator-power measurements, and occasionally include plasma dc-bias measurements. One or both of these quantitites are also used in industrial feedback ccontrol systems for setpoint regulation. Recent work at Sandia an elsewhere with an experimental rf discharge device (the GEC RF Reference Cell'') has shown that power and dc-bias levels are often insufficient information for specifying the state of the plasma. The plasma can have nonlinear electrical characteristics that cause harmonic generation, and the harmonic levels can depend sensitively on the impedance of the external circuitry at harmonic frequencies. Even though the harmonics may be low in amplitude, they can be directly related to large changes in plasma power and to changes in optical emission from the plasma. Consequently, in order for a worker to truly master the plasma-generation process, it is necessary to understand, measure, and control electrical characteristics of the plamsa. In this paper we describe technique that have been developed from work with the Reference Cell for making electrical measurements on rf plasmas, and we describe surprising observations of harmonic behavior. 10 refs., 4 figs.

The catalytic hydropyrolysis tests performed on coals of varying rank clearly show that high conversions and tar yields can be achieved in a fixed-bed laboratory reactor system. Each of the three types of catalysts utilized, MoS{sub 2} derived from dioxydithiomolybdate, the metal HTO catalysts, and the Pd colloidal catalysts, were shown to be effective for the bituminous coals tested. For the lower rank coals, no significant increase in conversions or tar yields preliminary tests utilizing oil agglomeration as a pretreatment provided encouraging results, with conversions and tar yields achieved similar to using the metal HTO and colloid catalysts. This pretreatment process might be effective for use in catalyst dispersal and coal cleaning, and facilitating coal introduction into a high-pressure reactor. In summary, the data obtained show that catalytic hydropyrolysis on a laboratory scale can achieve the necessary conversions and tar yields to be considered as a potentially viable process for converting coal into liquid products. Through proper dispersal of selected catalysts onto bituminous coals, conversions greater than 80% and tar yields greater than 70% can be achieved at low active metal concentrations. 12 refs., 9 figs., 7 tabs.

The objective of this review is to evaluate the South Texas Project (STP) Probabilistic Safety Analysis (PSA) for the USNRC. The PSA was reviewed for thoroughness of analysis, accuracy in plant modeling, legitimacy of assumptions, and overall quality of the work. The review is limited to the internal event analysis and the fire sequence analysis. This review is not a quantitative evaluation of the adequacy of the PSA. The adequacy of the PSA depends on the intended uses and must be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the licensee and the NRC. This review identifies strengths, weakness, and areas where additional clarification would assist the NRC in evaluating the PSA for specific regulatory purposes. The licensee, Houston Lighting and Power (HL P), reviewed a draft version of this report prior to its final release to the USNRC. The responses provided by HL P are provided in detail in appendices to this report, and they are summarized in the main body of the report. All issues raised during the review were adequately addressed by HL P in the responses. 27 refs., 4 tabs.

Pressure-pulse 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. Hydraulic conductivities ranging from about 10{sup {minus}14} to 10{sup {minus}11} m/s (permeabilities of about 10{sup {minus}21} to 10{sup {minus}18} m{sup 2}) have been interpreted from nine tests conducted on five stratigraphic intervals within eleven meters of the WIPP underground excavations. Tests of a pure halite layer showed no measurable permeability. Pore pressures in the stratigraphic intervals range from about 0.5 to 9.3 MPa. An anhydrite interbed (Marker Bed 139) appears to be one or more orders of magnitude more permeable than the surrounding halite. Hydraulic conductivities appear to increase, and pore pressures decrease, with increasing proximity to the excavations. These effects are particularly evident within two to three meters of the excavations. Two tests indicated the presence of apparent zero-flow boundaries about two to three meters from the boreholes. The other tests revealed no apparent boundaries within the radii of influence of the tests, which were calculated to range from about four to thirty-five meters from the test holes. The data are insufficient to determine if brine flow through evaporites results from Darcy-like flow driven by pressure gradients within naturally interconnected porosity or from shear deformation around excavations connecting previously isolated pores, thereby providing pathways for fluids at or near lithostatic pressure to be driven towards the low-pressure excavations. Future testing will be performed at greater distances from the excavations to evaluate hydraulic properties and processes beyond the range of excavation effects.

An all optical circuit in GaAs/AlGaAs for control of phased-array systems using a single photonic integrated circuit chip has the potential for high performance control of phasedarray systems from a small, lightweight, package. Such a circuit based exclusively on combinations of reverse-biased optical phase modulators, waveguide interconnects, corner reflectors, and power splitter combiners with optical-fiber output to the antenna elements has been designed at Sandia National Laboratories. This paper presents some basic features of optical phase modulators for photonic circuit applications and provide relevant performance data as achieved to date. Current structures have been shown to operate with a 76.5°/V-mm figure of merit at 1.06μm and losses as low as 2 cm-1. A novel digital phase shifter to allow direct digital control of phased arrays is also proposed and demonstrated.

A novel optical based RF beam steering system is proposed for phased-array antenna systems. The system, COMPASS (Coherent Optical Monolithic Phased Array Steering System), is based on optical heterodyning employed to produce microwave phase shifting. At the heart of the system is a monolithic Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) constructed entirely of passive components. Microwave power and control signal distribution to the antenna is accomplished by optical fiber, thus separating the PIC and its control functions from the antenna. This approach promises to reduce size, weight, and complexity of future phased-array antenna systems.

This report documents the as-built operational performance of Sandia's Severe Electrostatic Discharge Tester Version-3 (SSET-3) SN:2 and lists the hardware and additional documentation delivered to Division 2174 on July 31, 1991. (The supplied items are listed.) The primary emphasis of this report is to provide a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the SSET against requirements derived from the Severe Human Body ESD model (SHBESD) (1), which is defined in terms of an equivalent circuit (Figure 1.1) and a short-circuit current waveform (Figure 1.2). This report also presents supporting information on the calibration and verification of ancillary equipment used to assess the operation of the SSET. While the documentation of the verification and calibration of ancillary equipment is somewhat lengthy, it is considered necessary because the SSET may be used in situations where its output characteristics will be critically scrutinized. Thus, the supporting documentation is necessary to lend credibility to the performance/verification measurements made on the SSET. 5 refs., 36 figs.

This document serves as the proceedings for the manual project review meeting held by Sandia's Photovoltaic Technology Research Division. It contains information supplied by each organization making a presentation at the meeting, which was held July 30 through 31, 1991 at the Sheraton Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sessions were held to discuss national photovoltaic programs, one-sun crystalline silicon cell research, concentrator silicon cell research, and concentrating collector development.

One decade ago, Sandia National Laboratories designed and developed a nonpyrotechnic smoke generator capable of producing large quantities of low corrosivity, low toxicity chemical smoke to be used as a visual obscurant in access delay applications. Utilizing the same chemistry, a proof-of-concept advanced smoke generator is presently being tested. The testing is being conducted to evaluate two new concepts providing unique capabilities. Hemispherical stainless steel bladders are installed in spherically shaped chemical storage reservoirs. This provides positive displacement of the chemicals and permits orientation insensitive operation. Also, a specially designed nozzle/valve is being evaluated as a means of providing a multiple initiation capability. Cyclic operation could be accomplished via time delay circuitry, sensor input, or on demand from the control console. These new capabilities provide distinct advantages. Some advantages may be longer obscuration times, optimal volume obscuration, easier facility sizing, no organic seals in contact with the stored chemicals, and elimination of the requirement to use ultrahigh purity nitrogen as a propellant.

We have studied triggering of fuel-coolant interactions, the work performed against the surrounding coolant during the interaction, and the generation of hydrogen produced by melt water chemical reactions with laboratory-scale experiments. We used single drops of three core-melt simulants: (a) molten stoichiometric thermite-generated iron-aluminum oxide melts to simulate the core-melt material that might be produced in the severe accident of an oxide fueled reactor; (b) molten aluminum to simulate melt that might be produced in the severe accident of a nonpower reactor; and (c) an intermediate material, aluminum-enriched iron aluminum oxide thermite, that might simulate severe meltdown of an oxide-metal dispersion fuel (cermet). As a result of these experiments, we have concluded that the peak pressure (or impulse) of the transient is not a governing parameter for the triggering of steam explosions of single drops of melt. We have observed maximum pressure-volume work outputs produced by the aluminum-rich and stoichiometric thermite melts of about 70 and 25 J/g of melt; the corresponding values for molten aluminum at 1273 and 1473 K are about 14 and 21 J/g of melt. The extent of metal-water reaction for the stoichiometric and aluminized melts were 13 and 19%. The aluminum melts at 1273 and 1473 K produced approximately 1 and 3% metal-water reaction.

The hypervelocity impact of a particle on a surface generates a jet of shocked material which is thrown from the impact site. A simple analytic model has been developed to obtain expressions for the evolution of this jet of ejecta. The analysis is based on applying the conservation equations of mass and momentum to the problem of a normal impact of a sphere against a semi-infinite flat target. Expressions are developed for the evolution of the jet velocity, jet release point and the locus of points which describe the ejecta envelope. These analytical ejecta profiles are compared with high speed photographs of impact jet formation.

Many robot control algorithms for high performance in-contact operations including hybrid force/position, stiffness control and impedance control approaches require the command the joint torques. However, most commercially available robots do not provide joint torque command capabilities. The joint command at the user level is typically position or velocity and at the control developer level is voltage, current, or pulse-width, and the torque generated is a nonlinear function of the command and joint position. To enable the application of high performance in-contact control algorithms to commercially available robots, and thereby facilitate technology transfer from the robot control research community to commercial applications, an methodology has been developed to linearize the torque characteristics of electric motor-amplifier combinations. A four degree of freedom Adept 2 robot, having pulse-width modulation amplifiers and both variable reluctance and brushless DC motors, is converted to operate from joint torque commands to demonstrate the methodology. The commercial robot controller is replaced by a VME-based system incorporating special purpose hardware and firmware programmed from experimental data. The performance improvement is experimentally measured and graphically displayed using three-dimensional plots of torque vs command vs position. The average percentage torque deviation over the command and position ranges is reduced from as much as 76% to below 5% for the direct-drive joints 1, 2 and 4 and is cut by one half in the remaining ball-screw driven joint 3. Further, the torque deviation of the direct-drive joints drops below 2.5% if only the upper 90% of the torque range is considered. 23 refs., 20 figs., 2 tabs.

The mechanical behavior of crushed natural rock salt is of concern to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Project because excavated salt is a candidate material for use as backfill around the waste packages and in storage rooms, shafts and other underground openings. To complement existing studies on the compaction behavior of dry and damp (i.e., unsaturated) crushed rock salt under hydrostatic compression, we initiated an extensive experimental program to evaluate (1) the effect of brine-saturation on the consolidation rates and terminal densities of crushed salt subjected to hydrostatic compression, and (2) the influence of small deviatoric stresses on the consolidation rate damp crushed rock salt. This investigation is incomplete, and laboratory facilities are limited, therefore, in this report we review available results, in order to make available preliminary estimates of the effects of brine-saturation and shear stress on consolidation. Experiments with brine were carried out under nominally drained conditions. Experiments completed to data include five hydrostatic compaction tests on brine-saturated samples, run at pressures ranging from 1.72 to 10.34 MPa, and two prototype shear consolidation experiments run at a mean stress of 3.45 MPa and a stress difference of 0.69 MPa. Both sets of experiments were run at 20{plus minus}0.5 {degrees}C. Although the experiments on brine-saturated crushed rock salt exhibit several discrepancies, we can draw the following conclusions. (1) Though effects associated with brine-saturated apparently have a retarding effect on consolidation, rates are reduced by less than an order of magnitude when compared with unsaturated specimens. Despite saturation, high fractional densities (>0.95) are attainable even on laboratory time scales using pressures well below lithostatic at the WIPP ({approx} 15 MPa). 23 refs., 26 figs., 5 tabs.

The MERLIN 2 program is designed to transfer data between finite element meshes of arbitrary geometry. The program is structured to accurately interpolate previously computed solutions onto a given mesh and format the resulting data for immediate use in another analysis program. Data from either two-dimensional or three-dimensional meshes may be considered. The theoretical basis and computational algorithms used in the program are described and complete user instructions are presented. Several example problems are included to demonstrate program usage. 13 refs. 15 figs.

This report describes the phenomenological equations and the numerical procedures used by the CONTAIN 1.1 code to determine the conditions within nuclear power plant containment during a severe accident. The CONTAIN detailed models provide the capability to mechanistically calculate the containment internal thermalhydraulic conditions and the amount of radioactive matter that would be released to the environment if there were a leak from the containment. Note that the CONTAIN models can be verified by comparing the code calculations to experimental results. The models described include those to account for the flows of mass and energy between containment compartments, the exchange of energy between the atmosphere and heat structures, the thermodynamic conditions, the distributions of aerosols, the decay and transport of fission products, the deflagration of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, boiling water reactor suppression pool behavior, and engineering safety features, including a spray, fan coolers, and an ice condenser. These models are solved with implicit coupling, where appropriate, to obtain a stable and computationally efficient solution. 52 refs., 36 figs., 9 tabs.

The Primary Standards Laboratory (PSL) operates a system-wide primary standards and calibration program for the US Department of Energy, Albuquerque Operations Office (DOE/AL). The PSL mission is as follows: to develop and maintain primary standards; to calibrate electrical, physical, and radiation reference standards for customer laboratories (DOE/Al integrated contractors); to conduct technical surveys and audits of these laboratories; and to recommend and implement system-wide improvements. This report summarizes activities of the PSL for the second half of 1990 and provides information pertinent to the operation of the DOE/AL Standards and Calibration Program. Specific areas covered include development projects, improvement projects, calibration and special measurements, surveys and audits, and significant events. Activities in these areas have been at a lower than normal level because of response to increased Environment, Safety, and Health (ES H) concerns and preparation for a Tiger Team visit. Appendices include certifications and reports, commercial calibration laboratories, PSL memoranda, and National Institute of Standards and Technology ((NIST)--formerly the National Bureau of Standards (NBS)) test numbers.

