Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Use Of Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy For Stress-Strain Measurements: Quarterly Progress Report (March – May 2005), Ajit K. Roy

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

Accomplishments:

● Analyses of defects (dislocations) in martensitic Alloy EP-823, cold-reduced to different levels, have been performed by using transmission electron microscopy. The dislocation density has been related to the degree of cold-reduction and residual stress in terms of a line-shape parameter determined by the positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS).

● Additional PAS measurements are ongoing on tensile, welded and cold-worked specimens of Alloys EP-823 and HT-9 at the Idaho Accelerator Center of ISU. Both Subhra and Silpa are involved in these measurements.

● Silpa is performing neutron diffraction (ND) measurements at the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), Chalk River …

Effect Of Silicon Content On The Corrosion Resistance And Radiation-Induced Embrittlement Of Materials For Advanced Heavy Liquid Metal Nuclear Systems: Quarterly Progress Report (February – April 2005), Ajit K. Roy

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

This proposal is intended to study the effect of Si content not only on the corrosion resistance but also on the radiation-induced embrittlement of martensitic stainless steels. The susceptibility of these alloys with different Si content to stress corrosion cracking, general corrosion and localized corrosion will be evaluated in the molten LBE and aqueous environments of different pH values using state-of-the-art testing techniques. Testing in the aqueous media is intended to develop baseline data for comparison purpose. Radiation-induced embrittlement of these alloys will initially be studied by irradiating the test specimens with bremmstrahlung gamma radiation from 20-40 MeV electron beams …

Design Concepts And Process Analysis For Transmuter Fuel Manufacturing: Quarterly Progress Report #3, Jamil M. Renno, Georg F. Mauer

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

Value Engineering (VE) is used to maximize the product of a process while utilizing the minimum amount of resources. In previous reporting periods a powder processing hot cell was designed and simulated. A VE study will be initiated for this work cell. A manipulator reliability study and a workspace study are performed in this work period. The above noted studies can be combined, and improvements can be made in the operations of the work cell.

Cooperative Conservation: Increasing Capacity Through Community Partnerships -- Interagency Volunteer Program & Cooperative Conservation Program: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending June 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Get Outdoors Nevada

• 1,289+ records are now loaded into volunteer database.
• 150 volunteers registered for events on the interagency website.
• Three interagency events were successfully completed: April 2 – Red Rock Day at Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area; April 15 – Stewardship Saturday at Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge; June 4 – National Trails Day at Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.
• 25 interagency volunteer events are identified for year-two.
• Volunteer recognition program is underway.
• Volunteer training program syllabus is under development.
• Potential funding sources are identified (grants).

Interagency Science And Research: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending June 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Interagency Science and Research Strategy

• Search for project manager commenced in late March 2005, with initial review of applications occurring in April 2005
• Reference checks of qualified candidates commenced in May 2005
• Interviews with two candidates were conducted in early June 2005
• The preferred candidate declined the position
• An additional interview is now scheduled for 7/06/05

Take Pride In America In Southern Nevada: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending June 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Anti-littering Programs

• Search for project manager commenced in January 2005, with initial review of applications occurring in February 2005
• Comprehensive review of qualified candidates conducted March 2005
• Interviews with four candidates were conducted in early April 2005
• Douglas Joslin, Jr., approved by federal managers in May 2005 and hired as program manager, effective July 11, 2005
• Regional Take Pride in America public service announcements taped May 24, 2005
• Meeting held June 29, 2005, to discuss national and regional roll-out of new Take Pride PSAs

Development Of Dose Conversion Coefficients For Radionuclides Produced In Spallation Neutron Sources Quarterly Progress Report 4/01/05 – 6/30/05, Phillip W. Patton, Mark Rudin

Transmutation Sciences Physics (TRP)

The research consortium comprised of representatives from several universities and national laboratories has successfully generated internal and external dose conversion coefficients for twenty radionuclides produced in spallation neutron sources. These dose coefficients fill data gaps exist in Federal Guide Report No. 11 and in Publications 68 and 72 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), and two articles containing the data have been accepted for publication in the Journal of Health Physics. Currently, more nuclear data is needed for the rare radionuclides produced from a mercury target. While attempting to develop a workable plan to acquire this missing data, …

Afci Quarterly Input – Unlv April Through June, 2005, Harry Reid Center For Environmental Studies. Nuclear Science And Technology Division

Transmutation Research Program Reports (TRP)

Quarterly report highlighting research projects, activities and objectives of the Transmutation Research Program at the Nuclear Science & Technology Division, Harry Reid Research Center.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas supports the AFCI through research and development of technologies for economic and environmentally sound refinement of spent nuclear fuel. The UNLV program has four components: infrastructure, international collaboration, student-based research, and management and program support.

