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At least 577 records · Page 32

Effect of ethoxylation and lauryl alcohol on the self-assembly of sodium laurylsulfate: Significant structural and rheological transformation

Fatty alcohols are added to the surfactant solutions to modify foaming and lubrication properties, while the degree of ethoxylation is increased to improve mildness to the skin. However, it is envisioned that both parameters are capable of manipulating rheological and morphological properties. Therefore, an efficient control over the carbon chain length, amount of fatty alcohol and degree of ethoxylation could modify the surfactant self-assembly in an unprecedented way. The present work is focused on understanding the structural transformation, intermolecular interactions and rheological properties of the colloidal systems containing various amounts of lauryl alcohol (LA), and surfactant with varying degrees of ethoxylation. Additionally, combined small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, rheological and morphological studies were performed to elucidate these properties. The results reveal that an increase in LA content increases the system viscosity ultimately forming a gel, and drives the assembly pattern of the surfactant from ellipsoidal micellar to lamellar via a vesicular and vesicular/lamellar mixed intermediates. Conversely, higher degrees of ethoxylation delay the onset of morphological transformation and gel formation. The interplay between hydrophobic and polar interactions coupled with hydrogen bonding interactions drive the overall rheological and morphological transformations. Therefore, fine-tuning residual chemicals can offer a novel tool for optimization of the product formulation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

MiniMOD

SAND2025-03854O MiniMod is a user-friendly software tool designed to assess the performance of high-performance computing (HPC) systems. Researchers can use the program to test communication methods and computational tasks to understand how different setups can affect application efficiency. This software is particularly useful for optimizing network performance in scientific research, simulations, and data analysis. MiniMod‘s flexible design allows users to make informed decisions about their computing environments, which can enhance productivity and results in real-world applications. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Dosanjh, Matthew [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), L↗

Cost Benefit Analyses through Integrated Online Monitoring and Diagnostics (Final Report)

The objective of this research is to improve the economic competitiveness of advanced reactors through the optimization of cost and plant performance, which can be achieved by coupling intelligent online monitoring with asset management decision-making. As advanced reactors are early in the development life-cycle, online monitoring systems and associated sensor networks can be incorporated directly into the design without constraints related to retrofitting and system upgrades

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Maskman

SAND2025-04369O Maskman is a user-friendly tool designed to create hex masks, which are essential for optimizing application performance in high-performance computing environments. By converting a list of integers into binary and then hex masks, Maskman simplifies the process of setting application affinity. This ensures that software runs efficiently on specific nodes within a computing cluster. Ideal for researchers and developers, Maskman streamlines the preparation of inputs for HPC schedulers, enhancing resource management and improving overall system performance. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Pase, Douglas [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Live↗

Blueprint for DOE Quantum Supercomputing: Ensuring U.S. Leadership in the Quantum Decade

Quantum computing stands at the threshold of a transformative decade, where the field will evolve from small-scale demonstrations toward practical scientific computing at scale. This Blueprint identifies fault-tolerant quantum computers (FTQCs) as a viable, scalable, and broadly applicable path to achieving “quantum scientific utility,” defined as solving scientifically valuable problems beyond the reach of conventional, classical computers. This capability is expected to show scientific demonstrations in the late 2020s and to mature in the early-to-mid 2030s. This Blueprint outlines a strategy to prepare the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for FTQCs and their integration into the U.S. national scientific computing infrastructure. Its purpose is to identify the steps, milestones, and research directions necessary for DOE to enable initial deployment of FTQCs in 2028 as a scientific tool for the nation and mature this capability into the 2030s. DOE has a long history of supporting quantum information science and technology, contributing significantly to research advancements, training a quantum-ready workforce, and providing access to early small-scale quantum hardware. Given recent demonstrations of logical operations on error-corrected logical qubits and the advancement of commercial hardware roadmaps, DOE should begin preparations for large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computing deployment for DOE science missions. This Blueprint proposes that DOE focus on (1) deploying first-generation scientifically relevant quantum computers with at least 100 logical qubits and performing at least 10,000 to 100,000 hard logical operations in scientifically relevant calculations; (2) developing essential FTQC programming competencies, system software, and facility readiness; and (3) investing in cutting edge focused R&D that fosters breakthroughs in scientific applications, algorithms, and logical architectures needed to accelerate the advent of scientific utility. This effort will position DOE to transition to larger systems: production-scale quantum computers that comprise 1,000 to 10,000 logical qubits, perform 1 to 10 billion hard logical operations, and execute scientifically useful computations at scale. Achieving these goals will require DOE facilities to evolve with urgency to support scientific campaigns that integrate quantum and classical computing resources into efficient workflows, novel software and firmware environments for compiling and routing quantum programs on FTQC machines, and suitable infrastructure for quantum hardware. It will also require further development and optimization of scientific applications from the fields of materials science, quantum chemistry, and high-energy and nuclear physics. The Blueprint calls for transformative R&D and collective action to accelerate the advent of scientific quantum utility and bring it within reach by 2028.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Digital quantum simulation of NMR experiments