Sandia National Laboratories has developed an advanced self-contained tracking control system for use with one- or two-axis tracking solar arrays. The SolarTrak system computes the sun's position based on the time and stored position data, and then controls two motors to point the tracker at the sun without using sun sensors. When used with a photovoltaic concentrator array, the system initially performs a self-alignment routine using array-generated current to locate the sun. The routine computes six numbers that are used during the normal operation to correct the array pointing for the tracker's installation misalignment. This enables the tracker to point accurately even with installation misalignments of up to several degrees. The SolarTrak system consists of a control board, which contains a Motorola 68HC11 microcontroller, a power supply board, motor-interface boards, and a hand-held user interface board, which contains a liquid-crystal display and an input keypad. This report contains a thorough discussion of the controller software and hardware, including control algorithms, parts lists and estimated costs (about $300 per system). The performance measured on two trackers is reviewed. Tracking accuracy was better than {plus minus}0.1{degrees} over a full day on one system. A thorough user's manual is included. Companies interested in licensing the technology should contact the Technology Transfer Division of Sandia National Laboratories. 20 refs., 53 figs., 5 tabs.

Simulated DHLW (Defense High Level Waste) package performance tests were carried out at the WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant) by emplacing a number of waste canisters containing electrical heaters into the floor of the mine. Peak temperatures were about 130{degrees}C, and the tests ran for three years. During this time, an unanticipated large amount of water was collected from heater hole BO42. A study was, therefore, undertaken to determine if this fluid was derived from normal weep brines. This was accomplished by comparing the amount of salt deposited by the dried weep brines with the volume of condensed steam collected during the test. Documenting the post-test condition of the various backfills was the other objective of this report. In spite of being exposed to acidic vapors, the bentonite-sand backfill retained its mineralogic integrity. However, the bentonite-sand backfill compacted between the canister and the wall only achieved a density that was about three quarters that of a pore-free material. The bentonite backfill also showed evidence of hair-line cracks through which steam had left the vicinity of the canister. In contrast, compacted crushed salt backfill exhibited no evidence of through-going cracks and was compacted to better than 99% of that of pure nonporous sodium chloride. Thus, the seal provided by a crushed salt backfill appears to be superior to that provided by bentonite. 13 refs., 6 tabs.

This report provides system designers with basic human factors information and guidelines for designing and developing the software user interface. A brief discussion of the user interface design philosophy is presented, followed by an overview of the user interface options available (such as color and highlighting), candidate approaches, and discussion of general display concepts and user interface features. We have presented information to facilitate discussions of user interface options, to aid in making final user interface design decisions, and to further the refinement of the user interface. We provide a candidate questionnaire for evaluating your software user interface. 41 refs., 3 tabs.

We have conducted an extensive investigation of the split cavity oscillator (SCO) using particle-in-cell simulation. The goal of this work is to test and optimize an inverse diode rf convertor for use with a cylindrical SCO, while simultaneously determining factors that control rf extraction efficiency. We present results from simulations of several configurations including the SCO with inverse diode extractor, the SCO in conjunction with post-acceleration and inverse diode extraction, and the SCO, using electron beams with a variety of currents, voltages, and radii. 7 refs., 8 figs.

This report presents an assessment of ambient temperature rechargeable lithium batteries for electric vehicle applications. It was prepared for the Department of Energy, Office of Propulsion Systems. The status of development programs in industry and research laboratories was determined for several positive and negative electrode materials and for organic liquid and solid polymer electrolytes. Recommendations are suggested for future research and development activities. 217 refs.

The hydrodynamic blast created by the initiation of a 1 kev X-ray source from an arc-induced ionized gas column, involves density and temperature ratios of such magnitude that the strong shock theory of propagation from continuum fluid mechanics does not apply. Because these simulations occurs in a near vacuum, the continuum equations of motion break down and become invalid during the expansion process as the wavefront density decreases. This report summarizes an approximate treatment of the hydrodynamics of a strong explosion followed by an expanding wavefront in a near vacuum. The analysis was performed in support of the Saturn program to assist the test engineers in the design of a shroud which is optimized to receive the maximum cold X-ray radiation through its aperture while minimizing the hydrodynamic damage to the rest specimens. The analytical treatment uses mass conversion and the assumption of a liner velocity profile to assess the dynamic behavior of the developing wavefront. This technique provides a first estimate of the gas motion and pressure pulse and indicates some general trends of the hydrodynamic phenomenon. 9 refs., 16 figs., 1 tab.

NASA has proposed that the solar concentrator for the manned space station, referred to as the Solar Concentrator Advanced Development (SCAD) dish, undergo terrestrial testing prior to being deployed in space. Because reliable flight concentrator performance is so important, independent tests of the SCAD concentrator are needed to demonstrate the offset parabolic concept and validate the computer codes needed for predicting concentrator flux profile and power generating capability. This report documents the first phase of a three-phase project to test the SCAD concentrator on sun. The three phases of the project are (1) Feasibility of On-Sun Testing; (2) Detailed Design and Fabrication of Test Fixtures; and (3) Testing and Analysis of Results. The objectives of Phase 1 are to evaluate the feasibility of testing the concentrator on sun in a terrestrial environment and to determine the potential for accurately predicting its performance in space. The feasibility study includes: an evaluation of terrestrial structures to support and track the concentrator; an assessment of methods for protecting the concentrator from the environment when it is not on test; the selection of the most feasible support structure and protection system; an evaluation of the effects of terrestrial solar power levels and sunshapes on the verification of computer codes for predicting the on-orbit performance of the concentrator; the development of a preliminary test plan complete with procedures and instrumentation; and the development of schedule and cost estimates for Phases 2 and 3 of the project.

This report describes a computer-controlled densitometer and software designed for qualitative and semiquantitative analyses of photographically recorded atomic emission spectra. The instrument provides a number of operational features and unique capabilities for spectrochemical analyses. The purpose of this research was the evaluation of the automated densitometer system and computer algorithms for identifying and measuring atomic emission spectra from photographs. 11 refs., 10 figs., 5 tabs.

We have obtained Raman spectra of icosahedral boron-rich solids. The spectra of α-rhombohedral boron, boron arsenide, and boron phosphide are consistent with highly-ordered materials. Polarization studies have resulted in symmetry assignments for most of the Raman bands of α-rhombohedral boron. In contrast, the Raman spectra of the boron carbides reveal local substitutional disorder. They also change progressively as a function of carbon content. A structural model for the boron carbides has been developed to explain the Raman and infrared absorption spectra, x-ray data, and electrical and thermal transport properties. Raman spectra of boron carbide samples enriched in ¹⁰B, ¹¹B, and ¹³C reveal details of the atomic motions. The vibrational frequencies and exceptionally narrow linewidths of certain Raman modes are discussed in terms of a ‘‘strong’’ bond model. In this model certain vibrational modes involving relatively stiff bonds between chain atoms, chain and icosahedral atoms, and atoms on different icosahedra are decoupled from the boride lattice by weak, intraicosahedral bonds.

The Small-Scale Mine-By was an in situ experiment to measure changes in brine and gas permeability of rock salt as a result of nearby excavation. A series of small-volume pressurized brine- and gas-filled test intervals were established 8 m beneath the floor of Room L1 in the WIPP underground. The test intervals were isolated in the bottom of the 4.8-cm diameter monitoring boreholes with inflatable rubber packers, and are initially pressurized to about 2 MPa. Both brine- and gas-filled test intervals were located 1.25, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 r from the center of a planned large-diameter hole, where r is the radius of the large-diameter hole. Prior to the drilling of the large-diameter borehole, the responses of both the brine- and gas-filled test intervals were consistent with the formation modeled as a very low permeability, low porosity porous medium with a significant pore (brine) pressure and no measurable gas permeability. The drilling of the mine-by borehole created a zone of dilated, partially saturated rock out to about 1.5 r. The formation pressure increases from near zero at 1.5 r to the pre-excavation value at 4 r. Injection tests reveal a gradient of brine permeabilities from 5 {times} 10{sup {minus}18} m{sup 2} at 1.25 r to about the pre-excavation value (10{sup {minus}21} m{sup 2}) by 3 r. Gas-injection tests reveal measurable gas permeability is limited to within 1.5 r. 17 refs., 24 figs., 6 tabs.

The microstructure of Al ion-implanted at room temperature with 17 at.% 0 has been characterized with TEM. The alloy has extremely small (1.5-3.5 nm) oxide precipitates whose crystal structure is interpreted to be a disordered version of γ-Al2O3 having a fcc lattice of O2- ions with Al3+ ions in random interstitial sites. The small sizes can account for the exceptionally high strength of as-implanted alloys: 2500-3300 MPa. Larger precipitates are found when the alloy is annealed 1 2 h at 550°C, which is consistent with its somewhat lower strength: 800-1600 MPa. © 1991.

The chemical bonding and isochronal annealing of H implanted into GaAs at 80 K has been investigated by infrared absorption measurements. Based upon the frequency shift when deuterium is substituted for H, and an equivalent band formation in InAs, assignment of a new band at 2029 cm-1 is made to AsH centers. Bonding of H at interstitial As of an As-vacancy pair which anneals between 150 and 250 K is suggested as the structure for the defect. A previously reported absorption band at 1834 cm-1 assigned to GaH centers in H-implanted GaAs increases in intensity when H is released from AsH centers. © 1991.

A fractured porous medium is often modeled as a dual porosity system. The subsystems of fractures and matrix pores are assumed to provide two flow continuums. This is especially true when considering solute transport through such a system. Coupling terms are then required to enable the calculation of the exchange of solute between the two subsystems. The coupling terms for solute transport through a fractured medium are derived in this report. This report then investigates the need for the dual porosity models for solute transport. It is shown that the complexity of a dual porosity model is required in some cases to accurately represent the solute motion. However, it is also shown that some situations can be well represented by approximate single porosity models if certain criteria are met. A single porosity model allows the use of analytical solutions. Sample calculations are presented using parameter values representative of Yucca Mountain tuffs. These calculations show that a dual porosity model is not required to model solute transport at Yucca Mountain if the water fluxes are as low as currently believed. 39 refs., 10 figs., 2 tabs.

Sandia National Laboratories, has developed a methodology for performance assessment of deep geologic disposal of high-level nuclear waste. The applicability of this performance assessment methodology has been demonstrated for disposal in bedded salt and basalt; it has since been modified for assessment of repositories in unsaturated, fractured tuff. Changes to the methodology are primarily in the form of new or modified ground water flow and radionuclide transport codes. A new computer code, DCM3D, has been developed to model three-dimensional ground-water flow in unsaturated, fractured rock using a dual-continuum approach. The NEFTRAN 2 code has been developed to efficiently model radionuclide transport in time-dependent velocity fields, has the ability to use externally calculated pore velocities and saturations, and includes the effect of saturation dependent retardation factors. In order to use these codes together in performance-assessment-type analyses, code-coupler programs were developed to translate DCM3D output into NEFTRAN 2 input. Other portions of the performance assessment methodology were evaluated as part of modifying the methodology for tuff. The scenario methodology developed under the bedded salt program has been applied to tuff. An investigation of the applicability of uncertainty and sensitivity analysis techniques to non-linear models indicate that Monte Carlo simulation remains the most robust technique for these analyses. No changes have been recommended for the dose and health effects models, nor the biosphere transport models. 52 refs., 1 fig.

The governing equation for steady flow in a partially saturated, porous medium can be written in a linear form if one adopts a hydraulic conductivity function that is exponential in the capillary-pressure head. The resulting linear field equation is well suited to numerical solution by the boundary integral equation method (BIEM). The exponential conductivity function is compared to a more complex form often assumed for tuffs, and is found to be a reasonable approximation over limited ranges of pressure head. A computer code based on the BIEM is described and tested. The BIEM is found to exhibit quadratic convergence with element size reduction on smooth solutions and on singular problems, if mesh grading is used. Agreement between results from the BIEM code an a finite-element code that solves the fully nonlinear problem is excellent, and is achieved at a substantial advantage in computer processing time. 26 refs., 23 figs., 8 tabs.

The development of the present United States standards for transuranic and high-level waste fundamental criteria, derived release limits, and risk limits for probabilistic releases is traced through supporting documentation. The development procedures and the resulting regulations are compared to requirements for the standards, traditional methods of regulating chemical and radiological carcinogens, and recommendations made by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, the Science Advisory Board, the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board, and individual investigators. The development methodology, logic, assumptions, and models are reviewed relative to the two proposed repositories. Individual difficulties are defined, and their probable causes and potential effects are examined. Several options are suggested for modifying and extending the standards for each of the four major areas; these options make the standards more appropriate for the sites now under consideration, relate them more directly to the actual safety of the repositories, and make them more defensible. Many of the extensions are compatible with the present standards and would not require any significant changes in philosophy, methodology, or format. The benefits of an enhanced quality assurance program are discussed and several other changes in development procedures for waste disposal regulations are suggested. 49 refs., 17 figs., 4 tabs.

This document describes the method developed by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to evaluate transducer used in the design certification testing of nuclear material shipping packages. This testing project was performed by SNL for the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM). This evaluation is based on the results of tests conducted to measure ruggedness, failure frequency, repeatability, and manufacturers' calibration data under both field and laboratory conditions. The results of these tests are provided and discussed. The transducer were selected for testing by surveying cask contractors and testing facilities. Important insights relating to operational characteristics of accelerometer types were gained during field testing. 11 refs., 105 figs., 16 tabs.

