International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Between December 2001 and May 2004, a ventilation experiment (VE) was performed in the Mont Terri Underground Research Laboratory (URL) and co-financed by the Commission of the European Communities. The objective was to investigate the desaturation of consolidated clay formations in consequence of the ventilation of underground openings of a repository in such a formation. The results of the geoelectric measurements performed in the second phase of the Mont Terri ventilation test can be summarized as follows: Geoelectric tomography has been found suitable for monitoring ventilation-induced saturation changes in the Opalinus clay. During ventilation with dry air a desaturation down to below 50% could be detected in both desaturation cycles. The desaturated zone extends less than 0.5 m into the rock around the microtunnel. During the second resaturation phase, ventilation with humid air led to quick resaturation at the tunnel surface, while ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Microgel-clay composite particles were prepared by one-step surfactant-free precipitation polymerization. Laponite nanoparticles present in the reaction mixture become encapsulated during the microgel formation process. Microgel-clay composites based on poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate) containing different amount of incorporated clay nanoparticles were synthesized. The clay content was varied from 2 wt% to 18 wt%. The extremely high incorporation efficiency of the clay nanoparticles into microgels was detected. The size of the hybrid microgels was decreased from 700 nm to 100 nm by increase of the clay concentration in the reaction mixture. Obtained hybrid microgels exhibit negative surface charge and excellent colloidal stability. Microgel-clay composite particle...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Short communication.

Science.gov (United States)

Not Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Commercially available organoclay (Closite 30B) was modified by using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) via a silylation reaction. Sodium clay (Closite Na) was treated by APS directly as a control. Such modified clays were further melt-compounded with polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The morphology and properties of the modified organoclays were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electrical microscopy (TEM), Infra-red spectroscopy, contact angle measurement, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effects of modified clays on the crystallization behavior of PBT were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. The basal spacing of Closite Na was enlarged from 1.01 to 1.41 nm after APS treatment, indicating that the APS was intercalated into the clay interga...

Science.gov (United States)

During this report period, we have obtained a model of montmorillonite clay, and this model has been of great assistance in visualizing how the chemistry of substrate molecules might be altered as it occurs on the surface of the clay. A stereochemical representation of this montmorillonite model is shown. Of particular significance, this model indicates that hydroxyl groups are located in the center of each siloxane ring on the surface of the montmorillonite clay. These hydroxyl groups might serve to bond substrate molecules to the surface of the clay. The next step in our systematic examination of the radical cation-initiated dimerization of plant monomers from the C{sub 6}-C{sub 3} pool of shikimic acid metabolites was to study the dimerization of cinnamic acid and its derivatives. In the next block of research, we examined the reaction of montmorillonite clay (K-10) with ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Geological clay formations are investigated for use as final underground deposit for heat producing nuclear waste. Special kinds of clay (e.g. bentonite) can also be used for the construction of geotechnical barriers. For the long time safety prognosis of the nuclear waste repositories the development of geochemical transport models is indispensable. The transport of aqueous solutions in clay is a complex process. The three-layer-minerals bentonite and illite swell by the adsorption of water, if the volume is restricted a high swelling pressure develops. The excellent barrier effect of natural clay formations and geotechnical clay barriers is based on the high swelling pressure and the high adsorption capacity for radionuclides and other pollutants. The two-layer-mineral kaolinite has no swelling capacity. In contrast to sandy layers a special geochemical transport potential exists ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper presents a detailed characterization and rheometric property study of in-situ sodium activated, organomodified bentonite clay - styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposite. It was found that around 10phr loading was the optimum level for maximum effect of the organo clay. The WAXD data indicated that at higher loading there was formation of agglomerations in the matrix. It was found that organo clay compound exhibited lower maximum torque in comparison to equivalent amount of carbon black loaded compound. The nanocomposites were also used for partial replacement of N330 carbon black in a highly black loaded compound. Part replacement of the carbon black with nano-clay reduced the maximum rheometric torque in comparison to the control compound. Detail study revealed that with sl...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper deals with preparation of PE clay nano composite specimen for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and studying the difference between dispersion of clay in low density polyethylene using poly(hydrogen methyl siloxane) (PHMS) as coupling agent and untreated one. Argon ion milling is the conventional means by which film sections are thinned to electron transparency for TEM analysis, but this technique exhibits significant problems. In particular, selective thinning and imaging of sub-micrometer inclusions during sample milling are highly problematic. We have achieved successful results using the focused ion beam (FIB) lift-out technique, which utilizes a 30 kV Ga"+ ion beam to extract electron transparent specimens with nanometer scale precision. Using this procedure, we have prepared a number of thin film materials representing a range of structures and compositions for TEM analysis. We believe that FIB milling will create major ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In-situ sodium activated organo modified bentonite clay was also used for partial replacement of the carbon black (N330). Detailed study with the black filled compound revealed that, with slight modification of the curing package, up to 10 phr of the carbon black replacement is possible. At equivalent loading of 5 and 10 phr of in-situ sodium activated organo modified bentonite clay exhibited better properties in comparison to carbon black filled compound.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report presents the results of an experimental programme to determine the mass transfer and sorptive properties of selected glacial sand and clays from the Drigg Disposal Site operated by British Nuclear Fuels plc. The hydraulic conductivity of both the sand and clay has been determined and the sensitivity of this parameter to changing water chemistry investigated. The hydrodynamic dispersion properties of the glacial sand were measured in order to aid the interpretation of column sorption experiments. The sorption of strontium and uranium from groundwater onto clay and sand samples has been studied using through-diffusion, column and batch techniques. Employing the batch technique, the effect of a series of humic acid concentrations on distribution ratios for uranium and plutonium has also been investigated. Groundwater and trench leachate were used with both clay and sand. (author).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A novel electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on natural clay and ionic liquid was fabricated. Tris(2,2prime-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+) was immobilized on natural clay surface through simple adsorption. An ECL sensor was prepared by mixing Ru(bpy)32+-incorporated clay, graphite powder and an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) as the binder. The electrochemical behavior and ECL of the immobilized Ru(bpy)32+ was investigated. It was observed that the ECL of immobilized Ru(bpy)32+ was activated by the ionic liquid. The proposed ECL sensor showed high sensitivity to tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) and the detection limit was found to be 20 pM. In addition, the ECL sensor displayed good stability for TPrA detection and long-term storage stability.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Savannah River Site (SRS) has a variety of waste units that may be temporarily or permanently stabilized by closure using an impermeable cover to prevent groundwater infiltration. The placement of an engineered kaolin clay layer over a waste unit is an accepted and economical technique for providing an impermeable cover but the long term stability and integrity of the clay in non-arid conditions is unknown. A simulated kaolin cap has been constructed at the SRA adjacent to the Burial Ground Complex. The cap is designed to evaluate the effects of desiccation on clay integrity, therefore half of the cap is covered with native soil to prevent drying, while the remainder of the cap is exposed. Measurements of the continuing impermeability of a clay cap are difficult because intrusive techniques may locally compromise the structure. Point measurements made to evaluate clay integrity, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Long term integrated in situ experiments are performed in the HADES underground research facility (Mol, Belgium) in order to study the coupled reactivity between the different components of an underground repository for vitrified high level radioactive waste (HLW): glass, compacted clay, and stainless steel containers, at 90 degrees C and under gamma irradiation. Studies pertaining to the behaviour of silicon, a major element released during glass alteration, are presented here. Data collected from the integrated experiment, from simplified tests, and from modelling are put together, giving complementary information. The integrated experiment is used to investigate overall reactivity, whereas diffusion experiments coupled with modelling focused on the precipitation of silica in clay media. In the integrated in situ experiment, a bentonite clay (FoCa7) mixed with 5 wt.% of powdered glass frit was put in contact with ...

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesTo extend a set of work carried out previously at Royal Holloway, the Natural History Museum and elsewhere, and instigated, to a considerable extent, by the PI to determine~%~~%~1. whether there is any significant difference in the performance of clay minerals in the presence of leachates generated by wastes from different cultures and/or deposited in different climates;~%~~%~2. what causes some, if not all, clay minerals to aggregate after reaction with landfill Ieachate;~%~~%~3. the permeabili [continued...]DescriptionAround 1995 it was shown that that interactions between clay minerals and landfill leachate destroy the clay mineral lattice, leading to reduced liner permeability. Recent work indicates that the effect may be caused by dissolution of silica and deposition of amorphous alumina. Most work to date has been done using synthetic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wood sawdust has been applied to manufacture the sawdust-clay-plastic composite (SDCPC) by radiation process for the purpose of disposing large amount of wood sawdust waste material. The process comprises the impregnation of liquid vinyl monomers into the completely dried molded sawdust-clay specimens followed by exposure to Co-60 gamma-radiation to induce graft-copolymerization of the impregnated vinyl monomers onto the sawdust-clay matrix. The comonomer system of unsaturated polyester and vinyl compounds was found to be the ideal impregnating monomer for the preparation of the SDCPC from the viewpoint of the technological and economical advantages. The SDCPC material has a variety of the sawdust content which enables the composite to have wide range of mechanical properties, e.g., 410 to 1100 kg/cm/sup 2/ in compressive strength, 120 to 380 kg/cm/sup 2/ in tensile strength and 0.32 to 4.41 kg/mm/sup 2/ in static bending ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study describes the effect of treatment of Bis(3-triethoxysilyl propyl)tetrasulfane (silane coupling agent, Si69, TESPT) on in situ sodium activated, organo modified bentonite clay - styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposite. transmission electron microscopy and Wide angle X-ray diffraction indicated the intercalation as well as partial exfoliation in both the organoclay and silane treated organoclay compound. It was found that about 5% of silane with respect to clay was the optimum dose for the treatment. Around 15% improvement in tensile and tear strength was observed due to silane treatment. Silane treated organoclay exhibited substantial improvement of the fatigue life, compression set, and rebound property. A detailed study of physical property was carried out. A comparison wi...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The electrokinetic patterns of four bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Agrobacterium radiobacter), two yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

The effects of variable hardness, pH, alkalinity, humics, and suspended clay on the chemical speciation of copper and its toxicity to fathead minnow larvae in Lake Superior water were investigated. Two proposed methods (toxicity factors and chemical speciation) for predicting LC50 values in specific natural waters from laboratory toxicity data and the average site specific values of general water quality parameters were evaluated. The accuracy of the cupric ion-selective electrode in determining CU/sup +2/ activities in ambient and chemically altered Lake Superior water was also determined.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

CNPT-3 is the laboratory designation of a strain of bacteria that reproduces best at deep-sea pressures. It was isolated from a sample collected at a 5800 m depth of the Pacific Ocean. This isolation was achieved from a sample that had been retrieved without warning. This year we demonstrated that there are similarly behaving bacteria that can be isolated from samples even when retrieved with decompression. The purpose of this project was to define the temperatures and pressures over which CNPT-3 can exist and function. (1) At 2"0C CNPT-3 is eurybathic from about 1000 to 6500 m, as judged from an only slightly pressure dependent generation time. (2) CNPT-3 is unquestionably barophilic at 2"0C, with doubling times of 9 hours at 580 bars and over 18 hours at 1 bar. (3) At 10"0C, reproduction is adversely affected at 1 bar to the extent that CNPT-3 becomes obligately barophilic at 10"0C. Yet reproduction is enhanced above 280 bars and occurs with a regeneration time of 4 hours at 690 bars ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Analysis of published NMR relaxation data of /sup 6/Li and /sup 7/Li in Li/sub 3/N leads to a unique model fo Li/sup +/ hopping along the c-axis. It is one in which an ion goes directly from one Li(1) plane to another Li(1) plane by passing through the intermediate Li(2) plane.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