Simulations of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments can be an important tool for extracting information about molecular structure and optimizing experimental protocols but are often intractable on classical computers for large molecules such as proteins and for protocols such as zero-field NMR. We demonstrate the first quantum simulation of an NMR spectrum, computing the zero-field spectrum of the methyl group of acetonitrile using four qubits of a trapped-ion quantum computer. We reduce the sampling cost of the quantum simulation by an order of magnitude using compressed sensing techniques. We show how the intrinsic decoherence of NMR systems may enable the zero-field simulation of classically hard molecules on relatively near-term quantum hardware and discuss how the experimentally demonstrated quantum algorithm can be used to efficiently simulate scientifically and technologically relevant solid-state NMR experiments on more mature devices. Our work opens a practical application for quantum computation.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

MARIE: A Python-Based Framework for Comprehensive Fuel Recycling Modeling

One of the most pressing challenges to the continued deployment of nuclear energy systems is in the ultimate management and disposition of discharged fuel assemblies. While reprocessing and recovery of valuable materials from UNF assemblies has been considered as part of an overall strategy for minimization of the volume of reactor-based wastes to be managed, the deployment of commercial-scale reprocessing facilities presents an enormous economic challenge. The MARIE software package has been developed as a means of confronting this challenge. Representing components of a generic fuel reprocessing operation as individual physical processes, MARIE is designed as a modular framework intended to allow for analysis and cost-optimization for a hypothetical reprocessing facility while realistically accounting for the physical characteristics of the used fuel source term, such as decay heat, activity, and radiation dose (informing corresponding shielding requirements). Capabilities supported by MARIE include head-end operations such as fuel shearing, voloxidation, and dissolution; generic solvent extraction operations informed by available open-literature data; a suite of unit operations intended to represent electrochemical processing of used fuel assemblies (i.e., oxide reduction, electrorefining, and electrowinning); and finally, accounting for both costs and physical features of discharged waste streams, which can be used to inform follow-on analyses such as the feasibility of deep-borehole disposal of HLW. This paper presents an overview of the MARIE software capabilities, including how individual unit operations are implemented to enable a larger-scale optimization of a hypothetical reprocessing operation on aspects such as cost and recovery of valuable materials.

Skutnik, Steve [ORNL] (ORCID:000000016441135X)↗

Computer-Based Procedures Among Older Adults: Findings from the Rancor Microworld Simulator

As with many industries worldwide, nuclear energy is experiencing an aging workforce; older than other energy sources and the national average. For example, while almost one in three nuclear industry professionals are 55+ years, for oil and gas that number is one in five. The challenges brought about by an aging workforce are one of the industry’s top concerns. However, the industry lacks for empirical research that examines the effects of developmental aging in older workers, as well as the interactions between aging and new digital technologies. We present the results of an experiment that tested three different computer-based procedures in a sample of 30 older adults (55+ years). While the industry has traditionally relied on paper-based procedures, these are being modernized by digital technology. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three procedure-types that varied by the level of digitalization, based on the IEEE Standard-1786. Type 1 essentially represents a digital representation of a paper-based procedure, Type 2 adds embedded indicators, and Type 3 adds soft controls. Participants performed two different operational scenarios (startup and loss of feedwater) on a simplified nuclear power plant simulator. Results revealed a weak signal that Type 2 may produce lower workload and lower completion times in some instances. However, there were no significant effects of procedure-type across any other outcomes, including simulator log data, situation awareness, and preference ratings. We discuss our findings in terms of optimal levels of digitalization/automation for an aging nuclear workforce and suggest pathways for future directions.