Neutron Multiplicity Measurements For The Afci Program Quarterly Progress Report April-June 2005, Denis Beller

Transmutation Sciences Physics (TRP)

This project was developed to test a Russian-built Neutron Multiplicity Detector System (NMDS) for measuring neutrons generated in a central target by a variety of accelerators. To assist in experiment design and evaluation, we use the most advanced high energy radiation transport code, MCNPX, to model experiments. Experimental results are compared to computational predictions and discrepancies are investigated. Initial plans were to conduct experiments using a 70-MeV proton cyclotron at the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory at the University of California at Davis and/or a 20 to 40 MeV electron linac (linear accelerator) at the Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC) at Idaho State …

Reactor Physics Studies For The Afci Race Project: Reactor-Accelerator Coupling Experiments Project: Quarterly Progress Report April-June 2005, Denis Beller

Transmutation Sciences Physics (TRP)

In the RACE Project of the U.S. Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI), a series of accelerator driven subcritical systems (ADSS) experiments is being conducted at the Idaho State University’s Idaho Accelerator Center (ISU-IAC), at will be conducted at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin, and at the Texas A&M University. In these experiments we will use electron accelerators to induce bremsstrahlung photon-neutron reactions in heavy-metal targets; this source of about 10¹² to 10¹³ n/s will then initiate fission reactions in the subcritical systems. These systems will include a compact, transportable assembly at ISU and TRIGA reactors at …

The Electrochemical Separation Of Curium And Americium: Quaterly Report April - June, 2005, David W. Hatchett, Kenneth Czerwinski

Separations Campaign (TRP)

This research report outlines the current status and progress associated with the electrochemical separation of Curium and Americium.

Results

• We have completed the electrochemical investigation in of the Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ redox couple and have determined the optimum experimental conditions.

• Computer modeling of the cerium using the JChess speciation-modeling program has been completed for the Ce redox couple. Traditional complexing ligands such as EDTA, oxalate, NTA, phosphate, acetate, and sulfate have been purchased and will be used to initiate the complexation and electrochemical characterization.

• Electrochemical investigations have continued on the Eu²⁺/Eu³⁺ redox …

Dissolution, Reactor, And Environmental Behavior Of Zro2-Mgo Inert Fuel Matrix: Quarterly Report, April 2005 To June 2005, Earl Wolfram, Thomas Hartmann, Kenneth Czerwinski

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

This project will examine inert matrix fuels containing ZrO₂ and MgO as the inert matrix, with the relative amount of MgO varied from 30% to 70% in ZrO₂. Reactor physics calculations will be used to examine suitable quantities of burnable poisons from the candidate elements Gd, Er, or Hf with reactor grade Pu providing the fissile component, with up to 10 % of ²³⁹Pu. Ceramics will be synthesized and characterized based on the reactor physics results. The solubility the fuel ceramics, in reactor conditions, reprocessing conditions, and repository conditions, will be investigated in a manner to …

Dissolution, Reactor, And Environmental Behavior Of Zro2-Mgo Inert Fuel Matrix: Neutronic Evaluation Of Zro2-Mgo Inert Fuels, E. Shwageraus, A. Galperin, E. Fridman, S. Kolesnikov

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

This report presents results of the analysis performed within the framework of “Dissolution, Reactor, and Environmental Behavior of ZrO₂-MgO Inert Fuel Matrix” project managed by University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies. The main objective of the study was to explore the basic neutronic feasibility of using MgO-ZrO₂ as inert fuel matrix for Pu recycling in conventional Light Water Reactors (LWR).

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: May 17, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from March 15, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Review of Project Issues & Concerns (30 min.)
   A. Discussion of Strategic Project Review
4. Update on Water Options and NEPA Timeline/Progress – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
5. Core Curriculum Development: Progress Report – Jeannie Klockow (15 min.)
6. Community Outreach – Nancy Flagg (15 min.)
   A. Key Messages
   B. List of environmental groups and media
   D. Revisit Core Group list
7. Standing Reports (20 minutes)
   A. Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom
   B. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
8. Committee Reports (10 min.)
   A. Building Committee – Angie …

Analyzing The Effects Of Various Sign Types Used By The Bureau Of Land Management For Desert Cleanup And Restoration Projects, Christopher Linehan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

What is the effectiveness of attempts to curb illegal dumping with prompts on signs posted in the area? Do positive friendly language prompts such as “Restoration in Progress Please Do Not Disturb” generate more positive attitudes and intentions towards illegal dumping problems, than less friendly prompts such as “No Dumping Allowed”?