There is a renewed interest in straight wing vertical axis wind turbines (SW-VAWT) which are usually installed on the roofs of high buildings in cities, urban areas and high mountain areas for independent electric power supply. SW-VAWTs have the advantages of simple design and low cost, as well as wind direction independence compared to the horizontal system. However, when SW-VAWTs are installed in cold regions, ice, snow and other attachments can affect its performance. In this study, clay was attached to the leading edge of the blade surface to determine how the performance of SW-VAWTs are affected by the mechanism of icing. Wind tunnel tests were used to study the rotational performance and power performance of the turbine blades. Icing prevention was also investigated. The attachment of clay on the leading edge of blade surface made the rotational performance of the SW-VAWT worse. The attachment of clay on the leading ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The suitability of calcium silicate bricks (CSBs) for the retrospective measurement of gamma dose using luminescence techniques has been investigated. Bricks of this type are distinguished from fired clay bricks by containing negligible clay and requiring comparatively low temperature treatment during manufacture. They have been used widely in the construction f buildings in the Former Soviet Union since the 1970s but hitherto have not been used for retrospective dosimetry measurements. A procedure based on the se of the 210 deg. C thermoluminescence (TL) peak of quartz was tested with granular quartz extracted from three types of CSB, one of which had been taken from a settlement downwind of Chernobyl. The degree to which the residual geological TL signal within the temperature range of the 210 deg. C L peak had been reduced during manufacture varied with brick type; the levels of residual TL corresponded, in the samples tested, to absorbed ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nanocomposites containing polyethylene (PE) and montmorillonite clay organically modified (OMMT) with quaternary ammonium salts were obtained via direct melt intercalation. A montmorillonite sample from the Brazilian state of Paraiba was treated with four different types of quaternary ammonium salts. After the treatment, the powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The dispersion and morphologies of OMMT within PE were investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed the formation of intercalated montmorillonite layers in the PE matrix. The thermal stability and flammability of the PE/montmorillonite clay nanocomposites were measured by thermogravimetry and horizontal burning tests for HB classification, Underwrites Laboratories (UL 94), respectively. It was shown that the samples do not degrade at the processing temperature. By adding only 3 wt.% ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This document presented the results of a full-scale pile load tests conducted on helix pile foundations supporting power transmission towers in northern Manitoba. The site conditions were described along with pile installation and the performance of the foundations. The pile load tests were carried out in 2 different soil conditions, notably soft to firm clays and stiff high plastic clays with silt varves. The performance of the helix pile foundations were examined under axial compressive and axial tension (uplift) loading conditions. The results of the compressive load tests were presented in the form of load settlement curves while the results of the uplift load tests were presented in the form of load displacement curves. Both types of load tests in soft or stiff clays showed the suitability of helical pile foundations for power transmission lines in northern Manitoba. The cylindrical shear failure mechanism controlled ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper seeks to investigate the liquefaction of clayey soils, a phenomenon that has been the trigger for many natural disasters in the last few decades, including landslides. Research was conducted on artificial clay?sand mixtures and natural clayey soils collected from the sliding surfaces of earthquake-induced landslides. The undrained response of normally consolidated clayey soils to cyclic loading was studied by means of a ring-shear apparatus. For the artificial clay?sand mixtures, it was found that the presence of a small amount of bentonite (?7%) would cause rapid liquefaction, while a further increase in bentonite content (?11%) produced the opposite effect of raising soil resistance to liquefaction by a significant degree. It was demonstrated that the bentonite?sand mixture wa...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beta-SiAlON powders have been synthesized using natural clay containing kaolin and quartz by carbothermal reduction and nitridation (CRN), then beta-SiAlON bonded corundum multiphase materials have been sintered using the as prepared powders. The results indicated that both the holding time and sintering temperature are relatively significant in accordance with optimal analysis by orthogonal method. Reaction process can be briefly interpreted by means of X-ray Diffraction and Difference Temperature Analysis as well as phase diagram principle. Bending strength and bulk density were measured in SiAlON in situ bonded corundum materials with doped various sintering agents. Furthermore, the relevant mechanical properties and microstructure were discussed in detail.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract The present study makes use of a detailed water balance to investigate the hydrological status of a peatland with a basal clay-rich layer overlying an aquifer exploited for drinking water. The aim is to determine the influence of climate and groundwater extraction on the water balance and water levels in the peatland. During the two-year period of monitoring, the hydrological functioning of the wetland showed a hydric deficit, associated with a permanent unsaturated layer and a deep water table. At the same time, a stream was observed serving as a recharge inflow instead of draining the peatland, as usually described in natural systems. Such conditions are not favourable for peat accumulation. Field investigations show that the clay layer has a high hydraulic conductivity (from 11...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The authors show that dramatically different in-plane crystallographic textures can be produced in body centered cubic (bcc) metal thin films deposited under different conditions. The orientation distribution of polycrystalline bcc thin films on amorphous substrates often has a strong (110) fiber texture, and an in-plane texture may develop when deposition takes place with an off-normal incidence flux of energetic ions or atoms. Three orientations in Nb films have been observed in which the energetic particle flux coincides with crystal channeling directions. In-plane orientations in Mo films have also been obtained in magnetron sputtering systems. The selected orientations are reviewed, and examples are given in which the in-plane orientation of Mo deposited in two similar magnetron system differs by a 90 deg C rotation. The origins of in-plane texture in rectangular magnetron ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This report documents a case history in which a cadaver and the associated burial objects were found well preserved after being buried for more than 2100 years in Southern China. The preservation is attributed to a layer of kaolin that surrounded the coffin and served as a barrier to water and air movement. The implications for the disposal of nuclear fuel waste are discussed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A slurry intake device is proposed which contains an inlet sleeve, housing with grating installed with the discharge end in the zone of the slurry outlet, and hinged deflector. In order to conserve the clay mud, it is equipped with a tie rod and two-arm lever which is kinematically linked to the deflector and the grating. It is installed by hinges in relation to the housing and the latter is attached by hinges to the inlet sleeve. The deflector is arranged in the zone of slurry outlet. The device is distinguished by the fact that the deflector is equipped with a cantilever on which a fixable weight is attached.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A phosphorus-containing low alkali metal content zeolitic catalyst made from a clay starting material is provided. The catalyst is obtained by contacting a partially cation exchanged calcined zeolite-containing catalyst with an anion such as a dihydrogen phosphate anion or a dihydrogen phosphite anion and additionally with an ammonium salt other than a salt of an inorganic acid of phosphorus. A hydrocarbon catalytic cracking process utilizing the phosphorus-containing catalyst is also provided.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Natural radioactivity of rocks is studied on the basis of core samples and radioactivity logs of marine deposits in Azerbaijan. Investigations have established mainly thorium-potassium nature of radioactivity. Data obtained are useful for identificafion of clay among other rocks, for determination of clayiness, and in presence of a corresponding relation - for determination of porosity according to the clayiness. It is shown that the clayiness may be determined from radioactive logs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The explosive known under the name Saletrol (mixture of ammonium nitrate and hydrocarbon fuel or a mixture of ammonium nitrate, hydrocarbon fuel and aluminum powder) is characterized by the absence of physical stability during storage (the oily fluid flows from the upper layers of the explosive downward) and as a consequence of this, decrease in the required effectiveness of blasting and increased release of toxic gaseous blasting products. In order to eliminate this shortcoming, lightening clay is added to Saletrol in a quantity of 3-12% by weight of the total explosive mass.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Immobilization of a model liquid organic pollutant, i.e. the 2-chloroaniline (2-CA), into a cement matrix using organoclays as pre-sorbent agents was investigated. Five cement-clay pastes were prepared with different nominal water-to-cement ratios (w/c=0.40, 0.25 and 0.15 wt/wt) and various amounts of waste (waste-to-cement o/c=0.20, 0.60 and 1.00 wt/wt); for comparison, a neat cement paste was also prepared. Dynamic leach tests were performed on solidified monoliths in order to assess the successful immobilization of the 2-CA. In monoliths at constant w/c ratio (0.40) the total amount of pollutant released increases with its initial content, and ranges from 15 to 35% with respect to it. By lowering w/c from 0.40 to 0.15 at constant o/c, the performances improved (<25% released). The microstructure of the hardened cement-clay pastes was characterized by quantitative X-ray diffraction (QXRD) and electronic microscopy (SEM-EDS) techniques; ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The interlayer exchange coupling between Co/Pt perpendicular-to-plane magnetized layers across a thin IrMn spacer layer was experimentally studied. In contrast to earlier studies on interlayer coupling through antiferromagnetic NiO, which revealed an oscillatory coupling behavior as a function of NiO thickness, a ferromagnetic coupling was observed here in the range of IrMn thickness between 0.6 and 1.5nm and antiferromagnetic between 1.5 and 2.5nm. The antiferromagnetic coupling is attributed to an orange peel magnetostatic mechanism whereas the ferromagnetic coupling is attributed to an out-of-plane polarization of the antiferromagnetic IrMn layer induced by the interfacial exchange interaction with the adjacent out-of-plane ferromagnetic layers. Measurements of hysteresis loops versus t...

Science.gov (United States)

having a triangular wing of aspect ratio 2 with NACA 0005-63 thickness distribution in streamwise planes, and twisted and cambered for a trape- ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The wind unit working wheel has 4 radial rectangular frames arranged in two vertical planes which are perpendicular to each other. In the planes limited by the frames, on loop hinges with limiting supports, there are flat blades. When the working wheel rotates under the influence of wind pressure, the blades automatically occupy a vertical or horizontal (wind vane) position depending on the direction of blade motion and the direction of wind velocity.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The e/sup -/..-->..e/sup -/(..nu..nu-bar) process in the field of a circularly polarized plane wave is studied in the framework of the Glashow-Weinberg-Salam model. General expressions for the probability of creation of neutrino pairs are obtained, and the case of a low-intensity wave is studied in detail. The effects of asymmetry of emission of electron and muon neutrinos are estimated, and comparison with previous results is performed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The conductivity of the membrane is a limiting factor for the efficiency and power density of PEFCs. Because this conductivity is strongly dependent on the membrane hydration, water management is an important aspect of PEFC optimisation. Single cell model experiments were made in order to determine the in-plane hydration of a Nafion{sup R} membrane under fuel cell conditions as function of the gas humidities. (author) 4 fig., 3 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of the work described in this dissertation is to increase the understanding of injection-pultrusion process. Three major substudies related to injection-pultrusion have been completed: measurement of the compressibility of fiber reinforcements, measurement of in-plane and transverse resin flow through fiber reinforcements, and development of a resin flow model. This dissertation also presents results of an experimental and analytical investigation of in-plane and transverse resin flow through fiber reinforcements.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The applicability of Broyden's second method for accelerating the convergence of self-consistent electronic-structure calculations based on the linearized augmented-plane-wave method is discussed in terms of a W(001) surface calculation. It is found that its use results in a significant improvement in the convergence of the calculation, and based on this it is concluded that its use should increase the size of the systems for which such calculations are feasible.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The three-dimensional magnetic structure and reversal mechanism of patterned Co/Pt multilayers, were imaged using complementary Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (LTEM) (in-plane component) and magnetic transmission x-ray microscopy (M-TXM) (perpendicular magnetization). The Co/Pt films with perpendicular anisotropy were patterned by ion irradiation through a stencil mask to produce in-plane magnetization in the irradiated regions. The boundaries of the patterns, defined by the transition from out-of-plane to in-plane magnetization, were found to be determined by the stencil mask, whilst the scale of the magnetic reversal by the physical microstructure. The nucleation fields were substantially reduced to 50 Oe for the in-plane regions and 1 kOe for the perpendicular regions, comparing to 4.5 kOe for the as-grown film. The perpendicular reversals were found to always originate ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The VE (ventilation) test carried out at the Mont Terri underground laboratory in Switzerland intended to evaluate in situ the behaviour of a consolidated clay formation when subjected to alternate periods of flow of wet and dry air during several months. For that, a 10-m gallery was excavated in the Opalinus Clay formation and carefully instrumented. Before and after a second ventilation phase boreholes were drilled. Samples were taken from the drill cores and were analysed from mineralogical and geochemical points of view. Also, the retention curves of these samples were determined in the laboratory following drying paths performed under free volume conditions at 20 degree centigrade, what is the content of this report. Although there are not large differences in the WRC of samples taken from different boreholes, at different distances from the gallery wall or before or after ventilation, those samples taken near the gallery wall and after ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The adsorption capacity of radionuclides onto suspended sediment was experimented on each of the coastal seawater sampled around the Kori and the Wolsung nuclear power plant. During the experiment the quantity and size fraction of suspended sediment were adjusted and the seawater and sediment chemistry is approximated to the expected field condition. Because the sorption capacity depends on the specific minerals, ocean chemistry and radionuclide involved, it is necessary to analyze sediment mineralogy. Clay mineral is dominant in seabed mineral and suspended sediment as the result of x-ray diffraction. Radionuclide sorbed to silty-clay mineral can be rather transported to ocean than scavenged to seabed because of low quantity and fine grained suspended sediment in the coast around the Kori and the Wolsung. The result of adsorption examinations shows that {sup 139}Ce and {sup 51}Cr and {sup 110m}Ag are strongly sorbed to suspended particle, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Several researchers have examined and achieved favourable results in connection with the building industry's use of red mud extracted in large quantities from the processing of bauxite. These days more and more precedence is being given to limiting the radiological dose to the population. In this study carried out in Hungary, the use of red mud, bauxite, and clay additives recommended for the production of special cements, were examined from a radiological aspect. "2"2"6Ra and "2"3"2Th activity concentrations measured in Hungarian bauxite, red mud and clay samples were significantly similar with the levels for such raw materials mentioned in international literature. Taking radiation protection aspects into consideration, none of these products can be directly used for building construction. Taking Hungarian and international values into consideration, a small amount of red mud, not exceeding 15% could be used for brick production, for example ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A continuous, subsurface Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary section, including the boundary clay within an 87 cm thick lignite, has been recovered from a core hole near Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan, Canada. The lignite-encompassed clay layer with geochemical anomaly indicates that peat deposition was continuous across the boundary. Core data indicate that, locally, a pre-boundary, conifer-dominated swamp was abruptly replaced by an angiosperm-dominated, herbaceous wetland. Sudden extermination of the dominant forest elements indicates mass kill at the level of the boundary and supports the theory of extraterrestrial impact accompanied by catastrophic destruction. Devastation of the standing vegetation may have been caused by one or more of the killing agents predicted to have accompanied impact, including freezing temperatures caused by atmospheric dust, acid rain, thermal pulse, and shock waves. There is no evidence supporting wildfires as a killing ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In accordance with Department of Energy (DOE) Regulations surveys for wetland presence or absence were conducted in September 1996 on the DWI-1630 site (Witherspoon Landfill) located in South Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee. The DWI-1630 site includes a closed, capped landfill area, areas of past disturbance adjacent to the capped area, and patches of hardwood forest. Wetlands were identified on the landfill cap and in a small bottomland that was formerly used for a retention pond in the southwest corner of the DWI-1630 site. The wetlands identified on the cap are man-induced, atypical situation wetlands. These areas have hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology, but the soils do not have hydric characteristics. Wetland development appears to be due to a combination of the grading or subsidence of the clay landfill cap, the low permeability of the clay fill soil, and the absence of surface drainage outlets from the depressions. These ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The design of high level radioactive waste (HLW) repositories in deep geological media in which bentonite clay is proposed as a sealing material leads to the need of further studying the behaviour of highly compacted expansive soils when subjected to mechanical, hydraulic and thermal changes. Laboratory tests may help to understand the processes that take place in the clay barrier under simple and controlled conditions and to develop the governing equations. The laboratory tests enable to isolate the different processes, making their interpretation easier, and provide with fundamental data concerning the parameters to be used in the models. The extremely low permeability of these materials, their avidity for water (high suction) and their high swelling capacity make necessary the modification of the conventional laboratory techniques and procedures to determine basic physical parameters. The main hydraulic properties of the barrier to be ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper discusses the remote plugging of leaks in inaccessible pipework, with main reference to small leaks which frequently appear in ancillary cooling water circuits of nuclear reactors. Initially developed to cure problems of the pre-stressed concrete pressure vessels of UK reactors, the ZORIC sealant has been used to repair leaking biological shield pipework on six CANDU reactors. ZORIC is based on a water-soluble epoxy resin and an aqueous suspension of a refined mineral clay. This paper describes the evolution of the sealant, the qualification and testing program, and their application to CANDU reactor systems. 2 refs., 6 figs.

Science.gov (United States)

This study compares the effectiveness of potassium chloride with guanidine chlorhydrate in the prevention of clay swelling. The results given on various swelling tests on calcic montmorillonite led to the conclusions that (1) guanidine chlorhydrate is more effective than potassium chloride, especially in low concentrations, and (2) water immersion of samples treated by both solutions shows the permanent feature of the inhibitive action of guanidine chlorhydrate in swelling on one hand and the important increase in swelling of immersed samples treated by potassium chloride on the other. The viscosity measure of montmorillonite suspensions, before and after solution ion elimination by dialysis, confirms these observations.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this article, several applications of nanomaterials in food packaging and food safety are reviewed, including: polymer/clay nanocomposites as high barrier packaging materials, silver nanoparticles as potent antimicrobial agents, and nanosensors and nanomaterial-based assays for the detection of food-relevant analytes (gasses, small organic molecules and food-borne pathogens). In addition to covering the technical aspects of these topics, the current commercial status and understanding of health implications of these technologies are also discussed. These applications were chosen because they do not involve direct addition of nanoparticles to consumed foods, and thus are more likely to be marketed to the public in the short term.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the third quarterly report adsorption of heavy metals ions such as Cu(II) and Cr(VI) onto soils drawn from the laboratory-type wetland was shown to be weak. Secondly, it was shown that modified-clays did adsorb Cr(VI) ions strongly at pH 4.5. Further, studies on the pH dependence of the adsorption of {beta}-naphthoic acid, (NA), a well-documented contaminant in many oil and gas well waste waters onto modified-clays were undertaken and it was shown that uptake of NA by modified-clays was of the high affinity type at pH 4.5 and 7.0, but weak at pH 9.0. Adsorption of heavy metal ions, Cu{sup 2+}, and Cr(VI) onto algae, a proposed wetland amendment, was carried out and the results were presented and discussed in the fourth quarterly report. Uptake of NA by the soil component of the laboratory-type wetland was monitored as a function of pH. This quarterly report presents results from studies on the uptake of phenol and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A theoretical model is developed to explain variations in airborne gamma-ray measurements over a calibration range near Ottawa, Ontario. The gamma-ray flux from potassium and the thorium decay series showed an expected decrease with increasing soil moisture. However, the gamma-ray flux from the uranium decay series was highest in the spring when the ground was water-saturated and even covered with snow. These results are explained through the build-up of radon and its associated gamma-ray-emitting decay products in the clay soil of the calibration range with increasing soil moisture. Similar results were found from airborne measurements over other clay soils. However, measurements over sandy soils showed that the count rates from all three radio elements increased with decreasing soil moisture. This difference between soil types was attributed to the lower radon emanation of the more coarse-grained sandy soils compared to finer-grained ...