46 - INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AN↗

Data-driven modeling of coarse mesh turbulence for reactor transient analysis using convolutional recurrent neural networks

Advanced nuclear reactors often exhibit complex thermal-fluid phenomena during transients. To accurately capture such phenomena, a coarse-mesh three-dimensional (3-D) modeling capability is desired for modern nuclear-system code. In the coarse-mesh 3-D modeling of advanced-reactor transients that involve flow and heat transfer, accurately predicting the turbulent viscosity is a challenging task that requires an accurate and computationally efficient model to capture the unresolved fine-scale turbulence. In this work, we propose a data-driven coarse-mesh turbulence model based on local flow features for the transient analysis of thermal mixing and stratification in a sodium-cooled fast reactor. The model has a coarse mesh setup to ensure computational efficiency, while it is trained by fine-mesh computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data to ensure accuracy. A novel neural network architecture, combining a densely connected convolutional network and a long-short-term-memory network, is developed that can efficiently learn from the spatial temporal CFD transient simulation results. The neural network model was trained and optimized on a loss-of flow transient and demonstrated high accuracy in predicting the turbulent viscosity field during the whole transient. The trained model's generalization capability was also investigated on two other transients with different inlet conditions. The study demonstrates the potential of applying the proposed data-driven approach to support the coarse-mesh multi-dimensional modeling of advanced reactors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

LA17-V-InverseRadTransportProblem-PD2Kb. Final Project Report

In the inverse radiation transport problem, a radiation signal emanating from an unknown object is used to reconstruct geometric and material parameters of the object , e.g., the mass of special nuclear material (SNM), the isotopic composition of the SNM (e.g., the enrichment of 235U), the thickness of shielding, etc. The inverse radiation transport problem is one of the most fundamental and important in the emergency response mission, and has been addressed in previous NA-22 and NA-42/84 investments by using derivative-free optimization methods. Our project was aimed at (i) consolidating previous work by applying polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) for reducing significantly the number of forward model simulations required by derivative-free optimization methods; (ii) developing a general-purpose framework and stand-alone software for solving the inverse radiation transport problem by applying a new “predictive modeling” methodology (predictive modeling of coupled multi-physics systems, PM_CMPS) which enables the fusing of experimental and computational information; and (iii) developing several benchmarks (for unscattered gamma rays) for demonstrating the quantification of non-Gaussian features (e.g., skewness and kurtosis, which characterize asymmetries and long tails) of response distributions by deterministically and efficiently propagating parameter uncertainties (covariances and higher-order moments, where available) using high-order sensitivities computed by the recently developed comprehensive adjoint sensitivity analysis methodology (C-ASAM). With regard to (i), application of PCE, the most significant accomplishment of this project was an implementation of PCE into INVERSE that significantly reduced computation time for the DiffeRential Evolution Adaptive Metropolis (DREAM) and Differential Evolution (DE) methods. For inverse transport problems with measurements of neutron leakage, neutron multiplication, and neutron-induced gamma-rays, the solution times for the DREAM and DE methods were reduced by factors of 30-300, reducing run times from hours to minutes while maintaining the same accuracy as the standard (non-PCE) DREAM and DE. Speedups were further improved by exploring sparse grid quadrature sets using the Toolkit for Adaptive Stochastic Modeling and Non-Intrusive ApproximatioN (Tasmanian) toolset. An initial exploration of sparse grids indicated that further speedups factors of 5-10 are obtainable. The implementation of PCE in INVERSE is not in a form that users can easily access. With regard to (ii), solving the inverse problem using a predictive modeling paradigm, the most significant accomplishment of this project were the derivation and implementation of adjoint-based second derivatives in neutron and photon transport theory. There are two codes that compute these derivatives. SENSPG computes them for uncollided gamma rays and SENSMG computes them for neutron leakage. SENSMG is open-source code available on github. Other significant accomplishments included a stand-alone code, MULTI-PRED, that implements the predictive modeling paradigm, along with a detailed manual. The code was implemented in the existing INVERSE code for inverse problems, but a head-to-head comparison of inverse methods was not achieved. We also derived and implemented the capability to compute sensitivities for multiplicity measurements into the SENSMG code, and this capability was used in a data assimilation application, but it was not used for solving inverse problems. With regard to (iii), developing benchmarks to demonstrate the importance of high-order sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, the most significant accomplishment of this project were two test problems that showed how important second-order sensitivities are.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