Results, although inconclusive, did however show a slight trend towards the negative language signs.

Study Examining A Doe Proposal To Dispose Of Mixed Low Level Waste At The Nevada Test Site Using An Alternative Landfill Design, Deborah Hart

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Department of Energy has set forth a proposal to use an Alternative Landfill Design (ALD) for the Mixed Low Level Waste disposal facility, in Area 5 of the Nevada Test Site in place of a traditional engineered liner for the facility. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the impasse between the DOE and the State of Nevada regarding the proposal of placing a traditional liner versus the alternative landfill design, using a case study method to provide recommendations to policy makers and the NTS CAB. This project used secondary data to evaluate, and determine the effectiveness of …

Total Suspended Solids In Las Vegas Wash, Mika Koponen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Erosion along the Las Vegas Wash (Wash) has increased steadily along with the rapidly increasing population. The focus of this study is to find out if there is a relationship between lower total suspended solids rate (TSS) and the construction of erosion control structures along the Wash. The study was conducted between 7/15/2003 and 11/29/2004.

The method was water sampling on 7 sites and the samples were analyzed at Southern Nevada Water Systems (SNWS) laboratory at Saddle Island in Boulder City. Additional water quality data was also collected using Quanta, a device measuring different parameters in water. In this study …

Using A Systems Dynamics Approach To Determine What Can Be Done To Minimize Ozone Production, Jusdi Mcdonald

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Ground level ozone is an air pollutant that affects people of all ages and origins in many urban areas including the Las Vegas Valley. The purpose of this study is to examine the best strategy to minimize tropospheric ozone generation through using a system dynamics approach via LUTAQ is used to formulate a solution to the reduction of ozone in the Clark County non-attainment area. By increasing housing density, decreasing average distance per trip, and decrease average number of trips per person per day is the most effective strategies to improving ozone levels in Las Vegas Valley.

A Qualitative Study Investigating The Effectiveness Of The Nts Cab To The U.S. Department Of Energy, Cheryl Freire

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Environmental Management Site Specific Advisory Boards (SSAB) were Implemented by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as means for stakeholder involvement in decision-making and recommendations related to environmental management activities at DOE sites throughout the United States. As part of this process, the Nevada Test Site Community Advisory Board (NTS CAB) was formed in 1995. This project examines the effectiveness of the NTS CAB in aiding the DOE in the decisions made concerning environmental management activities at facilities located in Nevada using secondary data sources and background information. Results show that the NTS CAB is an effective entity and proves …

Inside Unlv, Erin O'Donnell, Diane Russell, Carol C. Harter

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Dissolution, Reactor, And Environmental Behavior Of Zro2-Mgo Inert Fuel Matrix: Neutronic Evaluation Of Zro2-Mgo Inert Fuels, E. Fridman, S. Kolesnikov, E. Shwageraus, A. Galperin

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

This report presents the results of the Task 4, defined in working program as: evaluation of reactivity feedback coefficients. Three main parameters of the Fertile-Free Fuel (FFF) lattices were evaluated: Moderator Temperature Coefficient (MTC), Fuel Temperature Coefficient due to Doppler Effect (DC), and soluble Boron reactivity worth (BW).

One of the major design challenges associated with utilization of FFF is deterioration of the temperature coefficients and control materials reactivity worth caused by high thermal cross-section of Pu and consequent hardening of the neutron spectrum. The purpose of the investigation reported in this section is to estimate the potential of addition …

A Comparison Of Population Sizes And Number Of Captures For The Desert Woodrat (Neotoma Lepida) In Two Microhabitats In The Las Vegas Wash, Nevada, Jayson Barangan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Planned removal and eradication of saltcedar in the Las Vegas Wash, Nevada could potentially generate adverse impacts on present desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida) populations inhabiting the area. Consequently, research was conducted investigating population sizes of N. lepida in two distinct microhabitat types, saltcedar (Tamarix sp.) and mesquite/quailbush (Prosopis sp./Atriplex lentiformis). The results of this study will aid in gauging the effects of the changes in vegetation once restoration work is completed and assist with logistical scheduling for implementation of control measures. Mark-recapture field techniques were utilized for data collection from July 2002 to June 2003. Population estimates were calculated using …

Observed Omnivory In The Herbivorous Blue Tilapia (Oreochromis Aureus), Stephen M. Oliveira Jr.

