Nuclear Engineering Commons^™

Magnetohydrodynamic Simulation Of Electromagnetic Pump In Tc-1, Lillian J. Ratliff

Reactor Campaign (TRP)

The pilot molten lead-bismuth target circuit (TC-1) in university of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) was designed for beam power of 1 MW accelerator driven system (ADS). The TC-1 is a liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) circulation loop. Circulation of the liquid alloy is driven by an annular linear induction pump (ALIP). Experimental measurements of system parameters have yielded a surprisingly low pump efficiency of less than 1%. A numerical study of the pump efficiency is being conducted to determine which operational parameters are responsible for this low efficiency and to give insight into future EM pump design. The numerical study will …

Developing A Sensing System For The Measurement Of Oxygen Concentration In Liquid Pb-Bi Eutectic, Yingtao Jiang, Bingmei Fu

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

The research objectives of this project were as follows:

• To generate calibration curves of voltage versus oxygen concentration for the YSZ oxygen sensor system under various temperatures in liquid LBE.
• To determine the sensor characteristics of the YSZ sensor system.
• To determine oxygen dissolving rates in LBE under different temperatures in vitro.
• To study the effects of unwanted electrical conductivity, contributed by the mobility of the electrons at high temperatures, for more accurate oxygen measurement.
• To study alternative and promising oxygen measuring methods.

High Temperature Heat Exchanger Project: Quarterly Progress Report July 1, 2005 Through September 30, 2005, Anthony Hechanova

Publications (NSTD)

Quarterly Collaboration Meeting. The University of California, Berkeley, hosted a UNLVRF HTHX Project quarterly meeting on September 12. The purpose of the meeting was to promote collaboration and communication among the UNLV Research Foundation partners. Collaborators discussed their research program plan and provided an update on their progress. The next meeting will be in December in Las Vegas, NV hosted by UNLV.

Modeling, Fabrication, And Optimization Of Niobium Cavities Final Phase: Final Report, Robert A. Schill Jr., Mohamed Trabia, William Culbreth

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

This final report provides the activities and accomplishments of Modeling, Fabrication, and Optimization of Niobium Cavities – Final Phase. The fluid flow experiments for the etching of the superconducting cavity walls and baffle designs of phase II of the three phases has been completed leading to a MS thesis in December of 2003. Designing the experimental setup of secondary electron emission was well underway in early summer of 2003 when funding was made available for this portion of the study. By March 2004, many of the components of the experimental study reached UNLV with some assembly accomplished. The first secondary …

High Temperature Heat Exchanger Project: Quarterly Progress Report April 1, 2005 Through June 30, 2005, Anthony Hechanova

Publications (NSTD)

Quarterly Collaboration Meeting. General Atomics hosted a UNLVRF HTHX Project quarterly meeting on June 5 in San Diego, California. The purpose of the meeting was to promote collaboration and communication among the UNLV Research Foundation partners. Collaborators had the opportunity to discuss their research program plan and update their progress. The next meeting will be in September in Berkeley hosted by UC Berkeley.

HTHX Computational Design (UNLV). Work on optimizing the ceramic offset strip in compact HTHX design through parametric studies was performed and completed. A simple single channel model was used to perform parametric studies on dimensions and flow …

Modeling, Fabrication, And Optimization Of Niobium Cavities: Phase Iii Fourth Quarterly Report, Robert A. Schill Jr., Mohamed Trabia, William Culbreth

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

Niobium cavities are important parts of the integrated NC/SC high-power linacs. Over the years, researchers in several countries have tested various cavity shapes. They concluded that elliptically shaped cells are the most appropriate shape for niobium superconducting cavities. The surface preparation can significantly affect the secondary electron emission yields. Such yields are used in design codes. Current codes use values obtained from niobium samples cleaned by a different means at temperatures other than the operating temperature. Secondary electron emission studies on LANL surface-cleaned niobium are conducted with preliminary data presented in this report at room temperature. Soon studies will be …

Residual Stress Characterization In Structural Materials By Destructive And Nondestructive Techniques, Ajit K. Roy, Anand Venkatesh, Vikram Marthandam, Satish Dronavalli, Douglas P. Wells, Ronald Rogge

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

Transmutation of nuclear waste is currently being considered to transform long-lived isotopes to species with relatively short half-lives and reduced radioactivity through capture and decay of minor actinides and fission products. This process is intended for geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuels for shorter durations in the proposed Yucca Mountain repository. The molten lead-bismuth-eutectic will be used as a target and coolant during transmutation, which will be contained in a subsystem vessel made from materials such as austenitic (304L) and martensitic (EP-823 and HT-9) stainless steels. The structural materials used in this vessel will be subjected to welding operations and …

High Temperature Heat Exchanger Project:Quarterly Progress Report January 1, 2005 Through March 31, 2005, Anthony Hechanova

Publications (NSTD)

Quarterly Collaboration Meeting. Ceramatec, Inc. hosted a UNLVRF HTHX Project quarterly meeting on March 17 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The purpose of the meeting was to promote collaboration and communication among the UNLV Research Foundation partners. Collaborators had the opportunity to discuss their research program plan and update their progress. The next meeting will be in June in San Diego City hosted by General Atomics.