Recognizing the importance of nuclear license renewal to the nation's energy strategy, the Department of Energy (DOE) initiated a plant lifetime improvement program during 1985 to determine the feasibility of the license renewal option for US nuclear plants. Initial activities of the DOE program focused on determining whether there were technical and economic obstacles that might preclude or limit the successful implementation of the license renewal option. To make this determination, DOE cosponsored with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) pilot-plant efforts by Virginia Electric Power and Northern States Power. Both pilot-plant efforts concluded that life extension is technically and economically feasible. In parallel with the pilot-plant activities, DOE performed national economic studies that demonstrated the economic desirability of life extension. Having demonstrated the feasibility of life extension, DOE, in conjunction with EPRI, selected two lead plants to demonstrate the license renewal process. These lead plants are Yankee Atomic's Yankee Rowe facility and Northern States Power's Monticello facility. DOE also initiated activities to develop the technical and regulatory bases to support the license renewal process in the United States. DOE has recently identified nuclear plant license renewal to be an important element of its National Energy Strategy. This paper summarizes the significant results, conclusions, and ongoing activities of the DOE effort.

This talk is about leadership. Leaders are people at every level in an organization who believe in change and are energized by it. They understand the difficult realities of competitive existence. They motivate and challenge. They provide positive reinforcement -- but are never satisfied with their achievements because opportunities for further improvement are never exhausted. Today, leadership is more important than ever because operating environments are changing at an unprecedented rate. The causes are geopolitical, economic, technological, etc. In fact, everything we know about nature tells us that change is inevitable. History shows quite clearly that human progress is not possible without change. Yet, humans crave stability and permanence. As a consequence, success often leads to complacency. But, demise is inevitable for those who protect the status quo. There exists a growing national awareness that global competitive pressures are forcing on American industry the need for ever higher levels of performance. And, similar forces are necessitating improved performance in DOE's nuclear weapons complex. Today, quality takes on a much larger meaning than it has traditionally. It is attention to cost, schedule and product performance that characterize the modern Quality ethic. This paper discusses the manager's role and the new Quality philosophy. 11 figs.

Coupled thermal-structural finite element calculations of a reflux pool-boiler solar receiver were performed to characterize the operating stresses and to address issues affecting the service life of the receiver. Analyses performed using shell elements provided information for receiver material selection and design optimization. Calculations based on linear elastic fracture mechanics principles were performed using continuum elements to assess the vulnerability of a seam-weld to fatigue crack growth. All calculations were performed using ABAQUS, a general purpose finite element code, and elements specifically formulated for coupled thermal-structural analysis. Two materials were evaluated: 316L SS and Haynes 230 alloys. The receiver response was simulated for a combination of structural and thermal loads that represent the startup and operating conditions of the receiver. For both materials, maximum stresses in the receiver developed shortly after startup due to uneven temperature distribution across the receiver surface. The largest effective stress was near yield in the 316L SS receiver and below 39 percent of yield in the Haynes 230 receiver. The calculations demonstrated that stress reductions of over 25 percent could be obtained by reducing the aft dome thickness to one closer to the absorber. The fatigue calculations demonstrated that the stress distribution near the seam-weld notch depends primarily on the structural load created by internal pressurization of the receiver rather than the thermal, indicating that the thermal loads can be neglected when assessing the stress intensity near the seam-weld notch. The stress intensity factor, computed using the J-integral method and crack opening-displacement field equations, was significantly below the fatigue threshold for most steels. The calculations indicated that the weld notch was always loaded in compression, a condition which is not conducive to fatigue crack growth. 15 refs., 30 figs., 3 tabs.

Algorithms for the authentication of byte sequences are described. The algorithms are designed to authenticate data in the Storage, Retrieval, Analysis, and Display (SRAD) Test Data Archive of the Radiation Effects and Testing Directorate (9100) at Sandia National Laboratories, and may be used in similar situations where authentication of stored data is required. The algorithms use a well-known error detection method called the Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC). When a byte sequence is authenticated and stored, CRC bytes are generated and attached to the end of the sequence. When the authenticated data is retrieved, the authentication check consists of processing the entire sequence, including the CRC bytes, and checking for a remainder of zero. The error detection properties of the CRC are extensive and result in a reliable authentication of SRAD data.

Monitoring wellhead pressure evolution is the best method of detecting crude oil leaks in SPR caverns while oil/brine interface depth measurements provide additional insight. However, to fully utilize the information provided by these interface depth measurements, a thorough understanding of how the interface movement corresponds to cavern phenomena, such as salt creep, crude oil leakage, and temperature equilibration, as well as to wellhead pressure, is required. The time evolution of the oil/brine interface depth is a function of several opposing factors. Cavern closure due to salt creep and crude oil leakage, if present, move the interface upward. Brine removal and temperature equilibration of the oil/brine system move the interface downward. Therefore, the relative magnitudes of these factors determine the net direction of interface movement. Using a mass balance on the cavern fluids, coupled with a simplified salt creep model for closure in SPR caverns, the movement of the oil/brine interface has been predicted for varying cavern configurations, including both right-cylindrical and carrot-shaped caverns. Three different cavern depths and operating pressures have been investigated. In addition, the caverns were investigated at four different points in time, allowing for varying extents of temperature equilibration. Time dependent interface depth changes of a few inches to a few feet were found to be characteristic of the range of cases studied. 5 refs, 19 figs., 1 tab.

In two earlier reports, we derived a time-temperature-dose rate superposition methodology, which, when applicable, can be used to predict cable degradation versus dose rate, temperature and exposure time. This methodology results in long-term predictive capabilities at the low dose rates appropriate to ambient nuclear power plant aging environments. The methodology was successfully applied to numerous important cable materials used in nuclear applications and the extrapolated predictions were verified by comparisons with long-term (7 to 12 year) results for similar or identical materials aged in nuclear environments. In this report, we test the methodology on three crosslinked polyolefin (CLPO) and two ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) cable insulation materials. The methodology applies to one of the CLPO materials and one of the EPR materials, allowing predictions to be made for these materials under low dose-rate, low temperature conditions. For the other materials, it is determined that, at low temperatures, a decrease in temperature at a constant radiation dose rate leads to an increase in the degradation rate for the mechanical properties. Since these results contradict the fundamental assumption underlying time-temperature-dose rate superposition, this methodology cannot be applied to such data. As indicated in the earlier reports, such anomalous results might be expected when attempting to model data taken across the crystalline melting region of semicrystalline materials. Nonetheless, the existing experimental evidence suggests that these CLPO and EPR materials have substantial aging endurance for typical reactor conditions. 28 refs., 26 figs., 3 tabs.

Effective sealing of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) shafts will be required to isolate defense-generated transuranic wastes from the accessible environment. Shafts penetrate water-bearing hard rock formations before entering a massive creeping-salt formation (Salado) where the WIPP is located. Short and long-term seals are planned for the shafts. Short-term seals, a composite of concrete and bentonite, will primarily be located in the hard rock formations separating the water-bearing zones from the Salado Formation. These seals will limit water flow to the underlying long-term seals in the Salado. The long-term seals will consist of lengthly segments of initially unsaturated crushed salt. Creep closure of the shaft will consolidate unsaturated crushed salt, thereby reducing its permeability. However, water passing through the upper short-term seals and brine inherent to the salt host rock itself will eventually saturate the crushed salt and consolidation could be inhibited. Before saturating, portions of the crushed salt in the shafts are expected to consolidate to a permeability equivalent to the salt host rock, thereby effectively isolating the waste from the overlying water-bearing formations. A phenomenological model is developed for the coupled mechanical/hydrologic behavior of sealed WIPP shafts. The model couples creep closure of the shaft, crushed salt consolidation, and the associated reduction in permeability with Darcy's law for saturated fluid flow to predict the overall permeability of the shaft seal system with time. 17 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), a 600 million barrel crude oil reserve stored primarily in caverns leached in Gulf Coast salt domes, is maintained by the US Department of Energy (DOE). As part of a continuing program to monitor and characterize changes in the oil stored in the reserve, SPR caverns are periodically sampled at varying depths. Several different kinds of samples are withdrawn including pressurized samples, which enable a determination of the oil's vapor pressure and gas/oil ratio. These two parameters are particularly important to drawdown strategies because if the oil contains significant amounts of gas (therefore having a high vapor pressure and gas/oil ratio), additional equipment and decreased removal rates may be required during drawdown. Past pressurized sampling data was wrought with inconsistencies due to improper pressurized sampling and sample analysis techniques. This report documents the findings of an investigation taken to determine the source of the problems in the existing pressurized sampling and sample analysis methods and to establish reliable and cost effective methods of performing these tasks. In particular, flow-through pressurized sampling technology was found to be the most appropriate method of obtaining reliable samples. The gravity transfer method was found to be the most reliable method of moving the sample from the flow-through tool to a transportation container. In regards to sample analysis, it is recommended that gas chromatography replace the antiquated Podbielniak method, that the gas/oil ratio be measured via standard techniques rather than calculated using equations of state, and that a standard method be used to measure the sample's vapor pressure in a constant temperature PVT cell. 24 refs., 33 figs.

Anoxic corrosion and microbial degradation of contact-handled transuranic waste may produce sufficient quantities of gas over a long time period to generate high pressure in the disposal rooms at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) repository. Dissipation of pressure by outward gas flow will be inhibited by the low permeability of the surrounding rock and by capillary forces that resist gas penetration into this water-saturated rock. Threshold pressure is the gas pressure required to overcome capillary resistance to initial gas penetration and to the development of interconnected gas pathways that would outward gas flow. The primary objectives of this study are to estimate the magnitude of threshold pressure in the bedded salt that surrounds the WIPP repository and to evaluate the role this parameter plays in controlling the outward flow of waste-generated gas. 54 refs., 9 figs., 4 tabs.

The Heat Source/Radioisotopic Thermoelectric Generator shipping container is a Type B packaging design currently under development by Los Alamos National Laboratory. Type B packaging for transporting radioactive material is required to maintain containment and shielding after being exposed to the normal and hypothetical accident environments defined in Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations Part 71. A combination of testing and analysis is used to verify the adequacy of this package design. This report documents the test program portion of the design verification, using several prototype packages. Four types of testing were performed: 30-foot hypothetical accident condition drop tests in three orientations, 40-inch hypothetical accident condition puncture tests in five orientations, a 21 psi external overpressure test, and a normal conditions of transport test consisting of a water spray and a 4 foot drop test. 18 refs., 104 figs., 13 tabs.

This report describes high voltage dc breakdown tests on various PtAu and Au thick film hybrid microcircuits on alumina (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}). Samples were prepared with current thick film design and manufacturing rules. The purpose was to determine the voltage margins between current design rules and typical applied voltages on real circuits. We also analyzed what happened during a breakdown event. We used a versatile computer-controlled test set to obtain breakdown data. This showed that design conductors 10 mil wide with equal design spaces on alumina and coated with a fired protective glaze (DuPont 9137) had the highest breakdown values (2700 Vdc). Bare design circuits and Au conductor crossover features had a lower breakdown value (1400 to 1600 Vdc). Both these values are well above logic circuit applied voltages ({le}50v). This may account for the excellent field performance obtained to date. Ambient humidity changes to 43% R.H. and voltage rise rates between 3 and 2300 V/sec had little influence on breakdown values ({le}200 Vdc). Voltage breakdown values were little influenced by our two geometries: point-to-line samples which simulated corners and long parallel line samples. Breakdown behaved like a spark in air rather than an arc. Breakdown in glaze went through it to air rather than along the glaze/alumina interface. The spark was found to be similar to lightning in that it consisted of a string of current pulses lasting a total of 1 to 2 seconds. Spark locations were from surface asperities or defects near but not at the point of minimum optically measured separation. Hence, we found that circuits made using current design rules for hybrid microcircuit manufacture are adequate or conservative as regards safe margins against logic voltage dc breakdown to the extent studied here. 13 refs., 19 figs.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) problems have resulted in the redesign of the SANDAC V computer case and shielding of its connecting cables. In this report are detailed discussions on the use of computer models and of the tests performed to solve the EMI problems. Included is documentation on the specific changes made to the SANDAC V computer case and the shielding done on the connecting cables. Also documented are the current EMI capabilities relative to MIL Std. 461.

This report represents the first quarterly submittal of data by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) for the Department Of Energy (DOE) Headquarters Performance Indicator Program. Secretary of Energy Notice (SEN-29-91) directed that a Department-wide uniform systems of Performance Indicators (PIs) for trending and analyzing operational data to help assess and support progress in improving performance and in strengthening line management control of operations relating to environmental, safety, and health activities'' be developed. Trending and analysis of data depicting the performance of facilities is an essential element in creating a culture of continuous improvement,'' where performance gains are maintained and deteriorating environmental, safety, and health conditions are identified early. In addition, good practices that can benefit other DOE operations areas should be identified. The program defines 21 Pi's grouped into four broad areas: (1) personnel safety; (2) operational incidents; (3) environmental releases (normal operations); and (4) management (including waste generation). SNL is required to submit data on 21 PIs for four facilities/reporting elements that were selected by DOE at Albuquerque and Livermore. 31 figs.

In the certification of packages for transport of radioactive material, the issue of slapdown must be addressed. Slapdown is a secondary impact of the body caused by rotational accelerations induced during eccentric primary impact. In this report, several parameters are evaluated that affect slapdown severity of packages for the transport of nuclear material. The nose and tail accelerations in a slapdown event are compared to those experienced by the same cask in a side-drop configuration, in which there is no rotation, for a range of initial impact angles, impact limiter models, and friction coefficients for two existing cask geometries. In some cases, the rotation induced during a shallow-angle impact is sufficient to cause accelerations at the tail during secondary impact to be greater than those at the nose during initial impact. Furthermore, both nose and tail accelerations are often greater than the side-on accelerations. The results described here have been calculated using the code SLAPDOWN, which approximates the impact response of deformable bodies. Finally, SLAPDOWN has been used to estimate the coefficient of friction acting at the nose and tail for one particular cask during one specific slapdown drop test by comparison of results with experimental data. 2 refs., 16 figs., 3 tabs.

