British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Une enfant drepanocytaire homozygote SS de 14 ans (sans deficit en G6PD), non transfusee anterieurement, a une cholecystectomie pour lithiase decouverte a un bilan systematique. L'intervention est encadree de 2 transfusions de concentres erythrocytaires (CGR) phenotypes ABO Rh Kell, compatibilises. Quinze jours apres, elle presente une hemolyse aigue associant fievre, ictere, insuffisance renale tubulaire, hemoglobinurie et anemie profonde (Hb 3,6 g/dL). Les RAI deviennent positives avec, entre autres, un auto anticorps anti D suspecte, le test de Coombs direct est positif de type mixte. L'enfant n'est pas retransfusee, mais recoit 1 mg/kg/j de corticoides IV pendant 10 jours. L'hemoglobine retrouve sa valeur de base (9 g/dL) apres 15 jours. Un antigene RH1(D) partiel de type DAR est ulter...

Science.gov (United States)

... After formation of the monolayer (usually in 48 hours), the growth medium was poured off, and the cells washed twice with a Henkes solution and ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Within the framework of the CRC 799 -TRIP-Matrix-Composites- at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg new composite materials consisting of TRIP steel and zirconium dioxide ceramics are designed in a powder route and a casting route. To manufacture faultless samples basic investigations of the feeding and infiltration behaviour within macro porous ceramics such as filters were needed. The effects of bottom pouring and top pouring were investigated as well as the effects of different preheating temperatures, contents of phosphorous in the steel and flow trough rates. Bottom pouring corrupts the feeding mainly of filters with high ppi (pores per inch). Top pouring improves the feeding, but generates inhomogeneous infiltration qualities, which can affected and enhanced by a increasing preheat...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this article, the author presents the principles, applications and advantages of proton and heavy ion beams used for radiotherapy.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Published in summary form only.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Solar drier does not degrade any more the dried products with the manner of the products dried at the natural sun. The drying unit is composed mainly of a solar air collector and an enclosure of drying. The transformation of the solar radiation into heat is done thanks to the solar collector whose effectiveness is increased by the addition of suitable baffles in the mobile air vein. The efficiency of the collector reaches then 80. The hot air on the outlet side of the collector arrives in the enclosure of drying where the heat transfer with the product to be dried is done by convection. The kinetics drying study shows that in addition to the dependence of the temperature and air velocity of drying, the speed of drying also depends on fragmentation on the product to dry, and mainly, of the product surface in contact with the drying air. Thus, the hygrometry is reduced from 76 to 13 pour cent in one day.. The total efficiency of the drier reached 28 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Brachytherapy consists of sealed radioactive source implantation. The diversity in the nature of radioelements, in their energy and activity requires strict implantation and utilization rules. These rules include radioactive source physical parameters check, after-loading machine and treatment planning system quality assurance and safe and reproducible dosimetric systems. Patient and medical workers information guarantee radioprotection and prevention of accidental exposures. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We will examine modeling data for various orbits using modeling software and compare this with actual satellite flight result. In particular, we will discuss the contributions of trapped protons to total dose and the effectiveness of shielding.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The relations between nuclear energy availability and nuclear plant safety are analyzed in the particular cases of naval propulsion nuclear boilers (aircraft carriers, submarines): safety objectives, present and potential risk analysis, optimization of the availability-safety couple, at the design stage and during operation (procedural rules related to the boiler state, real time decisions). 6 fig., 1 tab.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Interpenetrated lattices (IPL) are combinations of reticulated polymers linked together by permanent crisscross. This structure is well-adapted to combined highly incompatible pairs of polymers. The in-situ sequential method has been applied successfully to the synthesis of ethylene poly-oxides / poly-siloxanes IPLs. The results concerning the preparation of such lattices and their behaviour as solid polymer electrolytes are presented in this paper. (J.S.) 24 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this article, the author presents the main technological solutions, available or in development, on X-ray detectors in order to obtain a digital image in biomedical radiography or in industrial radiography: linear x-ray detectors and bidimensional x-ray detectors (memory radioluminescent screens, matrix plan detectors).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the last issue of 'L'Industrie ceramique et verriere', we presented the first part of this study. We describe in this issue the experimental procedure, the results and the conclusions of this work. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The deposition of platinum on various carbon blacks was carried out by forming active functional groups on the surface of the carbon support, and exchanging these active groups with different platinum complexes. Using H{sub 2}PtCl{sub 6} solution, an impregnation rather than an exchange takes place. However, using divalent platinum complexes [Pt(NH{sub 3}){sub 4}]{sup 2+}, a fast exchange takes place which leads to extremely small platinum particles highly dispersed on the surface of carbon black. A comparison of the catalytic activities of platinum supported on various carbon blacks was also carried out. The performances of PEFC (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell) based on the process of the ion exchange are reported. (authors) 3 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The survey of radiation protection programmes for transport has been jointly performed by three scientific organisations I.P.S.N. (France), G.R.S. ( Germany), and N.R.P.B. (United kingdom) on behalf of the European Commission and the pertaining documentation summarises the findings and conclusions of the work that was undertaken with the principal objectives to provide guidance on the establishment, implementation and application of radiation protection programmes for the transport of radioactive materials by operators and the assessment and evaluation of such programmes by the competent authority and to review currently existing radiation protection programmes for the transport of radioactive materials. (N.C.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The accuracy of the carbon 14 dating method is dependent on the fluctuations of carbon 14 in the atmosphere over long periods of time. Fossil corals that are dated by both carbon 14 and uranium-thorium methods allows the setting of calibration curves for the carbon 14 method for the last 50.000 years. The uranium-thorium method is based on the measurement of the ratio of 2 isotopes: thorium 230 and uranium 234 that are both present in the decay chain of uranium 238. (A.C.)

CERN Document Server

We propose a mechanism to explain what occurs when a mixture of grains of different sizes and different shapes (i.e. different repose angles) is poured into a quasi-two-dimensional cell. Specifically, we develop a model that displays spontaneous stratification of the large and small grains in alternating layers. We find that the key requirement for stratification is a difference in the repose angles of the two pure species, a prediction confirmed by experimental findings. We also identify a kink mechanism that appears to describe essential aspects of the dynamics of stratification.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The measurement of air pollutants is no more sufficient. It is necessary to assess the risk induced by air pollution, and then to put in place actions to reduce it. The air quality monitoring takes into account different pollutants: nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulates for the traffic; sulfur dioxide and particulates for use of fuel or coal or chemical transformations in air; ozone and nitrogen dioxide from hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxides emissions; the use of simulation methods allow to calculate the concentrations levels for these pollutants taken as indicators. (N.C.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A 2D matrix allows a fairly rapid verification of irradiation parameters transferred on computer processing equipment without expanding the dosimetry means to implement. Associated to 'Multicheck and Verisoft' software it will handle some of the regulatory recommendations of the A.F.S.S.A.P.S. for quality control of accelerators and ensure the traceability of testing carried out. (N.C.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Purex process and the fluorescence spectrometry are first recalled, then uranyl fluorescence is studied in a pure nitric medium without other elements to establish a theoretical model, allowing the description of uranium fluorescence signal with a general equation. The influence of different parameters (temperature, inhibitors, dynamic quenching of iron and cerium) is investigated to develop the model. A quantitative analysis method without addition of reagents is proposed to validate the model.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This article describes a hierarchical and functional model for continuous process control aid. The expertise is represented by graphs from a simple functional restructuring of the Grafcet, which is the formalism used by the designers of the command-control program. The new structure is familiar to the operator, and it is settled in an expert system. The application built on the basis of this method detects some default types which are not detected by the control-command. It proposes a diagnosis to the operator, and can explain and justify the state of the process. (authors) 9 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The patient positioning and repositioning control in radiation therapy all along the treatment can be conducted using a variety of X-ray sources and imaging detector devices. The development of image guided radiation therapy techniques leads to more frequent use of this imaging control. In this article we summarize the current methods for measuring the dose delivered by X-ray imaging devices used in radiation therapy, as well as basic proposals to take account of these imaging doses for prescribing, recording and reporting radiation therapy treatment. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The new generation of performing rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (``rocking-chair``-type) are penalized by important self-output phenomena linked with the use of highly oxidizing positive electrodes. In order to limit this problem in LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4}/C batteries, two different passivation techniques were used in order to limit the surface contact between the positive electrode and the electrolyte. Thanks to these treatments, a significant reduction of the percentage of irreversible capacity losses is effectively observed. (J.S.) 3 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The use of solvating polymers of polyether type is an interesting solution for the manufacturing of high capacity lithium batteries with lithium metal anodes and which can operate at T > 50 deg. C. These operating conditions are perfectly compatible with electric-powered vehicle and stationary battery applications. In order to improve the ionic conductivity of polymer electrolytes, new aprotic and amorphous polyether lattices have been synthesized having a good conductivity but also good thermal, mechanical and electrochemical stabilities. Two type of 3-D polyether lattices obtained by reticulation of linear pre-polymers have been selected as host polymers: unsaturated poly-condensate and unsaturated co-polyethers. (J.S.) 18 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study has been carried out in the framework of a collaboration between the laboratory of processes automation (LAP, Caen (France)), and Air Com, a monitoring network for the prevention of atmospheric pollution in Basse-Normandie. It aims at obtaining a medium and long term forecast of the ozone level above the Caen city. The expected goal is to foresee the pollution peaks exceeding the warning thresholds, but the rareness of such events make them more difficult to predict. In order to solve this kind of problem, a neural modeling method combined with a noise injection technique has been implemented in order to obtain a sufficiently performing model over the whole domain of operation. (J.S.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The steam generator inspection and maintenance device has an articulated arm formed at least by two rigid segments connected by a pivot and two plates on the ends of the arms by articulated joints which enable them to rotate about two orthogonal axis. One of the axis is parralel to the axis of the pivot between the arm sections while the other is perpendicular to the surface of the corresponding plate. Each of the plates carries coupling elements which are able to engage with the perforations of the heat exchanger tube plates and also a support for a maintenance tool.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The paper describes the latest developments in STRASSY (Strategy Assistance System), the strategy assistance system for the inspection of nuclear materials. The user can now select the fuel cycle he wishes to investigate from an initial range of 19 facilities. An inspection interface has been developed to enable the details and dates of inspections to be modified. One of the special features of the application of STRASSY in international safeguards is the taking into account of timeliness of detection; certain aspects of the time manager algorithms are presented and analysed, including the guaranteed existence of a solution. The results of a study of diversion paths in a simplified cycle consisting of our facilities are presented. Finally, the modifications necessary to enable STRASSY to be used for a posterior analysis of inspection results are discussed. (authors). 7 refs., 3 figs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This research deals with in the study of the use of innovating magnetic sensors in eddy current non destructive inspection. The author reports an analysis survey of magnetic sensor performances. This survey enables the selection of magnetic sensor technologies used in non destructive inspection. He presents the state-of-the-art of eddy current probes exploiting the qualities of innovating magnetic sensors, and describes the methods enabling the use of these magnetic sensors in non destructive testing. Two main applications of innovating magnetic sensors are identified: the detection of very small defects by means of magneto-resistive sensors, and the detection of deep defects by means of giant magneto-impedances. Based on the use of modelling, optimization, signal processing tools, probes are manufactured for these both applications.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the framework of the plutonium production optimization in the PWR, many solutions are studied to decrease or recycle the plutonium of the nuclear fuels. Among these solutions, the inert matrix fuels (IMF) are proposed in this thesis. In seven chapters the author presents, the context and the state of the art, the different matrix, the calculi codes such as APOLLO2 or TRIPOLI4 needed to the neutronic analysis, the different fuel assemblies (CERMET UO{sub 2}, MOX, PuO{sub 2} and PuO{sub 2}-UO{sub 2}), the efficiency of the control rods in the case of the PWR, the cross sections problem, preliminary reflexions on critical accidents. (A.L.B.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objective of this project was to implement a centralised data base of internal quality control in radiotherapy according to the criteria of the decree of A.f.s.s.a.p.s. (French agency of sanitary safety of health products on 27 july 2007, about the internal quality control of external radiotherapy facilities. The software on one year meets the objectives: compliance by comparison with A.f.s.s.a.p.s. criteria but particularly optimization of the centralisation and analysis of the internal quality controls. (N.C.)

