Publications

Nuclear deterrence, a cornerstone of US national security policy, has helped prevent global conflict for over 40 years. The DOE and DoD share responsibility for this vital part of national security. The US will continue to rely on nuclear deterrence for the foreseeable future. In the late 1950s, Sandia developed satellite-borne nuclear burst detection systems to support the treaty banning atmospheric nuclear tests. This activity has continued to expand and diversify. When the Non-Proliferation Treaty was ratified in 1970, we began to develop technologies to protect nuclear materials from falling into unauthorized hands. This program grew and now includes systems for monitoring the movement and storage of nuclear materials, detecting tampering, and transmiting sensitive data securely. In the late 1970s, negotiations to further limit underground nuclear testing were being actively pursued. In less than 18 months, we fielded the National Seismic Station, an unattended observatory for in-country monitoring of nuclear tests. In the mid-l980s, arms-control interest shifted to facility monitoring and on-site inspection. Our Technical On-site Inspection Facility is the national test bed for perimeter and portal monitoring technology and the prototype for the inspection portal that was recently installed in the USSR under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces accord. The articles in the special issue of Sundiu Technology describe some of our current contributions to verification technology. This work supports the US policy to seek realistic arms control agreements while maintaining our national security.

The Department of Energy sponsored a workshop on the use of burnup credit in the criticality design of spent fuel shipping casks on February 21 and 22, 1988. Twenty-five different presentations on many related topics were conducted, including the effects of burnup credit on the design and operation of spent fuel storage pools, casks and modules, and shipping casks; analysis and physics issues related to burnup credit; regulatory issues and criticality safety; economic incentives and risks associated with burnup credit; and methods for verifying spent fuel characteristics. An abbreviated version of the DOE workshop was repeated as a special session at the November 1988 American Nuclear Society Meeting in Washington, DC. Each of the invited speakers prepared detailed papers on his or her respective topic. The individual papers have been cataloged separately.

The goals of our Basic Energy Sciences (BES) Materials Science Program at Sandia are: (1) Perform basic, forefront interdisciplinary research using the capabilities of several organizations. (2) Choose programs broadly complementary to Sandia's weapons laboratory mission, but separably identifiable. (3) Perform research in a setting which enhances technological impact because of Sandia's spectrum of basic research, applied research and development engineering. (4) Use large, capital-intensive research facilities not usually found at universities. The BES Materials Science program at Sandia Albuquerque has the central theme of Scientifically Tailored Materials. The major objective of this program is to combine Sandia's expertise and capabilities in the areas of solid state sciences, advanced atomic-level diagnostics, and materials-processing science to produce new classes of tailorable materials for the US energy industry, the electronics industry and for defense needs. Current research in this program includes ion-implantation-modified materials, physics and chemistry of ceramics, tailored surfaces for materials applications, strained-layer semiconductors, chemical vapor deposition, surface photo kinetics, organic and high-temperature superconductors, advanced growth techniques for improved semiconductor structures and boron-rich very high temperature semiconductors.

The Annual Solar Thermal Technology Research and Development Conference is being held at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza in Arlington, Virgina, Marh 8 and 9, 1989. This year the conference is meeting in conjunction with SOLTECH '89. SOLTECH '89 is a jointly sponsored meeting of the Solar Energy Industries Association, Interstate Solar Coordination Council, Sandia National Laboratories and the Solar Energy Research Institute. This report contains the agenda, extended abstracts and most significant visual aids used by the speakers during the Solar Thermal Technology research and development sessions. The program is divided into three sessions: Solar Electric Technology, Non-Electric Research and Development and Applications, and Concentrators.

As part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), the Weeks Island oil storage site is a converted salt mine that contains approximately 73 million barrels of oil overlying 0.5 million barrels of brine. The oil is contained on two levels of the converted mine which are connected by a number of shafts and openings. Oil recycle exercises are periodically conducted to test the oil fill and withdrawal systems in which oil is simultaneously injected and withdrawn from two different locations in the lower level, and brine may be transported around the lower level of the mine by the movement of the oil. 11 refs., 16 figs.

