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At least 775 records · Page 43

FY18Q1 Quarterly Report: Radiation Enhanced Diffusion of Ag, Ag-Pd, Eu, and Sr in Neutron Irradiated PyC/SiC Diffusion Couples

Obtaining accurate diffusion kinetics in materials representative of those found in tristructural-isotopic (TRISO) coated particle fuel is needed to predict the diffusive release of the same fission products in reactor. Planar diffusion couples with representative pyrocarbon (PyC) and silicon carbide (SiC) layers are being produced using the same fluidized-bed chemical vapor deposition (FB-CVD) technology used to produce TRISO particles from the first irradiation experiment of the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Qualification and Development Program (AGR). The layer properties of the planar diffusion couples are tailored to meet the specified PyC density and microstructure of the SiC layer as defined by the AGR program. The influence of these variables on diffusion is also being explored by producing PyC and SiC variants. The pathway to producing the diffusion couples is discussed.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

FY18Q3 Quarterly Report: Radiation Enhanced Diffusion of Ag, Ag-Pd, Eu, and Sr in Neutron Irradiated PyC/SiC Diffusion Couples

Obtaining accurate diffusion kinetics in materials representative of those found in tristructural-isotopic (TRISO) coated particle fuel is needed to predict the diffusive release of fission products in reactor. Planar diffusion couples with representative pyrocarbon (PyC) and silicon carbide (SiC) layers are being produced using the same fluidized-bed chemical vapor deposition (FBCVD) technology used to produce TRISO particles from the first irradiation experiment of the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) Fuel Qualification and Development Program. The layer properties of the planar diffusion couples are tailored to meet the specified PyC density and microstructure of the SiC layer as defined by the AGR program. The influence of these variables on diffusion is also being explored by producing PyC and SiC variants. The pathway to producing the diffusion couples is discussed and builds upon efforts described in previous reports [1–3].

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Enhancing Power Plant Safety through Coupling Plant Simulators to Cyber Digital Architecture

There are differences in how cyber-attack, sabotage, or discrete component failure mechanisms manifest within power plants and what these events would look like within the control room from an operator's perspective. This research focuses on understanding how a cyber event would affect the operation of the plant, how an operator would perceive the event, and if the operator's actions based on those perceptions will allow him/her to maintain plant safety. This research is funded as part of Sandia's Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program to develop scenarios with cyber induced failure of plant systems coupled with a generic pressurized water reactor plant training simulator. The cyber scenario s w ere developed separately and injected into the simulator operational state to simulate an attack. These scenarios will determine if Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) operators can 1) recognize that the control room indicators were presenting incorrect or erroneous information and 2) take appropriate actions to keep the plant safe. This will also provide the opportunity to assess the operator cognitive workload during such events and identify where improvements might be made. This paper will review results of a pilot study run with NPP operators to investigate performance under various cyber scenarios. The discussion will provide an overview of the approach, scenario selection, metrics captured, resulting insights into operator actions and plant response to multiple scenarios of the NPP system.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Unsupervised Machine Learning for Evaluation of Aging in Explosive Pressed Pellets

This project is an evaluation of the changes in the dimensional geometry of pressed explosive powder pellets when stored for prolonged periods under unmonitored storage conditions. Through the application of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) techniques, questions to be answered by this investigation are what, if any, effect has the long-term storage of the pellets had on their physical attributes and, if changes have occurred, are the resulting differences of significant magnitude to affect the performance of the pellets. This resulting report includes a summary of the relevant background information, explanation of the SHM approach used to analyze the available data, presentation and discussion of the results, concluding remarks, and an accompanying appendix containing the MATLAB program developed for the project.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Report on the Initial Loading of SS3 Specimens from the First Commercial Heat of Alloy 709 in Sodium Materials Test Loops for Long-term Exposure

This report provides an update on the understanding of the effects of sodium exposures on tensile properties of advanced alloy A709 in support of the design and operation of structural components in sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs). The report is a Level 2 deliverable in FY18(M2NT-18AN050503011), under the Work Package NT-18AN05050301, “A709 Sodium Compatibility” performed by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), as part of the Advanced Materials Development Program for Fast Reactors.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Report on FY18 results on effects of sodium exposure on tensile properties and microstructure of Grade 91 steel