Two methods for modeling arbitrary narrow apertures in finite- difference time-domain (FDTD) codes are presented in this paper. The first technique is based on the hybrid thin-slot algorithm (HTSA) which models the aperture physics using an integral equation approach. This method can model slots that are narrow both in width and depth with regard to the FDTD spatial cell, but is restricted to planar apertures. The second method is based on a contour technique that directly modifies the FDTD equations local to the aperture. The contour method is geometrically more flexible than the HTSA, but the depth of the aperture is restricted to the actual FDTD mesh. A technique to incorporate both narrow-aperture algorithms into the FDTD code, TSAR, based on a slot data file'' is presented in this paper. Results for a variety of complex aperture contours are provided, and limitations of the algorithms are discussed.

The results of a Sandia National Laboratories program to design and develop a high-current thermal battery for the Hypersonic Weapons Technology Program are presented. The feasibility of a 200 A, 150 s, 12 Vdc primary battery was demonstrated under ambient conditions. New header feedthrough design concepts were used, and new internal current collectors and internal power leads were considered. The Li(Si)/LiBr-LiCl-LiF/FeS{sub 2} electrochemical system has shown exceptional performance at the high-current operation conditions. A high-rate Zinc/Silver Oxide secondary cell was also evaluated, and the results are presented in this report. These cells exhibited excellent high-rate discharge performance. 5 refs., 19 figs., 8 tabs.

A Performance Assessment Calculational Exercise for 1990 (PACE-90) was coordinated by the Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project Office for a total-system performance-assessment problem. The primary objectives of the exercise were to develop performance-assessment computational capabilities of the Yucca Mountain Project participates and to aid in identifying critical elements and processes associated with the calculation. The problem defined for PACE-90 was simulation of a ``nominal case`` groundwater flow and transport of a selected group of radionuclides through a portion of Yucca Mountain. Both 1-D and 2-D calculations were run for a modeling period of 100,000 years. The nuclides used, {sup 99}Tc, {sup 135}Cs, {sup 129}I, and {sup 237}Np, were representative of ``classes`` of long-lived nuclides expected to be present in the waste inventory. Movement of the radionuclides was simulated through a detailed hydrostratigraphy developed from Yucca Mountain data specifically for this exercise. The results showed that, for the specified conditions with the conceptual models used in the problem, no radioactive contamination reached the water table, 230 m below the repository. However, due to the unavailability of sufficient site-specific data, the results of this exercise cannot be considered a comprehensive total-system- performance assessment of the Yucca Mountain site as a high-level- waste repository. 46 refs., 94 figs., 19 tabs.

Hydrogen is highly mobile in Si and vitreous SiO₂, and it reacts strongly with dangling bonds residing on Si and O atoms. These interactions have important consequences for metal-oxide- semiconductor structures, with noteworthy effects including the passivation of electrically active defects, mediation of radiation sensitivity, chemical passivation of etched Si surfaces, and still poorly understood effects on epitaxial growth from H-containing media. Despite the significance of these H reactions, fundamental understanding of them has remained seriously deficient; the H bonding energies have been known semiquantitatively at best, and the detailed reaction paths and rate-determining energetics of intermediate states have remained largely speculative. We are addressing these issues through a coordinated program of experiment and theory with the goal of a unified, quantitatively predictive understanding.

A semiconductor laser coupled to an external cavity is investigated using a composite-cavity mode approach. Strong frequency hopping for small cavity length changes is obtained, indicating instability of the laser operation against cavity lengths fluctuations.

Results have been obtained on hydrogen dose, dose rate and substrate temperature dependence for hydrogen-assisted thermal donor formation in Czochralski Si. The study combined ion implantation and hydrogen plasma exposure to inject hydrogen, and infrared absorption and spreading resistance probe measurements to detect the donors. Near surface donor concentrations increase with dose and temperature between 350 and 400°C. The penetration depth for thermal donor formation exhibits a $\sqrt{t}$ dependence, and a thermal activation energy of 1.5 ± 0.2 eV.

Adhesion between diamond films synthesized by a CVD method and tungsten has been investigated by a scratch and pull testing methods. Diamond films have been deposited at temperatures from 1173 to 1323 K with a growth rate ranging from 0.2 to 0.45 μm/hour. The films are highly crystalline and are dominated by (100) faces at low temperatures, changing to (111) at higher temperatures. Grain size and residual stress in the films increases with increasing deposition temperature. X-ray diffraction shows the expected diamond diffraction peaks plus peaks attributed to WC and W₂C. Raman spectroscopy shows a sharp diamond band for all of the films, with a small broad peak, attributed to amorphous carbon. There is no distinct correlation between diamond/amorphous carbon intensity with deposition temperature. Scratch adhesion testing shows the expected failure mode for brittle coatings, but can not be quantified because of severe degradation of the diamond stylus tip. Sebastion pull testing shows that the failure mode of the films correlates with deposition temperature, but specific adhesion strength values do not. Efforts are continuing to correlate adhesion strength with deposition and structural parameters of the diamond films.

Rational interpolation is frequently useful for generating functions which have an extended range over an abbreviated domain of definition. A simple technique for continued fraction interpolating function evaluation can easily be modified to obtain the function's derivative. This is a useful technique for developing numerical solutions for certain stiff partial differential equations. 9 refs., 2 figs.

This 1990 report contains monitoring data from routine radiological and nonradiological environmental surveillance activities. Summaries of significant environmental compliance programs in progress such as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, environmental permits, environmental restoration, and various waste management programs for Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque (SNL, Albuquerque) are included. The maximum offsite dose impact was calculated to be 2.0 {times} 10{sup {minus}3} mrem. The total 50-mile population received a collective dose of 0.82 person-rem during 1990 from SNL, Albuquerque, operations. As in the previous year, the 1990 SNL operations had no adverse impact on the general public or on the environment. This report is prepared for the US Department of Energy in compliance with DOE Order 5400.1. 97 refs., 30 figs., 137 tabs.

There is no routine radioactive emission from Sandia National Laboratories, Tonopah Test Range (SNL, TTR). However, based on the types of test activities such as air drops, gun firings, ground- launched rockets, air-launched rockets, and other explosive tests, possibilities exist that small amounts of depleted uranium (DU) (as part of weapon components) may be released to the air or to the ground because of unusual circumstances (failures) during testing. Four major monitoring programs were used in 1990 to assess radiological impact on the public. The EPA Air Surveillance Network (ASN) found that the only gamma ({gamma}) emitting radionuclide on the prefilters was beryllium-7 ({sup 7}Be), a naturally-occurring spallation product formed by the interaction of cosmic radiation with atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen. The weighted average results were consistent with the area background concentrations. The EPA Thermoluminescent Dosimetry (TLD) Network and Pressurized Ion Chamber (PIC) reported normal results. In the EPA Long-Term Hydrological Monitoring Program (LTHMP), analytical results for tritium ({sup 3}H) in well water were reported and were well below DOE-derived concentration guides (DCGs). In the Reynolds Electrical and Engineering Company (REECo) Drinking Water Sampling Program, analytical results for {sup 3}H, gross alpha ({alpha}), beta ({beta}), and {gamma} scan, strontium-90 ({sup 90}Sr) and plutonium-239 ({sup 239}Pu) were within the EPA's primary drinking water standards. 29 refs., 5 figs., 15 tabs.

PC-1D is a software package for personal computers that uses finite-element analysis to solve the fully-coupled two-carrier semiconductor transport equations in one dimension. This program is particularly useful for analyzing the performance of optoelectronic devices such as solar cells, but can be applied to any bipolar device whose carrier flows are primarily one-dimensional. This User's Guide provides the information necessary to install PC-1D, define a problem for solution, solve the problem, and examine the results. Example problems are presented which illustrate these steps. The physical models and numerical methods utilized are presented in detail. This document supports version 3.1 of PC-1D, which incorporates faster numerical algorithms with better convergence properties than previous versions of the program. 51 refs., 17 figs., 5 tabs.

The disappearance of isocyanate groups in 20 lb/ft{sup 3} rigid polyurethane encapsulating foam (44402-20) was monitored by FTIR spectroscopy leading to an activation energy of 4 kcal/mole. The disappearance of isocyanates can be due to either crosslinking reactions or gas production. Attempting to separate these two reaction paths, we measured the gel time and volume change during cure leading to activation energies of 5 and 6 kcal/mole for the crosslinking and foaming mechanisms respectively. 3 refs., 16 figs.

This study examined the feasibility of the Safety Engineering Reactor for Accident Phenomenology (SERAPH), a research reactor with the capability to perform a wide array of safety experiments important in the design of commercial nuclear reactors. The study proceeded in two phases. In Phase 1, the experimental needs were examined and a wide-ranging survey of many fuel/coolant options for the SERAPH driver reactor was done. In Phase 2, the most promising candidates identified in Phase 1 were studied in more detail. A reactor with heavy-water coolant, BeO-PuO{sub 2} fuel matrix, and a standard pin geometry was found to have the required experiment capabilities while using relatively current technology. A reactor with helium coolant, BeO-PuO{sub 2} fuel matrix, and a unique geometrical configuration was found to have significantly higher capabilities but with greater technical risk. 5 refs., 34 figs., 36 tabs.

This report describes the results of high temperature steam testing and submergence testing of 12 different cable products that are representative of typical cables used inside containments of US light water reactors. Both tests were performed after the cables were exposed to simultaneous thermal and radiation aging, followed by exposure to loss-of-coolant accident simulations. The results of the high temperature steam test indicate the approximate thermal failure thresholds for each cable type. The results of submergence test indicate that a number of cable types can withstand submergence at elevated temperature, even after exposure to a loss-of-coolant accident simulation. 4 refs., 6 figs., 9 tabs.

This work documents a comparison of sensitivity and uncertainty analysis techniques that are likely to be used in support of repository performance assessments to determine compliance with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for high-level radioactive waste (HLW) repositories. A variety of parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis techniques were applied to a model of the Avra Valley aquifer, Arizona. Two approaches to sensitivity analyses were used, statistical and deterministic; these were applied to evaluate the sensitivity of the ground water travel time to changes in transmissivity. The effect of different boundary conditions on the calculated sensitivity derivatives was also evaluated. Parameter estimates and estimation errors were obtained via geostatistical and inverse techniques. The throughput'' of the kriging techniques suggests that the mean estimates derived from these techniques are frequently off the mark'' or inconsistent with the conceptual model. With no screening of the input parameter estimates for realism, non- conservative travel time estimates were obtained. The differential analysis sensitivity technique is shown to be dependent on the choice of design point, providing only a local measure of the sensitivity. The statistical approach to sensitivity identifies parameters which are both sensitive and uncertain, i.e., it shows when the uncertainty in a model parameter is important. Sensitivity estimates are also shown to be dependent on the choice of boundary conditions used. 92 refs., 55 figs., 13 tabs.

This report describes an architecture for compiling and representing electronic documents in a framework which accommodates knowledge about how the documents are composed, organized, and correlated. A general concept of referenceability is employed. While the concept is relevant to a wide range of application areas, it is described in familiar terms of an electronic document comprised of related textual information and graphics. The concept is applicable to all classes of objects which, together with their references, constitute the electronic document. The documents may themselves contain references to other documents, as well as to constituent object classes such as textual components, figures, footnotes, subject indexes, and the like. The objects and references can be dynamically combined according to a total logical structure representable within a window environment. The framework supports automatic resolution of references and display of related document objects through intercommunicating windows which constitute a relevant user view of a document. 6 refs., 9 figs.

This document describes the NEFTRAN-S computer code and is intended to provide the reader with enough information to use the code. NEFTRAN-S was developed for the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the assessment of ground-water flow and radionuclide transport from radioactive waste disposal in geologic formations. NEFTRAN-S is a successor to the NEFTRAN code. The code was developed in conjunction with NEFTRAN-2, which was developed recently for the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. As a result, some of the features contained in NEFTRAN-2 have been included in NEFTRAN-S. In particular, NEFTRAN-S includes an exponential-leach-rate source, decoupled time steps for source and transport, and an option for inputting pore-water velocities. Features unique to NEFTRAN-S include a user-friendly format for use on personal computers and coupling with statistical sampling and analysis using the SUNS software shell. This document was written to provide a comprehensive discussion of the NEFTRAN-S code including its history, the theory, its use and examples of possible applications. Minimal reference to previous documents is intended. 25 refs., 132 figs., 30 tabs.

The default format for the storage of x,y data for use with the UFO code is described. The format assumes that the data stored in a file is a matrix of values; two columns of this matrix are selected to define a function of the form y = f(x). This format is specifically designed to allow for easy importation of data obtained from other sources, or easy entry of data using a text editor, with a minimum of reformatting. This format is flexible and extensible through the use of inline directives stored in the optional header of the file. A special extension of the format implements encoded data which significantly reduces the storage required as compared wth the unencoded form. UFO supports several extensions to the file specification that implement execute-time operations, such as, transformation of the x and/or y values, selection of specific columns of the matrix for association with the x and y values, input of data directly from other formats (e.g., DAMP and PFF), and a simple type of library-structured file format. Several examples of the use of the format are given.