Science.gov (United States)

The content of the courseware for this CD-ROM on Foundry Operations is designed to teach college engineering students and practicing engineers the conepts of foundry operations involving: mold-making, charging of blast furnace and cupola furnace, metal melting, pouring of molten metal into mold to make castings, and computation of mold-metal interface forces. There is an interactivity between students and this instructional program through animation and robot application. Students are able to input data into the software and get a response. For an example, if wrong data are put into calculating the mold-metal interface forces, the molten metal will run over the mold, showing a negative response. Messages will flag and will indicate what to do to correct the situation.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The urban zone needs clean air to assure public health. To achieve this goal several filter samples were collected in different sites in Algiers city. Toxic elements such as: Na, Mg, Cl, Sc, Cr, Ti, V, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Ag, Sb, Ce, La, Hf, Ta and Hg have been measured in the filters using neutron activation analysis technique. Irradiation of filter samples and standards were carried out in Es-Salem reactor. The experimental procedure and the results are discussed. We noted during this work that the upper limit values for suspended dusts and the high concentrations for some toxic elements found are due to the weather conditions and intense road traffic around collecting sites. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This issue of Barrages newsletter comprises three articles. The first article treats of the quality approach relative to the organization of the inspections of big and medium size dams. It summarizes the improvements of this approach added in 2003 after analysis of the experience feedback. The second article presents the conclusions of the decennial and annual inspections of dams in exploitation. Only the observations requiring a special follow-up are reported. The last article summarizes the activities of the control services for the third quarter of 2003: decennial and annual visits, important facts, administrative instructions, studies, projects and works, organization of services, technical studies etc.. (J.S.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Red mud is a waste product of the aluminium refining industry. It is composed of aluminium hydroxide and iron oxide. This study examined the feasibility of using red mud as a catalyst to eliminate volatile organic compounds in atmospheric pollutants. Volatile organic compounds can be eliminated by thermal oxidation between 600 and 1100 degrees C. However, the oxidation of volatile organic compounds can also be accomplished at lower temperatures (200 to 450 degrees C) if a catalyst is present. Currently, the low temperature destruction of volatile organic compounds is not widespread because of the difficulty in deactivating the catalyst. In this study, red mud was calcined in air at 500 degrees C. Under such conditions, the red mud converts to aluminium oxide and iron oxide. These 2 oxides are active and are carbon dioxide selective in the oxidation of volatile organic compounds. The study showed that red mud can be used as a catalyst for the oxidation of toluene. The amount of iron ...

CERN Document Server

We consider an admissible fibration $\\pi:X\\to\\mathbb{P}^1$ over a curve over a number field, of which the generic fiber $X_\\eta$ is geometrically rationally connected. We suppose that there exists a generalized Hilbertian subset $\\textsf{Hil}$ of $\\mathbb{P}^1$, such that the Brauer-Manin obstruction is the only obstruction to the Hasse principle (resp. to the weak approximation) for $X_\\theta(\\theta\\in \\textsf{Hil}).$ We prove that the Brauer-Manin obstruction is the only obstruction to the Hasse principle (resp. to the strong approximation) for zero-cycles of degree 1 on $X$ in the following cases: $(B_1)$ the index of the generic fibre $X_\\eta$ is equal to 1; $(B_2)$ all fibers are geometrically integral. Then, we obtain some similar results for certain fibrations over $\\mathbb{P}^n$. As a consequence, we obtain the following result: let $X$ be a smooth projective geometrically rationally connected variety over a number field $k$, if the Brauer-Manin obstruction is the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The aim of this work is the evaluation of biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of a cocaine analog, the N-(3-iodo-prop-2E-enyl)-2beta-carbo-methoxy-3beta-(4-methyl-phenyl) nor-tropane (PE2I), labeled with carbon 11 ([{sup 11}C]PE2I). The [{sup 11}C]PE2I is a selective radioligand for imaging neuronal dopamine transporter (DAT) with positron emission tomography (PET). The DAT is a membrane-bound pre synaptically located protein that regulates the concentration of dopamine at nerve terminals. DAT radioligands are often used to evaluate the progression of Parkinson's disease or the efficiency of neuro-protective therapeutics and, typically, these studies required several successive PET scans. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the production of heavy-sectioned ferritic spheroidal graphite iron castings for such parts as spent fuel shipping container (cask), undesirable structures like abnormal graphite lamella, pearlite or so-called chinese script type of inclusions tend to appear, deteriorating the mechanical properties at the central part of the section where molten iron freezes last. 500 mm thick cylindrical vessels with bottom, weighing 18 tons and 33 tons, were poured as trial products of casks. Solidification structure and mechanical properties were examined at many portions of the castings. By controlling chemical composition, solidification time and inoculation process the structure and the mechanical properties in the last portion of the section to solidify were improved. Sufficiently homogeneous heavy-sectioned ferritic spheroidal graphite iron castings were successfully produced in the as-cast state. In addition, quality assurance process by using test pieces taken from the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