An expert system developed to provide assistance to those involved with the creation, modification, interpretation and maintenance of Sandia's Engineering Procedures is described. 6 refs., 2 figs.

The Engineering Graphics System (EGS) is a computer program for use on Digital Equipment Corporation VAXstation color workstations. Its purpose is to manage and plot sets of engineering analysis data for use in reports and presentations. It is capable of producing nearly any type of x-y plot from a set of tabulated data. After the plot curves have been retrieved from the tabulated data, EGS can be used to interactively modify the appearance of the plot for use in a report or presentation. Modifications appear on the workstation display exactly as they appear on final hardcopy, which avoids costly iterations. Hardcopy plots can be made on two different black and white laser printers and on two different color printers, and plots can be converted for use by the Interleaf technical publishing software. 222 figs.

Power deposition measurements have been carried out on the ALT-II toroidal belt pump limiter and the inner bumper limiter in TEXTOR for Ohmic, neutral beam and RF heated discharges. Two infrared cameras and the ALT-II thermocouple array indicate that {lambda}{sub E} remains unchanged (7 mm) in the presence of beams but increases to 10 mm with ICRH. The heating distribution is less uniform on the bumper limiter than on ALT-II, which potentially could explain the differences seen in graphite surface pumping. 9 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.

The microstructure and mechanical properties of high purity aluminum implanted with 20 at. % oxygen to a depth of roughly 500 nm and subjected to various thermal histories have been examined. Transmission electron microscopy and Rutherford-backscattering spectrometry were used to characterize the depth and nature of the implanted zone. As implanted, the material appears to contain a homogeneous distribution of disordered precipitates with sizes of 1.5-3.5 nm. Annealing at 450 or 550{degree}C/1 hr induces ordering of the precipitates but only causes slight coarsening. Ultra-low load identation hardness testing was used to probe the mechanical response of the surface-modified material. The data from the hardness tests were interpreted through the use of a finite-element model; the results indicate the flow stresses of an implanted and annealed layer are as high as 1600 MPa. The as-implanted material is much harder, approaching 3300 MPa. The degree of strengthening expected for the as-implanted and post-annealed material on the basis of the observed microstructure was estimated using several micromechanical models, and the results conform to the findings from indentation testing. 9 refs., 5 figs.

It has been observed on TEXTOR that in low density discharges the electrons gain enough energy to emit relativistic synchrotron radiation in the 3--6 {mu}m IR-range, and this radiation is due to electrons with energies up to 30 MeV. The momentum in perpendicular direction amounts to about 1/10 of the longitudinal one. The total number of runaways is of the order of 10{sup 16} electrons, and they carry a current of about 20% of the total plasma current. 3 refs., 1 fig.

We consider problems related to the computation of Hermite and Smith normal forms of integer matrices, and more generally matrices over a principal ideal ring. First, we show that if the matrix A is m {times} n, with rank m and integer entries bounded in absolute value by T, then the Hermite normal form can be computed in O(m{sup 2}nB(m log(mT))) bit operations, where B(t) denotes a function that bounds the time required to perform the extended Euclidean algorithm on two t bit integers. Furthermore we show that the Smith normal form can be computed in O(m{sup 3}nB(m log(mT))log(mT)) bit operations. In the second part of the paper we apply fast matrix multiplication techniques to the problem of triangularizing a matrix over a ring using elementary column operations. We also prove that matrix inversion and multiplication are equivalent in complexity over an arbitrary Principal Ideal Domain, generalizing a result of Bunch and Hopcroft. We then apply our general results to obtain an algorithm for triangularizing integer matrices that has a faster running timer than the known Hermite normal form algorithms. The triangular matrix that is computed has small entries like the Hermite normal form, and will suffice for many applications. In the last part of the paper, we discuss a probabilistic method for calculating Smith normal forms. 17 refs.

We have examined several crystals belonging to the Tl-2122 structure type (Tl{sub 2}CaBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 2}O{sub 8} with c = 29{angstrom}), and have shown that cation solid solution occurs. Such cation disorder appears to be responsible for the observed small differences in lattice parameters reported by various investigators and to contribute towards the substantial variation in the superconducting transition temperatures. 10 refs., 2 tabs.

