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At least 847 records · Page 47

Formulation and verification of frequency response system identification techniques for large space structures

For the past several years much effort has been given to the development of techniques for designing control systems for large space structures (LSS's). The main objective of these efforts has been to develop a LSS control methodology that produces designs that meet strenuous performance requirements and are robust to model inaccuracies. Unfortunately, performance and robustness are conflicting requirements. Because LSS's can not be fully tested on ground, it has become an accepted fact that the design of LSS control systems to meet performance requirements can not be completed until the LSS is placed on-orbit and tested and an accurate model is extracted from on-orbit test results. Modern MIMO sampled-data frequency response design techniques are viable candidates for designing LSS control systems. First, this paper presents techniques for performing MIMO system identification (ID) from test data. Then, techniques for improving the performance of the system ID process in the presence of noise are presented. Finally, practical utility of the system ID approaches are validated by the presentation of results obtained from application on the LSS Ground Test Facility at Marshall Space Flight Center.

Mitchell, Jerrel R.↗

Design and Performance Tests of Ultra-Compact Calorimeters for High Energy Astrophysics

This R&D project had two goals: a) the study of general-application ultra-compact calorimetry technologies for use in High Energy Astrophysics and, b) contribute to the design of an efficient calorimeter for the ACCESS mission. The direct measurement of galactic cosmic ray fluxes is performed from space or from balloon-borne detectors. Detectors used in those studies are limited in size and, specially, in weight. Since galactic cosmic ray fluxes are very small, detectors with high geometrical acceptances and long exposures are usually required for collecting enough statistics. We have studied calorimeter techniques that could produce large geometrical acceptance per unit of mass (G/w) and that may be used to study galactic cosmic rays at intermediate energies (knee energies).-The most important asset for detection of primary cosmic rays at and about the knee is large acceptance. To construct a large acceptance calorimeter (this term is used here in its most general accepted meaning of calorimeter as a device to measure particle energies ) the detector needs to be verv liaht or verv shallow . We studied two possible technologies to built compact calorimeters: the use of lead-tungstate crystals (PWO) and the use of sampling calorimetry using scintillating fibers embedded in a matrix of powder tungsten. For a very light detector, we considered the possibility of using Optical Transition Radiation (OTR) to measure the energy (and perhaps also direction and identity) of VHE cosmic rays.

Salgado, Carlos W.↗

Machine learning model inputs, outputs, and scripts associated with “Artificial intelligence-guided iterations between observations and modeling significantly improve environmental predictions”