CERN Document Server

Two quantities play a central role in that part of nonlinear optics which deals with the effects of a finite momentum spread in a particle beam: the orbit position whose derivative with respect to momentum is called 'orbit dispersion' and the betatron wave number whose derivative WRT momentum is the 'chromaticity'. The orbit dispersion varies with the azimuth and is essentially horizontal in a machine with a horizontal symmetry plane; parasitic radial fields induce a vertical component. The chromaticity is a scalar quantity related to the integral of the focusing strength, over one turn of the machine; it is defined for the horizontal and vertical planes. After recalling the general motion equation in the horizontal plane, the orbit dispersion and the chromaticity will be treated. Closed formulae are given for lumped elements and special emphasis is put on dipoles with a high deflection angle. (8 refs).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The relaxations of the Ti(0001) and Zr(0001) surfaces are studied using the plane-wave-basis pseudopotential method within the local-density approximation. We find that the first interlayer spacings of Ti(0001) and Zr(0001) are contracted with respect to the bulk spacings by 6.8% and 6.1%, respectively. Such large relaxations for the close-packed surfaces of Ti and Zr are in good agreement with recent linear-augmented-plane-wave calculations. In addition, we predict a weak vibrational effect on the surface relaxation of Zr(0001) by considering the free energy in the quasiharmonic approximation. This result can be attributed to a very strong bonding between the first- and second-layer Zr atoms as a consequence of the bond-order endash bond-length correlation. copyright 1997 The American Physical Society.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Electronic structure, volume optimization, bulk moduli, elastic constants, and frequencies of the transversal optical vibrations in LiH, NaH, KH, RbH, and CsH are calculated using the full potential augmented plane wave method, extended with local orbitals, and the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method. The obtained results show some common features in the electronic structure of these compounds, but also clear differences, which cannot be explained using simple empirical trends. The differences are particularly prominent in the electronic distributions and interactions in various crystallographic planes. In the light of these findings we have elaborated some selected experimental results and discussed several theoretical approaches frequently used for the description of various alkali hydride properties.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The authors study, in forced convection, the evaporation of an Ostwaldian film flowing over an isothermal inclined plane surface to determine the influence of the behaviour index of the liquid on the dynamic and thermal characteristics of liquid-air system. The liquid flow is considered partially two-dimensional whereas for the air it is two-dimensional. The coupled equations with the interfacial conditions are solved using a fully implicit finite differences method. From the study, it appears that the behaviour index influences considerably the transfers which are more important for pseudo-plastic liquids than for dilatant ones. (authors)

Science.gov (United States)

C-130J payload reduced to make radius. ** Current C-17A uses 3000 ft field, C- 17A+ estimated cost of $378M per plane with. 2000 ft field length, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the case where sources and receivers are not distributed on a 2-D plane, seismic tomography inversion was studied. In tomography experiments, the existing wells are generally used. In such case, sources and receivers are frequently not distributed on a 2-D plane. The 2.5-D analysis method including 2-D structure and 3-D ray-tracing was thus developed. This method is featured by less memory necessary for ray-tracing calculation, and the same algorithm for velocity determination as 2-D analysis method. In previous methods, since analysis is generally carried out by projecting sources and receivers on a certain assumed 2-D plane, it can derive correct results in the case of constant velocity and straight ray, however, in the other case, it derives incorrect results. Application of 3-D tomography requires a large amount of memory, and falls into poor convergence because of various parameters. The 2.5-D analysis method can ...

CERN Document Server

An in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy has been observed in thin Co films normally deposited onto obliquely sputtered Ta and Pt underlayers. Associated with this anisotropy is an augmented easy axis coercivity. The in-plane easy axis is, in most cases, perpendicular to the incident deposition plane. Microstructural results indicate that grains are well connected along the magnetic easy axis but are separated by long continuous voids along the hard axis, which is ascribed to a geometric shadowing effect due to the oblique incidence deposition of the underlayer. Hence, the magnetic anisotropy mimics the film growth anisotropy. It is therefore believed that the observed magnetic properties are due to magnetostatic shape anisotropy effects. In-plane coercivity and anisotropy field are shown to increase with underlayer deposition angle, underlayer thickness and magnetic layer thickness. The choice of ...

CERN Document Server

Bit Plane Complexity Segmentation (BPCS) digital picture steganography is a technique to hide data inside an image file. BPCS achieves high embedding rates with low distortion based on the theory that noise-like regions in an image's bit-planes can be replaced with noise-like secret data without significant loss in image quality. . In this framework we will propose a collaborate approach for select frame for Hiding Data within MPEG Video Using Bit Plane Complexity Segmentation. This approach will invent high secure data hidden using select frame form MPEG Video and furthermore we will assign the well-built of the approach; during this review the author will answer the question why they used select frame steganography. In additional to the security issues we will use the digital video as a cover to the data hidden. The reason behind opt the video cover in this approach is the huge amount of single frames image per sec which ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effects of various approximations used in performing augmented-plane-wave calculations were studied for elements of the fifth and sixth columns of the Periodic Table, namely V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and W. Two kinds of approximations have been checked: (i) variation of the number of k points used to iterate to self-consistency, and (ii) approximations for the treatment of the core states. In addition a comparison between relativistic and nonrelativistic calculations is made, and an approximate method of calculating the spin-orbit splitting is given.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes a signal simulator which is designed to calibrate eddy current probes. By using simultaneously an excitation coil and an electrically conducting plane, the simulator can emulate signals which correspond to spot welds with different flaws. The presence of a conducting plane allows a wide variation of the amplitude and phase of the excitation coil voltage during the calibration of a probe. A mathematical model for the simulator is derived and used to study the variation of the impedance change upon the parameters of the probe. Numerical computation shows that the impedance change depends in an important way on the frequency of the excitation coil current.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Annual averages of the diurnal variation in cosmic ray intensity from neutron monitors in Deep River and Oulu and underground muon telescopes in Bolivia and at Embudo and Socorro, New Mexico, have been determined as a function of the sense of the interplantary magnetic field for the years 1965--1975. These data point to a cosmic ray density gradient, perpendicular to the ecliptic plane, pointing southward prior to 1969 and changing to a northward pointing gradient after the reversal of the sun's polar magnetic field in 1969--1971. This result supports numerical calculations for the prereversal and postreversal field configurations at intermediate and high cosmic ray rigidities.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paramagnetic susceptibility of single crystals of dysprosium-yttirum alloys is measured in the basal plane and along the hexagonal axis. It is shown that the susceptibility of the alloys obeys the Curie-Weiss law, the effective magnetic moments allong the different directions being the same and the paramagnetic Curie temperatures being different. The difference between the paramagnetic Curie temperatures in the basal plane and along the hexagonal axis is independent of the dysprosium concentration in the alloy. As a comparison with the theoretical models of magnetic anisotropy shows, this is an indication that the magnetic anisotropy of dysprosium - yttrium alloys is of a single-ion nature.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Local-density-approximation calculations of the H-point phonon frequency of molybdenum were carried out using a new superlinearized augmented-plane-wave basis. The calculated frequency is in quite good agreement with experiment. This indicates that the effect of the many-body renormalization of the electronic states near the Fermi energy on this frequency is smaller than previously suggested. The superlinearized basis and its use to circumvent computational difficulties associated with extended semicore states such as the 4p state of molybdenum is described.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Structural changes of a Ni-P amorphous alloy under focused-ion-beam (FIB) irradiation have been examined using transmission electron microscopy. On the irradiated plane, the formation of crystallographically orientated nanosized crystals (NCs), with the particle size of approximately 10 nm, was observed. A series of electron diffraction analyses have revealed that NCs have a face-centered-cubic (fcc) structure and the following orientation relationships between the NCs and the FIB direction were found. These are, irradiated plane//(111)_f_c_c and FIB direction//_f_c_c.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It is noted that the existence of cosmic-ray semidiurnal anisotropy of interplanetary origin has generally been attributed to the symmetrically rising density gradients perpendicular to the solar equatorial plane. An increase in the magnitude of the semidiurnal anisotropy of cosmic rays during the years 1973-1975 by a factor of 2 is in theory expected to be associated with larger magnitudes of the heliolatitudinal density gradients. The distribution of cosmic-ray intensity in the heliolatitude range + or - 7.25 deg obtained using the data of the Deep River neutron monitor is shown not to support the density gradient hypothesis. The presence of symmetrical gradients at higher heliolatitudes, however, cannot be ruled out.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An actuating mechanism of a mine combine is proposed. It includes a rotating platform in a vertical plane on which by hinges with the possibility of rotation parallel to the plane of the platform there are handles with cutting drums and a mechanism for extension of the handle which has hydraulic cylinders. With a decrease in load on the hinges of the handles from bending forces, on the platform between the front edge of the platform and the site of attachment of the handle hinges there are openings. Each handle has a support projection which is placed in this opening with the possibility of movement. A clamp plank is installed on it which covers the opening. The distance from the center of the projection support to the axis of the corresponding hinge is greater than the height of embedding of this hinge into the platform.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This document is a summary of the available information on the thermo-hydro-mechanical properties of the bentonite barrier of a high-level radioactive waste repository and of the processes taking place in it during the successive repository operation phases. Mainly the thermal properties, the volume change processes (swelling and consolidation), the permeability and the water retention capacity are analysed. A review is made of the existing experimental knowledge on the modification of the these properties by the effect of temperature, water salinity, humidity and density of the bentonite, and their foreseen evolution as a consequence of the processes expected in the repository. The compiled evolution refers mostly to the FEBEX (Spain), the MX-80 (USA) and the FoCa (France) bentonite, considered as reference barrier materials in several European disposal concepts. (Author) 102 refs.

Wastenet

... Database listings you may be interested in: 3rd Party Reviewed Listings Sustainable Industrial Paper Strap - Natural & White High strength, sustainable, recyclable paper strap SDF Strapping, Inc. High Graphics Litho Lam Corrugated High Graphics Corrugated Packaging (Litho-Lam) Accurate Box Company, Inc. EcoSystem Packaging Solution Starch-based loosefill packing peanut system StarchTech GreenChoice 100 100% recycled, clay-coated paperboard Strathcona Paper, L.P. Greener Package Database! comprehensive sustainability data on packaging materials searchable by converted package or raw material standardizes reporting of sustainability claims many ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Data from natural runoff plots at two experimental sites in northern Iraq were used to predict soil erodibility in this semiarid region. The first site has a mean seasonal rainfall of about 400mm with the plots situated on 40% uniform slope; the soil at the site has a loam texture and belongs to the Xerorthent suborder; it has 46% of gravel by weight in its surface layer. The second site has a mean seasonal rainfall of more than 900mm with the plot situated on 17% uniform slope; the soil at the site is silty clay and belongs to the Calcixeroll suborder. At both sites, soil loss and runoff measurements were collected for two rainfall seasons. Results from both experimental sites showed that storm-to-storm variation in soil erodibility is high reflecting the importance of long term measureme...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The use of Sialon ceramics has been restricted by the high temperature required for synthesis and the expense of the pure oxide and nitride raw materials required. For refractory applications the purity required is less demanding and it has been possible to exploit the outstanding durability of the Sialons at moderate cost. New low cost manufacturing routes are being developed by nitriding silicon metal powder at relatively low temperature with clay and various additives depending on the Sialon required. For example the introduction of carbon or fine silicon carbide allows the preparation of beta Sialons and alpha Sialons which can be stabilised by including the appropriate cations. A wide range of composite Sialon bodies with diverse properties can be prepared by a one step process. Current projects developing the synthesis routes are aimed, in the first instance, at refractory manufacture but are showing promise for more sophisticated applications. Copyright ...