Nuclear power plants present the fire protection community with unique challenges. In addition to the traditional concerns of life safety and property loss prevention, nuclear safety analysts must also be concerned with the impact of fires on the safe operability of the nuclear reactor. Safe shutdown equipment must be protected from fire damage. When nuclear power plants were first designed and built, fire safety considerations were based primarily on the same criteria applied to general industrial facilities, primarily those concerning life safety and property loss prevention. This practice continued until 1975 when the Brown's Ferry nuclear reactor site experienced a severe cable tray fire. The fire burned for over seven hours, due in part to the reluctance of on-site personnel to use water on the fire for fear of shorting out critical electrical circuits. 4 figs.

The radiation spectrum constituents of interest to microelectronics are prompt gamma or x-ray, total dose, neutrons (or protons), and cosmic radiation. Each of these constituents has a unique effect upon microelectronic components and requires unique techniques to improve the microelectronic radiation tolerance to such an exposure. This paper reviews the radiation effects associated with the natural space and nuclear reactor radiation environment, that is to say, total dose, neutrons, and cosmic rays. 2 refs., 6 figs.

Shock-induced reaction synthesis (SRS) is used for solid state processing of Ni-Al, Ni-Si, and Nb-Si type compounds, starting with elemental powder mixtures. The constituent elemental powders are blended in different stoichiometries and packed at 65% density in stainless steel capsules. A steel flyer plate, accelerated by the detonation of an explosive, impacts the powder containing capsules embedded in a steel recovery fixture backed by a momentum trap. The shock wave generated upon impact triggers a self-sustaining, exothermic reaction between the elemental powder constituents, thereby synthesizing the compound and at the same time consolidating the porous mass into 12mm diameter by 5mm thick compacts. The characteristics of the SRS technique and the structural features of the shock synthesized products will be discussed. 18 refs., 11 figs.

Preliminary BUCKSHOT simulations of a recirculating linear accelerator have been made. Two accelerator configurations have been examined for a variety of beam currents (10-40 kA). The first configuration is an attempt to simulate conditions accessible to near-term experiments. The second configuration tries to mock up a next generation application type machine. 3 figs.

Hypervelocity launchers are used to study the high-pressure equation of state of materials in regimes inaccessible by other methods. Two-stage light gas guns have been extremely useful for these applications, but have a practical velocity limit of about 8--9 km/s for impact studies. In this paper, we describe a three-stage launcher consisting of a two-stage light gas gun combined with a third-stage railgun, which overcomes previous velocity limitations pertaining to two-stage guns. This launcher is being developed for operation to 15 km/s and has achieved projectile velocities of 7.2 km/s to date. 10 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.

The in-plane linear elastic constants of woven fabric are determined in terms of the specific fabric microstructure. The fabric is assumed to be a spatially periodic interlaced network of orthogonal yarns and the individual yarns are modeled as extensible elastica. These results indicate that a significant coupling of bending and stretching effects occurs during deformation. Results of this theoretical analysis compare favorable with measured in-plane elastic constants for Vincel yarn fabrics. 17 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.

The winding process is encountered frequently in manufacturing, such as winding of polymer films and paper, laminated pressure vessel construction, and the manufacture of wound capacitors. The winding of capacitors will typically involve hundreds of plies of conductor and dielectric wound over a core. Due to the large number of layers, the calculation of the mechanical studies within a wound capacitor is a significant computational task. The focus of Part II of this paper is the formulation and application of optimization techniques for the design of wound capacitors. The design criteria to be achieved is a specified uniform wound tension in a capacitor. The paper will formulate an optimization statement of the wound capacitor design problem, develop a technique for reducing the numerical calculation required to repeatedly analyze the capacitor as required by the optimization algorithm, and apply the technique to an example. 4 refs., 13 figs., 4 tabs.