the development of lithium metal batteries is hindered by the bad reversibility of the Li{sup +}/Li pair, due to dendrites formation which limits the amount of active matter and can generate short-circuits. The chemical and electrochemical phenomena which take place at the electrode/organic electrolyte interface lead to the formation of a complex passivation film which is of prime importance for the functioning of this type of batteries. The in-situ infrared reflection spectroscopy is well adapted to the chemical study of the passivation layer. Two different techniques were used: the substraction normalized interfacial transform infrared spectroscopy (SNIFTIRS) and the electro-chemically modulated infrared reflectance spectroscopy. These methods have shown that the passivation layer that develops on the surface of the lithium electrode in contact with organic solutions (propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate and dimethoxyethane) is mainly made of lithium alkyl carbonates (ROCO{sub ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Increasingly stringent pollution regulations have spurred a broad interest in the reduction of engine emissions. Two strategies can be considered: after-treatment or engine emissions reduction. For Diesel engines, after-treatment has a high cost induced by the required technology and implementation issues. In this context, the Highly Premixed Combustion combustion mode (HP C) has emerged as a topic of major interest in recent years. It represents one of the most promising ways for new generation of CI engines using high Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) rates. Experimentation on the test bench brought the proof of significant emission reduction. However, actual vehicle implementation implies frequent transient which fall far beyond steady state experimentation on the test bench. Several key challenges have to be addressed. With this combustion technology; accurate torque balancing at all engine modes is a requirement. Even slight unbalance between the cylinders can have dramatic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Steam generator tubes in nuclear power plants are periodically checked by means of eddy current probes. The output of a probe is composed of three types of signals: known events (rolling zone, support plates, U-bend part), noise (mainly metallurgical noise) and possible flaws. The latter are random transients, both in arrival time and in shape: they have to be detected and then estimated, before to be fed to the high level stages of a diagnostics system. The objective of the study presented is to develop a semi-automatic system, which could manage and process more than 1 M-bytes of data per tube and provide an operator with reliable diagnostics proposals within a few minutes. This can be achieved only by cooperation of several digital signal processing techniques: detection, segmentation, estimation, noise subtraction, adaptive filtering, modelization, pattern recognition. The paper describes some of these items.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vegetation is a key compartment of ecosystems. It contains a large part of the biodiversity at the species level. For the evaluation of critical loads, we have to separate different receptors: lower plants (algae, fungi, lichens and mosses) and vascular plants. Trees must be distinguished due to their economic value. We analyze the different changes that pollution produces on vegetation: the state of health of individuals, changes in the biology and genetics at the population level, changes in the biodiversity or the specific composition at the community level. Calculation of critical loads is based on observational or experimental studies, in more or less controlled environments. However, they cannot yet be obtained through models of vegetation changes. Some results have been acquired at the European level, mainly for critical loads for nitrogen, but these results have come mostly from Northern Europe. Moreover, only heathlands and acidic forests have been studied in depth. Critical ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liquid high-level nuclear waste will be immobilized at the Savannah River Site (SRS) by vitrification in borosilicate glass. The glass will be produced and poured into stainless steel canisters in the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF). Eventually these canistered waste forms will be sent to a geologic repository for final disposal. In order to assure acceptability by the repository, the Department of Energy has defined requirements which DWPF canistered waste forms must meet. These requirements are the Waste Acceptance Preliminary Specifications (WAPS). The WAPS require DWPF to identify the crystalline phases expected to be present in the final glass product. Knowledge of the thermal history of the borosilicate glass during filling and cooldown of the canister is necessary to determine the amount and type of crystalline phases present in the final glass product. Glass samples of seven projected DWPF compositions were cooled following the same temperature ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This article, published in issue 80 of 'l'ACROnique du nucleaire', aims to retrace the early steps in the consideration of the possibility of a nuclear accident in France, with the inclusion of 'non-institutional' participants and applying the lessons learned in Belarus in the contaminated territories around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. After a review of the origin of the involvement of the Association pour le Controle de la Radioactivite dans l'Ouest (ACRO) in addressing post-accident issues alongside the populations living in an environment polluted by radioactivity, it discusses, from the critical viewpoint of an NGO, the context and the working method adopted for this examination. This is followed by some key elements of the programme and unresolved questions about the available body of knowledge which motivates research and about the method adopted for the work. The conclusion, moderately optimistic, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The 