Developing A Sensing System For The Measurement Of Oxygen Concentration In Liquid Pb-Bi Eutectic: Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 01 – March. 31, 2005), Yingtao Jiang, Bingmei Fu

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

We performed data analysis on the data collected from LANL test loop. One student was been hired to perform the data analysis. A new proposal is submitted to TRP program. We have one paper accepted for publication in International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, and another paper accepted for oral presentation by IEEE International Symposium of Circuits and Systems for the track Chemical Sensors. A manuscript regarding to the RGA analysis for the calibration of oxygen sensor is on the way.

Modeling, Fabrication, And Optimization Of Niobium Cavities: Phase Iii, Third Quarterly Report, Robert A. Schill Jr., Mohamed Trabia, William Culbreth

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

This quarterly report provides an update to the last phase of the Modeling, Fabrication, and Optimization of Niobium Cavities in the no-cost extension period. Designing the experimental setup of secondary electron emission was well underway in early summer of 2003 when funding was made available for this portion the study. By March 2004, many of the components of the experimental study reached UNLV with some assembly accomplished. The first secondary electron emission (SEE) measurement was made from the surface of a Faraday cup in September 2004. In December of 2005, the software for the particle positioning detector was finally up …

Characteristics Of Water-Soluble Polythiophene: Tio2 Composite And Its Application In Photovoltaics, Qiquan Qiao, Lianyong Su, James Beck, James T. Mcleskey Jr.

Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Publications

We have studied the characteristics of composites of an environmentally friendly water-soluble polythiophene sodium poly[2-(3-thienyl)-ethoxy-4-butylsulfonate] (PTEBS) and TiO2. We observed that the ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrum of low molecular weight PTEBS is redshifted possibly due to the formation of aggregates. Cyclic voltammetry reveals the values of highest occupied molecular orbitals and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals for PTEBS. A factor of 7 in photoluminescence quenching indicates that the exciton dissociation and charge separation occur successfully at the PTEBS: TiO2 (1:1 by weight) interface. This enhances the possibility that the separated charges will reach the electrodes before recombining. Scanning electron micrograph images show …

Water-Soluble Polythiophene∕Nanocrystalline Tio2 Solar Cells, Qiquan Qiao, James T. Mcleskey Jr.

Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Publications

We report the characteristics of polymer∕nanocrystalline solar cells fabricated using an environmentally friendly water-soluble polythiophene and TiO2 in a bilayer configuration. The cells were made by dropping the polymer onto a TiO2nanocrystallinefilm and then repeatedly sweeping a clean glass rod across the polymer as it dried. The devices showed an open circuit voltage of 0.81 V, a short circuit current density of 0.35mA/cm2, a fill factor of 0.4, and an energy conversion efficiency of 0.13%. The water-soluble polythiophene showed significant photovoltaic behavior and the potential for use in solar cells.

Modeling, Fabrication, And Optimization Of Niobium Cavities, Robert A. Schill Jr., Mohamed Trabia, William Culbreth

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

One of the key technologies for the deployment of accelerator driven transmutation systems is the accelerator itself. Elliptical superconducting niobium cavities are used to increase the efficiency of the high-power accelerators needed to support the transmutation mission.

One of the major sources of energy loss from a superconducting accelerator cavity is a process known as multiple impacting (or “multipacting”) of electrons. This phenomenon limits the maximum amount of energy and power that the niobium cavity can store. As a result, the maximum power available for accelerating the desired charge, as well as the overall performance of the accelerator is reduced. …

Developing A Sensing System For The Measurement Of Oxygen Concentration In Liquid Pb-Bi Eutectic, Yingtao Jiang, Bingmei Fu

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

Although liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is a good candidate for the coolant that can be employed in a subcritical transmutation blanket, it is known to be very corrosive to stainless steel, the material used in the containment structure. To mitigate this problem, trace levels of oxygen can be introduced into the system, causing the formation of a protective oxide layer at the interface between the LBE and steel. The proper formation of this oxide layer largely depends on the accurate measurement and subsequent control of the oxygen concentration in liquid LBE.

Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) oxygen sensors, using molten bismuth …

Environment Assisted Cracking Of Target Structural Materials Under Different Loading Conditions, Venkataramakrishnan Selvaraj

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Martensitic Alloy HT-9 has been tested for its evaluation of stress corrosion cracking resistance in neutral and acidic solutions at ambient and elevated temperatures incorporating smooth and notched cylindrical specimens under constant load and slow strain rate (SSR) conditions. C-ring and U-bend specimens have also been tested for stress corrosion cracking evaluation in the acidic solution. The role of hydrogen on the cracking tendency has been evaluated by cathodic applied potential.

The results of constant load testing enabled the determination of the threshold stress for stress corrosion cracking in susceptible environments. The magnitudes of ductility parameters were reduced with increasing …

Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance Of Martensitic Stainless Steels For Transmutation Applications, Phani P. Gudipati

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The susceptibility of Alloy EP-823 to stress corrosion cracking has been evaluated using smooth and notched cylindrical specimens in neutral and acidic solutions at ambient and elevated temperatures using constant load and slow strain rate testing (SSR) techniques. C-ring and U-bend specimens have also been tested in the acidic solution. The effect of hydrogen on the cracking susceptibility has been evaluated under controlled cathodic potential. While no failures were observed with smooth specimens at constant load, the notched specimens showed failure. The SSR test results indicate that the true failure stress (o'_f), time to failure and ductility parameters …

Cfd Analysis Of 3-D Thermalhydraulics Flow Effects On Wall Concentration Gradient Profiles For Lbe Loop Fittings, Narain Armbya

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The objective of the thesis is to study the effects of thermalhydraulics flows on the wall concentration gradient profiles in LBE loop fittings. To that end detailed models of the fittings have been constructed to study these effects. These fittings include sudden expansion, sudden contraction, t-joint and elbow. The typical flow rates chosen for these simulations are typical of design criteria chosen for the loop with Reynolds numbers expected around 200,000 and the usual axial temperature profiles which are being characterized in the DELTA loop at LANL. STAR-CD is the simulation package used to make these predictions, which include detailed …

Stress Corrosion Cracking And Hydrogen Embrittlement Of Martensitic Alloy Ep-823, Mohammad K. Hossain

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This investigation is focused on the evaluation of stress corrosion cracking (SCC), localized corrosion, and hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility of martensitic Alloy EP-823 in neutral and acidic solutions at ambient and elevated temperatures. While no failures were observed in smooth specimens in the neutral solution, failures were noticed in the 90°C acidic solution at constant-load (CL) leading to a threshold stress (O'_th) of 102 ksi. The presence of a notch reduced the O'_th value to 91 ksi in a similar environment. The ductility (%El and %RA), time-to-failure (TTF), and true failure stress (O'_r) were gradually …

Modeling, Fabrication, And Optimization Of Niobium Cavities Phase Iii: Quarterly Report, Robert A. Schill Jr., Mohamed Trabia

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

This quarterly report provides an update to the last phase of the Modeling, Fabrication, and Optimization of Niobium Cavities. Designing the experimental setup of secondary electron emission was well underway in early summer of 2003 when funding was made available for this portion the study. By March 2004, many of the components of the experimental study reached UNLV with some assembly accomplished. The first secondary electron emission (SEE) measurement was made from the surface of a Faraday cup in September 2004. At a particular beam energy, the current measured with the Faraday cup and electrometer changed sign over a range …

In-Drift Natural Convection And Condensation, Stephen W. Webb, Phillip Rogers, John Del Mar, Darrell Svalstad, Cliff Howard, Ernest Hardin, Bechtel Saic Company, Llc

Publications (YM)

The Yucca Mountain repository configuration consists of waste packages stored inside of underground tunnels, or drifts. The waste packages generate heat due to radioactive decay, and moisture flows into and out of the drifts in liquid and vapor form. Heat and mass transfer within the drifts, including interaction with the surrounding rock, are potentially important processes for the performance of the repository. The present report documents models for in-drift heat and mass transfer during the post-closure period. Pre-closure, or ventilated, conditions are documented in a separate report (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169862]).

High Temperature Heat Exchanger Project: Quarterly Progress Report July 1, 2004 Through September 30, 2004, Anthony Hechanova

Publications (NSTD)

UNLV hosted a meeting on NHI Materials and Heat Exchanger Design on Monday, May 17. Paul Pickard (Sandia National Lab) and Bill Corwin (Oak Ridge National Lab) facilitated the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to summarize the hydrogen materials and heat exchanger requirements and priorities for UNLV staff and their collaborators to support the research proposal solicitation for the UNLV Research Foundation HTHX program. Attendance was heavier than anticipated and required a change of venue to accommodate the crowd of over 30.