Horizontal stress directions (azimuths) determined from anelastic strain recovery (ASR) and differential strain curve analyses (DSCA) were compared with those from wellbore breakouts detected by borehole televiewer and oriented caliper logs. The ASR/DSCA techniques appear to be more sensitive then the log techniques and provided stress azimuth predictions at depth intervals where the log data did not. Stress azimuth determinations were also made from other core analyses techniques, which, like ASR/DSCA, are associated with the formation of stress release microcracks. Preliminary insights were obtained in the applicability of these other techniques. This work provides information on the stresses at two well sites 3.6 miles apart in Western Colorado; and showing the comparative data in this context provides information on how to apply these techniques and provides an understanding of the apparent influence of geologic effects (topography, depositional environment) on the stresses. 28 refs., 10 figs., 3 tabs.

This paper discusses a new telerobotic control concept which couples human supervisory commands with computer reasoning. The control system is responsive and accomplishes an operator's commands while providing obstacle avoidance and stable controlled interactions with the environment in the presence of communication time delays. This provides a system which not only assists the operator in accomplishing tasks but modifies inappropriate operator commands which can result in safety hazards and/or equipment damage. Research and development of this concept is being carried out in the Telerobotics Research Laboratory at Sandia National Laboratories. 12 refs., 4 figs.

Over the past decade, Sandia National Laboratories has managed the Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored programs for the development of the sodium/sulfur battery technology. Two DOE offices have provided support for these programs: the Office of Energy Storage and Distribution (OESD) and the Office of Transportation Systems (OTS). The ultimate goal of these ongoing efforts is to develop and demonstrate high performance, cost-effective systems suitable for both stationary and mobile applications. A part of Sandia's responsibility is to evaluate the status of the technologies and to address specific problems that are encountered during the development process. The number and level of effort devoted to these tasks are scaled such that the funding emphasis is given to the contracted engineering development programs. Two of the major safety-related concerns with sodium/sulfur EV batteries are the potential consequences associated with large temperature increases and vehicle accidents. The first three tasks represent Sandia's initial effort to help identify effective methods to limit the temperature rise in the battery during both expected and unexpected conditions and to assess one possible result of a vehicle accident. Descriptions of each task along with selected results are given in the following sections. 4 figs., 2 tabs.

Inorganic thin films with molecular sieving properties have been formed by embedding microcrystals of zeolite Y and chabazite in a glassy silica matrix. The silica matrix was derived from sols prepared from tetraethylorthosilicate hydrolyzed under either acidic or basic conditions in alcoholic solution. Dip-coating, deposition of suspensions, or coating of zeolite dispersions with the glassy silica matrix were used to create the zeolite-silica films. The access of different probe molecules into the zeolitic part of the thin film was examined with in situ FTIR techniques and temperature-programmed-desorption studies. With all combinations of deposition techniques and silica matrices, the resulting films showed the molecular sieving properties of the parent zeolite. © 1989, Elsevier Science & Technology. All rights reserved.

Stand-off hypervelocity particle shields offer potential weight savings of an order of magnitude or more over conventional homogeneous armors. Based on an earlier complete model for the design and optimization of a stand-of shield system, a more restricted model appropriate for retrofit shields is described. Procedures to minimize the shield mass are provided, and scaling laws for many of the important parameter relationships are illustrated. 6 refs., 5 figs.

The Precision Linear Shaped Charge (PLSC) design concept involves the independent fabrication and assembly of the liner (wedge of PLSC), the tamper/confinement, and explosive. The liner is the most important part of an LSC and should be fabricated by a more quality controlled, precise process than the tamper material. Also this allows the liner material to be different from the tamper material. The explosive can be loaded into the liner and tamper as the last step in the assembly process rather than the first step as in conventional LSC designs. PLSC designs are shown to produce increased jet penetrations in given targets, more reproducible jet penetration, and more efficient explosive cross-sections using a minimum amount of explosive. The Linear Shaped Charge Analysis Program (LSCAP) being developed at Sandia National Laboratories has been used to assist in the design of PLSCs. LSCAP predictions for PLSC jet penetration in aluminum targets, jet tip velocities and jet-target impact angles are compared to measured data. 8 refs., 19 figs., 1 tab.