This report documents the findings of an experimental investigation of the effects of thermal aging on the fire damageability of electric cables. Two popular types of nuclear qualified cables were evaluated. For each cable type, both unaged (i.e., new off the reel) and thermally aged samples were exposed to steady-state elevated temperature environments until conductor-to-conductor electrical shorting was observed. Plots of the time to electrical failure versus the exposure temperature were developed and thermal damage thresholds were determined. For one cable type, the thermally aged cables were less vulnerable to thermal damage than were the unaged samples as demonstrated by an increase in the thermal damage threshold for the aged samples, and an extended survival time at exposure temperatures above the damage threshold for aged samples compared to unaged samples. For the second cable, the threshold of thermal damage was lowered somewhat by the aging process, an indication of an increased vulnerability to thermal damage due to aging. However, for the higher temperature exposures, no statistical difference between the damage times for aged and unaged cable samples was noted. For both cable types, the changes in the thermal damage threshold observed were not considered significant in terms of fire risk. 4 refs., 9 figs., 8 tabs.

The thrust of this progress report deals with the significant advances we have made in the past few months toward optimal radiating efficiency and optimal directionality from antenna arrays that fit inside a 5.5 in.-OD tool. The reasons spawning this development effort on antennas are the many uses for underground radar systems that can be built around such high-performance antennas. Targets of interest include large man-made voids, natural voids in strata, fractures zones in hard rock, edges and internal faults in salts domes and glaciers, etc. Recent progress includes observation of the radiation patterns of several dipole arrays which we designed to fit within a 5.5-inch OD borehole tool and to radiate efficiently at wavelengths in the band from 0.4 meter to 2 meters with optimal directionality. Front-to-back ratios of 15 dB are consistently observed in the horizontal plane of these arrays. These antennas are observed to radiate with high efficiencies, less than 1 dB loss, into air at 1.3 meter wavelength. 18 figs.

This report describes the finite difference computer code ZEPHYR3D, which is designed to solve three-dimensional, transient incompressible flow problems. ZEPHYR3D includes an energy equation that allows coupled thermal/fluid problems to be solved with the limits of the Boussinesq approximation. It also includes an implementation of the Smagorinsky subgrid scale turbulence model, which allows ZEPHYR3D to perform large eddy simulation of turbulent flows. This report includes the mathematical and numerical basis for ZEPHYR3D, a user's guide, and several example/benchmark problems. These problems include flow over a backward-facing step, free convection in an enclosure, and the collapse of a mixed region in a stratified environment. 22 refs., 32 figs., 2 tabs.

Early in 1990, J. A. Wilder, Supervisor of Sandia National Laboratories (SNLA), Division 2565 requested that a meeting of the scientists and engineers responsible for developing and producing switch tubes be set up to discuss in a semi-formal way the science and technology of switch tubes. Programmatic and administrative issues were specifically exempted from the discussions. L. Beavis, Division 7471, SNL and A. Shuman, EG G, Salem were made responsible for organizing a program including the materials and processes of switch tubes. The purpose of the Switch Tube Advanced Technology meeting was to allow personnel from Allied Signal Kansas City Division (AS/KCD); EG G, Salem and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to discuss a variety of issues involved in the development and production of switch tubes. It was intended that the formal and informal discussions would allow a better understanding of the production problems by material and process engineers and of the materials and processes by production engineers. This program consisted of formal presentations on May 23 and informal discussions on May 24. The topics chosen for formal presentation were suggested by the people of AS/KCD, EG G, Salem, and SNL involved with the design, development and production of switch tubes. The topics selected were generic. They were not directed to any specific switch tube but rather to all switch tubes in production and development. This document includes summaries of the material presented at the formal presentation on May 23.

The diffraction patterns produced by passing a laser beam through two different types of flowing gases are calculated. The first type of flow consists of periodic lines of gas flowing transverse to the beam's propagation. The second flow is turbulent. The measurable parameters in the diffraction patterns are derived and related to the gas temperature, pressure, velocity, and (in the case of the turbulent flow) to the flow's structure constant. A discussion on using the photorefractive effect to study turbulent flows is also given. In the latter case a method that relates the flow's structure constant to the decay time of the photorefractive crystal is given. 24 refs., 11 figs.

NEFTRAN-S was developed by Sandia National Laboratories for the United States Environmental Protection Agency as part of a program providing technical support for re-promulgation of the standard 40 CFR 191. The code is intended to provide realistic estimates of releases to the environment that could result from disposal of radioactive waste in geologic subsurfaces. One of the geologic environments that will be considered by the EPA in their analyses is unsaturated tuff. The information given in this report is intended to provide a conceptual model for the NEFTRAN-S code for calculations involving a generic site in unsaturated tuff. Information about the phenomena expected to dominate transport and methods for modeling transport in an unsaturated medium are presented. NEFTRAN-S calculations using this conceptual model are compared to TOSPAC calculations for three possible infiltration rates. TOSPAC is the code currently used in performance assessment for an unsaturated tuff site at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. 14 refs., 21 figs., 22 tabs.

The prediction of the chemical alteration of cementitious sealing materials and other cementitious components such as liners in the tuffaceous environment of Yucca Mountain is an essential element in understanding the longevity of these materials. This study uses a chemical equilibrium model to obtain information about the chemical reaction of ground water with concretes. Because concretes, cements, and grouts are metastable assemblages, it is expected that these materials will dissolve, cause secondary precipitations and react with the environment. These reactions will alter the porosity and hydraulic conductivity of the concretes. While the importance of these chemical and conductivity changes has not been completely assessed, this study provides insight into the importance of this chemical alteration.

Radiation measurement have been used for many years to aid in the characterization, handling, and processing of spent nuclear fuel. Applications have included radiation protection, international safeguards, fissile content estimation for reprocessing, and verification of records and calculations. The application of radiation measurements to support the identification of spent fuel assemblies for loading into burnup credit'' transport casks is of interest in the cask development program. A possible alternative to measurements is to use the administrative controls and operational procedures that have been used at reactor sites that make use of burnup credit for spent fuel storage. Experience at such sites needs to be carefully analyzed for its applicability to the misloading and misidentification probabilities. Since there are over 40,000 spent fuel assemblies stored at more than one hundred locations in the US, it is important to determine carefully the necessity for and applicability of any measurement requirement. It is imperative that any measurement system selected be as simple, inexpensive, quick, and non-intrusive as possible. In this report we will consider the information available from measurements of spent fuel that has cooled for more than ten years and examine the possible application of existing instrumentation to verifying the loading of burnup credit casks.

Sandia National Laboratories is conducting long-term aging research on representative samples of nuclear power plant Class 1E cables to determine the suitability of these cables for extended life (beyond the 40-year design basis) and to assess various cable condition monitoring techniques for predicting remaining cable life. This paper provides some results of mechanical measurements that were performed on cross-linked polyolefin (XLPO) cables and cable materials aged at relatively mild, simultaneous thermal and radiation exposure conditions for period of up to nine months. The mechanical measurements discussed in this paper include tensile strength, ultimate elongation, hardness, and compressive modulus. The modulus measurements were performed using an indenter developed at Franklin Research Center under EPRI sponsorship.

Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, manages the Utility Battery Exploratory Technology Development Program, which is sponsored by the US Department of Energy's Office of Energy Management. In this capacity, Sandia is responsible for the engineering analyses and development of advanced rechargeable batteries for stationary energy storage applications. This report details the technical achievements realized during fiscal year 1990. 82 figs., 40 tabs.

This document presents the quality assurance (QA) philosophy and procedures for software used by the Performance Assessment Division of the Nuclear Waste Technology Department (NWTD) of Sandia National Laboratories, which directly supports the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Software procedures described herein will be incorporated into the general Performance Assessment Quality Assurance Procedures (QAP 2-2) and will apply to all Sandia and Sandia contractor activities related to Performance Assessment (except where the contractor has its own NWTD-approved QA procedures). This report presented the philosophy behind the QA procedures, provides the standards adopted for Performance Assessment software, discusses the implementation of these standards, and summarizes the software executive package, CAMCON, which aids in implementing the standards. 24 refs., 6 figs., 5 tabs.

Our charged particle simulation models a relativistic electron beam for which the field solution is local and thus requires no grid. We have implemented the simulation on a CRAY and on two parallel machines, a nCUBE 2 and Connection Machine. We present implementation details and contrast the approaches necessary for the three architectures. On the parallel machines a dynamic load-balancing problem arises because the beam grows uniformly in one dimension from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of particles as the simulation progresses. We discuss a folded Gray-code mapping of the processors to the length scale of the simulation that expands (or shrinks) as the beam changes length so as to minimize inter-processor communication. This improves the efficiency of the nCUBE version of the simulation which runs at 10x the speed of the vectorized CRAY version.

Surry was used as a representative dry containment plant for the evaluation of possible ways that containment performance could be improved. Sensitivity studies using the NUREG-1150 models and methodologies were used to estimate the reduction of risk potentials resulting from bypass scrubbing and DCH partial depressurization. These studies showed that the greatest reduction of risk occurs when bypass releases are mitigated by scrubbing or prevented. High-pressure DCH are also important. The CONTAIN code was used to estimate reduction in peak containment pressure resulting from mitigation actions including venting, partial depressurization and {approximately}3 bar with igniters. Limited studies of the benefits of venting and inerting were made, but additional investigations are needed to complete this area of investigation. A brief discussion regarding concepts to mitigate the consequences of bypass is presented. CONTAIN-code calculations were performed to investigate the possible overpressurization of the containment for the station blackout scenario. 30 refs., 24 figs., 17 tabs.

Analytical equations for explosively accelerated flyer plates are used to generate graphical solutions to flyer problems. Given the problem geometrical configuration, explosive weight, flyer weight, tamping weight and Gurney velocity, the graphical representation of the calculated data allows for a fast approximation of the final or maximum flyer velocity. The graphical solution for flyer velocity is particularly useful when a computer is not available. The graphical analysis scheme can be used with any explosive, tamper and flyer materials. Analytical data are presented for grazing, spherical, cylindrical, open, symmetric and asymmetric sandwich explosive configurations. 13 refs., 7 figs., 4 tabs.

Al with additions of Cu is commonly used as the conductor metallizations for integrated circuits (ICs). As the packing density of ICs increases, interconnect lines are required to carry ever higher current densities. Consequently, reliability due to electromigration failure becomes an increasing concern. Cu has been found to increase the lifetimes of these conductors, but the mechanism by which electromigration is improved is not yet fully understood. In order to evaluate certain theories of electromigration it is necessary to have a detailed description of the Cu distribution in the Al microstructure, with emphasis on the distribution of Cu at the grain boundaries. In this study analytical electron microscopy (AEM) has been used to characterize grain boundary regions in an Al-2 wt.% Cu thin film metallization on Si after a variety of thermal treatments. The results of this study indicate that the Cu distribution is dependent on the thermal annealing conditions. At temperatures near the θ phase (CuAl₂) solvus, the Cu distribution may be modelled by the collector plate mechanism, in which the grain boundary is depleted in Cu relative to the matrix. At lower temperatures, Cu enrichment of the boundaries occurs, perhaps as a precursor to second phase formation. Natural cooling from the single phase field produces only grain boundary depletion of Cu consistent with the collector-plate mechanism. The kinetic details of the elemental segregation behavior derived from this study can be used to describe microstructural evolution in actual interconnect alloys.

A 70/30 wt% salt/bentonite mixture is shown to be preferable to pure crushed salt as backfill for disposal rooms in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). This report discusses several selection criteria used to arrive at this conclusion: the need for low permeability and porosity after closure, chemical stability with the surroundings, adequate strength to avoid shear erosion from human intrusion, ease of emplacement, and sorption potential for brine and radionuclides. Both salt and salt/bentonite are expected to consolidate to a final state of impermeability (i.e., {le} 10{sup {minus}18}m{sup 2}) adequate for satisfying federal nuclear regulations. Any advantage of the salt/bentonite mixture is dependent upon bentonite's potential for sorbing brine and radionuclides. Estimates suggest that bentonite's sorption potential for water in brine is much less than for pure water. While no credit is presently taken for brine sorption in salt/bentonite backfill, the possibility that some amount of inflowing brine would be chemically bound is considered likely. Bentonite may also sorb much of the plutonium, americium, and neptunium within the disposal room inventory. Sorption would be effective only if a major portion of the backfill is in contact with radioactive brine. Brine flow from the waste out through highly localized channels in the backfill would negate sorption effectiveness. Although the sorption potentials of bentonite for both brine and radionuclides are not ideal, they are distinctly beneficial. Furthermore, no detrimental aspects of adding bentonite to the salt as a backfill have been identified. These two observations are the major reasons for selecting salt/bentonite as a backfill within the WIPP. 39 refs., 16 figs., 6 tabs.

Microporous polymers are useful for applications as diverse as separation membranes and physical supports for chemically active species. One of the most important preparation methods employs thermal demixing of solution. Differences in the morphology of thermally demixed 2 wt% solutions of PAN in maleic anhydride cannot be explained by existing models, which are based on phase diagrams. An explanation based on degradation of the polymer is not supported by GPC, NMR, or FTIR experiments. We speculate that the physical structure of the polymer in solution, involving either intramolecular dimensions or intermolecular aggregation, has an important effect on the morphology.

A new technique for tunnel detection and location has recently been theoretically modeled and experimentally demonstrated. The objective of this research is to develop a general method for remotely detecting the presence of unauthorized tunneling activities using one or more boreholes and a surface source. A line current or dipole-dipole array, positioned on or near the surface of the earth, is used as the TE current source. Subsurface electric and magnetic field measurements are made in a borehole that is situated near a suspected tunnel location. The presence of a tunnel causes subsurface scattering of the field components created by the source. Both the electric and magnetic field strength and phase data is perturbed by the presence of a nearby tunnel. The scattered fields are observed on both sides of the tunnel relative to the source position. This paper will describe the development electromagnetic scattering models using a buried cylinder to represent a tunnel. A homogeneous whole-space model will be used. 5 refs., 20 figs.