NOTE: The manuscript associated with this data package is currently in review. The data may be revised based on reviewer feedback. Upon manuscript acceptance, this data package will be updated with the final dataset and additional metadata. This data package is associated with the manuscript “Artificial intelligence-guided iterations between observations and modeling significantly improve environmental predictions” (Malhotra et al., in prep). This effort was designed following ICON (integrated, coordinated, open, and networked) principles to facilitate a model-experiment (ModEx) iteration approach, leveraging crowdsourced sampling across the contiguous United States (CONUS). New machine learning models were created every month to guide sampling locations. Data from the resulting samples were used to test and rebuild the machine learning models for the next round of sampling guidance. Associated sediment and water geochemistry and in situ sensor data can be found at https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/1923689, https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/1729719, and https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/1603775. This data package is associated with two GitHub repositories found at https://github.com/parallelworks/dynamic-learning-rivers and https://github.com/WHONDRS-Hub/ICON-ModEx_Open_Manuscript. In addition to this readme, this data package also includes two file-level metadata (FLMD) files that describes each file and two data dictionaries (DD) that describe all column/row headers and variable definitions. This data package consists of two main folders (1) dynamic-learning-rivers and (2) ICON-ModEx_Open_Manuscript which contain snapshots of the associated GitHub repositories. The input data, output data, and machine learning models used to guide sampling locations are within dynamic-learning-rivers. The folder is organized into five top-level directories: (1) “input_data” holds the training data for the ML models; (2) “ml_models” holds machine learning (ML) models trained on the data in “input_data”; (3) “examples” contains files for direct experimentation with the machine learning model, including scripts for setting up “hindcast” run; (4) “scripts” contains data preprocessing and postprocessing scripts and intermediate results specific to this data set that bookend the ML workflow; and (5) “output_data” holds the overall results of the ML model on that branch. Each trained ML model resides on its own branch in the repository; this means that inputs and outputs can be different branch-to-branch. There is also one hidden directory “.github/workflows”. This hidden directory contains information for how to run the ML workflow as an end-to-end automated GitHub Action but it is not needed for reusing the ML models archived here. Please see the top-level README.md in the GitHub repository for more details on the automation. The scripts and data used to create figures in the manuscript are within ICON-ModEx_Open_Manuscript. The folder is organized into four folders which contain the scripts, data, and pdf for each figure. Within the “fig-model-score-evolution” folder, there is a folder called “intermediate_branch_data” which contains some intermediate files pulled from dynamic-learning-rivers and reorganized to easily integrate into the workflows. NOTE: THIS FOLDER INCLUDES THE FILES AT THE POINT OF PAPER SUBMISSION. IT WILL BE UPDATED ONCE THE PAPER IS ACCEPTED WITH ANY REVISIONS AND WILL INCLUDE A DD/FLMD AT THAT POINT. We thank the United States Forest Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Cowiche Canyon Conservatory, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Scientific Research Permit #210901), and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation for access to field locations where the samples labeled “SSS” were collected. We also thank the Yakama Nation Tribal Council and Yakama Nation Fisheries for working with us to facilitate sample collection and optimization of data usage according to their values and worldview. WHONDRS consortium members were asked to provide any acknowledgments for the collection of samples labeled “CM” and the following is a list of acknowledgments that were submitted with their corresponding Site IDs: (MART) Research activities were conducted in part on the Wind River Experimental Forest within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest; (MP- 100379) Philadelphia is part of Lenapehoking, the ancestral homelands of the Lenape peoples; (MP-102398) Land surveyed is the ancestral homelands of the Nookhose'iinenno (Arapaho), Tsis tsis'tas (Cheyenne), and Nuuchu (Ute); (MP-100749 and MP- 100747) Georgia Coastal Ecosystem LTER, OCE-1832178; (SP-70 and SP-72) Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock; (MP- 102944) Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. On the traditional lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz, Confederated Tribes of the Grand Rhonde, and the Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated Tribe; (MP- 100607) Holiday Creek is located on the traditional territory of the Monacan Indian Nation; (SP-45) Lafayette Blue Springs State Park; (MP-102420) NSF DEB-2016749; (MP-100019) New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station; (SP-35) Rayonier (land owner; https://www.rayonier.com/); (MP- 101276) US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research, Subsurface Biogeochemical Research, Watershed Dynamics and Evolution SFA at ORNL; (MP- 103224) Watershed Dynamics and Evolution SFA at ORNL; (MP- 101584) Traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Analysis of the optical design of the NSLS-II Coherent Hard X-ray beamline

Ultra-low emittance third-generation synchrotron radiation sources such as the NSLS-II offer excellent opportunities for the development of experimental techniques exploiting x-ray coherence. Coherent light scattered by a heterogeneous sample produces a speckle pattern characteristic for the specific arrangement of the scatterers. This may vary over time, and the resultant intensity fluctuations can be measured and analyzed to provide information about the sample dynamics. X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) extends the capability of dynamic light scattering to opaque and turbid samples and extends the measurements of time evolution to nanometer length scales. As a consequence XPCS became crucial in the study of dynamics in systems including, but not being limited to, colloids, polymers, complex fluids, surfaces and interfaces, phase ordering alloys, etc. In this paper we present the conceptual optical design and the theoretical performance of the Coherent Hard X-ray (CHX) beamline at NSLS-II, dedicated to XPCS and other coherent scattering techniques. For the optical design of this beamline, there is a tradeoff between the coherence needed to distinguish individual speckles and the phase acceptance (high intensity) required to measure fast dynamics with an adequate signal-to-noise level. As XPCS is a 'photon hungry' technique, the beamline optimization requires maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio of the measured intensity-intensity autocorrelation function. The degree of coherence, as measured by a two-slit (Young) experiment, is used to characterize the speckle pattern visibilities. The beamline optimization strategy consists of maximization of the on-sample intensity while keeping the degree of coherence within the 0.1-0.5 range. The resulted design deviates substantially from an ad-hoc modification of a hard x-ray beamline for XPCS measurements. The CHX beamline will permit studies of complex systems and measurements of bulk dynamics down to the microsecond time scales. In general, the 10-fold increase in brightness of the NSLS-II, compared to other sources, will allow for measurements of dynamics on time-scales that are two orders of magnitude faster than what is currently possible. We also conclude that the common approximations used in evaluating the transverse coherence length would not be sufficiently accurate for the calculation of the coherent properties of an undulator-based beamline, and a thorough beamline optimization at a low-emittance source such as the NSLS-II requires a realistic wave-front propagation analysis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Data and scripts associated with “Moisture content modulates DOM thermodynamic regulation of oxygen consumption in drying streambed sediments”