OPTIMUS{sup TM} Packaging for Intermediate Level Wastes and Spent Fuel - 20129

NAC's OPTIMUS{sup TM} packaging is a family of Type B(U)F transportation packages designed for maximum flexibility and cost-efficiency to support shipment of a wide range of challenging wastes and materials. They are small, modular packaging designs meeting DOT weight limits for road transport. OPTIMUS{sup TM} contents include low level waste, mixed low-level waste, irradiated fuel waste and intermediate level waste. Contents can also include aerosol cans with compressed gas and liquefied gas propellants and standard DOT 3E lecture bottles for shipment to treatment facilities. OPTIMUS{sup TM} packaging provides a cost-effective solution for challenging and unique waste contents combined with design simplicity and operational flexibility meeting the requirements of both SSR-6 and 10 CFR 71 for Type B(U)F packaging. The modular design of the packaging components combined with the flexibility to add modified internals for enhanced packaging performance makes OPTIMUS{sup TM} the preferred solution for many radioactive material transportation needs. The OPTIMUS{sup TM} product line currently includes two packaging designs; OPTIMUS{sup TM}-L and OPTIMUS{sup TM}-H. OPTIMUS{sup TM}-L is a lightweight transportation packaging intended for low-activity wastes, whereas OPTIMUS{sup TM}-H is a larger, heavier package intended for high-activities wastes. Due to its small size and weight, six (6) to ten (10) OPTIMUS{sup TM}-L packages can be accommodated on a single legal-weight truck shipment, depending on the weight of the contents. For typical payloads, two (2) OPTIMUS{sup TM}-H packages can be accommodated on a single legal-weight truck shipment. The OPTIMUS{sup TM} packaging share the same cask containment vessel (CCV) in the OPTIMUS{sup TM}-H and OPTIMUS{sup TM}-L. The large cavity size of the CCV, which can accommodate a 416-liter (110-gallon) drum, combined with the small size, low weight and modularity of the OPTIMUS{sup TM} packaging provides unmatched flexibility. In this paper, NAC provides a technical overview of the OPTIMUS{sup TM} packaging and identifies the design features and technology advancements making the OPTIMUS{sup TM} a readily adaptable and flexible solution for packaging processing facilities, reactor and decommissioning wastes. Optimized shielding performance through the addition of internal shielding components and alternative shipping configurations are discussed. In addition, an overview of the first major deployment of the OPTIMUS{sup TM} packaging for the Whiteshell Laboratories Closure Project (WLCP) is discussed. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Cyber-Physical Risks for Advanced Reactors

Cybersecurity for industrial control systems is an important consideration that advance reactor designers will need to consider. How cyber risk is managed is the subject of on-going research and debate in the nuclear industry. This report seeks to identify potential cyber risks for advance reactors. Identified risks are divided into absorbed risk and licensee managed risk to clearly show how cyber risks for advance reactors can potentially be transferred. Absorbed risks are risks that originate external to the licensee but may unknowingly propagate into the plant. Insights include (1) the need for unification of safety, physical security, and cybersecurity risk assessment frameworks to ensure optimal coordination of risk, (2) a quantitative risk assessment methodology in conjunction with qualitative assessments may be useful in efficiently and sufficiently managing cyber risks, and (3) cyber risk management techniques should align with a risked informed regulatory framework for advance reactors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Steam generator model design parameter sensitivity study for small modular reactor system

Here, this study focuses on design parameter sensitivity studies pertaining to several Once-Through Steam Generator (OTSG) model cases both with and without a riser using python and advanced risk assessment and optimization tool, i.e. Risk Analysis Virtual Environment (RAVEN) developed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), to support a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) system. The presented Steam Generator (SG) python-based model is a mathematical representation of a steam-generating unit for a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)-type SMR system, including fluid flow and heat transfer equations, models, and correlations. Design studies involve changing the model’s input design parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, mass flow rate) to observe the resulting effects on the output of the system, such as the Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC), Reynolds number, Nusselt number, and heat transfer performance. Sensitivity studies analyze the degree to which system output and/or desired parameters (e.g., HTC or heat transfer performance) are sensitive to changes in the input parameters. By using RAVEN, detailed design parametric sensitivity studies. Six input parameters—namely, the pressure, temperature, and mass flow rate for the inlet of the primary-side (hot fluid) and secondary-side (cold fluid) of the SG—were randomly perturbed via RAVEN’s Monte Carlo Sampler module, using uniform distributions (i.e., ±1%, ±5% and ±10 % relative changes) for 600 samples. The analysis results give valuable insights into SG system performance, and provide justification for further research and development such as optimized sensor placement, design verification, validation, and optimization.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Perform Design Support with MCNP for New Measurements