Eight samples of 4.5 in. steel oil well drill pipe which had perforated or fractured in use were analyzed to determine the reasons for failure. These pipe sections were used for drilling in the Permian Basin fields of southeastern New Mexico and western Texas. Six of the eight samples failed by a common mechanism: stress corrosion cracks initiated at the insides of the pipes at the bottoms of large corrosion blisters which formed under a plastic protective layer. Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) was driven by a differential oxygen concentration cell between the drilling fluid (high oxygen) and the bottom of the blisters (low oxygen). The stress corrosion process occurs by a film rupture-plastic slip-electrochemical dissolution mechanism. Thus crack propagation rates may be altered by chemical modification of drilling fluids. Additional crack extension occurred by fatigue in some samples; the extent of fatigue cracking apparently was determined by the later cyclic history of the pipe. Treatment of the drilling fluids to lower the oxygen concentration and thus the driving force for SCC has been shown to decrease drill pipe loss by perforation in limited drilling to date. 16 refs., 8 figs.

The purpose of this report is to provide general approaches and concepts that can be applied in validation of models used in performance assessment of high-level waste (HLW) repositories. The approaches are based on a validation strategy that Sandia National Laboratories has implemented as participants in the International Transport Validation Study (INTRAVAL). This strategy focuses on the demonstration that performance assessment models are adequate representations of the real systems they are intended to represent, given the pertinent regulatory requirements rather than proving absolute correctness from the purely scientific point of view. Positions that are taken consist of the following: due to the relevant time and space scales, models that are used to assess the performance of a HLW repository can never be validated; therefore, validation is a process that consists of building confidence in these models and not providing "validated" models; in this context, model validation includes comparisons to "reality," however, adequacy for the given purpose is the overall goal; comparisons to "reality" consist of comparing model predictions against laboratory and field experiments, natural analogues, and site-specific information; when comparing experimental data to model predictions, a model can be either "invalid" or "not invalid," based on the null hypothesis concept, however, confidence in the model arises in finding a model to be "not invalid" over a wide range of conditions; an attempt should be made to consider in the validation process all plausible conceptual models; and when comparing experimental data to model predictions, a logical systematic approach should be followed. This report discusses the definition of validation in the context of performance assessment for HLW repositories, the need for validation, an approach to validation, and an approach to comparing model predictions with experimental data proposed by the authors.

During 1990, the Sandia Transportable Triggered Lightning Instrumentation Facility (SATTLIF) was designed, fabricated, and fielded at the Kentucky Space Center (KSC) rocket-triggered lighting test range in Florida. In preparation for lighting tests of a specially fitted munitions storage bunker during 1991, instrumentation for directly measuring lightning channel currents and response currents in structures was evaluated and demonstrated to function well. A set of 77-mil-thick 2024-T3 aluminum and 35-mil-thick 4130 steel metallic samples was exposed to measured triggered lighting flash currents. The resultant damage spots on these specimens represent the first such data points produced by known lighting currents. They are intended for use as benchmarks against which to improve and quantify the fidelity of laboratory simulations of lightning penetration. Two particularly significant results were obtained. In the first, a damage spot of approximately 0.3-inch diameter and >0.01-inch depth was produced by a continuing current of well less than median-level severity that transferred less than 13.6 coulombs of charge. In the second case, one of the steel samples was virtually burned through under a return-stroke/continuing current combination transferring an eightieth percentile charge of approximately 49 coulombs. Photographic evidence of upward-going streamers preceding return strokes initiated by dart leaders was also obtained and is presented. 17 refs., 34 figs., 4 tabs.

In September 1990, the President's Office of Science and Technology released a document that bears on the future of our nation's technological vigor and economic performance. Entitled, US Technology Policy, it is a statement of a set of broad principles that will constitute the federal government's technology policy for the 1990s. One of the leading principles of this policy is the imperative for cooperation and teamwork among government, industry, and academia, including an active, partnership role for the national laboratories in the mainstream US technology community. Until now, the nation's technology policy has never been explicit, although a tacit technology policy of one sort or another has at all times been in effect. The federal government has consistently been willing to create and fund institutions and programs to promote important national technology goals. Historical examples of such sponsorship include atomic energy, agriculture, aeronautics and space, energy, and medicine. The recognition in US Technology Policy that government has an active role to play in fostering technology development is a particularly significant admission. The vision of a partnership between the federal government and the private sector, as the policy outlines, provides a foundation upon which the national laboratories of the Department of Energy (DOE) can build to play a stronger role in enhancing US economic competitiveness. 6 refs.

A number of metal oxides were evaluated for their ability to immobilize molten LiCl-KCl eutectic in electrolyte-binder (EB) mixes used in thermally activated batteries. These metal oxides included fumed silicas, alumina, and a titania (all prepared by steam hydrolysis of the halides), floated silicas, MgO, and an alumina molecular sieve. The characteristics of the EB powders that were used as metrics were flow properties, homogeneity, BET surface area, particle-size distribution, and moisture content. The characteristics of EB pellets used as metrics were deformation at 530{degrees}C under an applied pressure and tendency for electrolyte leakage at 400{degrees}C. Many of the same characterization techniques used for EB powders were applied to the LiCl-KCl eutectic, its component halides, and the metal oxides as well. The reproducibility of the properties of several of the standard Sandia EB mixes was evaluated for materials prepared at a number of thermal-battery manufacturing facilities following the same processing procedures. 13 refs., 14 figs., 18 tabs.

An investigation of the impact of thermal aging on the flammability of two common types of nuclear grade electrical cables has been performed. Four large-scale flammability tests were performed with each of the two cable types tested in both an unaged (i.e., new off the reel) and a thermally aged (artificially aged) condition. In all cases, the fire was observed to consume virtually all of the combustible cable jacket and insulation material present. However, for both cable types tested, the thermal aging process caused a decrease in the cable flammability as demonstrated by decreases in the rate of fire growth, peak fire intensity, total heat released and near fire temperatures. This result is consistent with past cable aging studies because it has been observed that the thermal aging process will drive off certain of the more volatile constituents of a polymeric material. Presumably, when these aged materials are subjected to a fire, the evolution of volatile combustible gases is reduced as compared to the unaged materials, and hence, flammability is reduced. The results of these tests indicate that, at least for the two cable types tested, the evaluation of cable flammability using unaged cable samples will remain a conservative indicator of cable flammability in a thermally aged condition.

This investigation involves the development of a general two- dimensional continuum model to describe jointed rock mass. Chen recently developed a model for the analysis of rock mass containing two orthogonal joint sets. Development of the orthogonal joint set model followed the general formulation of Morland and the special single joint set implementation of Morland`s model by Thomas. Although the orthogonal joint set model has proven useful for analyzing field-scale problems, it remains restrictive in terms of the general field conditions. In this paper, the orthogonal joint set model has been extended to a more general model where the orthogonality restriction has been relaxed. Fundamental approaches remain the same for both models. However, as the general model becomes capable of treating physically more complicated problems, it becomes mathematically more complex. This complexity provides the potential to study more completely the interaction of various parameters representing the characteristics of jointed rock mass behavior. The equation governing the solution of the problem has been given, and example problems have been solved. The behavior of the rock mass predicted by the orthogonal joint set model has been compared to the general model. This model has been developed to aid in characterizing the site of the repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, for the potential geologic disposal of radioactive waste. Disposal of high-level nuclear waste is currently being considered by the Yucca Mountain Project, administered by the Nevada Operations Office of the US Department of Energy.

The distribution of moisture beneath a two-dimensional strip source is analyzed by applying the quasi-linear approximation. The source is described by specifying either the moisture content or the infiltration rate. A water table is specified at some depth, D, below the surface, the depth varying from shallow to semi-infinite. Numerical solutions are determined, via the boundary integral equation method, as a function of material sorptivity, {alpha}, the width of the strip source, 2L, and the depth to the water table. The moisture introduced at the source is broadly spread below the surface when {alpha}L {much_lt} 1, for which absorption by capillary forces is dominant over gravity-induced flow. Conversely, the distribution becomes finger-like along the vertical when {alpha}L {much_gt} 1, where gravity is dominant over absorption. For a source described by specifying the moisture content, the presence of a water table at finite depth influences the infiltration through the source when {alpha}D is less than about 4; infiltration rates obtained when the water table depth is semi-infinite are of sufficient accuracy for greater values of {alpha}D. When the source is described by a specified infiltration flux, the maximum allowable value of this flux for which the material beneath the source remains unsaturated is determined as a function of nondimensional sorptivity and depth to the water table. 30 refs., 16 figs., 2 tabs.

This report presents a summary of the conduct and findings of the Exploratory Shaft Alternatives Study. The study basis and findings are presented in sufficient detail to allow the Department of Energy to make an informed decision as to the Exploratory Shaft Facility (ESP)/Repository design option to be used as the basis for resumption of ESF Title 2 design. As a result of the desire for a rigorous, logically defensible analysis and the complexity of the required evaluation, a multi-attribute utility analysis was used as the primary decision-aiding tool. Over 2500 regulations, requirements and concerns were considered under four broad objectives. The analysis resulted in the ranking of 34 options, in accordance with the extent to which each option could achieve the objectives. Additional findings regarding design features that were identified as key elements in an options ability to provide good overall performance are also discussed. 4 figs., 9 tabs.

The objective of this work was to investigate whether a subsurface plume may be detected and followed using crosshole and surface-to-borehole electromagnetic geophysical techniques. both of these techniques were experimentally demonstrated to be feasible. The presence of the injected plume was easily detected with these methods but additional work must be done to refine the techniques. 5 refs., 15 figs., 1 tab.

The USDOE initiated the Production Risk Evaluation Program (PREP) at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to assess quantitatively the potential for serious production disruption as the result of random failures, accidents, natural disasters, or sabotage at its facilities. SNL developed a procedure incorporating both network and fault tree models that identifies production vulnerabilities. For each production step, a steady-state flow model computers the "critical time,'' which is the maximum period a step can be shut down without preventing the system from achieving production goals. The critical time is then used in fault tree analysis to determine the failure modes that can stop the process for longer than this period. Modular logic modeling is used for constructing the fault trees. Equipment restorable within its critical time need not be considered critical even though it may perform significant work. This paper focuses on sabotage, but the methodology is applicable to analyzing the other production system vulnerabilities mentioned above. The PREP models can be used to identify those plant areas to which a saboteur would need to gain access. A security strategy using graded protection based on a PREP analysis potentially could reduce security costs. PREP methods also provide quantitative insights to develop protection measures that do not infringe upon the liberties of personnel or complicate work practices.

Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing (ECM) refers to those processes that reduce the harmful environmental impacts of manufacturing, including minimization of hazardous waste, reduction of energy consumption, improvement of materials utilization efficiency, and improvement of operational safety. Approaches involve substitution of non-hazardous for hazardous materials, replacement of existing processes with new, waste-free processes, and increased use of recycle. Reducing waste at the source, through ECM, saves energy and money -- and provides value-added for the production and process. End-of-the-pipe treatment is much more expensive than waste minimization and ECM. Protecting the environment by reducing or eliminating waste is industrially efficient. Industry must create cleaner processes and products that contribute to profitability, rather than just focusing on pollution control. By expanding the return-on-investment equation, it can be shown that manufacturing products without producing hazardous wastes will result in an increase in industrial competitiveness. The optimum time to consider waste minimization is when a manufacturing process is first conceived. A significant and economically beneficial goal would be the development of zero effluent or closed loop manufacturing processes. Several programs at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) are addressing the issues of waste minimization and pollution prevention through the application of ECM. Many of these programs involve collaboration with other national laboratories, industry, universities, and the production agencies. The following sections will provide a synopsis of Sandia's activities in ECM. 14 refs.

Polyurethane foams are dispensed into firesets to protect their electrical integrity under extreme environmental conditions. Although the production process has generally high precision, reliability problems have been identified. Preliminary results from a research program involving the use of rapid infrared sensors combined with multivariate analysis to monitor the blend of raw materials in near real time are presented. Two distinct regions of the infrared spectrum are considered. The mid infrared region is shown to make sufficiently precise concentration predictions while the near infrared region will require more experimentation. Both infrared regions will be considered for pilot and/or plant scale studies in order to completely specify the infrared sensor. The concentration predictions from the infrared sensor will be used in a closed loop control system in order to improve the reliability of the process.

Melt-grown crystals in the Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O system with the same structure type can have substantial differences in the superconducting transition, both in width and onset temperature. These differences are attributed to stoichiometry variations arising from cation site substitution. Magnetization and electrical resistivity data are presented which emphasize the extreme sensitivity of the superconductivity to the exact stoichiometry in this system. High quality single crystals exhibit large flux creep due to a weak pinning potential for magnetic flux lines. Flux pinning and thus the critical current density are shown to be significantly enhanced by irradiation with high-energy protons or neutrons. © 1991.

The gas-generation characteristics of contact-handled transuranic waste from Rocky Flats Plant (RFP) and Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) will be tested at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in a series of bin-scale experiments. Bin-scale experiments are necessary because the extreme heterogeneity of CH TRU waste precludes adequate simulation of the waste in the laboratory. A stratified random sample of waste drums will be selected from the collection of drums at RFP and INEL that can be certified for shipment to the WIPP by August 1991. Before the waste is emplaced in the bins, 11 physical characteristics expected to control gas- generation behavior will be measured. These 11 controlling variables'' are expected to apply to all existing and future transuranic waste throughout the Department of Energy complex. Experiments will examine gas generation by radiolysis, microbial degradation, corrosion, and any synergistic mechanisms under many of the environmental conditions that will or may occur in the WIPP repository during the next 10,000 years. Because gas-generation behavior will be interpreted in terms of the controlling variables, gas generation by existing RFP/INEL waste that is not currently shippable, existing waste at other sites, and future waste can be predicted from the results of the WIPP bin-scale experiments. The results of the bin-scale experiments will support the WIPP Project's evaluation of compliance with 40 CFR 191, 40 CFR 268, and the National Environmental Policy Act. 55 refs., 13 figs., 18 tabs.