This data package is associated with the publication “Moisture content modulates DOM thermodynamic regulation of oxygen consumption in drying streambed sediments” published in Scientific Reports (Garayburu-Caruso et al., 2026). The package contains processed data products and scripts used to quantify how drying and re-inundation of riverbed sediments influence dissolved organic matter (DOM) thermodynamic properties and their relationship with sediment oxygen (O₂) consumption across 33 stream sites in the contiguous United States. The data package contains DOM thermodynamic metrics (e.g., Gibbs free energy of carbon oxidation and thermodynamic efficiency), and O₂ consumption along with watershed-scale climate and land-cover metrics used as explanatory variables in the analyses. Underlying unprocessed and processed ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry data, oxygen consumption rates from laboratory moisture-manipulation experiments, within-sample environmental properties, sediment moisture content and contextual field measurements are archived separately at https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/2428003 (Laan et al., 2024) and https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/1923689 (Forbes et al.,2023). A preliminary version of this data package was published in February 2026 at the time of manuscript submission. It was updated in June 2026, at the time of manuscript acceptance, to include the finalized data and additional metadata (readme, data dictionary, and file level metadata). For details on how to navigate data packages generated by this project, see https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/portals/PNNLRiverCorridorSFA/About. In addition to a readme, this data package also includes a file-level metadata (FLMD) file that describes each file and a data dictionary (DD) that describes all column/row headers and variable definitions. At the top level, the data package is organized into five main folders: (1) Data, (2)Figures, (3) Map, (4) GAM_Reulsts, and (5) src. The Data folder contains analysis-ready tabular files with oxygen consumption rates, DOM thermodynamic properties by site and treatment, site-level environmental variables, watershed-scale metrics, and other derived variables referenced in the manuscript. The Figures folder contains static image files associated with the main text and supplemental figures, while the Map folder includes spatial data and map-layer files used to create the sampling-location map. The GAM results folder contains the results for each of the general additive model (GAM).The src folder contains R scripts used to perform data processing, statistical analyses (including clustering, generalized additive models, and threshold analysis), and figure generation. This data package is associated with a GitHub repository found at https://github.com/WHONDRS-Hub/ECA_DOM_Thermodynamics.

Dissolved organic matter↗

Requalification of historical intermediate level waste (ILW) for the repository KONRAD on basis of non destructive assay (NDA) and re-evaluated nuclide vectors - 15289

The storage facility for ILW of the HDB contains a large number of historical waste products in 200-l drum geometry, which were produced in the 1970's to the 1990's. In the next years more ILW will be treated and stored at HDB, exceeding the storage capacity of the ILW store. All waste products produced at HDB are treated according to the acceptance criteria of the repository KONRAD and are planned to final storage in this repository. In order to qualify the waste materials for final storage in KONRAD and to remove parts of the inventory from the storage chambers this project was started. The main issues of the project, which will be accompanied by the regulator, are product control measures like gas chromatographic analyses of remotely sampled gas syringes and non destructive assay techniques like?-spectrometry and neutron-analytics. The product control is followed by declaration on the basis of re-evaluated nuclide vectors and a repackaging of the drums in licensed containers. The packaging concept includes a 400-l drum as qualified over-pack, because several of the historical drums cannot be qualified as IP-II or type A package. The annual space between the two drums is filled with quartz sand for stability and additional shielding. The drum set is afterwards inserted into a qualified UBA-container provided by GNS. In the case that the product control measures and the reassessment of the declarations result in a violation of the activity limits of the relevant acceptance criteria for KONRAD, the respective drum has to be physically re-qualified after correspondence with the surveillance authorities. This program will be applied to a fraction of approx. 400 canisters, which were selected on the basis of several quality aspects like dose rate below 100 mSv/h, nuclide inventory below 100 A2 according to paragraph 201 of TS-R-1 and well-known waste composition. In the future more waste products will be treated in the same way, if approved containers exist for the inventory. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Sulfonated Aromatic Polypentenamers: Scope of the Acetyl Sulfate Reaction