This report incorporates our work carried out during our 5-month internship at LANL under an internship agreement with EAMEA (École des Applications Militaires de l’Énergie Atomique). After outlining the context in which we worked, we present our work as aid to modeling and predicting the neutronic behavior of nuclear systems, with a view to carrying out criticality experiments qualifying the MCNP code as part of innovative projects. Fourth generation reactors will enable to tackle a lot of issues such as environmental crisis, affordable energy access, and nuclear waste management. They seem to be one of the keys for a sustainable future. Most of the projects that emerge nowadays include the use of HALEU (high assay low enriched uranium) or MOX recycled fuels. Our projects are part of this dynamic and addresses concrete scientific research issues in the nuclear field. Studies of HALEU package are essential to anticipate the need, therefore the Optimus L (OPTImal Modular Universal Shipping cask technology) designed by NAC (Nuclear Assurance Corporation) international but filled with 20 % enriched uranium dioxide (UO 2 ) will be studied to support safe transportation. However, it seems there is no benchmark with a high correlation with the combination of this fuel and this package to validate MCNP simulations. As such, the study will focus on the development of new criticality safety benchmarks for this case. On the other hand, there is a great need for critical benchmarks in the intermediate energy range with MOX fuel. An IER (Integral Experiment Request) has then be requested to answer it through a partnership between French institution IRSN and U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP). This experience planned for 2025 requires to gather calculated data through a MCNP model to be realized safely. Finally, a presentation of our one-week experience at the DAF as part of our discovery of criticality experiments will be introduced in Appendix 1: Week at the DAF (Device Assembly Facility)

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Advanced modeling and simulation of research reactors using dynamic mode decomposition

Full text of publication follows. Due to the ever-increasing safety requirements, the current trend of nuclear reactor analysis is shifting towards high-fidelity multi-physics models, which have a very high computational cost and modelling complexity. As the cost of even a single model run makes it impossible to analyse the behaviour and performance of these models on large-scale commercial plants, it has become even more significant to provide suitable benchmarks to validate and test them extensively. In this sense, research reactors offer a promising solution for the initial validation of high-fidelity models, as they are significantly smaller than commercial reactors and their characteristics are well known. In particular, the reactors of the TRIGA family have been used to assess and validate models and methods for Generation-IV designs, as they have some similar features (such as the dominance of natural convection as cooling mechanism and the difficulties in performing sub-channel analysis using standard codes). Still, the computational requirements of high-fidelity models make them unsuitable for real-time analysis, even following their assessment on research reactors. In this sense, Model Order Reduction (MOR) techniques give an additional strategy to reduce the computational cost of high-fidelity models (whilst preserving sufficient accuracy). In particular, this work focuses on Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD), a non-intrusive MOR technique that aims at representing models with explicit temporal dynamics by extracting the time-varying characteristics and the governing structures based only on a set of available data, thus without needing any underlying knowledge of the governing equations. In addition, DMD also computes a low-dimensional surrogate of the dynamic matrix of the system, making it suited for stability analysis and real-time evaluations. This work focuses on the application and validation of the DMD method on the Computational Fluid-Dynamics (CFD) model TRIGA Mark II reactor, also discussing in detail the potentiality of this algorithm as an advanced modelling tool for nuclear reactor analysis. (author)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

A novel approach for critical heat flux enhancement during severe accident mitigation with removal of radioactive materials from the coolant

In this paper, a new system, which consists of mature and proven technologies, is suggested for simultaneous objectives in nuclear power plants: CHF enhancement and effective decontamination. It consists of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles and a collector part. CHF enhancement for severe accident mitigation strategies like IVR-ERVC and core catcher is expected along with an efficient decontamination process of target radioactive nuclides, and through the collector part, where external magnetic fields are applied, working fluid can be effectively purified. The multifunctional magnetic nanoparticle possesses potentials to severe accident scenarios based on its distinct characteristics. Also, a nanofluid system is strongly affected by environments and state of the immersed particles; the CHF enhancement can be stably achieved in real applications with proper consideration and optimization.