A series of impact experiments on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) manufactured by Polycast Technology Corporation has recently been completed using a light gas gun. The intent of this work was to compare these Hugoniot data with those data from a previous study on PMMA manufactured by Rohm and Haas. The results show that there are no significant differences in Hugoniot parameters for the two materials in the pressure range of 1.9 to 6.9 GPa. 8 refs., 10 figs., 3 tabs.

This report describes the current status and recent progress in the Advanced Handling Technology Project (AHTP) initiated to explore the use of advanced robotic systems and handling technologies to perform automated cask handling operations at radioactive waste handling facilities, and to provide guidance to cask designers on the impact of robotic handling on cask design. Current AHTP tasks have developed system mock-ups to investigate robotic manipulation of impact limiters and cask tiedowns. In addition, cask uprighting and transport, using computer control of a bridge crane and robot, were performed to demonstrate the high speed cask transport operation possible under computer control. All of the current AHTP tasks involving manipulation of impact limiters and tiedowns require robotic operations using a torque wrench. To perform these operations, a pneumatic torque wrench and control system were integrated into the tool suite and control architecture of the gantry robot. The use of captured fasteners is briefly discussed as an area where alternative cask design preferences have resulted from the influence of guidance for robotic handling vs traditional operations experience. Specific robotic handling experiences with these system mock-ups highlight a number of continually recurring design principles: (1) robotic handling feasibility is improved by mechanical designs which emphasize operation with limited dexterity in constrained workspaces; (2) clearances, tolerances, and chamfers must allow for operations under actual conditions with consideration for misalignment and imprecise fixturing; (3) successful robotic handling is enhanced by including design detail in representations for model-based control; (4) robotic handling and overall quality assurance are improved by designs which eliminate the use of loose, disassembled parts. 8 refs., 15 figs.

A dynamic finite element analysis was performed to study the penetration mechanics of a commercial fastener called Metal-Tack{reg sign}. This study evaluated the fastener and identified parametric changes required for attachment to AISI 1070 steel (R{sub c} = 26), a material harder than the fastener was designed for. A set of baseline calculations was performed to evaluate the fastener's performance in yellow brass, a much softer material. The analysis indicated that a driving energy of 3.03 ft{center dot}lbs was required to drive the tack into yellow brass. Excellent correlation of this model with experimental data provided confidence for applying the model to AISI 1070 steel. Tack performance was investigated with respect to variations in driving energy and tack strength. The results demonstrated that increasing driving energy was not sufficient for a successful attachment in the steel. An increase in tack strength was also required. Higher tack strength was obtained by increasing the heat treat specification of the tack material, Carpenter R.D.S. steel, to obtain a hardness of R{sub c} = 60. With this increase in strength and a driving energy of 20.8 ft{center dot}lb, the results indicated that the tack would attach but develop high plastic strain (21.5%) during attachment. The calculations were confirmed with tests using a high energy pyrotechnic driver developed to attach the tack. Finally, a geometry modification intended to reduce stress concentrations in the tack was evaluated experimentally but not computationally. The experimental results indicated an improvement in the tack strength and attachment quality. 4 refs., 19 figs., 4 tabs.

This report describes an automatic calibration system used in the calibration of all precision AC calibrators. The system includes an AC-DC Transfer Standard, a DC Voltage Standard, and a high-resolution digital multimeter, with an IBM-XT Personal Computer for data acquisition and analysis. Specialized instrumentation and measurement techniques make it possible to achieve high accuracy measurements with repeatability. 5 refs., 3 figs.

The Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program has updated an extensive objective concentration factor and biological half-life data base from the international marine radioecological literature. A microcomputer-based data management system has been implemented to provide statistical and graphic summaries of these data. The data base is constructed in a manner which allows subsets to be sorted using a number of interstudy variables such as organism category, tissue/organ category, geographic location (for in situ studies), and several laboratory-related conditions (e.g., exposure time and exposure concentrator). This report updates earlier reviews, and provides summaries of the tabulated data. In addition to the concentration factor/biological half-life data base, we provide an outline of other published marine radioecological works. Our goal is to present these data in a form that enables those concerned with predictive assessment of radiation dose in the marine environment to make a more judicious selection of data for a given application. 588 refs., 18 figs., 3 tabs.

The Pre-Tiger Team Self-Assessment (PTTSA) Report identified findings with respect to the way Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, (including Tonopah Test Range (TTR) and Kauai Test Facility (KTF)) conducts its environment, safety, and health (ES H) activities. It presented Action Plan Requirements (APR) addressing these findings. The purpose of this PTTSA Action Plan Report is to assist in managing these action plan requirements by collecting, prioritizing, and estimating required resources. The specific objectives addressed by this report include: collection of requirements for the resolution of the findings presented in the PTTSA Report; consolidation of proposed Action Plan Requirements into logical Action Plan groupings for efficiency of resolution; categorization of Action Plans according to severity of the hazards represented by the findings; provision of a basis for long-range planning and issues management; documentation of the status of the proposed corrective actions; establishment of traceability of the corrective action to the original problem or issue; and integration of these plans into the existing ES H structure. The Action Plans in this report are an intermediate step between the identification of a problem or a finding in the PTTSA Report and the execution of the solution. They consist of requirements for solution, proposed actions, and an estimate of the time and (where applicable) resources required to develop the solution. This report is an input to the process of planning, resource commitment, development, testing, implementation, and maintenance of problem resolution. 2 figs.

This handbook outlines the basic job of guest editors for the HEART Conference proceedings, published by the DoD Nuclear Information and Analysis Center in the Journal of Radiation Effects, Research and Engineering. Suggestions are offered for procedures to aid the editors, authors, reviewers, and the publisher in assuring that the journal communicates clearly, concisely, and honestly.

The output intensity of a laser can be expressed in the form I{sub out} = Ag{sub 0}I{sub s} + BI{sub s}. The constants A and B are independent of the pump rate for laser systems with nonsaturable losses, but both g{sub 0}I{sub s} and I{sub s} can depend upon the pump rate. Methods for determining the pump rate dependence of g{sub 0}I{sub s} and I{sub s} are given for experiments in which the pump rate varies continuously. 6 refs., 1 fig.

A towed linear hydrophone array is subject to snakelike bending. If the array were processed as if it were truly linear, poor array gain coupled with a degraded source bearing estimate would result. The signal phase errors produced by sensor position uncertainty in passive sonar arrays are similar to those observed in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. The Phase Gradient Autofocus (PGA) Algorithm has been shown to be a robust and effective method used to extract degrading phase errors prevalent in SAR imagery. This report shows that with slight modifications, the PGA algorithm can be applied to correct phase errors resulting from sensor position uncertainty introduced into linear-passive arrays. The results of the technique applied to simulated linear array data is also presented. 9 refs., 8 figs.

This document describes the NEFTRAN II (NEtwork Flow and TRANsport in Time-Dependent Velocity Fields) computer code and is intended to provide the reader with sufficient information to use the code. NEFTRAN II was developed as part of a performance assessment methodology for storage of high-level nuclear waste in unsaturated, welded tuff. NEFTRAN II is a successor to the NEFTRAN and NWFT/DVM computer codes and contains several new capabilities. These capabilities include: (1) the ability to input pore velocities directly to the transport model and bypass the network fluid flow model, (2) the ability to transport radionuclides in time-dependent velocity fields, (3) the ability to account for the effect of time-dependent saturation changes on the retardation factor, and (4) the ability to account for time-dependent flow rates through the source regime. In addition to these changes, the input to NEFTRAN II has been modified to be more convenient for the user. This document is divided into four main sections consisting of (1) a description of all the models contained in the code, (2) a description of the program and subprograms in the code, (3) a data input guide and (4) verification and sample problems. Although NEFTRAN II is the fourth generation code, this document is a complete description of the code and reference to past user`s manuals should not be necessary. 19 refs., 33 figs., 25 tabs.

The spatial correlation structure of volcanic tuffs at and near the site of the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, is estimated using samples obtained from surface outcrops and drill holes. Data are examined for four rock properties: porosity, air permeability, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and dry bulk density. Spatial continuity patterns are identified in both lateral and vertical (stratigraphic) dimensions. The data are examined for the Calico Hills tuff stratigraphic unit and also without regard for stratigraphy. Variogram models fitted to the sample data from the tuffs of Calico Hills indicate that porosity is correlated laterally over distances of up to 3000 feet. If air permeability and saturated conductivity values are viewed as semi-interchangeable for purposes of identifying spatial structure, the data suggest a maximum range of correlation of 300 to 500 feet without any obvious horizontal to vertical anisotropy. Continuity exists over vertical distances of roughly 200 feet. Similar variogram models fitted to sample data taken from vertical drill holes without regard for stratigraphy suggest that correlation exists over distances of 500 to 800 feet for each rock property examined. Spatial correlation of rock properties violates the sample-independence assumptions of classical statistics to a degree not usually acknowledged. In effect, the existence of spatial structure reduces the ``equivalent`` number of samples below the number of physical samples. This reduction in the effective sampling density has important implications for site characterization for the Yucca Mountain Project.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for designing, obtaining a license for, and constructing a geologic repository for the disposal of commercial high-level radioactive waste. The candidate repository site is currently at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Part of DOE`s responsibility is to assess compliance with the appropriate environmental regulations, including the Environmental Protection Agency`s containment requirements in 40 CFR Part 191. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and Pacific Northwest Laboratories (PNL) have been contracted to aid DOE in the assessment of total systems performance. SNL has been tasked with evaluating and comparing the performance assessment methodologies developed by PNL and SNL, as applied to one conceptual model. In this report, SNL has attempted to reproduce, by way of a benchmark exercise, the results of PNL`s preliminary risk assessment of the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain. In general, the results of the PNL analysis and the SNL benchmark of that analysis agreed quite well, in terms of both ground-water flow and transport of unretarded radionuclides. The largest discrepancy between the analyses was noted for transport of retarded radionuclides, and was the result of different techniques for calculating retardation factors. 27 refs., 28 figs., 17 tabs.

The objective of this work is to develop a general method for remotely sensing the presence of tunneling activities using one or more boreholes and a combination of surface sources. New techniques for tunnel detection and location of tunnels containing no metal and of tunnels containing only a small diameter wire have been experimentally demonstrated. A downhole magnetic dipole and surface loop sources were used as the current sources. The presence of a tunnel causes a subsurface scattering of the field components created by the source. Ratioing of the measured responses enhanced the detection and location capability over that produced by each of the sources individually. 4 refs., 18 figs., 2 tabs.

As part of Sandia National Laboratories` (SNL) pollution prevention program a system is under development to track the movement of hazardous and radioactive materials from procurement, through use, to final disposition. The information provided by this system will improve the flow and enhance the quality of data, avoid duplication of effort, facilitate timely and accurate reporting, better support the information needs of various Environmental, Safety, and Health (ES&H) programs, and allow waste to be minimized more effectively. Such a comprehensive system will incorporate information from other sources and build upon existing databases. The component include the Chemical Information System/Material Safety Data Sheet (CIS/MSDS) system installed by AT&T Bell Laboratories (AT&T-BL) at SNL in Livermore, along with a barcode chemical waste tracking system already in operation at SNL in Albuquerque. Also being developed in Albuquerque are Process Waste Assessments, a radioactive material tracking system, and a radioactive/mixed waste tracking system. A SNL and AT&T-BL joint project is addressing how PWAs will link raw materials to waste streams. With a ``cradle-to-grave`` tracking system, it is possible to assess both financial and environmental life cycle costs. Once in place, this information will improve long-run efficiency and environmental protection, and provide benefits exceeding the initial demands placed upon personnel.

Knowledge of the solubility of gases in pure water and sodium chloride brine is required for the evaluation of gas-liquid behavior associated with numerous processes in the chemical, biological, and geological sciences and in chemical engineering. Modelling of multiphase flow and transport processes used to simulate fluid behavior in geological media requires suitable and accurate gas solubility data, especially when applied to potential nuclear waste repositories such as WIPP. This report contains a critical evaluation of data available in the literature and provides compiled data sets for the solubility of hydrogen, nitrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide gases in pure water and in sodium chloride brine. Mole fraction gas solubilities are presented as functions of temperature and pressure. To evaluate the influence of electrolyte content of the aqueous solution upon the gas solubility, Sechenov coefficients are provided for several concentrated sodium chloride solution. An estimate of the solubility of hydrogen in 5 N sodium chloride brine as a function of pressure exhibits a solubility at 40 MPa that is one fifth the value observed for pure water at the same pressure.

In this paper, a design methodology is presented for assessing drift stability for a potential high-level radioactive waste repository. Excavation stability is required during construction, emplacement, retrieval (if required) and closure phases to ensure worker health and safety, and to prevent development of potential pathways for radionuclide migration in the post-closure period. Requirements for the design, site conditions and stresses are considered in the methodology. Methods for evaluating empirical and analytical results in order to estimate ground support requirements are outlined.

Large computational physics codes are increasing in complexity as customers demand improved physics packages and more flexible algorithms and problem specifications. It is not uncommon for a code to exceed one hundred thousand lines of FORTRAN, and some codes are much larger. This poses a considerable challenge for program management. The Computational Physics Research and Development Division at Sandia National Laboratories is aggressively pursuing C++ as the language of choice for new coding efforts. We feel that we cannot meet the stringent customer requirements and delivery schedules we now face with either FORTRAN77 or Fortran-90. 8 refs., 3 tabs.

Cleaning, plating, and painting are chemically intensive processes that involve toxic and potentially carcinogenic materials that pose a significant threat to the environment. EPA/OSHA, the Clean Air Act, and the Montreal Protocol are forcing development of environmentally sound materials and processes. A review is given of the materials and processes that are under investigation that will minimize the environmental impact of these operations. 7 refs.