Environmental Research Database

Objectives(1) Evaluate various insitu techniques for determination of the permeability of slurry walls and investigate the extent of material disturbance and fracturing during drilling and testing.~%~~%~(2) Perform laboratory tests of block samples obtained from the field testing site and compare the results with field measurements.~%~~%~(3) Investigate the mechanisms of drilling using a newly developed instrumented self-boring device and develop a theoretical framework for drilling mechanisms in soils.~% [continued...]DescriptionCement-bentonite and clay liner systems are used as components of containment systems by the environmental industry to control the migration of pollution. In the interest of public safety, following construction, there is a requirement to test these structures in orde to assess if they meet the design critetia. At present this is done only indirectly via laboratory testing on samples obtained from the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Geologic studies in connection with Project Discus Thrower have furnished detailed stratigraphic and structural information about northwestern Yucca Flat, Nevada Test Site. The Paleozoic rocks consist of a lower carbonate sequence, argillite of the Eleana Formation, and an upper carbonate sequence. The distribution of these rocks suggests that both top and bottom of the Eleana are structural contacts, probably thrusts or reverse faults. The overlying tuff includes several units recognized in the subsurface, such as the Fraction Tuff and tuff of Redrock Valley. Other units recognized include bedded tuff associated with the Grouse Canyon Member of Belted Range Tuff, and the Rainier Mesa and Ammonia Tanks Members of the Timber Mountain Tuff. The Timber Mountain and Grouse Canyon are extensively altered to montmorillonite (a swelling clay), possibly as a result of ponding of alkaline water. The overlying alluvium locally contains at the base a clayey, tuffaceous ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The US NRC, in its Generic Environmental Impact Statement on uranium milling has specified that the radon flux escaping a uranium mill tailings pile will be reduced to pCi/m/sup 2/ s by application of covering layers of soils and clays. These covers present a radon diffusion barrier, which sufficiently increases the time required for radon passage from the tailings to the atmosphere to allow for decay of /sup 222/Rn within the cover. The depth of cover necessary to reduce the escaping radon flux to the prescribed level is to be determined by calculation, and requires precise knowledge of the radon diffusion coefficient in the covering media. A Radon Attenuation Test Facility was developed to determine rates of radon diffusion through candidate cover materials. This paper describes this facility and its application for determining the influence of physical properties of the soil column on the radon diffusion coefficient.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Two years old self-rooted Koroneiki olive trees (Olea europaea L.) were subjected to two irrigation regimes, i.e. the fully irrigated and the severely water stressed trees, while they were treated with three alleviating products of different mode of action. The products used were the osmolyte glycine betaine, the antioxidant Ambiol and the heat and irradiance reflecting kaolin clay particles. The effects of product application and water regime on leaf characteristics, shoot and root growth, photosynthesis, leaf compatible solids (carbohydrates) concentration and yield were evaluated. All products applied, exhibited significant alleviating action, based on the relative alleviation index. Irrigated trees exhibited greater growth than drought stressed ones, while the ameliorating products mai...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Red mud is a waste generated by the aluminum industry, and its disposal is a major problem for this industry. Very rich in iron, it can be used as cheap pigment for colored concrete. The red coloration can be enhanced by calcination in the range of 600 to 800 C. Such operation also transforms the aluminum hydroxides (goethite and boehmite) and clays minerals into pozzolanic admixtures that are able to consume the calcium hydroxide produced by cement hydration. Thus, it is possible to develop a new admixture for concrete: a pozzolanic pigment. The pozzolanic properties of calcined red mud were investigated by monitoring lime consumption of different mixtures of OPC and red mud. The main products of hydration were C-S-H and mono-carboaluminate (C{sub 4}A{bar C}H{sub 11}). A uniform and durable colored concrete was obtained using white cement interground with 11% of burnt red mud.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The reference method used to analyse polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) is chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS). It is interesting to check the suitability of screening methods that are faster and less expensive. Different matrices (milk, fish oil, chicken compound feed, pork tissue, chicken tissue, sepiolitic clay, whole egg and herring tissue) were analysed in the frame of the European project DIFFERENCE1. One of the aims of this project is to optimise screening methods. The CALUX bio-assay was one of the screening techniques used. This paper presents the extraction and purification methods used for the analyses. The CALUX results for dioxins and for dl-PCBs were compared to the corresponding GC-HRMS results.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The structural parameters of various Haegg phases (H or M_n_+_1AX_n phases) are studied experimentally by x-ray and electron spectroscopies, x-ray diffraction, and ab initio full potential as well as full mutiple scattering theoretical calculations. Experimentally it was found that the structure of all ternary compounds analyzed herein are relaxed. The values of the lattice parameters and relaxations obtained from ab initio calculations are in excellent agreement with those deduced from the analysis of the experimental data. The bonding scheme has been analyzed and the charge transfer between constituting atoms determined. It is demonstrated that the strength and electrical transport properties in these materials are principally governed by the metallic planes. For the solid solution (Ti_0_._5Nb_0_._5)_2AlC, the most salient result is that the basal planes are corrugated, which could explain the solid solution scattering observed in this H ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A semirelativistic two-component extended linear augmented plane-wave k#centre dot#p method is described. In order to ensure a high accuracy of the k#centre dot#p method, it is necessary to include into the radial-basis set, which is used for the augmentation of the plane waves, functions that are neither solutions of the Schrodinger equation nor their energy derivatives. The usual scalar relativistic procedure, which is nonlinear in energy, is not applicable to such basis sets. As an alternative, we suggest an approximation to the Foldy-Wouthuysen Hamiltonian that produces an explicitly Hermitean matrix in the augmented plane wave representation. The technique is applied to the calculation of the full dielectric matrix and optical properties of palladium and platinum metals over the photon energy region up to 100 eV. Special attention is paid to the far ultraviolet absorption by the excitations of semicore Pd 4p and Pt 5p ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Increase usage of magnesium components in the portable electronics industries has propelled considerable research interest on the development of magnesium forging. There have been some studies done in the area of sheet metal forming and forging of axis-symmetrical parts of magnesium alloys but there are very little work done on the plane strain backward extrusion of magnesium alloy. This paper deals with the analysis of plane strain extrusion of magnesium alloy, AZ31, using numerical modeling at different extrusion conditions of temperatures and friction coefficients. A commercially available finite element package, ANSYS/LSDYNA, was used in the finite element analysis. FE simulated results, material deformation, punch force and stress/strain distributions, were compared with actual experimental data. From the numerical analysis, a decrease in forging temperature from 300 C to 250 C will lead to a moderate increase in forming resistance. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Due to the increased computer power and advanced algorithms, quantum mechanical calculations based on Density Functional Theory are more and more widely used to solve real materials science problems. In this context large nonlinear generalized eigenvalue problems must be solved repeatedly to calculate the electronic ground state of a solid or molecule. Due to the nonlinear nature of this problem, an iterative solution of the eigenvalue problem can be more efficient provided it does not disturb the convergence of the self-consistent-field problem. The blocked Davidson method is one of the widely used and efficient schemes for that purpose, but its performance depends critically on the preconditioning, i.e. the procedure to improve the search space for an accurate solution. For more diagonally dominated problems, which appear typically for plane wave based pseudopotential calculations, the inverse of the diagonal of (H - ES) is used. However, for the more efficient ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Experiments were conducted to confirm the isotropic spatial resolution of multislice CT with a 0.5 mm slice thickness. Isotropic spatial resolution means that the spatial resolution in the transaxial plane (X-Y plane) and that in the longitudinal direction (Z direction) are equivalent. To obtain point spread function (PSF) values in the X-Y-Z directions, three-dimensional voxel data were obtained by helical scanning of a bead phantom. The modulation transfer function (MTF) values were then obtained by three-dimensional Fourier transform of the PSF. Evaluation of the spatial resolution in the X-Y-Z directions by the MTF values showed that the spatial resolution in the Z direction does not depend on the reconstruction kernel used. It was also found that the spatial resolution in the Z direction, as compared with that in the X-Y plane, is superior with the standard kernel for the abdomen and is inferior with the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new focal plane detector for an Enge split pole spectrograph has been developed which is able to resolve individual elements and isotopes up to the mass 100 region. It consists of a 60 cm long position sensitive parallel plate avalanche counter backed by a large Bragg curve detector. Compared with other position sensitive focal plane counters the new detector system has a very good time resolution (less than 300 ps) and can be operated at much higher counting rates (up to 25 kHz). The intrinsic resolution of the position detector is less than 1 mm. In addition to the energy and the nuclear charge signal obtained from the Bragg curve detector the angle of incidence into the detector can be measured with an accuracy of better than 1/sup 0/. The detector has already been used in a variety of experiments where good timing, counting rate behavior, and excellent mass resolution over a large energy range were essential.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The use of linear accelerators in radiotherapy is of great importance in Medicine, and according to international recommendations the electron beam dosimetry has to be performed using plane-parallel ionization chambers, previously calibrated in standard gamma radiation fields at accredited laboratories. In this work, calibration methods of plane-parallel ionization chambers used in dosimetry procedures of high energy electron beams of clinical accelerators were presented, tested and intercompared. The experiments were carried out using gamma radiation beams of {sup 60} Co at the Calibration Laboratory of Clinical Dosemeters at IPEN and electron beams od 4 to 16 MeV at the Radiotherapy Department of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo. A method was chosen to be established at IPEN. Proposals of the calibration procedure, calibration certificate and data sheets are presented. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The feasibility of immobilizing simulated radioactive slurry (SRS) by alkali-activated slag---clay minerals composite cement (AASCM) was studied under the experimental conditions. The results show that the dosage of SRS and water cement ratio (W/C) have significant effect on the flowability of the mixture of AASCM and SRS. The more dosage of SRS, the lower flowability. When cement/sand ratio is 1: 1 and W/C is 0.45, the flowability of the mixture meets the case of solidification engineering and the compressive strength of the waste forms containing 20% SRS meets the needs of GB 14569.1-93. The setting time of the mixture of AASCM and SRS is highly dependent on temperature while sorts of anions have little influence on it. The application of AASCM is suitable below 20 degree C. The leaching resistance of AASCM based waste forms is superior to that of OPC based waste forms. The control of the forms to Sr2+ is stronger than that to Cs+. Silicon fume can improve ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The migration of gaseous radon through the soil is depending on the geology of the region and may vary locally because of occurrence of fractures in impermeable layers and existence of fractures and faults. To identify areas with elevated radon concentration in soil gas, it is very helpful to know the geological structure of the area under study and how the high permeability soils are situated in the overburden. Topography of the surface in the Krakow area is determined by exhumed structure of late Alpine foreland, dismembered into systems of several normal fault-bounded carbonate horsts, erosional monadocks and grabens, and partially filled with marine Miocene clays of Carpathian foredeep basin. Radon geofluid, generated partially in sub-Jurassic, U-rich crystalline basement, migrates vertically to surface through permeable, jointed, faulted and karstified Jurassic limestone. Under the cover the radon fluxes are channelled by adjacent list ric faults and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The energy bands and the nature of the conduction electrons have been studied for three intermetallic compounds of dysprosium. e.g., DyZn, DyCu and DyRh, following the augmented plane wave method. Density of states results are given and have implications for the stability of the structure of the intermetallic compounds of dysprosium. The charge densities and the number of conduction electrons inside and outside the APW spheres in each of these compounds are calculated; it is shown that the character of conduction electrons within the Dy APW sphere is principally of d type for all the compounds. The consequence of the predominance of d electron in the conduction bands on the various physical parameters is discussed. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A self-consistent pseudopotential method together with a mixed-basis set of plane waves and Gaussian orbitals are used to determine the electronic structure of the (001) surface of molybdenum. The pseudopotential is derived from a self-consistent calculation of the atomic levels and wave functions, and is tested for bulk molybdenum. The resulting bulk band structure and density of states are compared with existing augmented-plane-wave APW calculations. The same potential is applied to investigate the electronic structure of an uncontracted Mo (001) surface. A complete analysis of the surface states is given in terms of their distribution in the two-dimensional surface Brillouin zone, charge-density distribution, and the local density of states. The results are in very good agreement with recent photoemission measurements.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The FLAPW (full-potential linearized-augmented plane-wave) method is one of the most accurate first-principles methods for determining electronic and magnetic properties of crystals and surfaces. Until the present work, the FLAPW method has been limited to systems of less than about one hundred atoms due to a lack of an efficient parallel implementation to exploit the power and memory of parallel computers. In this work we present an efficient parallelization of the method by division among the processors of the plane-wave components for each state. The code is also optimized for RISC (reduced instruction set computer) architectures, such as those found on most parallel computers, making full use of BLAS (basic linear algebra subprograms) wherever possible. Scaling results are presented for systems of up to 686 silicon atoms and 343 palladium atoms per unit cell, running on up to 512 processors on a CRAY T3E parallel computer.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The electronic structure and optical properties in tetragonal ceramics PbTiO_3, are studied by using full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method in density functional theory with the generalized gradient approximation by WIEN2K package. The theoretical calculated optical properties and energy loss spectrum yield a static refractive index of 2.59 and a plasmon energy of 22.7eV for the tetragonal phase. The effective electron number at low energy saturates near 22-23eV with the value of 50 for the effective electron number. The results show a indirect band gap of 2.2eV at the I' point in the Brillouin zone. The :calculated band structure and density of states of PbTiO_3 agree with previous experimental and theoretical results.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In general, macroscopic material failure is a manifestation of irreversible changes at the microscopic level. Many tissues, which may appear to be macroscopically homogeneous, are, at a fundamental microscopic level, a composite material. For example, cornea is composed of a hyaluronic acid matrix in which layers of collagen fibers are overlaid in a crossing pattern. The points where the collagen fibers intersect are potential nucleation sites for microscopic defects, which under the action of tensile stress, nucleate, grow and coalesce to form macroscopic failure planes, or spall planes. Using a model based on microstructural evolution, this paper examines the failure process during photoablation. Specifically, the paper describes a physically motivated, micromechanical model based on the nucleation and growth of spherical voids. This model is then used to simulate photoablation of cornea. Potential for using this model to predict the stress ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The advent of carbon nanotubes, which are graphite layers convoluted in cylinders several nanometers in diameter and several micrometers in length, as well as the experiments on implanting metal atoms in such tubes open the way to producing nanoconductors and other materials with unique properties. For theorists, the basic challenge is interpreting and predicting the structure and properties of these systems. The linearized augmented-plane-wave method (LAPW) is one of the most accurate methods in the theory of the electronic structure of solids. A generalization of this method for quasi-two-dimensional systems, surface electronic states, and layered crystals is known. The LAPW theory for quasi-unidimensional systems, which exhibit translational symmetry in one direction, has been absent thus far. In this paper, the authors suggest a version of such a theory and use this method to calculate the electronic structure of carbyne (a linear chain of carbon atoms) and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We report first-principles frozen-phonon calculations for the determination of the force-free geometry and the dynamical matrix of the five Raman-active A_1_g modes in YBa_2Cu_3O_7. To establish the shape of the phonon potentials atomic forces are calculated within the linearized-augmented-plane-wave method. Two different schemes emdash the local-density approximation (LDA) and a generalized gradient approximation (GGA)emdash are employed for the treatment of electronic exchange and correlation effects. We find that in the case of LDA the resulting phonon frequencies show a deviation from experimental values of approximately -10%. Invoking GGA the frequency values are significantly improved and also the eigenvectors are in very good agreement with experimental findings. copyright 1997 The American Physical Society.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A theoretical study of electron and positron band structures of zinc-blende AlN and InN and their alloy Al_0_._5In_0_._5N is presented using the first-principles full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method. Equilibrium lattices constants are determined from the total-energy minimization method. The results are compared with previous calculations and with experimental measurement. Electron and positron charge densities are computed as function of position in the unit cell. Detailed plots of distributions are along the direction. The ionicity factors are calculated by means of three different approaches. The calculated results of the positron charge density reflect the high insight for the annihilation effect.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Weyl-Wigner prescription for quantization on Euclidean phase spaces makes essential use of Fourier duality. The extension of this property to more general phase spaces requires the use of Kac algebras, which provide the necessary background for the implementation of Fourier duality on general locally groups. Kac algebras - and the duality they incorporate are consequently examined as candidates for a general quantization framework extending the usual formalism. Using as a test case the simplest non-trivial phase space, the half-plane, it is shown how the structures present in the complete-plane case must be modified. Traces, for example, must be replaced by their noncommutative generalizations - weights - and the correspondence embodied in the Weyl-Wigner formalism is no more complete. Provided the underlying algebraic structure is suitably adapted to each case, Fourier duality is shown to be indeed a very powerful guide to the quantization ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This report summarizes the results of a research programme which involves the development of a laboratory experimental facility for the simulation and study of hydro-thermo-mechanical processes in saturated geomaterials with low permeability. The experimentation involves a synthetic cement based porous material made of cement grout which possesses permeabilities in the range of dense unfractured sandstones or shale. Specially manufactured pore-pressure transducers were installed within the cylindrical block at locations adjacent to a plane free boundary. The block was saturated with the periodic application of a vacuum. In its saturated state the plane boundary of the block was subjected to heating via a circular heater the temperature of which was maintained constant. The resulting pore pressure generation along with temperature at these locations was monitored continuously. The results of a series of experiments are documented and further ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Isotropic Compton profiles of TaC and TaN have been measured for the first time, at an intermediate resolution, using 662 keV #gamma#-radiation. Energy bands, density of states and Fermi surface topology of TaC and TaN have been computed using linear combination of atomic orbitals with density functional theory and full potential linearised augmented plane wave method. Both band structure calculations predict the metallic character of TaC and TaN. The electron momentum densities calculated using various approaches of density functional theory are compared with the present measurements. On the basis of Mulliken's population, it is also seen that TaC has more covalent bonding than TaN. The optical properties computed using full potential linearised augmented plane wave method are explained in terms of intraband transitions.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The contribution of exchange processes (heavy stripping and substitution) into the amplitude of the 25-30 MeV #alpha#-particle elastic scattering by "1"2C and "4"0Ca nuclei is examined taking into account the distortion of plane waves of initial and finite particles. The eikonal approximation is used for accounting for distortions. The matrix elements of exchange processes are calculated. The results of calculations show that the Wronskian cutoff radii are close to those which have been obtained for calculation of exchange processes in the plane-wave approximation. The moduli of the values defining the contribution of exchange processes to the total S matrix are plotted. Also presented are Argand diagrams and angular distributions for both reactions. It has been established that the account for exchange processes improves the agreement of theoretical curves with the experiment in the whole range of angles, as compared with the optical model.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Precipitation-hardened single crystals of a beta (bcc) Ti--40 at. percent V--1.0 at. percent Si alloy were deformed in compression at 77 and 298"0K. The dependence of the yield stress upon aging time at 843"0K for solution-treated crystals shows two maxima which are caused by silicide precipitates. The orientation dependence of the yield stress and of the active macroscopic slip plane were determined as a function of aging time. The solution-treated as well as aged crystals exhibit an asymmetry of both the yield stress and the plane of slip, the degree of asymmetry being larger at 77 than at 298"0K. The asymmetry of slip and yielding is not affected by the presence of precipitation hardening. Results indicate that the effect of the dislocation core structure on dislocation motion is independent of the presence of precipitates. (auth).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The authors describe a small doubly reflecting research furnace. Its optical components, a heliostat and a concentrating array of hexagonal-in-plan-form mirrors, focus sunlight at the aperture of a cavity receiver. A perfect paraboloid of revolution would have given higher concentration ratios. But large paraboloids are difficult to make and manipulate. Small hexagons are convenient and can be close packed. Spherical mirrors centered on a sphere simplified construction and were economical. In this note they use a simple model to describe the radial distribution of the normal flux at the focus of such an array. A schematic representation of a cross section of the concentrator mirror array in a plane which includes its axis is shown.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The electronic structure of the C15, or cubic-Laves-phase material, UAl/sub 2/ has been calculated using the linearized relativistic augmented-plane-wave method. The anomalous behavior of the electrical resistivity, specific heat, and magnetic susceptibility can be explained by the fine structure of the density of states near the Fermi energy alone, without the necessity of the introduction of drastic spin fluctuations or many-body effects.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The general relativistic version is developed for Robertson's discussion of the Poynting-Robertson effect that he based on special relativity and Newtonian gravity for point radiation sources like stars. The general relativistic model uses a test radiation field of photons in outward radial motion with zero angular momentum in the equatorial plane of the exterior Schwarzschild or Kerr spacetime.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The wavefunction of a positron in ReO is calculated using the augmented-plane-wave method. Due to the loosely-packed structure of ReO_3, the ground-state GAMMA_1 wavefunction exhibits a marked anisotropy particularly around the oxygen ions, and a large fraction of a positron is distributed in the interstitial region. Experimental results of the positron annihilation 2#gamma#-correlations and the positron annihilation rates in ReO_3 are discussed based on the positron wavefunction. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes the implementations of a fuzzy logic based self-tuned controller to improve the stability of electric power systems. The stabilizing signal is computed using the standard fuzzy membership function depending on the speed/acceleration state of the generator in the phase plane. The performance of the proposed stabilizer is demonstrated by practical implementation using a digital signal processor mounted on a PC-AT. Results of the experimental tests on a physical model of a power system are presented.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The case of spontaneous radiation of channeled ultrarelativistic particles is considered when the dipolarity condition is not satisfied. The change of the particle longitudinal velocity affecting the maximum radiation frequency is included. The angular and frequency characteristics of the radiation for superhigh energies are studied for the first time. It is shown that there is an optimum energy at which the radiation density is maximum. The influence of the angle at which electrons enter a crystal and of the beam divergence on the radiation is investigated. The problem of quasichanneled particle radiation and also the radiation in axis-plane transitions are considered. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Modern high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) instruments, which are capable of a point-to-point resolution of better than 0.2 nm, have allowed atomic-scale observations of a variety of internal interfaces. The application of the HREM technique to fcc model systems for the purpose of addressing a number of interface issues will be examined in this paper. Atomic structure observations for heterophase interfaces of metal/metal and metal/metal-oxide systems as well as HREM studies of grain boundaries in NiO and Au will be discussed with emphasis on generic structural features and the role of the interface plane. Comparisons between observed interface structures and atomistic computer modeling results have shown agreements for some interfaces, as well as certain differences in others. A number of structural features are common to both metal and oxide grain boundaries, as well as certain heterophase boundaries. Of particular importance in close-packed solids appears ...