Developing A Sensing System For The Measurement Of Oxygen Concentration In Liquid Pb-Bi Eutectic: Quarterly Progress Report (July 1 – Sept. 30, 2004), Yingtao Jiang, Bingmei Fu

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

Dr. Jiang Ma and Mr. Xiaolong Wu worked in LANL between July 1 and Sept. 15 to conduct the experiment. Test of the corrosion of different materials in LBE was performed. The influence of the process of gas introduction to the LBE was studied. Data analysis work was performed based on accumulated data. In the same time, progress has been made in the simulation for transport in oxygen mixing, and one paper was presented in a conference. Another paper was composed and submitted to IEEE International Symposium of Circuits and Systems for the track Chemical Sensors. Preparation of a paper …

Embrittlement And Localized Corrosion In Alloy Ht-9, Sudheer Sama

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This investigation is focused on the evaluation of stress corrosion cracking (SCC), hydrogen embrittlement (HE) and localized corrosion susceptibility of Alloy HT -9 in neutral and acidic solutions at 30, 60 and 90°C. Constant-load and slow-strain-rate (SSR) testing techniques were used to evaluate the SCC and HE behavior of this alloy by using smooth and notched tensile specimens. Hydrogen effect on the cracking behavior was evaluated by applying cathodic (negative) potential to the test specimens. Localized corrosion susceptibility was evaluated by cyclic potentiodynamic polarization technique. The results of constant load SCC testing showed a threshold stress at 80% of the …

Environment-Induced Degradations In A Target Structural Material For Transmutation Applications, Ramprashad Prabhakaran

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This investigation is focused on the evaluation of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and localized corrosion behavior of Type 422 stainless steel in aqueous environments at ambient and elevated temperature. The results of constant load SCC testing using smooth specimens showed no failure in the neutral solution but a threshold stress of 97 ksi was observed in the 90°C acidic environment. SCC testing by the slow-strain-rate test method indicate that the time-to-failure, true failure stress and ductility parameters were gradually reduced with increasing temperature, showing more pronounced effect in the acidic solution. The application of a controlled cathodic potential showed further …

Review Of The Product Development Process And Information Flow In The Manufacturing Industry: Problems And A Possible Wav Forward, E Opiyo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

No abstract provided.

High Temperature Heat Exchanger Project: Quarterly Progress Report April 1, 2004 Through June 30, 2004, Anthony Hechanova

Publications (NSTD)

UNLV hosted a meeting on NHI Materials and Heat Exchanger Design on Monday, May 17. Paul Pickard (Sandia National Lab) and Bill Corwin (Oak Ridge National Lab) facilitated the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to summarize the hydrogen materials and heat exchanger requirements and priorities for UNLV staff and their collaborators to support the research proposal solicitation for the UNLV Research Foundation HTHX program. Attendance was heavier than anticipated and required a change of venue to accommodate the crowd of over 30.

Use Of Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy For Stress-Strain Measurements, Ajit K. Roy

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

The purpose of this collaborative research project involving the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and Idaho State University (ISU) is to evaluate the feasibility of determining residual stresses of welded, bent (three-point-bend), and cold-worked engineering materials using a new nondestructive technique based on positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). The proposed technique is to use γ-rays from a small MeV electron linear accelerator (Linac) to generate positrons inside the test sample via 2 pair production. This method can be used for materials characterization and investigation of defects in thick samples that usually cannot be accomplished by conventional positron technique or other …

High Temperature Heat Exchanger Project: Quarterly Progress Report January 1, 2004 Through March 31, 2004, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas. Research Foundation, Robert F. D. Perret

Publications (NSTD)

Mutually satisfactory language has been developed to permit signing of a subcontract between the General Atomics Corporation and the UNLV Research Foundation. The contract is signed.

Modeling, Fabrication, And Optimization Of Niobium Cavities: Phase Iii Third Quarterly Report, Robert A. Schill Jr., Mohamed Trabia

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

Niobium cavities are important parts of the integrated NC/SC high-power linacs. Over the years, researchers in several countries have tested various cavity shapes. They concluded that elliptically shaped cells are the most appropriate shape for superconducting cavities. The need for very clean surfaces lead to the use of a buffered chemical polishing produce for surface cleaning to get good performance of the cavities. The third phase concludes the experimental a fluid flow study and optimization study. The first quarter and second quarter of phase three also begins the experimental set-up of secondary emission studies from niobium in superconducting mode. This …

High Temperature Heat Exchanger Project (Hthx) Project Quarterly Report, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas. Research Foundation

Publications (NSTD)

On October 24, 2003, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) hosted an all-day HTHX Kickoff Meeting attended by all participating institutional representatives and researchers. Objectives of this meeting were to identify near-term research objectives, coordinate collaborative activities, and identify required urgent action items.