A precision polymer featuring one phenyl pendant at every fifth carbon on a polyethylene backbone was modified to varying degrees of sulfonation (DS = 33–98%) using acetyl sulfate with standard conditions by varying reaction times (up to 48 h). This soft, homogeneous method allows for evenly distributed phenylsulfonic acid groups with minimal side reactions and results in light brown, transparent materials with glass transition temperatures of 33–78 °C that increase with DS and parent polymer molar mass. The DS was accurately determined through well-resolved 1 H NMR (DSHNMR) signals of the regularly spaced phenyl groups and corroborated by inverse-gated decoupling 13 C NMR analysis. These analyses were compared to a series of other commonly accepted methods for DS determination including titration and elemental analysis (EA). The DS by titration (DS titr ) also increased with reaction time but was consistently lower than those determined by NMR. Significant discrepancies between theoretical and measured sulfur mass were observed for several samples through EA. Qualitative methods, such as infrared spectroscopy and thermal analyses, were also performed and correlated well with the DS determined by NMR. Here, this study presents a promising method to achieve a complete scope of homogeneous sulfonation from mild reaction conditions and presents a case to determine DS through multiple methods, with spectroscopic analyses, such as NMR, being potentially the most valuable.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Ultrathin VO 2 Films on Functional Substrates

The metal–insulator transition (MIT) in vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ) thin films is strongly affected by grain size, thickness, and interfacial properties. Typically, a minimum thickness around 50 nm is required for VO 2 to exhibit a significant MIT when functional substrates like sapphire and silicon are used. Several works have shown that thin films below 20 nm, with up to 2–3 decades of change in the resistance across the MIT, can be achieved but require complex pre- or postprocessing of the samples. We show that predeposition substrate condition control facilitates the direct growth of VO 2 ultrathin 15 nm films, exhibiting a resistance change between 3 and 4 decades across the MIT. Our findings indicate that the interface between the film and the substrate is crucial in determining the initial growth layers and the structural evolution. With appropriate substrate surface treatment, the desired VO 2 MIT can be enhanced regardless of the substrate crystallographic orientation. Moreover, we propose a novel approach to obtain large resistance changes across the MIT in ultrathin VO 2 films by incorporating a predeposited 1.5 nm vanadium oxide buffer layer, thereby eliminating the need to use different materials or complex pre- or postprocessing of the samples. Here we also demonstrate that this method improves the transition of 25–50 nm VO 2 thin films on silicon substrates. Our study reveals a simple approach for direct growth of ultrathin VO 2 films exhibiting a significant MIT, which is commonly accepted unattainable over substrates of technological importance, such as sapphire and silicon.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

MA-NRBC: First successful attempt for neutron gamma discrimination in plastic scintillators

In this paper, a new electronic hardware and algorithms enabling discrimination between neutron and gamma in plastic scintillators together with the first associated experimental results, are presented. This electronic platform is mainly based onto a quad 200 MHz ADCs. Using phase rotating, it is possible to sample the signal up to 800 MHz equivalent, with 8 bits precision. This sampling frequency allows a real time signal processing. Despite all previous work, we have shown during this study that it is possible to discriminate neutron from gamma in plastic scintillators even for low energy neutrons (less than 10 MeV). Two patents have been accepted and registered; the first deals with the intrinsic signal processing and the second with thermal stabilization methods of photomultiplier tubes. The system could be used up to 100 000 events per second (both gamma and neutron). This system is currently dedicated to homeland security devices; this is due to its response time (in the order of 1 up to 3 seconds). The next step is to implement the thermal stabilization algorithm in the FPGA and micro-controller to obtain a global system free from any trouble caused by the environment thermal variations. This aspect of the research is crucial for measurements in the field. The time response should also be improved to make it a reliable alternative to Helium-3 shortage for neutron detection at borders checkpoint. (authors)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Geodetic and dynamical properties of planets

Data concerning planetary dynamics and geodesy are severely limited because, at present, only one planetary system in the universe can be studied. It is, therefore, impossible to base the study of planets on a significant statistical sample. The gravity fields of the planets are discussed, giving attention to the various space missions involved in the collection of the relevant data. Other subjects considered include planetary shape and topography, planetary rotations, and planetary interiors. The basic problem in finding an acceptable model for the planetary interior is to specify the chemical composition with depth and then to find a physically realistic equation for the material.