This report provides an update on the understanding of the effect of sodium exposures on microstructure and tensile properties of Grade 91 (G91) steel in support of the design and operation of G91 components in sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs). The report is a Level 3 deliverable in FY18 (M3NT- 18AN050503022), under the Work Package NT-18AN05050302, “G91 Sodium Compatibility” performed by the Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), as part of the Advanced Materials Development Program for Fast Reactors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Performance and Cost of a Natural Gas Fuel Cell Plant with Complete Internal Reforming

The performance and cost of a natural gas fueled, fuel cell (NGFC) power system with complete internal reformation (IR) is presented in this report. The report presents an update to a previous NGFC Pathway Study that includes carbon capture and storage (2011). IR utilizes heat generated in the fuel cell stack directly for the endothermic reformation reaction, improving system efficiency. NGFC systems with complete IR form the ultimate embodiment of the current fuel cell technology development program at the National Energy Technology Laboratory, which is consistent with the commercialization strategies being pursued in the stationary power generation sector.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

A Methodology for Succession Planning for Technical Experts

This report describes a methodology for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating the loss of key technical skills at nuclear operations facilities. The methodology can be adapted for application within regulatory authorities and research and development organizations, and can be directly applied by international engagement partners of the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The resultant product will be of direct benefit to two types of NNSA missions: (1) domestic human capital development programs tasked to provide focused technical expertise to succeed an aging nuclear operations workforce, and (2) international safeguards programs charged with maintaining operational safeguards for developing/existing nuclear power program in nations where minimal available resources must be used effectively. This report considers succession planning and the critical skills necessary to meet an institution’s goals and mission. Closely tied to succession planning are knowledge management and mentorship. In considering succession planning, critical skill sets are identified and are greatly dependent on the subject matter expert in question. This report also provides examples of critical skills that are job specific.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Preparation of Diffusion Couples for Irradiation and High Temperature Testing of Representative TRISO PyC/SiC

Understanding the release of fission products from intact tristructural-isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel during normal and off-normal service is necessary to ensuring safe and efficient reactor operation. Planar diffusion couples have been fabricated to determine the diffusion kinetics of select fission product species (Ag, Ag+Pd, Eu, and Sr) in pyrocarbon (PyC) and silicon carbide (SiC) materials which are representative of TRISO fuel. Obtaining accurate diffusion coefficients for these systems in representative materials will allow for higher fidelity inputs for fuel performance models. Three different diffusion couple variants have been produced which include a Baseline, PyC, and SiC variant. The Baseline variant serves as an example of representative PyC and SiC layers as the layer properties mimic those found in TRISO fuel from the second Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Qualification and Development Program. The PyC and SiC variants include variation in the respective layer properties to understand the impact of PyC density and SiC grain size on fission product diffusion. The diffusion couples were designed to allow for exploration of neutron irradiation on diffusion reflecting in reactor behavior as well as high temperature thermal diffusion reflecting diffusive transport during off-normal conditions. The methodology for selecting the diffusion couple design, refinement of the individual variant layer properties, and the complete process for diffusion couple construction are summarized in this report.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Promoting Biosecurity Awareness and Responsibility by Embedding it in Life Science Undergraduate Curriculum

Continually emerging biotechnologies and advancing techniques are increasing the world’s attention to the potential dual use of scientific research, and the possibility of significant risks to global health and security. It is imperative to establish a fundamental understanding in the life science community of the role scientists play in mitigating these risks and protecting national security. However, linking the life sciences and global security has not always been highly prioritized. Past surveys have shown a significant lack of biosecurity education and awareness in the life science community and has subsequently led to multiple plans, including policies, regulations, and awareness raising measures, to address this problem. Utilizing a review of the existing surveys and papers addressing the better integration of science and security, this paper proposes a way to create a true paradigm shift. By providing biosecurity education, as early as possible, to the next generation of scientists, it will be possible to change the way the life science community thinks about its active role in promoting and protecting security. Undergraduate life science course offerings at some of the top universities in the United States were surveyed. The results suggest there is a substantial void of biosecurity education offered to these young, future working scientists. It is vitally important that universities across the United States, and the rest of the world, develop programs and courses to fill this void, to build a foundational knowledge of biosecurity topics in undergraduate life scientists. This early education and awareness is essential to ensure the continued practice of responsible science that will help protect the global health security of the future.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Processes in Salt Repositories

This report presents a discussion of processes relevant in a repository for heat-generating waste in geologic salt, from the point of view of coupled process models. This report is in essentially an update of Kuhlman, in light of recent R&D in the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy (DOENE) Salt Disposal Research and Development program, including the heater test being planned at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