CERN Document Server

We present the first results from tests of a MICROMEGAS detector manufactured using the so-called "bulk" technology and having a resistive cathode mesh instead of the conventional metallic one. This detector operates as usual MICROMEGAS, but in the case of sparks, which may appear at high gas gains, the resistive mesh reduces their current and makes the sparks harmless. This approach could be complementary to the ongoing efforts of various groups to develop spark-protected MICROMEGAS with resistive anode planes.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It is shown that the section of the energy surface corresponding to the longitudinal mode by the principal xy-plane for the A-15 compounds will degenerate into four points at the corners of a square at very low temperatures in the cubic phase. When the quasi-shear mode propagating along the (110) direction becomes soft, simultaneously the longitudinal mode will exhibit unusually high phonon focussing. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The chain of eddy current probes and a film cassette probe, which responds to radiation from a radio-active source in one of the heat exchanger pipes is examined. The probes are moved by nylon pipes on both ends of the chain through the pipe to be examined. The nylon pipes are bent off load. In this way the probes on the chain will adjust near to the plane of bending of the pipes to be tested.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To calculate the energy band structures in semiconductors using the relativistic augmented plane wave method, atomic potential and charge density are needed, which are calculated by self-consistent method. Wave function for one electron is determined by solving the Dirac equation with the Hartree-Fock equation based on the slater's exchange potential. The results of calculation for Cu"+"1 are given. (Author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

On the basis of symmetry way of texture description a calculation method of elastic moduli of two-phase titanium alloys with rolling texture has been suggested. Efficiency of the calculation formulas is checked by comparing the calculation results of Young modulus anisotropy in the sheet plane of (#alpha#+#beta#)-titanium alloy VT23 with the experimental data.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An interface-marker technique has been used to investigate the relative rates of diffusion of Si and of metal atoms during the growth of metal silicide films. The technique enables recognition of a reference plane in thin film diffusion using Rutherford backscattering, while minimizing any perturbation of the diffusion process. Examples are drawn from studies of the growth of silicides of W, Mo, Ta, Nb, Pd and Pt. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Albedo Theory was applied in order to develop an one-group algorithm for coupled neutron-gamma shielding calculations. The configuration analyzed consists of multilayered plane systems, where a incident neutron current generates gamma radiation through neutron-gamma reactions. The results obtained by Albedo Method and ANISN code have shown excellent agreement. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We present a formulation of ab initio electronic structure calculations in a finite magnetic field, which retains the simplicity and efficiency of techniques widely used in first principles molecular dynamics simulations, based on plane-wave basis sets and Fourier transforms. In addition we discuss results obtained with this method for the energy spectrum of interacting electrons in quantum wells, and for the electronic properties of dense fluid deuterium in a uniform magnetic field.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Red mud, which is a pollutant residue from the extraction of alumina from bauxite ore, was utilized as an additive to a well blended mixture of three Egyptian clays, feldspar, quartz and grog. This was added in gradual proportions to study its effect on the vitrification properties of fired samples. Samples were moulded under a pressure of 20.7 MPa and fired at temperatures ranging from 950 C to 1100 C for soaking periods up to three hours. Compressive strength was determined as function of percent red mud added and firing temperature. A semi-exponential relation was established between strength and apparent porosity. 50 x 50 mm tiles containing 70% red mud addition and fired at 1100 C for one hour were tested. They were found to match the standards required for glazed wall tiles bodies. Tiles fired at 1100 C for 3 hours were compatible with the standards for glazed floor tiles. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thermal conductivity is an important property that governs the behaviour of leaf compost biofilters used in treating gaseous pollutants. Measurements were carried out for the thermal conductivity (K) of 44 samples of leaf compost, covering wide ranges of the volume fractions of water (#xi#_w), solids (#xi#_s) and air (#xi#_a), at 20 deg. C using an unsteady state thermal probe. The results indicated that the compost thermal conductivity increased with an increase in #xi#_w, with a decrease in #xi#_a, and with an increase in the degree of saturation (defined as the volumetric fraction of water in the total void space). The predictions from the Woodside-Messmer quadratic parallel (QP) model for the thermal conductivity of leaf compost were higher than the experimental values. A simple linear relationship was developed between the thermal conductivity and the degree of saturation, which provided a satisfactory correlation for the data measured in this study as well as those reported ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect is reported of seven inorganic oxide additives on both the formation mechanism and the densification of X-Sialon prepared by a silicothermal process. The oxides were added to the starting mixture of halloysite clay, alumina and elemental silicon at a level of 1 wt% of the calculated final product, and fired in nitrogen at 1200-1500 deg C. The formation of X-Sialon was monitored by thermal analysis, powder XRD and 2"7"Al and "2"9Si solid state MAS NMR The effects of the additives are temperature dependent and influence the various stages of the reaction by differing degrees. The oxides which best promote the formation of crystalline X-Sialon (Y_2O_3, CaO and MgO) are also those which facilitate the conversion of initially-formed Si_3N_4 to SiO_2N_2 and SiO_3N units. Densification is most enhanced by Y_2O_3 CaO and CeO_2; MgO exerts its maximum effect on sintering at lower temperatures. Copyright (1998) Australasian Ceramic Society

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neutron radiography (NR) is a useful non-destructive method for determination of hydrogen content in various building and technical materials. Monitoring of transport processes of moisture and hydrogenous liquids in porous building materials is enabled by fast, quasi-real-time NR methods based on novel imaging plate neutron detectors (IP-NDs). Hydrogen content in the samples is determined by quantitative analysis of measured profiles of neutron attenuation in the samples. Detailed description of quantitative NR method is presented by the authors in another accompanying contribution at this conference. Deterioration of building materials is originated by different processes that all require presence of water therefore it is essential to limit or prevent the transport of water through the porous material. In this presentation, results of a study of clay brick impregnation by silicone based hydrophobic agents will be presented. Quantitative results obtained by NR ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract This research aimed to investigate coarse root systems of Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Sm.) trees at a 13-year-old restored bauxite mine site in south-western Australia. Excavations in an area with small trees (low-quality site) revealed that deep ripping equipment failed to penetrate the cemented lateritic subsoil, restricting coarse roots (roots >5 mm in diameter) to the top 0.5 m of the soil profile, resulting in fewer (1,344 stems/ha) and smaller (mean height 4.5 m) Jarrah trees. An adjacent area within the same pit (high-quality site), with a stand density of 3,256 stems/ha and a mean height of 8.0 m, had a kaolinitic clay subsoil which coarse roots penetrated to the average ripping depth (1.5 m). Trees at the low-quality site did not penetrate the subsoil with their ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The results of the laboratory studies performed by CIEMAT with the FEBEX bentonite in the context of WP3.2 of the NF-PRO Project and of the Agreement ENRESA-CIEMAT Anexo V are presented and analysed in this report. They refer to the effect of the hydraulic gradient on the permeability of bentonite, the effect of the thermal gradient on the hydration kinetics of bentonite, and the repercussion of temperature on the hydro-mechanical properties of bentonite (swelling, permeability and water retention capacity). In all the cases the bentonite has been used compacted to densities expected in the engineered barrier of a high-level radioactive waste repository. The existence of threshold and critical hydraulic gradients has been observed, both of them dependent on bentonite density and water pressures. After more than seven years of hydration, the 40-cm high bentonite columns are far from full saturation, the thermal gradient additionally delaying the process, which is very slow. Temperatures ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This study presents the findings of radiometric analysis carried out to determine the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in raw materials (clay, kaolin, quartz, feldspar, dolomite, alumina, bauxite, zirconium minerals, red mud and frit) and end products (glazed ceramic wall and floor tiles) in the Turkish ceramics industry. Hundred forty-six samples were obtained from various manufacturers and suppliers throughout the country and analyzed using gamma-ray spectrometer with HPGe detectors. Radiological parameters such as radium equivalent activity, activity concentration index and alpha index were calculated to assess the radiological aspects of the use of the ceramic end products as decorative or covering materials in construction sector. Results obtained were examined in the light of the relevant national and international legislation and guidance and compared with the results of similar studies reported in different countries. The results suggest ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A nation-wide survey of natural radioactivity in building materials was conducted during 1982-1984. Samples including industrial wastes, by-products and common building materials were collected from main building material manufactories in 29 provinces except Taiwan. The results of exposure rates, specific activities and release rate for "2"2"2Rn are presented. The specific activities of common materials are listed in declining order as follows: clay bricks > common concrete and sandstones > limes and ordinary cement. The highest level was found in breeze bricks made of stone coal, phosphogypsum and red mud with high intrinsic radioactivity. Therefore, these raw materials should be strictly controlled in manufacturing building materials. The measurement results also showed that the typical specific activities of common building materials in our country were "2"2"6Ra 50 Bq/kg, "2"3"2Th 50 Bq/kg and "4"0K 500 Bq/kg. Based on the surveyed results and foreign ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This work deals with a new route to modify polymer blend morphology in order to improve the porosity of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). First, electrically conductive polymer-based blends were carefully formulated using a twin-screw extrusion process. Blend electrical conductivity was ensured by the addition of high specific surface area carbon black and synthetic graphite flakes. Final GDL porosity, in particular its macroporosity, was generated by melt blending polyamide 11 (PA11) matrix with polystyrene (PS) followed by PS extraction with tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent at room temperature. In order to improve GDL porosity by the optimisation of PS dispersion in the PA11 matrix, PA11/PS blends were compatibilised by the addition of 2 wt.-% of clay. It was observed that both macroporosity and pore size distribution were beneficially modified after blend compatibilisation. Final GDL conductivity of about 1.25 S cm{sup ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The detection limit of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), about a few microgram per kg, is not sufficient to determine iridium concentrations in most geological samples. Use of the coincidence counting of the 316 and 468 keV gamma-rays emitted during the decay of {sup 192}Ir, improved the sensitivity (0.01 microgram per kg). The high iridium content of the clay layers from the Cretaceous-Tertiary transition (KTB) has been considered as an evidence of the extra-terrestrial origin of the KTB mass extinction. However some results indicate that a significant part of the iridium content in sediments has a volcanic origin. Radiochemical Neutron Activation Analysis (RNAA) in some KTB samples and in basic and ultra-basic rocks show that, unlike in volcanic products, no PGE (platinoids) fractionation appears in KTB samples. The nearby chondritic PGE pattern supports an extra-terrestrial origin for the KTB iridium anomaly. 2 figs., 2 tabs., 37 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Different experimental measurements (Theology, granulometry, XRD) were carried out in order to study the main properties of bentonite suspensions in presence of anionic additives at different concentrations. These additives are: Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) as surfactant, a flexible polymer (Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, CMC) and a semi-rigid polymer (Xanthan gum). It has been shown that the structural nature of anionic additive influences directly the mixtures viscoelastic and flow behavior. The steric effect of the surfactant modifies the Face-Edge interactions and yields changes of the mixtures rheological behavior at low deformation rates. Polymers act by coating each clay particle and prevent their agglomeration. Therefore, bentonite has no direct effect on the rheological behavior of the mixtures: the additives are responsible for the mechanisms of de-structuration and structure reorganization as well as the mixtures viscous and viscoelastic behavior. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pile foundations in several coastal and offshore structures are subjected to significant amounts of lateral loads due to wave action. Usually batter piles are adopted to resist large lateral loads. In this investigation an attempt has been made to study the behavior of batter pile in clayey soils through an experimental program carried out on instrumented model aluminium piles of 26 mm diameter in a test tank of size, 1,200 mm x 800mm x 1,100 mm. The pile was instrumented with electrical resistance type strain gauges to determine the bending moment variations along the depth of embedment of pile. Bending moment vis depth relationships were used to determine the Soil reaction (p) and lateral displacement (y) along the length of the pile for the applied load. From the bending moment vs depth curves it is found that depth of maximum bending moment is greater for negative batter pile than for vertical and positive batter pile. The data of soil reaction and lateral displacement against ...