Anderson, J. D.↗

Solar array welding developement

The present work describes parallel gap welding as used for joining solar cells to the cell interconnect system. Sample preparation, weldable cell parameter evaluation, bond scheduling, bond strength evaluation, and bonding and thermal shock tests are described. A range of weld schedule parameters - voltage, time, and force - can be identified for various cell/interconnect designs that will provide adequate bond strengths and acceptably small electrical degradation. Automation of solar array welding operations to a significant degree has been achieved in Europe and will be receiving increased attention in the U.S. to reduce solar array fabrication costs.

Elms, R. V., Jr.↗

A least mean squares CUBIC algorithm for on-line differential of sampled analog signals

A digital computer algorithm is developed for on-line time differentiation of sampled analog voltage signals. The derivative is obtained by employing a least mean squares technique. The recursive algorithm results in a considerable reduction in computer time compared to a complete new solution of the normal equations each time a new data point is accepted. Implementation of the algorithm on a digital computer is discussed. Examples are simulated on a DEC PDP-8 computer.

Allum, J. H. J.↗

External view construction for database uniformization

Database uniformization refers to the building of a common user interface facility to support uniform access to any or all of a collection of distributed heterogeneous databases. A proposed solution for database uniformization includes a global data manager which accepts a user's query on the user's global view and returns the results by consulting the various databases. In this paper the external-to-conceptual mapping component of the global data manager is described and the design using portions of sample NASA GSFC databases is illustrated with typical applications.

Grant, J.↗

NASA Rocket Propulsion Test Replacement Effort for Oxygen System Cleaner - Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) 225

Gaseous and liquid oxygen are extremely reactive materials used in bipropellant propulsion systems. Both flight and ground oxygen systems require a high level of cleanliness to support engine performance, testing, and prevent mishaps. Solvents used to clean and verify the cleanliness of oxygen systems and supporting test hardware must be compatible with the system's materials of construction and effective at removing or reducing expected contaminants to an acceptable level. This paper will define the philosophy and test approach used for evaluating replacement solvents for the current Marshall Space Flight Center/Stennis Space Center baseline HCFC‐225 material that will no longer be available for purchase after 2014. MSFC/SSC applications in cleaning / sampling oxygen propulsion components, support equipment, and test system were reviewed then candidate replacement cleaners and test methods selected. All of these factors as well as testing results will be discussed.

DeWitt Burns, H.↗

Comprehensive Baseline Environmental Monitoring of an Interim Legacy Waste Store in Arid Zone Australia - 20062

Radionuclide containing soil and rubble from the clean-up of a former uranium, thorium and rare earth minerals processing research facility carried out in the early 50's and 60's is currently stored at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia awaiting final disposal. Prior to developing a final disposal pathway commensurate with waste acceptance criteria, a comprehensive baseline environmental monitoring has been carried out to establish the background radiation levels. The survey included in situ gamma scanning of the surface soil ({sup 238}U, {sup 232}Th, {sup 40}K), a laboratory analysis of 86 soil samples (from 0-20 cm depth), which involved XRF measurements (U, Th, and rare earth metals) and spectroscopic analysis ({sup 238}U, {sup 232}Th, {sup 226}Ra and daughter nuclides). A time series of radon concentration measurements in air was established, while soil radon ({sup 222}Rn) and thoron ({sup 220}Rn) flux measurements were undertaken at 18 different locations. The 2018 comprehensive baseline survey demonstrated radiation levels in the immediate vicinity of the Woomera interim waste store are typical background values of soil and rock. No contamination was detected. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

KEPLER OBSERVATIONS OF RAPID OPTICAL VARIABILITY IN THE BL LACERTAE OBJECT W2R1926+42

We present the first Kepler monitoring of a strongly variable BL Lac, W2R1926+42. The light curve covers 181 days with {approx}0.2% errors, 30 minute sampling and >90% duty cycle, showing numerous {delta}I/I > 25% flares over timescales as short as a day. The flux distribution is highly skewed and non-Gaussian. The variability shows a strong rms-flux correlation with the clearest evidence to date for nonlinearity in this relation. We introduce a method to measure periodograms from the discrete autocorrelation function, an approach that may be well-suited to a wide range of Kepler data. The periodogram is not consistent with a simple power-law, but shows a flattening at frequencies below 7 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -5} Hz. Simple models of the power spectrum, such as a broken power law, do not produce acceptable fits, indicating that the Kepler blazar light curve requires more sophisticated mathematical and physical descriptions than currently in use.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Final Status Survey Report for Corrective Action Unit 117 - Pluto Disassembly Facility, Building 2201, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada

This document contains the process knowledge, radiological data and subsequent statistical methodology and analysis to support approval for the radiological release of Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 117 – Pluto Disassembly Facility, Building 2201 located in Area 26 of the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Preparations for release of the building began in 2009 and followed the methodology described in the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM). MARSSIM is the DOE approved process for release of Real Property (buildings and landmasses) to a set of established criteria or authorized limits. The pre-approved authorized limits for surface contamination values and corresponding assumptions were established by DOE O 5400.5. The release criteria coincide with the acceptance criteria of the U10C landfill permit. The U10C landfill is the proposed location to dispose of the radiologically non-impacted, or “clean,” building rubble following demolition. However, other disposition options that include the building and/or waste remaining at the NNSS may be considered providing that the same release limits apply. The Final Status Survey was designed following MARSSIM guidance by reviewing historical documentation and radiological survey data. Following this review a formal radiological characterization survey was performed in two phases. The characterization revealed multiple areas of residual radioactivity above the release criteria. These locations were remediated (decontaminated) and then the surface activity was verified to be less than the release criteria. Once remediation efforts had been successfully completed, a Final Status Survey Plan (10-015, “Final Status Survey Plan for Corrective Action Unit 117 – Pluto Disassembly Facility, Building 2201”) was developed and implemented to complete the final step in the MARSSIM process, the Final Status Survey. The Final Status Survey Plan consisted of categorizing each individual room into one of three categories: Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 (a fourth category is a “Non-Impacted Class” which in the case of Building 2201 only pertained to exterior surfaces of the building.) The majority of the rooms were determined to fall in the less restrictive Class 3 category, however, Rooms 102, 104, 106, and 107 were identified as containing Class 1 and 2 areas. Building 2201 was divided into “survey units” and surveyed following the requirements of the Final Status Survey Plan for each particular class. As each survey unit was completed and documented, the survey results were evaluated. Each sample (static measurement) with units of counts per minute (cpm) was corrected for the appropriate background and converted to a value with units of dpm/100 cm2. With a surface contamination value in the appropriate units, it was compared to the surface contamination limits, or in this case the derived concentration guideline level (DCGLw). The appropriate statistical test (sign test) was then performed. If the survey unit was statistically determined to be below the DCGLw, then the survey unit passed and the null hypothesis (that the survey unit is above limits) was rejected. If the survey unit was equal to or below the critical value in the sign test, the null hypothesis was not rejected. This process was performed for all survey units within Building 2201. A total of thirty-three “Class 1,” four “Class 2,” and one “Class 3” survey units were developed, surveyed, and evaluated. All survey units successfully passed the statistical test. Building 2201 meets the release criteria commensurate with the Waste Acceptance Criteria (for radiological purposes) of the U10C landfill permit residing within NNSS boundaries. Based on the thorough statistical sampling and scanning of the building’s interior, Building 2201 may be considered radiologically “clean,” or free of contamination.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Sample changers for direct geometry neutron chopper spectrometers

The advent of higher flux neutron sources has made the use of sample changers appropriate across the instrument suites at neutron scattering facilities. We examine the efficiency, design, and operation of two sample changers used at the thermal chopper spectrometers at the Spallation Neutron Source. We also present case studies of sample holders designed to accommodate multiple single crystal or powder samples for the Cold Neutron Chopper Spectrometer at the Spallation Neutron Source. [This manuscript has been authored by UT-Battelle, LLC under Contract No. DE-AC05-00OR22725 with the U.S. Department of Energy. The United States Government retains and the publisher, by accepting the article for publication, acknowledges that the United States Government retains a non-exclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, world-wide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this manuscript, or allow others to do so, for United States Government purposes. The Department of Energy will provide public access to these results of federally sponsored research in accordance with the DOE Public Access Plan (http://energy.gov/downloads/doe-public-access-plan).]

Stone, Matthew B. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (↗