24 papers presented at the conference on Neutralisation des eaux de drainage dans l'environnement minier (NEDEM) (Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND)) 2000 symposium on research on innovative methods to control acid mine drainage, covered eight sessions with both technical and general interest papers. The technical papers covered the topics of acid mine drainage and remediation measures, such as flooding, soil cover with various materials, encapsulation, and others. Other topics discussed included the freeze-thaw cycle and its effect on the performance of soil covers. The environmental impacts of acid mine drainage were also described. Some case studies were included to further illustrate the environmental impacts of acid mine drainage and to demonstrate the effectiveness of remedial actions in specific situations. Most of the cases studied were mines located in Quebec and Northern Ontario, with some in British Columbia. The general interest papers discussed topics ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the field of reactor and fuel cycle physics, particle transport plays and important role. Neutronic design, operation and evaluation calculations of nuclear system make use of large and powerful computer codes. However, current limitations in terms of computer resources make it necessary to introduce simplifications and approximations in order to keep calculation time and cost within reasonable limits. Two different types of methods are available in these codes. The first one is the deterministic method, which is applicable in most practical cases but requires approximations. The other method is the Monte Carlo method, which does not make these approximations but which generally requires exceedingly long running times. The main motivation of this work is to investigate the possibility of a combined use of the two methods in such a way as to retain their advantages while avoiding their drawbacks. Our work has mainly focused on the speed-up of 3-D continuous energy Monte Carlo ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A solid electrolyte for lithium batteries requires several properties: a good ionic conductivity of about 10{sup -3} S/cm at 298 deg. K, a high cationic transport number (greater than 0.5), a redox stability window higher than 4.5 V, a good stability of the interface with the lithium electrode, and a sufficient mechanical stability. The family of gelled or hybrid electrolytes seems to meet all these requirements. Thus, a systematic study of the gelling of an ethylene carbonate and lithium bistrifluorosulfonimide (LiTFSI) based electrolyte has been carried out. The polymers used for gel or pseudo-gel synthesis are POE, PMMA and PAN which represent 3 different cases of interaction with the electrolyte. All the properties mentioned above have been studied according to the nature of the polymer and to the concentration of lithium salt, showing the advantages and drawbacks of each polymer. The possibility of using some of these gels in lithium-ion batteries has been tested by lithium ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The development of rechargeable lithium batteries with a high mass capacity, made with non-toxic and low cost materials is an important industrial challenge. Morphological and structural modifications occurring in the electrode materials during charge-output cycles should not lower the electrochemical characteristics and the cycling properties of the battery. Thus the structure of electrode materials must be sufficiently deformable and stable to support the constraints linked with lithium intercalation and de-intercalation (ions and electrons absorption/extraction). The aim of this work is to explain some characteristics (mass capacity, ions and electrons mobility, cycling) using the relation between some mechanisms of lithium insertion (sites occupation, lattice reduction mods) and the nature of atoms and chemical bonds (covalence, ionicity). This approach is developed on 2-D models of crystallized and vitreous sulfur compounds (CdI{sub 2} type) with a large inter-sheet distance, and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This work concerns the development of nuclear energy and nuclear waste management in particular. Two parts of this study can be distinguished. In the first part (theoretical), a thorium-plutonium fuel based on MOX and dedicated for PWR was investigated in order to transmute plutonium in a potentially low waste fuel cycle. It was shown that this type of fuel is not regenerative but could be used for a transition to the industrial thorium fuel cycle without building new reactors. Thanks to moderated neutron spectra and high loaded actinide mass in the core, U-233 is quickly created ({approx}300 kg/y) for a loss of about {approx}1200 kg of fissile plutonium. In the second part (experimental), we have developed and built a new reaction chamber to measure neutron cross sections of actinides by alpha-gamma spectroscopy. This experimental device (in principle transportable) was commissioned in the high flux reactor of ILL Grenoble. Neutron flux was measured by gamma spectroscopy of irradiated ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A.C.R.O. (Association pour le Controle de la Radioactivite dans l Ouest) is a French non governmental organisation that operates a laboratory for radioactivity analysis. It was created in 1986 as a response to people demands for information and reliable, independent testing. The organisation mainly carries out missions of information and training for its correspondents and more generally for a wide audience, particularly for people who worry about problems of environment, health, management of radioactive waste and emissions. Thanks to its structure, it enables citizens to involve themselves together with scientists so as to gain access to information that was hither to reserved to specialists. The organisation can vouchsafe its independence from the diversity of its members and volunteers, as well as from the diversity of its money resources. Besides its headquarters situated on the city of Caen area (Normandy), three branches situated in North Normandy, in ...