Kam, Dong Hoon↗

Verification Testing of OLI Systems Mixed Solvent Electrolyte Model for the Na-K-Mg-Ca-H-Cl-SO 4 -OH-HCO 3 -CO 3 -CO 2 -H 2 ) System to High Ionic Strength at 25°C

This technical report summarizes model verification results and summary statistics for 41 evaporite mineral solubility cases evaluated by Savannah River National Laboratory using OLI Systems’ aqueous electrolyte thermodynamic modeling software. The 41 verification cases containing a total of 60 solubility curves comprise mineral solubility data from low to high ionic strength at 25°C for the eight-component system Na-K-Mg-Ca-H-Cl-SO 4 -OH-HCO 3 -CO 3 -CO 2 -H 2 O as reported by Harvie et al. (1984). Thermodynamic calculations were executed using OLI Systems’ Stream Analyzer computation module within the OLI Studio software platform (Ver. 11.0, Rev. 11.0.1.9). The Mixed Solvent Electrolyte (MSE) thermodynamic framework was chosen for this investigation because of its superiority in modeling high ionic-strength inorganic salt solutions and actinide redox chemistry and solubility, both of which are relevant to the geological repository conditions at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Mineral solubility data in various inorganic salt solutions were digitized and extracted from figures generated by Harvie et al. (1984). For each of the 60 solubility curves, a case-specific chemistry model and input file were generated in OLI Studio using OLI Stream Analyzer and the MSE (H 3 O + ion) public databank provided by OLI Systems. Model simulation results were exported to Microsoft Excel to calculate summary statistics and to generate graphs comparing the OLI model predictions to the solubility data. Summary statistics include residuals (model – data) and concordance (accuracy × precision, where precision is indicated by the Pearson correlation coefficient and accuracy accounts for bias and scale differential). Private databanks were not developed, and activity coefficient model regressions were not performed to improve OLI model fits to the data. Of the 41 model verification plots, 83% have a mean of the percent residuals less than or equal to 25%. Similarly, 75% display a concordance greater than or equal to 0.75. Only seven of the 41 verification plots fail to show good agreement between the model and data. Of these seven, three are relevant to the WIPP repository because they involve the Mg-OH-Cl-SO 4 -CO 3 aqueous system. The remaining four address salt solubilities at the pH extremes (strong acid and strong base). It should be noted that in two of the three Mg-OH-Cl-SO 4 -CO 3 system cases, the regressed Harvie et al. (1984) solubility curve also deviated from the data. Lack of agreement between the OLI model-predicted solubility curves and the data is attributable to one or more of the following: specific solid species are not included in the OLI MSE databank; there is significant variation among the different solubility datasets chosen by Harvie et al. (1984); the OLI MSE model’s thermodynamic parameters were determined using different solubility datasets; and the activity coefficient parameters for certain relevant ion-ion and ion-molecule pairs have not been optimized via data regression. Two recommendations for future work are to (1) evaluate solubility data for the Mg-OH-Cl-SO 4 -CO 3 system at high ionic strength and, if necessary, develop a private OLI MSE database that includes missing species and, where necessary, regressed standard state properties and interaction parameters; (2) perform similar verification testing of the OLI model for actinide solubility data.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Examining the Impact of Data Layout on Tape on Data Recall Performance for ATLAS

Increases in data volumes are forcing high-energy and nuclear physics experiments to store more frequently accessed data on tape. Extracting the maximum performance from tape drives is critical to make this viable from a data availability and system cost standpoint. The nature of data ingest and retrieval in an experimental physics environment make achieving high access performance difficult given the inherent limitations of magnetic tape. Tailoring the layout of data on tape is one key to improving read performance. This paper highlights the work in progress to characterize ATLAS data ingested in the tape system, understand how data layout, i.e. file co-location on tape and file distribution over tapes, affect read performance and how optimal data layout might be achieved in a production environment.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