Science.gov (United States)

Website hosted by the American Ceramics Society with history of ceramics education, along with notable ceramic engineering educators. "In May 1894, two rooms in the basement of The Ohio State University?s College of Engineering were set aside to create a new department: Clay-Working and Ceramics. Founded with a $10,000 grant from the State of Ohio, the department was the first of its kind anywhere in the nation. The course of study was the idea and personal project of Edward Orton Jr., a young mining engineer. Orton had gathered his ceramic knowledge, piece by piece, from various jobs in coalmines, glass factories and steel plants. In 1893 he was the superintendent for a factory that made paving bricks. Orton?s factory, hit by an ?acute crisis,? closed, leaving him with some unexpected extra time. He used the opportunity to lobby for the passage of what some people dubbed the ?Mud Pie Bill? ? legislated funding to establish a school to train professionals in the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The thermomechanical behaviour of clayey soils was examined in a laboratory study because of their importance in some engineering applications such as hydrocarbon extraction from oil-bearing sands and radioactive waste disposal. The slightest temperature variations have been known to have an impact on the mechanical behaviour of clayey soils. In this study, tests were conducted on reconstituted and natural clayey soils using triaxial cells modified to control temperatures. Changes of temperature and stress state were not applied simultaneously. Instead, the tests were divided into two separate sections aimed at studying the thermal and mechanical behaviour of clays. The thermal behaviour tests examined the deformations induced by drainage temperature changes as well as pore-pressure generation and consolidation phenomena. The mechanical behaviour tests, focused on the influence of temperature and temperature history on compressibility, deformability and shear ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Time contour expression of limited range phenomena on stack chart is examined for further improvement on the result of the ultimate interpretation in the seismic reflection survey. The policy is made clear from the beginning that local phenomena are to be discussed, and data prior CMP stacking is interpreted in detail. For this purpose, it is effective to make use of the time contour expression in the midpoint-offset plane simultaneously with the CMP and COP panels. For the review of data prior to CMP stacking, it is convenient to use the CMP (CDP) stacking chart in which the data is arranged methodically. In this chart, all the channels which are crude data prior to stacking are plotted on midpoint-offset coordinates, which plane is called the MOD (Midpoint Offset Domain) panel. Various panels can be chosen unrestrictedly, and their mutual relations can be easily grasped. When data points are given a time axis, they can be expressed in a time ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The detailed electronic energy band structure of hexagonal close-packed #alpha#-zirconium, corresponding to the atomic configuration of 4d"25s"2 of its four outermost valence electrons, has been computed by the composite-wave variational version of the augmented-plane-wave(APW) method in conjunction with the X#alpha#(#alpha# = 0.70424) exchange approximation for obtaining the potentials. From these data the electronic density of states and its angular-momentum-decomposed components have been obtained by the Raubenheimer-Gilat method. These quantities are required in order to calculate the electron-phonon interaction parameter (lambda) and the superconducting transition temperature (Tsub(c)) within the framework of the theories of Gaspari and Gyorffy and McMillan. A study of the variation of Tsub(c) with the Coulomb pseudopotential (#mu#*) revealed that #mu#* = 0.1 yields the best agreement between theory and experiment for #alpha#-Zr. Also studied from the energy ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We studied the influence of alloying on the structural and electronic properties of the unrelaxed and relaxed Si_1_-_yC_y random alloys by means of ab initio theoretical calculations using two methods: (i) a supercell approach in connection with the plane-wave pseudopotential method; (ii) the full-potential augmented plane-wave plus local orbitals (APW+lo) method. The first method is used to obtain the relaxed atomic structure. The relaxed atomic positions obtained by pseudopotential calculations were used to calculate the band structure via the second method. The local density approximation was used for the exchange and correlation energy density functional. We investigated the lattice parameters and band gap energies. We found that a quite smaller gap appears in the neighborhood of y=0.03125 concentration of C atoms. The band gap shows a large anomalous bowing and is strongly composition dependent. The electron densities of states for the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The possibility of Pt-Cr surface alloys formation on Pt(0 0 1) was investigated and their magnetism was calculated by the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method with eight different atomic configurations. The most stable structure was calculated to be the Pt-segregated L1_2 ferromagnetic surface alloy. A_3B types (L1_2 or D0_2_2) were more stable compared to AB types (L1_0). It implies that the A_3B type surface alloys may be formed when depositing a monolayer of Cr on Pt(0 0 1). It was found from the total energy calculations that there exists a strong tendency of the Pt segregation. The segregation further stabilizes the surface alloy significantly. The work function of the most stable surface alloy was calculated to be 6.02 eV and the magnetic moment of the surface Cr was much enhanced to 3.3 #mu# _B. It is a quite interesting finding that the coupling between Cr and Pt atoms on the surface plane is ferromagnetic in ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Focused Ion Beam (FIB) milling is a powerful tool to produce ordered magnetic nanostructures. However, it is impossible to produce out-of-plane magnetized nanoscale structures from multilayer films by direct FIB writing. Co/Pt multilayers exhibit an out-of-plane easy axis due to strong perpendicular interface anisotropy. The interface contribution is known to be very sensitive to high energy ion irradiation. In case of 30 keV Ga ions it needs less than one ion per 100 surface atoms to destroy the perpendicular interface anisotropy. We demonstrate how this problem can be overcome by milling a Co/Pt multilayer, which has been deposited on a SiN membrane, from the rear side, through the SiN. The effect of the ions is determined as a function of applied dose utilizing the domain structure imaged by soft X-ray holography. When the magnetic material is removed we find only a very narrow range of destruction around the holes in contrast to the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We report the results of a linearized augmented-plane-wave calculation of the electronic structure of fcc La at three lattice constants corresponding to ambient pressure, 50, and 120 kbars. The Kohn-Sham-Gaspar approximation for exchange and correlation is used and the potential is allowed a fully non-muffin-tin form. The f bands lie approx.2--2.5 eV above the Fermi level and are approx.1 eV wide, resulting in a very small (0.05 electrons) localized f occupation. Under pressure the f bands rise and broaden appreciably, resulting in only a slight increase in f occupation. The rigid-muffin-tin approximation for the electron-phonon interaction lambda overestimates the superconducting transition temperature T/sub c/ by 40%, but we find that the drastic increase in T/sub c/ under pressure can be attributed primarily to changes in the electronic stiffness eta. Structural transitions which occur at 25 and 53 kbars may be related to changes in Fermi-surface topology which ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this paper, results on ozone production by atmospheric pulsed discharge, are reported. In the research, two types of ozonizer (Type I and Type II) have been used to investigate improvements of ozone concentration and production efficiency. The ozonizer has plane-to-plane metal electrodes structure, and pre-ionization electrodes are placed on the high voltage electrodes (Type I). In Type II, the surface of grounded electrode with 20 mm of width is covered partly by dielectric (thin rubber) with 11 mm of width, while the geometry of both metal electrodes is same to Type I. In the case of Type I, maximum concentration of about 100 ppm and maximum yield of 70 g/kWh were obtained at input power of 0.3 W. On the other hands, in the case of Type II, 800 ppm and 100 g/kWh were obtained at input power of 1.5 W. It was found that the ozone concentration and production yield were improved by using electrode covered by dielectric. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

With respect to concept of resolution in seismic exploration using the reflection method, detailed considerations were given on processes of forming the resolution as a result of arranging observation points at vibration transmitting and receiving points. In the discussion, numerical experiments were carried out, in which the scattering stacking process is applied in a model having one scatterer existing in homogeneous media. The experiments investigated an imaging formation process of the scatterer when arrangement of the vibration transmitting and receiving points were changed from a coarse condition to a dense condition while the number of transmitting and receiving points is being increased. Resolution is created if waveforms having finite frequencies are used as input, and the imaging is performed by utilizing the limited number of vibration receiving and transmitting points. If the concept of equi-travel plane is used under these conditions, the equi-travel ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Theoretical prediction of nuclear masses is analyzed as a pattern recognition problem on the N-Z plane. A global pattern is observed by plotting the differences between measured masses and Liquid Drop Model (LDM) predictions. After unfolding the data by removing the smooth LDM mass contributions, the remaining microscopic effects have proved difficult to model, although they display a striking pattern. These deviations carry information related to shell closures, nuc]ear deformation and the residual nuclear interactions. In the present work the more than 2000 known nuclear masses are studied as an array in the N-Z plane viewed through a mask, behind which the approximately 7000 unknown unstable nuclei that can exist between the proton and neutron drip lines are hidden. We show here that employing a Fourier transform deconvolution method these by masses can be predicted with similar accuracy than standard methods. We believe that a more general ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ga"+ focused ion beam (FIB) patterning was used to structure highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surfaces with square, periodic arrays of amorphous carbon defects (mesh sizes: 300 nm-2 #mu#m). Controlled oxygen etching of these arrays leads to matrices of uniform, orientationally aligned, nm-sized, hexagonal holes. The properties of the resulting hole assembly (hole depths and lateral hole dimensions) have been investigated by means of atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and FIB sectioning. The hole dimensions and uniformity both depend on the FIB parameters and etching conditions. Etching temperatures from 500 to 700 deg. C were applied. Initial etch rates of up to 10"6 C s"-"1 per individual hole were observed when using oxygen pressures of 200 mbar. For an etch temperature of 590 deg. C the rate of etching of individual holes was found to depend measurably on the inter-hole separation. This confirms that the associated reaction kinetics is mediated by the finite ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Local-density-functional calculations of the energy bands, equilibrium lattice constant, bulk modulus, and cohesive energy have been performed using a newly developed self-consistent full-potential linearized augmented-plane-wave (LAPW) program. Scalar-relativistic effects are included for the band states, and the core-level states are treated fully relativistically in a central-field approximation. Excellent agreement is obtained with the experimental lattice constant and bulk modulus. Generally good agreement is obtained with the scalar-relativistic pseudopotential results of Bylander and Kleinman. In this context, the impact of various approximations used in including the core states is assessed, and these findings are related to the frozen-core and pseudopotential approximations, especially with regard to the treatment of the somewhat overlapping 5p semicore states and their effect on ground-state properties. Comparison with the recent LAPW results of Jansen ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We have measured the lattice relaxation around As in Si at a homogeneous As concentration of 4x10"1"8 cm"-"3 by EXAFS spectroscopy. From the absorption spectra, distances up to the 4th shell could be extracted. A sizeable misfit due to an increased distance is only observed for the 1st shell. Complementing our experimental work we have performed ab initio calculations based on the density functional theory with the WIEN97 package which uses the linearised augmented plane wave method and with the FHI96md program which uses first-principles pseudo-potentials and a plane wave basis set to investigate the size dependence of the super-cells constructed around one substitutional As atom. The calculations yielded good agreement with our EXAFS experiment so that the determined relaxations can be used as a solid basis for further interpretations of derived parameters such as hyperfine interaction parameters in defect complexes.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nano-wire arrays of Niobium were produced by small angle sputtering on facetted sapphire, using the self shadowing effect of the facets. A wire width of about 80 nm was adjusted, the mean (maximum) wire height was about 20 nm (30 nm), the length can be in the cm range. Meander-film morphologies of 20 nm mean (26 nm maximum) thickness were produced by conventional sputtering onto smooth sapphire substrates at elevated temperatures. The morphology of the wires was investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM), using contact mode. Meander-films were studied by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). Hydrogen loading was performed by instantaneously increasing the hydrogen gas pressure above the solubility limit. Thus, an elongated hydride could be monitored in an about 30 nm thick wire. STM studies on meander-films show the presence of cylindrical hydrides. Local out-of-plane and in-plane expansion can be explained by the formation of hydrides, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The atomic structure of [001] tilt grain boundaries of {Sigma}5 (210), {Sigma}5 (310), {Sigma}13 (320) and {Sigma}17 (410) in TiO{sub 2}(rutile) were studied using high resolution electron microscopy and computer simulation. Regularly separated small steps (1/2 [120] high) and big steps (3/2 [120] high) which contain secondary dislocations were found in the (210) boundary as a result of deviation from the exact {Sigma}5 misorientation and (210) symmetric plane. Similar steps were also found in (310) and (320) boundaries. Flat segments between the steps were found to have very accurate misorientation of the {sigma}`s and a nearly symmetric boundary plane. Their rigid body translation, volume expansion and relaxed structures were determined by comparing HRTEM images with computer calculated structures and simulated images. An irregular core structure was found in the (410) boundary when its misorientation deviated 2{degree} from the exact ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this work we study the structural and electronic properties of Be chalcogenides (BeS, BeSe and BeTe) using two different methods: the full-potential linear augmented-plane wave (FP-LAPW) and the plane-wave pseudopotential (PPsPW). The exchange-correlation effects are treated in the local-density approximation (LDA) and the generalized-gradient approximation (GGA). We have evaluated the ground-state quantities such as equilibrium volume, bulk modulus and its pressure derivative as well as the elastic constants. Various structural phase transitions were considered here in order to confirm the most stable structure and to predict the phase transition under hydrostatic pressure. In addition we have studied the band structure and the density of states, which show a wide indirect band gap for these compounds. These results were in favourable agreement with previous theoretical works and the existing experimental data. To complete the fundamental ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The linearized-augmented-plane-wave (LAPW) method for thin films is generalized by removing the remaining shape approximation to the potential inside the atomic spheres. A new technique for solving Poisson's equation for a general charge density and potential is described and implemented in the film LAPW method. In the resulting full-potential LAPW method (FLAPW), all contributions to the potential are completely taken into account in the Hamiltonian matrix elements. The accuracy of the method: already well known for clean metal surfaces: is demonstrated for the case of a nearly free (noninteracting) O_2 molecule which is a severe test case of the method because of its large anisotropic charge distribution. Detailed comparisons show that the accuracy of the FLAPW results for O_2 exceeds that of existing state-of-the-art local-density linear-combination-of-atomic-orbitals (LCAO)-type calculations, and that taking the full potential LAPW results as a reference, the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was applied to evaluate the heterogeneity of a passive film formed on a pure iron electrode in deaerated pH 8.4 borate solution. A probe current image of SECM was measured with a tip-generation/sub-strate-collection (TO/SC) mode in deaerated pH 8.4 borate solution containing 0.03 moldm{sup -3} Fe(CN){sub 6}{sup 4-} as a mediator. The difference in thickness of passive films formed on two iron plates at different potentials could be evaluated from the probe current image. The probe current image of the passivated iron surface with distinctive crystal grains was composed of the patch patterns, the shapes of which coincided completely with the shapes of the substrate crystal grains. The probe current flowed above the grain surface oriented to {l_brace}100{r_brace} plane was less than that above the grain surface oriented to {l_brace}110{r_brace} or {l_brace}111{r_brace} plane. The grain orientation ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The detailed energy-band structure of hexagonal-close-packed technetium, corresponding to the atomic configuration 4d"55s"2 of its seven outermost valence electrons, has been obtained throughout the Brillouin zone using the composite-wave variational version of the augmented-plane-wave (APW) method in conjunction with the X#alpha# (#alpha# = 0.702 99) exchange approximation for obtaining the potentials. From the band-structure data the electronic density of states (DOS) and the angular-momentum--decomposed DOS were calculated by the accurate Gilat-Raubenheimer method. These quantities were used to calculate the electron-phonon coupling constant and the transition temperature (T/sub c/) using the theories of Gaspari and Gyorffy and of McMillan. Also studied were the Fermi surface and the optical properties of Tc via the imaginary part of the interband dielectric constant for bound electrons, the latter being the first of such a study on Tc to date. The ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In the MnIII complex of the title compound, [MnIII(C18H12N4O2)(H2O)2]ClO4, the MnIII atom is coordinated by four N atoms from the bpb2- [1,2-bis(pyridine-2-carboxamido)benzene] ligand located in the equatorial plane and two O atoms of water molecules at axial positions, yielding a distorted MnN4O2 octahedral coordination geometry. The bpb2- ligand is nearly planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.2311 (3) A from the mean plane. The MnIII complex cation and the perchlorate anion, both of which are located on twofold rotation axes, are connected by O-H...O and C-H...O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional supramolecular network structure.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This research involves the development of an analysis which yielded recommendations regarding the plate thickness at which the effects of transverse shear become significant enough to be taken into consideration during vibration testing of composite plates. The specimens designed using this analysis are to be used for the {open_quotes}inverse{close_quotes} problem of determining through-the-thickness elastic constants as well as in-plane elastic constants from modal vibration response data. The effects of transverse shear were studied over the range of practical plate aspect ratios (length to thickness ratios) and mode numbers. Behavior of composite plates ranging from isotropic to highly orthotropic was studied in order to investigate the effects of transverse shear. Orthotropic plates having in-plane dimensions of 254 x 254 mm and thicknesses varying from 10 mm to 80 mm, with free-free edge boundary conditions, were considered. A methodology ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A stable, accurate, and efficient implementation of MacCormack's explicit algorithm for the Parabolized Navier-Stokes equations is demonstrated. The familiar problem of decoding the conservative axial flux vector is solved, resulting in accurate, smooth dependent variable profiles through the viscous-layer sonic line. Source terms due to transformation of the parabolized governing equations into the computational plane and the equations into the computational plane and the resulting metric differencing have been identified and eliminated through inclusion of appropriate geometric conservation law terms. Test cases computed include two- and three-dimensional supersonic and hypersonic flow at laminar and turbulent Reynolds numbers. The computed results demonstrate very good agreement with experiment and with solutions of the full Navier-Stokes equations. Computational times required for the MacCormack explicit PNS code are approximately ...

