British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The present paper deals with instabilities of long homogeneous and isotropic thin shells, characterized by geometrical non-linearities and imperfections, with reference to a bent helicoidally geometrical shape of particular interest for the helicoidal steam generators tube bundle. Apparently no data exist in the literature to describe the non-linear buckling behaviour of curved thin shells under external pressure, thus, the theoretical analyses based on the classical linear elastic theory, as expected, might be inadequate to evaluate the collapse load especially if the curvature is rather large. To the purpose of determining the buckling pressure load the effects of a pre-existing level of geometrical and technological imperfection, unavoidably caused by various manufacturing processes wer...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper is concerned with the study of the Electrorheological RayleighTaylor instability (ERTI) at the interface between a densely packed saturated poorly conducting couple stress porous layer accelerated by a lighter poorly conducting couple stress fluid in a thin shell in the presence of a transverse electric field and laser radiation. A simple theory based on fully developed flow approximations is used to derive the dispersion relation for the growth rate of ERTI. The cutoff and the maximum wave numbers and the corresponding maximum frequencies are obtained. It is shown that the effects of couple stress parameter and the electric field reduce the growth rate considerably compared to a non-conducting fluid in the absence of an electric field. These are favorable to control the surface...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper is concerned with the fracture analysis of thin cylindrical shells subject to secondary bending stresses with some degree of elastic follow-up. A P.Y.F.M. failure assessment route is utilised for an initial investigation. Results are presented graphically and indicate the differences obtained by considering the stresses as primary or secondary in nature. The Jsup(*) contour integral is computed from the results of a non-linear finite element analysis of a thermally loaded cracked cylinder. Comparison is made between Jsup(*) and the P.Y.F.M. failure criteria demonstrating the degree of conservatism in the latter. It is observed that LEFM may be appropriate for moderate load levels but that the elastic follow-up of the structure causes enhancement of Jsup(*) for higher loads, at which stage LEFM becomes non-conservative. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The alliance of J. Robert Oppenheimer, scientist, and Leslie R. Groves, military leader, is often interpreted as the classic example of the clash between the academic mind and the military style. Evidence suggests, instead, that it was a collaboration that led to the dawn of the nuclear age. Instead of a clash, it was collaboration and an implosion of the diverse talents needed for the success of this project. Discussion of these flawed and fascinating individuals still ignites controversy today. This presentation will explore the backgrounds and personalities of these two men and their work together to accomplish their mission. Was the aftermath inevitable, given a relationship based on respect, but perhaps not trust? The genesis of the modern military-industrial complex rested on the genius of these two men, though they personify two distinct American sub-cultures. What lessons can be drawn from their wartime and post-war relationship? What analogies can be drawn ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Coded imaging techniques using thick, micro-Fresnel zone plates as coded apertures have been used to image x-ray emissions (2-20 keV) and 3.5 MeV Alpha particle emissions from laser driven micro-implosions. Image resolution in these experiments was 3-8 ..mu..m. Extension of this coded imaging capability to higher energy x-rays (approx. 100 keV) and more penetrating charged particles (e.g. approx. 15 MeV protons) requires the fabrication of very thick (50-200 ..mu..m), high aspect ratio (10:1), gold Fresnel zone plates with narrow linewidths (5-25 ..mu..m) for use as coded aperatures. A reactive ion etch technique in oxygen has been used to produce thick zone plate patterns in polymer films. The polymer patterns serve as electroplating molds for the subsequent fabrication of the free-standing gold zone plate structures.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NIF target diagnostics are being developed to observe and measure the extreme physics of targets irradiated by the 192-beam laser. The response time of target materials can be on the order of 100ps--the time it takes light to travel 3 cm--temperatures more than 100 times hotter than the surface of the sun, and pressures that exceed 109 atmospheres. Optical and x-ray diagnostics were developed and fielded to observe and record the results of the first 4-beam experiments at NIF. Hard and soft x-ray spectra were measured, and time-integrated and gated x-ray images of hydrodynamics experiments were recorded. Optical diagnostics recorded backscatter from the target, and VISAR laser velocimetry measurements were taken of laser-shocked target surfaces. Additional diagnostics are being developed and commissioned to observe and diagnose ignition implosions, including various neutron and activation diagnostics. NIF's diagnostics are being developed at LLNL and with ...