The Recirculating Linear Accelerator (RLA) is returning to operation with a new relativistic electron beam (REB) injector and a modified accelerating cavity. Upon completion of our pulsed-power test program, we will capture the injected beam on an Ion Focussed Regime (IFR) guiding channel in either a spiral or a closed racetrack drift tube. The relativistic beam will recirculate for four passes through two accelerating cavities, in phase with the ringing cavity voltage, and increase to 8--12 MeV before being extracted. We designed the METGLAS ribbon-wound core, inductively isolated, four-stage injector to produce beam parameters of 4 MeV. 10--20 kA, and 40--55 ns FWHM. The three-line radial cavity is being modified to improve the 1-MV accelerating pulse shape while an advanced cavity design study is in progress. This is a continuation of the Sandia National Laboratory program to develop compact, high-voltage gradient, linear induction accelerators. The RLA concept is based on guiding an injected REB with an IFR channel. This channel is formed from a plasma created with a low energy electron beam inside a beam line containing about 2 {times} 10{sup {minus}4} Torr of argon. The REB is injected onto the IFR channel and is transported down the beamline through a water dielectric accelerating cavity based on the ET-2 design. If the round-tip path of the beam matches the period of the cavity, the REB can be further accelerated by the ringing waveform on every subsequent pass. We have installed the new REB injector because we need a higher amplitude, longer duration., flat-topped pulse shape with a colder beam than that produced by the previous injector. We made extensive use of computer simulations in the form of network solver and electrostatic field stress analysis codes to aid in the design and modifications for the new RLA. The pulsed-power performance of the RLA injector and cavity and the associated driving hardware are discussed.

A major center with emphasis on validation of nondestructive inspection techniques for aging aircraft, the Aging Aircraft NDI Development and Demonstration Center (AANC), has been funded by the FAA at Sandia National Laboratories. The Center has been assigned specific tasks in developing techniques for the nondestructive inspection of static engine parts, assessing inspection reliability (POD experiments), developing test beds for nondestructive inspection validation, maintaining a FAA library of characterized aircraft structural test specimens, and leasing a hangar to house a high flight cycle transport aircraft for use as a full scale test bed. 3 refs.

This paper describes procedure used to produce a test-validated finite element model of a three-stage solid propellant booster system. A series of system-level modal tests were performed for several inert and live propellant configurations. Test-analysis models (TAMs) were used to provide pretest support of the live propellant system tests. Confidence in the model was established by a test-analysis correlation procedure. Optimization techniques were used to determine appropriate model updates. 11 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs.

Soldering is often referred to as a mature technology whose fundamentals were established long ago. Yet a multitude of soldering problems persist, not the least of which are related to the wetting and spreading of solder. The Buff-Goodrich approach to thermodynamics of capillarity is utilized in a review of basic wetting principles. These thermodynamics allow a very compact formulation of capillary phenomena which is used to calculate various meniscus shapes and wetting forces. These shapes and forces lend themselves to experimental techniques, such as the sessile drop and the Wilhelmy plate, for measuring useful surface and interfacial energies. The familiar equations of Young, Wilhelmy, and Neumann are all derived with this approach. The force-energy duality of surface energy is discussed and the force method is developed and used to derive the Herring relations for anisotropic surfaces. The importance of contact angle hysteresis which results from surface roughness and chemical inhomogeneity is presented and Young's equation is modified to reflect these ever present effects. Finally, an analysis of wetting with simultaneous metallurigical reaction is given and used to discuss solder wetting phenomena. 60 refs., 13 figs.

Titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) is a known photocatalyst for solar detoxification of water containing organic contaminants including PCB's and dioxins. Unfortunately, the UV light used by the photocatalyst only comprises about 4% of the strong spectrum. Metalloporphyrins strongly absorb in the visible and near infrared region. Using visible light, we have investigated Ni(II) uroporphyrin (NiUroP), Sn(IV)Cl{sub 2} uroporphyrin (SnUroP) and Sn(IV)Cl{sub 2} tetrakis(p-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (SnTCPP) as possible enhancers of destruction of a model organic compound, salicylic acid (SA), by means of photosensitization of colloidal TiO{sub 2} particles. All three porphyrins are found to adsorb reversibly onto the colloidal TiO{sub 2} upon variation of pH. Adsorption of porphyrins results in the increased colloidal stability of fine TiO{sub 2} particles in the pH range 5--8. While NiUroP on TiO{sub 2} does not show any enhancement of photodestruction, the adsorption of SnUroP increases the destruction rate compared to that of the bare TiO{sub 2} surface. The effect of ambient oxygen on the observed photolability of the Sn porphyrins and enhancement of photodestruction of SA was also investigated. SnTCPP does not photodecompose upon illumination either in the presence or absence of TiO{sub 2}, but neither does it bind to the photocatalyst at pH 6. At pH 4.5 it adsorbs onto TiO{sub 2} but it also photodecompose at this pH. We are attempting to stabilize the adsorbed porphyrins by adding suitable peripheral substituents onto the porphyrin macrocycle. 27 refs., 6 figs.

We have designed and tested a system for applying a ramped vertical magnetic field for turning the electron beam in the IFR Recirculating Linear Accelerator. The field is highly uniform over two Gaussian beam radii, and can be adjusted for a large radial gradient for increased energy bandwidth. The system includes shielding of the current-carrying rods to protect the pulser from REB induced fields and to reduce the effect of REB images on the beam transport to negligible levels. The system has been tested on the IBEX accelerator with > 95% peak current transport and > 90% charge transport through a 90{degree} turn. 2 refs., 6 figs.

The cleaning efficiency of five alternative solvents for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and chlorohydrocarbons (CHCs) used in the manufacture of certain electronic components was studied. These solvents were evaluated in the first phase of a two-phase program to remove various manufacturing contaminants such as oils, greases, mold release, and body oils. Results have shown that EXXATE 1000 and EC-7 were able to effectively remove these contaminants from copper board substrates. 4 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.

Eight Gulf Coast salt domes have emerged as candidate sites for possible expansion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to one billion barrels. Two existing SPR sites, Big Hill, TX, and Weeks Island, LA, are among the eight that are being considered. To achieve the billion barrel capacity, some 25 new leached caverns would be constructed, and would probably be established in two separate sites in Louisiana and Texas because of distribution requirements. Geotechnical factors involved in siting studies have centered first and foremost on cavern integrity and environmental acceptability, once logistical suitability is realized. Other factors have involved subsidence and flooding potential, loss of coastal marshlands, seismicity, brine injection well utility, and co-use by multiple operators. 5 refs., 11 figs., 2 tabs.

A series of numerical simulations has been performed using the multi-dimensional hydrodynamics code CTH to computationally determine a ballistic limit for a Whipple bumper shield. The ballistic limit is generally characterized as a critical diameter such that particle diameters greater than the ballistic limit will generate debris clouds that will penetrate the rear wall and particle diameters less than the ballistic limit will not. The particular shield design used for these analyses is defined as a 1.27 mm bumper, a 102 mm void space, and a 3.18 mm rear wall. Since debris shape is expected to be a contributing factor in the impact phenomena, two different shapes are considered for the numerical simulations. The particle shapes considered were flat plates of constant 1 mm thickness and varying diameters and spheres of varying diameters. The critical diameter (ballistic limit) was determined over the velocity range 4 km/s to 15 km/s for both geometries. 13 refs., 2 figs.

In response to a request from the US Government, Sandia National Laboratories has developed an instrumentation system to monitor the conditions along an underwater, rotating drive shaft. It was desired to study the structural integrity and signal acquisition capabilities of the Shaft Instrumentation System (SIS) in an environment which closely simulates the actual deployment conditions. In this manner, the SIS response to ill-defined conditions, such as flow field turbulence or temperature fluctuations, could be determined. An Underwater Spin Facility was developed in order to verify the operation of the instrumentation and telemetric data acquisition system in a combined environment of external pressure, transient axial loads and centrifugal force. The main components of the Underwater Spin Facility are a large, five foot diameter pressure vessel, a dynamically sealed shaft, a drive train assembly and a shaker table interface which is used to apply the axial loads. This paper presents a detailed description of the design of the Underwater Spin Facility. It also discusses the SIS certification test program in order to demonstrate the successful performance of the Underwater Spin Facility. 8 refs., 10 figs.

There are three aspects to an environmentally safe battery. The first deals with the manufacturing process, the second with the use of environmentally friendly materials, and the third with the disposal and/or recycling of spent units. In this paper, several ongoing programs at Sandia National Laboratories that relate to the environmentally conscious manufacturing of batteries, are discussed. The solvent substitution/elimination program is a two-pronged effort, aimed at identifying new solvents which are compatible with the environment, while at the same time developing dry process cleaning technology. The joining program is evaluating new solvents for flux removal as well as the development of fluxless soldering processes. In the area of welding, new cleaning processes are under study. Chemical microsensors are under development that are capable of identifying and quantifying single chemical species. These sensors have been used to monitor and improve processes using toxic/hazardous solvents. 1 ref., 1 fig.

Phased-array antenna systems are well known for rapid beam steering and their ability to bring high power to the target. Such systems are also quite complex and heavy, which have limited their usefulness. The issues of weight, size, power use, and complexity have been addressed through a system named COMPASS (Coherent Optical Monolithic Phased Array Steering System). All phased-array antenna systems need: (1) small size; (2) low power use; (3) high-speed beam steering; and (4) digitally-controlled phase shifting. COMPASS meets these basic requirements, and provides some very desirable additional features. These are: (1) phase control separate from the transmit/receive module; (2) simple expansion to large arrays; (3) fiber optic interconnect for reduced sensitivity to EMI; (4) an intrinsically radiation-hard GaAs chip; and (5) optical power provided by a commercially available continuous wave (CW) laser. 4 refs., 8 figs.

Titanium alloys offer desirable properties that make them attractive candidates for tribological applications. Their surface-related properties, however, such as coefficient of friction and wear rate, are less than optimum and must be improved by surface modification. To increase the tribological properties of Ti-6Al-4V, a high temperature ion implantation method, employing a high current density beam (e.g., 500 {mu}A/cm{sup 2}) of nitrogen (N) ions is being developed, where surface temperatures greater than 1000{degrees}C can be obtained. A systematic study was performed with N implantation at temperatures from 400{degrees} to >1000{degrees}C, and to a range of doses from 0.1--1.0{times}10{sup 18} N{sub 2}{sup +}--N{sup +}/cm{sup 2}. Microstructure characterization by Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS) and Glancing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GID) was performed to determine N distribution and compound formation. RBS analysis showed enhanced N penetrations (i.e., greater than 0.3 {mu}m) for the 800{degrees} and 1000{degrees}C implantations, with the deepest penetration (about 3.5 atomic percent N remaining at 0.75 {mu}m) for the 1000{degrees}C treatment. GID indicated TiN and Ti{sub 2}N concentrations were the greatest for the 800{degrees}C implantation treatment. 11 refs., 4 figs.

The debonding rates of H-passivated P and As in silicon have been observed to be very sensitive to the concentration of majority and minority charge carriers. A theoretical study of the stable and metastable configurations of the {l brace}P,H{r brace} and {l brace}As,H{r brace} pairs in the 0 and +1 charge states has been carried out at the near-ab-initio Hartree-Fock level. These calculations show that the lowest-energy configuration in the 0 charge state is the highest-energy configuration in the +1 charge state and vice-versa. This bistability of donor-hydrogen pairs implies that H cannot remain in place upon change of charge state, whether 0 {r arrow} +1 or +1 {r arrow} 0. Quantitative differences between the P and the As cases are qualitatively consistent with the observed differences in the temperature dependence of the debonding rates of {l brace}P,H{r brace} and {l brace}As,H{r brace}. 14 refs., 1 fig.

The usefulness of neutron radiography as a nondestructive engineering tool is heavily dependent on how a neutron reaches the image plane. Neutron interactions such as scattering and absorption, within a neutron radiography facility or a test part, affect the contrast of the resulting image generated by the process. It is important that the radiographer has a general understanding of how neutrons interact with matter to produce a quality image utilizing a neutron beam. 4 refs.

The distribution of copper aluminum thin films is examined with respect to how the copper can influence electromigration behavior. Al-Cu thin films annealed in the single phase region, to just below the solvus {theta}-phase Al{sub 2}Cu precipitates at the aluminum grain boundaries. The grain boundaries between precipitates are depleted in copper. Al-Cu thin films heat treated at lower temperatures, within the two phase region, also have {theta}-phase precipitates at the grain boundaries but the aluminum grain boundaries continuously become enriched in copper, perhaps due to the formation of a thin coating of {theta}-phase at the grain boundary. Here, it is proposed that electromigration behavior of aluminum is improved by adding copper because the {theta}-phase precipitates may hinder aluminum diffusion along the grain boundaries. It was also found that resistivity of Al-Cu thin films decrease during accelerated electromigration testing prior to failure. Pure Al films did not exhibit this behavior. The decrease is resistivity is attributed to the redistribution of copper from the aluminum grain matrix to the {theta}-phase precipitates growing at the grain boundaries thereby reducing the number of defects in the microstructure. 34 refs., 12 figs.

Short communication.

The large deformation elastic response of a plane woven Kevlar fabric is investigated analytically and experimentally. The analysis assumes the undeformed geometry to be a sequence of interlaced arcs of circles which reverse at each yarn midpoint, ad each yarn is modeled as an extensible elastical subject to certain compatibility conditions. Deflection-force relations for the fabric are determined in terms of the initial weave geometry and the elastic properties of the individual yarns. The theoretical results agree well with the results of experiments performed on a fabric woven from 400 denier Kevlar yarns under conditions of uniaxial loading in both warp and fill directions. 13 refs., 4 figs.