CERN Document Server

We report the discovery of a bow shock around the high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) 4U 1907+09 using the Spitzer Space Telescope 24 $\\mu$m data (after Vela X-1 the second example of bow shocks associated with HMXBs). The detection of the bow shock implies that 4U 1907+09 is moving through the space with a high (supersonic) peculiar velocity. To confirm the runaway nature of 4U 1907+09, we measured its proper motion, which for an adopted distance to the system of 4 kpc corresponds to a peculiar transverse velocity of $\\simeq 160 \\pm 115$ km/s, meaning that 4U 1907+09 is indeed a runaway system and supporting the general belief that most of HMXBs possess high space velocities. The direction of motion of 4U 1907+09 inferred from the proper motion measurement is consistent with the orientation of the symmetry axis of the bow shock, and shows that the HMXB is running away from the Galactic plane. We also present the Spitzer images of the bow shock around Vela X-1 (a ...

Science.gov (United States)

Eliminating anterior tooth contact is paramount when treating combination syndrome. It is possible to do so through the use of linear occlusion with a non-interceptive arrangement and the bilateral fulcrum of protrusive stability. The presence of mandibular anterior teeth often complicates this procedure. When establishing the horizontal plane of occlusion, clinical circumstances often necessitate modifications; nevertheless, certain principles must be incorporated into the design of the prostheses. Clinical circumstances may dictate altering the approach but these principles must be maintained to eliminate anterior hyperfunction. PMID:15055634

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Experimental investigations of the turbulence characteristics of the air flow above the wave surface of the film in the horizontal rectangular channel in the 5-20 m/s velosity range of the air rate change (Reynolds number for the air 120O0-48000, 100-1000 for the film) are carried out. It is shown that intensities of turbulent pulsations of the rate increase with the growth of liquid flow rate in the film especially in the region of large squall waves. The experimental results on the pulsations are presented in the dimensionless form by a universal dependence. Distributions of tangentials of turbulent stresses above the film are obtained, turbulent stresses are compared with friction losses at the phase interface.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The magnon dispersion curve of Gd metal has been determined from first principles by use of augmented-plane-wave energy bands and wave functions. The exchange matrix elements I (k,k') between the 4f electrons and the conduction electrons from the first six energy bands were calculated under the assumption of an unscreened Coulomb interaction. The results are in good overall agreement with experiment provided the I (k,k') are diminished by a constant scale factor of about 2 which may be caused by screening.

CERN Document Server

A calorimetric-time-of-flight (CTOF) technique was used for real-time, high-precision measurement of neutron spectrum at the angle of 175 degrees from the initial proton beam direction, which hits a face plane of a cylindrical iron target of 20 cm in diameter and 25 cm thick. A comparison was performed between the neutron spectra predicted by the MARS and the MCNPX code systems and measured by experiments for 0.4-, 0.6-, 0.8-, 1.0-, and 1.2-GeV protons.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes the design of a high-voltage negative ion source based on a magnetically insulated diode and generating microsecond pulses. Plane an cylindrical cathodes have been tested. The spatial and angular distributions of negative ions in the beam have been measured. The content of negative ions with different masses in the beam are given. The ion current density measured by a Faraday cup was up to 1 A/cm{sup 2} for the radial beam and 30-40 A/cm{sup 2}.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Solenoid transport of high current, heavy ion beams is considered for several stages of a heavy ion fusion driver. In general this option is more efficient than magnetic quadrupole transport at sufficiently low kinetic energy and/or large e/m, and for this reason it has been employed in electron induction linacs. Ideally an ion beam would be transported in a state of Brillouin flow, i.e. cold in the transverse plane and spinning at one half the cyclotron frequency. The design of appropriate solenoids and the equilibrium and stability of transported ion beams are discussed. An outline of application to a fusion driver is also presented.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aerial lines or cables, as one mainly energy transport path of electronic system when illuminated by HEMP, has been often modeled by field-to-transmission line model. However, in many cases, authors too often encounter some confusing statements to the lines effects during experimental procedure. The aim of this paper is to present and discuss these cases, such as the electromagnetic environment above the ground plane, the contribution of the different electromagnetic field component to the induced current and voltage, variations of the load current for different line heights and ground conductivities etc. (authors)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The wave equation for spin;1/2 tachyons is derived from the Dirac equation and the principle of relativity extended to superluminal Lorentz frames. From this wave equation and the Dirac equation infinite velocity spinor transformations are obtained. They yield bispinors of the plane-wave states of the tachyon, their interpretation and covariant orthogonality relations satisfied by them. The transformation properties of the bispinors under Lorentz transformation are discussed. The boundary conditions for the free propagator of wave functions of tachyons are obtained and the propagator is constructed. Then the covariant S-matrix for scattering from an electromagnetic field is derived. It is applied to the scattering of electron-tachyons from the Coulomb field.

Science.gov (United States)

The Stefan problem involving a source term is considered in this technical note. As an example, planar solidification with time-dependent heat generation in a semi-infinite plane is solved by use of a perturbation technique. The perturbation solution is validated by reducing the problem to the case without heat generation whose exact solution is available. An application to the case with constant heat generation is presented, for which a closed-form solution is obtained. The effects of heat generation and Stefan number on the evolution of solidification are examined using the perturbation solution.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Closing and breaking of current in microsecond megaampere plasma opening switches are considered. Conductivity current scaling in the switch due to plasma acceleration by a magnetic piston is discussed and compared with experimental data. Two ways of determining the width of a current channel are taken up. This channel results from the diffusion of the magnetic field in the plane of the piston followed by the convective ejection of the field frozen in the accelerated plasma flow behind the shock wave into the bridge. Based on experimental data, a scaling law for the voltage on the switch according to the switch parameters is derived. The problem of reverse closing, which limits the efficiency of storage energy extraction into the load, is considered

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

New technologies make multi-megajoule glass lasers economically feasible. Laser architectures using harmonic switchout, target plane holographic injection, phase conjugation, continuous apodization and higher amplifier efficiencies have been devised. A plan for a multi-megajoule laser which can be built for an acceptable cost relies on manufacturing economies of scale and the demonstration of the new technologies presented here. These include continuous pour glass production, rapid harmonic crystal growth, switching of large blocks of power using larger capcaitors packed more economically and by using large identical parts counts.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The room-temperature anisotropy of amorphous Fe_4_0Ni_3_8Mo_4B_1_8 (METGLAS 2628MB) ribbons after various heat treatments has been studied by Moessbauer spectroscopy. The average magnetization direction becomes significantly more out-of-plane after heating above 650 K but below the crystallization temperature. X-ray diffractograms suggest an atomic rearrangement has occurred. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The atlas presents sequences of MRI sections parallel to the orbito-meatal plane in children from birth through the age of sixteen years. Each child was studied horizontally and sagitally and three-dimensional brain images were reconstructed to facilitate accurate identification of sulci and gyri. The images show crucial aspects of brain development such as the constancy of the brain stem and primitive brain from birth onward; the development of the telencephalon, characterized by deepening of sulci and growth of the cerebral cortex surface; and the different stages of white matter myelinization.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this project we developed photonic crystal modeling capability and fabrication technology that is scaleable to large area. An intelligent optimization code was developed to find the optimal structure for the desired spectral response. In terms of fabrication, an exhaustive survey of fabrication techniques that would meet the large area requirement was reduced to Deep X-ray Lithography (DXRL) and nano-imprint. Using DXRL, we fabricated a gold logpile photonic crystal in the <100> plane. For the nano-imprint technique, we fabricated a cubic array of gold squares. These two examples also represent two classes of metallic photonic crystal topologies, the connected network and cermet arrangement.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the context of the shock-initiation problem, we study analytically the first effects of chemistry, treating a small chemical heat release as a perturbation on an inert flow. Specifically, we study the initial transient in plane-shock initiation in a dilute explosive, where the chemical energy is small relative to the mechanical-thermal energy. The vehicle for the study is the mathematical analog for reactive flow. The solution resembles a double refraction: to first order, the pressure or density is a superposition of two forward-going waves, both originating at the rear boundary, and carrying the same function, but running at different velocities. Surprisingly, this first-order solution is independent of the sensitivity of the reaction rate to the state, which appears only at second order.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper reports on high resolution electron microscopy used to investigate the effect of electron irradiation induced oxygen loss on the states of partial order in YBa_2Cu_3O_z. Contrast effects visible in the [001] zone image as a result of the degree of the out-of-plane correlation of these ordered states are investigated. Using statistical simulations to aid in the analysis of the HREM images, an interpretation based on a kinetically limited evolution of the variation of long range [001] ordering is proposed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We decided to investigate first the interaction of hydrogen with the 4d transition-metal series, with the first element being hcp Y. Because of the recent development of soft pseudopotentials, we chose to use the plane wave basis set to carry out the calculation. Since problems had been associated with the slow convergence in transition metals, we first tested the computational methods by studying the structural properties of Y; results were encouraging. We started the calculation of YH{sub x} with hydrogen occupying different interstitial sites.

CERN Document Server

We consider the adiabatic demagnetization in the rotating reference frame (ADRF) of a system of dipolar coupled nuclear spins $s=1/2$ in the external magnetic field. The demagnetization starts with the offset of the external magnetic field (in frequency units) from the Larmor frequency being several times greater than the local dipolar field. For different subsystem sizes, we have found from numerical simulations the temperatures at which subsystems of a one-dimensional nine-spin chain and a plane nine-spin cluster become entangled. These temperatures are of the order of microkelvins and are almost independent of the subsystem size. There is a weak dependence of the temperature on the space dimension of the system.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The composite wave variational version of the APW (augmented plane wave) method is used to obtain the electronic band structure of the compounds boron phosphide and boron arsenide at the high symmetry points #GAMMA#, X, and L. The tight binding interpolation scheme of Slater and Koster is used to calculate the rest of the band structure. The results show that both these materials are indirect band gap semiconductors. The density of states, and the imaginary part of the dielectric constant is also calculated. The theoretical results are compared with the reported experimental and theoretical data. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Atomic L- and M-shell ionization cross sections by protons have been calculated in the plane-wave Born approximation for /sub 79/Au and /sub 92/U with incident energy from 0.1 to 3 MeV with use of relativistic and nonrelativistic Hartree-Slater wave functions. These results are compared with those from the screened hydrogenic model to study the effects of relativity and wave functions. The relativistic and wave-function effects are found to operate in opposite directions. For M/sub 1,2,3/-subshell cross sections, severe cancellations occur between these two factors.