High-Burnup Demonstration: Thermal Modeling of TN-32B Vacuum Drying and ISFSI Transients

This report describes thermal modeling done for the High-Burnup Spent Fuel Data Project that is being performed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Spent Fuel and Waste Science and Technology research and development program. The purpose of this project is to investigate the performance of high-burnup spent nuclear fuel in dry storage. Part of this project is a demonstration test being performed with a storage module in the North Anna Nuclear Power Station’s Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI). The storage module selected for this demonstration is an Orano TN-32B High-Burnup cask which has been loaded with fuel assemblies from the North Anna spent fuel pool.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Optimization and Verification of FRAM (V.6.1) Parameter Sets

FRAM (Fixed-energy Response-function Analysis with Multiple efficiency) is a program developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory that determines actinide isotopic composition by analyzing gamma-ray spectra of special nuclear material. This report documents the creations of the parameter sets and the performance (bias and precision) of FRAM version 6.1, scheduled for release in late 2019 – early 2020.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

SBV: Characterization of Highly Reflective EUV Coatings (CRADA AWD00002394)

The overall goals were to support the development of new high efficiency EUV coatings which would dramatically reduce the energy needed in the semiconductor manufacturing lithography process as well as dramatically reducing the cost of future EUV lithography tools. The project was successful in the characterization of numerous samples generating many hundreds of datasets and critical feedback for the partner’s internal material development program.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Turbine Aero-Thermal Technologies for 65% Combined Cycle Efficiency (Phase I Final Report)

GE Power (GEP), a division of General Electric Company, performed a gas turbine technology development program that integrated Aerodynamic and Heat Transfer advances as an important and innovative step towards the DOE goal of 65% combined cycle efficiency. Improved efficiency will also contribute towards the reduction in the cost of electricity identified by the DOE for the US through reduced fuel consumption, and through lowering the capital cost of the generating equipment. It is currently predicted that the result of this project will enable 0.40~0.65 pt in combined cycle efficiency improvement. This technology will be directly applicable to gas turbines utilizing coal gasification processes where hydrogen-rich coal-derived synthesis gas is produced with natural gas being the developmental fuel.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

FY 2019 Site-Directed Research & Development (Annual Report Overview)

This overview of the Fiscal Year 2019 Site-Directed Research & Development program and the Nevada National Security Site contains information regarding the program’s history and growth, leadership, project selection process, present areas of research, highlights of significant accomplishments and awards, noteworthy people, and performance metrics.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

2018 Annual Site Environmental Report Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico

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 United States Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration. The National Nuclear Security Administration's Sandia Field Office administers the contract and oversees contractor operations at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico. Activities at the site support research and development programs with a wide variety of national security missions, resulting in technologies for nonproliferation, homeland security, energy and infrastructure, and defense systems and assessments. DOE and its management and operating contractor for Sandia are committed to safeguarding the environment reassessing sustainability practices and ensuring the validity and accuracy of the monitoring data presented in this Annual Site Environmental Report. This report summarizes the environmental protection and monitoring programs in place at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, during calendar year 2018. Environmental topics include air quality, ecology, environmental restoration, oil storage, site sustainability, terrestrial surveillance, waste management, water quality, and implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act. This report is prepared in accordance with and as required by DOE O 231.1B, Admin Change 1, Environment, Safety, and Health Reporting and has been approved for public distribution.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Sandia National Laboratories Annual Site Environmental Report, 2019: New Mexico

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 United States Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration. The National Nuclear Security Administration’s Sandia Field Office administers the contract and oversees contractor operations at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico. Activities at the site support research and development programs with a wide variety of national security missions, resulting in technologies for nonproliferation, homeland security, energy and infrastructure, and defense systems and assessments. DOE and its management and operating contractor are committed to safeguarding the environment, assessing sustainability practices, and ensuring the validity and accuracy of the monitoring data presented in this Annual Site Environmental Report. This report summarizes the environmental protection and monitoring programs in place at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, during calendar year 2019. Environmental topics include air quality, ecology, environmental restoration, oil storage, site sustainability, terrestrial surveillance, waste management, water quality, and implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act. This report is prepared in accordance with and as required by DOE O 231.1B, Admin Change 1, Environment, Safety, and Health Reporting, and has been approved for public distribution.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