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Gila seminuda, a native endangered species, and Oreochromis aureus, a nonnative invasive species, share the same habitat in the form of the Reid Gardner Power Plant intake ponds. The purpose of this study is to characterize the feeding habits of Oreochromis aureus within the Reid Gardner Power Plant intake ponds and address the potential predation habits of Oreochromis aureus. Stomach contents of O. aureus were identified and analyzed using chi-square and log-likelihood ratio techniques, with respect to mass, length, girth, gender, or spatial distribution of samples. Results showed omnivorous behavior with a 7.00% predatory/prey relationship, and no difference of feeding …

Streamlining The National Environmental Policy Act Reporting Requirements: A Hard Look At The Healthy Forests Initiative, Jeffrey Alan Geller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has implemented the Healthy Forests Initiative (HFI) (2002), which streamlines the NEPA process for proposed forest fuel reduction projects. A key question is whether the USFS’s streamlined NEPA process produces an adequate environmental document and fulfills regulatory requirements. This thesis evaluates whether the streamlined approach practiced by the USFS under the HFI satisfies the NEPA requirements. A review of four streamlined documents assesses whether these requirements are met. The following NEPA requirements in particular are explored for each project to determine whether the NEPA requirements are met: consideration of a reasonable range of alternatives to …

Use Of Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy For Stress-Strain Measurements: Quarterly Progress Report (December 01, 2004 – February 28, 2005), Ajit K. Roy

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

The purpose of this collaborative research project involving the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), the Idaho State University (ISU), and the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is to evaluate the feasibility of determining residual stresses in cold-worked, plastically-deformed (bent), and welded materials using a nondestructive method based on positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). This technique uses γ-rays from a small MeV electron Linac to generate positrons inside the sample via pair production. This method is known to have capabilities of characterizing defects in thick specimens that could not be accomplished by conventional positron technique or other nondestructive methods. The data …

Effect Of Silicon Content On The Corrosion Resistance And Radiation-Induced Embrittlement Of Materials For Advanced Heavy Liquid Metal Nuclear Systems: Quarterly Progress Report (November 2004 – January 2005), Ajit K. Roy

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

This proposal is intended to study the effect of Si content not only on the corrosion resistance but also on the radiation-induced embrittlement of martensitic stainless steels. The susceptibility of these alloys with different Si content to stress corrosion cracking, general corrosion and localized corrosion will be evaluated in the molten LBE and aqueous environments of different pH values using state-of-the-art testing techniques. Testing in the aqueous media is intended to develop baseline data for comparison purpose. Radiation-induced embrittlement of these alloys will initially be studied by irradiating the test specimens with bremmstrahlung gamma radiation from 20-40 MeV electron beams …

Immobilization Of Fission Iodine By Reaction With A Fullerene Containing Carbon Compound And Insoluble Natural Organic Matrix: Quaterly Report January-March 2005, Spencer M. Steinberg

Separations Campaign (TRP)

We have continued experiments on the reaction of iodate with sphagnum peat moss. We have established that iodate added to a suspension of peat moss undergoes reduction and to a significant extent is incorporated in to the peat moss. We have confirmed the incorporation of iodine into the peat matrix using pyrolysis GC/MS. In addition, we have performed a scaled up pyrolysis using the preparative GC system that was described in a previous report. This instrument consisted of a packed column gas chromatograph (SRI 8010) with a TCD detector and injector valve equipped with a thermal desorber. Pyrolysis experiments were …

Presentation To Mojave-Southern Great Basin Rac, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI)

University manages selected SNPLMA projects as determined by the four federal agencies. Projects must be:

• Compatible with UNLV’s mission.
• Enhance education and research.
• Draw upon expertise of faculty, staff, and students.

Colorado College State Of The Rockies Report Card, Walter E. Hecox, F. Patrick Holmes, Bryan Hurlbutt

Publications (SD)

No abstract provided.

Fundamental And Applied Experimental Investigations Of Corrosion Of Steel By Lbe Under Controlled Conditions: Kinetics, Chemistry, Morphology, And Surface Preparation: Quarterly Report (January 2005-April 2005), Allen L. Johnson, John Farley, Dale L. Perry

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

This project has four components:

• The fabrication of a materials test apparatus with unique capabilities,
• Comparative studies of steel corrosion under gas phase conditions comparable to the Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) oxygen control conditions,
• Isotope labeling studies, and
• Collaborative efforts with other workers in the field.

Summary of accomplishments:

• Started occupation of the High Temperature Materials Experimental Facility.
• Presented a paper at the meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Diego in March 13-17.
• Currently reviving the ion beam for implantation experiments.
• Currently analyzing 38 steel samples from the DELTA loop from LANL.