CERN Document Server

ARIES Baker-Nunn Schmidt telescope project is converting a Baker-Nunn satellite tracking camera for Astronomical research. Original Baker-Nunn camera produces an extremely large (5X30 degree) curved focal plane at the prime focus for photographic imaging. We present here the re-designing of the camera produces a wide (4 X 4 degree) flat field of view for CCD imaging observations, which have many scientific potentials in Astronomy. Imaging performance of the CCD camera is also estimated.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dilatation of the azygos vein is usually due to increased pressure or flow, rarely is it diopathic. Another cause is so-called continuation of the azygos in cases of absence of the hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava. The method of choice for the investigation of azygos dilatation nowadays is computer tomotgraphy. Anomalies of the inferior vena cava can be recognised in this way unequivocally by a non-invasive method. Computer tomography frequently shows important additional abnormalities (e.g. situs inversus, polysplenia), since it demonstrates all organs situated in the plane of section. (orig.).

Scientific Electronic Library Online (English)

Abstract in english In the last decade it has been experimentally found a periodic domain pattern arising in smectic C* liquid crystals in surface stabilized bookshelf geometry. Such a periodic texture appears after switching-off an external electric field, even in strong anchoring conditions. It has a static character and can be bidimensional, being dependent on both directions normal to the smectic planes and normal to the cell plates. In the present work an explanation to this phenomenon (more) is proposed. According to our model in the antiferroelectric phase the biperiodic texture is a threshold phenomenon, appearing for values of the spontaneous polarization greater than a critical value, whereas in the ferroelectric phase this type of bidimensional instability is hindered.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The reaction of RbC_2_4 with C_6D_6 vapour was studied by neutron diffraction on a time scale of 5 min/spectrum. As for the reaction of KC_2_4, a second stage phase RbC_2_4(C_6D_6)sub(y) is initially formed and subsequently transformed into a first stage phase. Model calculations indicate that the benzene rings are canted against the graphite planes both in the first and in the second stage phase. (Auth.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A large acceptance, high stopping power Bragg curve spectrometer has been developed for use in coincidence experiments with heavy ions. The electron collection fields are radial and position information is obtained from a resistive anode. The detector is 60 cm deep and operates at pressures of up to 2.5 atm of P-10 gas. It is mated to a scattering chamber which allows it to be moved out of plane during coincidence measurements. Factors affecting the performance of the detector are discussed, and results obtained with the detector are presented. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

For a given linac design, the dosimetric characteristics of a photon beam are determined uniquely by the energy and radial distributions of the electron beam striking the x-ray target. However, in the usual commissioning of a beam from measured data, a large number of variables can be independently tuned, making it difficult to derive a unique and self-consistent beam model. For example, the measured dosimetric penumbra in water may be attributed in various proportions to the lateral secondary electron range, the focal spot size and the transmission through the tips of a non-divergent collimator; the head-scatter component in the tails of the transverse profiles may not be easy to resolve from phantom scatter and head leakage; and the head-scatter tails corresponding to a certain extra-focal source model may not agree self-consistently with in-air output factors measured on the central axis. To reduce the number of adjustable variables in beam modelling, we replace the focal and ...

Science.gov (United States)

The utility of recording Raman spectroscopy under liquid nitrogen, a technique we call Raman Under Nitrogen (RUN), is demonstrated for ferrocene, uranocene and thorocene. Using RUN, low temperature (liquid nitrogen cooled) Raman spectra for these compounds exhibit higher resolution than previous studies and new vibrational features are reported. The first Raman spectra of crystalline uranocene at 77 K are reported using excitation from argon (5145 ) and krypton (6764 ) ion lasers. The spectra obtained showed bands corresponding to vibrational transitions at 212, 236, 259, 379, 753, 897, 1500, and 3042 cm-1 , assigned to ring-metal-ring stretching, ring-metal tilting, out-of-plane CCC bending, in-plane CCC bending, ring-breathing, C-H bending, CC stretching and CH stretching, respectively. The assigned vibrational bands are compared to those of uranocene in THF and thorocene. All vibrational frequencies of the ligands, except the 259 cm-1 ...

Science.gov (United States)

Wood plastic composites (WPCs) have gained popularity as building materials because of their usefulness in replacing solid wood in a variety of applications. These composites are promoted as being low-maintenance, high-durability products. However, it has been shown that WPCs exposed to weathering may experience a color change and/or loss in mechanical properties. An important requirement for building materials used in outdoor applications is the retention of their aesthetic qualities and mechanical properties during service life. Therefore, it is critical to understand the photodegradation mechanisms of WPCs exposed to UV radiation and to develop approaches to stabilize these composites against ultraviolet light. In this dissertation, the surface chemistries of weathered composites (both unstabilized and stabilized) as well as the effect of weathering on the color fade and the retention of mechanical properties were characterized. Since different methods of manufacturing WPCs lead to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The thickness dependent magnetic properties of artificially prepared ultrathin body-centered cubic Ni films have been explored using the all electron full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method. We have considered two types of BCC Ni(001) films: (i) pure BCC Ni(001) and (ii) Au capped BCC Ni(001) in the range from 1 monolayer (ML) to 4 ML of Au capping coverage. The average magnetic moment of pure BCC Ni(001) is about 0.63 #mu#_B and a typical surface enhancement is found with a magnetic moment of 0.78 #mu#_B. In the presence of an Au capping layer, the magnetic moment of interface Ni is strongly suppressed to approximately 0.5 #mu#_B and this causes a reduction of average magnetic moment. Nevertheless, the Au adlayer has no meaningful induced magnetic moment. The BCC pure Ni(001) films always have in-plane magnetization up to 11 ML, but very interestingly the Au/Ni(001) shows a thickness dependent spin reorientation ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Copper coatings deposited on Al-6061 substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering, to prevent the retention and permeation of energetically implanted tritium in Al-6061, were evaluated by a variety of characterization techniques. The coatings, weighing in the 0.03 to 0.088 kg/m{sup 2} range, were smooth and had a fine grain structure. They contained the intermetallic phases Cu{sub 9}Al{sub 4} and CuAl{sub 2} as well as copper. The fractions of Al and Cu in any coating increased and decreased, respectively, with increasing depth below the surface. Furthermore, the fractions of Al and Cu on the coating surface decreased and increased, respectively, with increasing coating weight. There was no texture or preferred orientation in the Cu phase of the coatings. A significant amount of oxygen was also detected at the original substrate surface. Residual stress measurements revealed that, in both Cu and CuAl{sub 2}, the stresses in the coating plane were compressive, ...

Science.gov (United States)

A novel phantom has been developed to measure the modulation transfer function (MTF) in 3D for x-ray computed tomography. The phantom consists of three tungsten wires, positioned nearly orthogonal to each other. Simultaneous measurements of the MTF are taken at various locations along the three orthogonal reconstructed planes. Our computed mammotomography (CmT) system uses a Varian Paxscan 2520 digital x-ray detector which can be positioned anywhere in ~2pi steradian band and can have arbitrary trajectories. With a half-cone beam geometry and with the phantom positioned near the center of rotation, projection images are acquired over 360 degrees. Various 3D orbits are evaluated including vertical axis of rotation and saddle. Reconstructions were performed using an iterative ordered-subsets transmission algorithm on rebinned projection images, using various numbers of iterations. Rotation of reconstructed slices isolated each wire into its own ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A central problem in diagnostic radiology is to compare a new X-ray picture with a previous picture and from this comparison be able to decide if anatomical changes have occurred in the patient or not. It is of primary interest that these pictures are identical in projection. If not it is difficult to decide with confidence if differences between the pictures are due to anatomical changes or differences in their projection geometry. In this thesis we present a non invasive method that makes it possible to find the relative changes in the projection geometry between the exposure of a previous picture and a new picture. The method presented is based on the projection slice theorem (central section theorem). Instead of an elaborate search for a single new picture a pre-planned set of pictures are exposed from a circular orbit above the patient. By using 3D Fourier transform techniques we are able to synthesize a new X-ray picture from this set of pictures that is identical in projection ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

According to the present concept, the low and intermediate level wastes generated during the Cernavoda NPP operation will be disposed in a near surface repository. The Saligny site, placed in the NPP protected area, has been proposed for their disposal. Geologically, the main components of this site are the quaternary loess, the Precambrian and Pre-quaternary clays, the Eocene and Barremian limestone. Hydrologically, the site can be divided into a vadose zone down to 45-50 m and three distinct aquifers, two of them in the limestone beds and the third in the lenses of sand and limestone existing in the pre-quaternary clay layer. A large research program for site characterization was initiated in 1996. At present, the site characteristics requested for safety analysis have been experimentally measured on soil samples or calculated by different computer programs. Hundreds of experimental values of the density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Doping of manganese (Mn3+/Mn4+) into the Aurivillius phase Pb1-xBi4+xTi4-xMnxO15 was carried out using the molten salt technique for various Mn concentrations (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1). Single phase samples could be obtained in the composition range with x up to 0.6 as confirmed by X-ray and neutron diffraction analysis. Dielectric measurements show a peak at 801, 803, 813 and 850 K for samples with x=0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6, respectively, related to the ferroelectric transition temperature (Tc). The main contribution of the in-plane polarization for x?0.2 which was calculated from the atomic positions obtained by the structure analysis is the dipole moment in the Ti(1)O6 layer; however, for x?0.4 the polarization originates from the dipole moment in the Ti(2)O6 layer. Mn doping in the Pb1-xBi4+xTi4-xMnxO15 does not show any long range magnetic ordering. -- Graphical abstract: The dipole moment of TiO6 dependence of x in Pb1-xBi4+xTi4-xMnxO15 (0?x?0.6): (a) ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We have conducted an investigation to determine the occurrence and distribution of erionite, a potential carcinogen, at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Using x-ray powder diffraction techniques yielding detection limits to below 0.05 wt %, we positively identified erionite in only 3 out of 76 bulk and 12 fracture samples investigated. The three erionite-bearing samples (J12-620/630, UE-25aNo.1-1296.2, and USW G4-1314) all occur above the static water level in clay/zeolite-rich horizons near the top of vitrophyres. Erionite occurs as trace amounts of less than 1 wt % in the whole rock, although it may occur locally in significant amounts as fracture fillings (e.g., UE-25aNo.1-1296.2 where it comprises approximately 45 wt % of the fracture filling material). All three occurrences appear to be extremely isolated cases since erionite was not detected in neighboring samples. Erionite at Yucca Mountain apparently formed only in localized microenvironments, possibly restricted to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Study of glacial geology, stream drainage, bedrock topography, and subsurface structure maps in Isabella, Midland, Arenac, Gladwin, Clare, Ogemaw, Iosco, Mecosta, and Montcalm counties in Michigan revealed distinct correlations between patterns and types of glacial deposits and subsurface structures. Anticlinal structures associated with the Mt. Pleasant, North Buckeye, and South Buckeye, Hamilton, Deep River, Clayton, Logan, Six Lakes, and West Branch oil and gas fields occur along areas where northeast-trending glacial moraines and truncated, attenuated, or deviated. Furthermore, these anticlinal structures are associated with lacustrine sands and gravels and glacial outwash deposits nearly surrounded by glacial tills or lacustrine sands and clays. All of the anticlinal structures are associated with bedrock topography highs and alignment of streams parallel to the trends of the structures. Comparison of images of subsurface structure and surface elevation data ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carbothermal reduction-nitridation (CRN) of talc (Mg_3(Si_2O_5)_2(OH)_2) and halloysite (Al_2Si_2O_5(OH)_4) clay provides a useful route for preparing low-cost Mg-#alpha# sialon powder. In this study, the chosen molecular ratios of talc to halloysite were 0.1:1, 0.2:1, 1.5:1.0 and 2.0:1. The CRN reaction was conducted at 1450 to 1520 deg C and 2 to 6h holding time using carbon black as a reducing agent in flowing N_2 (gas). The results showed the synthesized powder was composed of #alpha#-sialon, #beta#-sialon and small amounts of SiC, 15R and AlN phases that greatly depended on the ratio of talc to halloysite, the reaction temperature and holding time. The highest content of Mg-#alpha# sialon, as much as 90wt%, was achieved at 1480 deg C for a holding time of 4h at a talc to halloysite ratio of 1.5:1.0. SiC was considered as an intermediate compound. We also discuss the evaporation loss of Mg caused by talc decomposing into MgSiN_2 intermediate phase in the CRN ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The process of carbonate dissolution at the sediment-water interface has two possible end-member boundary conditions. Either the carbonate particles dissolve mostly before they are incorporated into the sediment by bioturbation (interface dissolution), or the vertical mixing is rapid relative to their extermination rate (homogeneous dissolution). In this study, a detailed radiocarbon profile was determined in deep equatorial Pacific sediment that receives a high rate of carbonate supply. In addition, a box model of sediment mixing was used to simulate radiocarbon, carbonate content, and excess thorium profiles that result from either boundary process following a dissolution increase. Results from homogeneous dissolution imply a strong, very recent erosional event, while interface dissolution suggests that moderately increased dissolution began about 10,000 years ago. In order to achieve the observed mixed layer radiocarbon age, increased homogeneous dissolution would concentrate a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dissolved humic substances (humic and fulvic acids) occur in surface waters and groundwaters in concentrations ranging from less than 1 mg(C)/L to more than 100 mg(C)/L. Humic substances are strong complexing agents for many trace metals in the environment and are also capable of forming stable soluble complexes or chelates with radionuclides. Concentrations of humic materials as low as 1 mg(C)/L can produce a detectable increase in the mobility of some actinide elements by forming soluble complexes that inhibit sorption of the radionuclides onto rock materials. The stability of trace metal- or radionuclide-organic complexes is commonly measured by an empirically determined conditional stability constant (K'), which is based on the ratio of complexed metal (radionuclide) in solution to the product concentration of uncomplexed metal and humic complexant. Larger values of stability constants indicate greater complex stability. The stability of radionuclide-organic complexes is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The proposed design for a final repository for spent fuel and other long-lived residues in Sweden is based on the multi-barrier principle. The waste will be encapsulated in sealed cylindrical canisters, which will then be placed in granite bedrock and surrounded by compacted bentonite clay. The canister design is based on a thick cast inner container fitted inside a corrosion-resistant copper canister. During fabrication of the outer copper canisters there will be some unavoidable grain growth in the welded areas. As grains grow they will tend to concentrate impurities within the copper at the new grain boundaries. The work described in this report was undertaken to determine whether there is any possibility of enhanced corrosion at grain boundaries within the copper canister. The potential for grain boundary corrosion was investigated by exposing copper specimens, which had undergone different heat treatments and hence had different grain sizes, to aerated ...