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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

A neutron fluence map of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Godiva IV critical assembly

A neutron fluence map and a total ionizing dose map of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Godiva IV fast burst critical assembly was generated using passive reactor dosimetry, comprised of sulfur pellets and thermoluminescent dosimeters. Godiva IV is an unmoderated, fast burst, critical assembly constructed of approximately 65 kg of highly enriched uranium fuel alloyed with 1.5 % molybdenum for strength. The mapping was performed during a single 75.6 ºC temperature rise burst operation, with the top and sides of the cylindrical Godiva-IV Top Hat covered in passive dosimetry. Dosimetry was placed in a symmetric pattern around the Top Hat, with higher concentrations near the control rods and burst rod. A specific portion of the lower quadrant of the burst rod was mapped to confirm a testing region where the neutron fluence varied by no more than ± 5%. The results will be used to assess the neutron, gamma, and total ionizing dose environment in three-dimensional space around the assembly for higher fidelity experiment placement, active dosimetry positioning, and radiation field characterization.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

2021 Results for Avian Monitoring of Inorganic and Organic Element Concentrations in Passerine Eggs and Nestlings Collected from Technical Area 16 Burn Grounds, Technical Area 36 Minie, and Technical Area 39 Point 6 at Los Alamos National Laboratory (Rev. 2)

In 2021, non-viable avian eggs and one nestling were opportunistically collected at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) near open detonation sites located at Technical Area (TA) 16 burn grounds and TA-36 Minie. Similar to previous years, nestboxes were monitored at TA-39 Point 6, however, no avian samples were available for opportunistic collection. Samples were evaluated for inorganic elements (mostly metals), dioxins, and furans. One ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) egg sample was collected from TA-16 burn grounds. One ash-throated flycatcher and one mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) egg sample and one deceased western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) nestling sample were collected from TA-36 Minie. Concentrations of inorganic elements observed in this study were compared with the regional statistical reference level (RSRL) which is the upper-level bounds of background concentrations (mean + three standard deviations = 99% confidence interval). Several inorganic elements were not detected in avian eggs. Most inorganic elements detected were below the RSRL and all were the lowest observable adverse effect level (LOAEL), when available. The nestling collected from TA-36 did not contain detectable concentrations of dioxin or furan congeners. These data suggest that inorganic and organic element concentrations in eggs and nestlings are not of ecological concern. More data are needed to make a robust assessment and to evaluate trends over time.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Summary of New Los Alamos National Laboratory Groundwater Data Loaded in July 2012

This report provides information concerning groundwater monitoring data obtained by the Los Alamos National Laboratory under its interim monitoring plan and contains results for chemical constituents that meet seven screening criteria laid out in the Compliance Order on Consent. Tables are included in the report to organize the findings from the samples. The report covers groundwater samples taken from wells or springs that provide surveillance of the groundwater zones indicated in the table.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Los Alamos National Security, LLC Request for Interest (RFI) for Investment Mentors to participate in the Laboratory’s Entrepreneurial Postdoctoral Pilot.

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is committed to understanding how the role of venture funding, new investment mechanisms, and fostering the development of a culture of entrepreneurship may enhance the Laboratory and bring strength and creativity to its people. LANL, in partnership with the University of California (UC), has created the Entrepreneurial Postdoctoral Fellowship Pilot (Pilot) to provide an immersion-based learning opportunity to post-doctoral researchers to develop and practice skills in entrepreneurship and comercialization.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Electrical Engineering in Los Alamos Neutron Science Center Accelerator

The field of electrical engineering plays a significant role in particle accelerator design and operations. Los Alamos National Laboratories LANSCE facility utilizes the electrical energy concepts of power distribution, plasma generation, radio frequency energy, electrostatic acceleration, signals and diagnostics. The culmination of these fields produces a machine of incredible potential with uses such as isotope production, neutron spallation, neutron imaging and particle analysis. The key isotope produced in LANSCE isotope production facility is Strontium-82 which is utilized for medical uses such as cancer treatment and positron emission tomography also known as PET scans. Neutron spallation is one of the very few methods used to produce neutrons for scientific research the other methods are natural decay of transuranic elements from nuclear reactors. Accelerator produce neutrons by accelerating charged particles into neutron dense elements such as tungsten imparting a neutral particle with kinetic energy, this has the benefit of producing a large number of neutrons as well as minimizing the waste generated. Utilizing the accelerator scientist can gain an understanding of how various particles behave and interact with matter to better understand the natural laws of physics and the universe around us.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Case Study of a Skin Puncture Contaminated with 238Pu at Los Alamos National Laboratory

The presentation describes the incident, evaluation, and treatment path of a plutonium contaminated skin puncture wound at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Treatment included chelation and excision. The post evaluation concluded that psychological harm was the most significant health effect in this particular case and that quick treatment was vital toward a positive outcome. Treatment efficacy declines rapidly with time. Additional wrriten materials were prepared for all radiation workers and their families to improve safety education.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Los Alamos National Laboratory Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program (FY22 Annual Progress Report)

Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) helps Los Alamos National Laboratory solve national security challenges through excellence in mission-focused science, technology, and engineering. The DOE Laboratory and Site-Directed Research and Development programs are among the most impactful sources of research and development for our Nation. The heart of the LDRD program is high-risk, high-reward research that creates innovative technical solutions for some of the Nation’s most difficult challenges. The LDRD programs follow strategic guidance derived from the missions of the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and the Laboratory.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Chemical Reactivity and Recommended Remediation Strategy for Los Alamos Remediated Nitrate Salt (RNS) Wastes

Nitrate salt wastes were generated during historical processing operations to recover and purify plutonium at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). These nitrate salts have the potential to behave as oxidizers, and to contain entrained liquids, both of which are prohibited in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). A process was developed to remediate nitrate salts by mixing salts with an inorganic zeolite pet litter to absorb free liquids, and remove the oxidizing characteristic of the wastes. Process changes introduced instead an organic wheat-­-based pet litter along with organic neutralizers, generating a new waste form referred to as Remediated Nitrate Salt (RNS) waste. The February 2014 radiological release at the WIPP site was traced to a LANL RNS waste drum number 68660. Experimental and modeling studies performed at LANL indicate that mixtures of metal nitrate salts (oxidizer) with Swheat organic kitty litter (fuel) create the potential for exothermic chemical reactions. Even in the presence of triethanol-­-ammonium nitrate (TEAN) created during neutralization, relatively high temperatures, greater than approximately 160 °C (320 °F), are required for runaway exothermic reactions. Evaluation of Drum 68660 characteristics coupled with extensive chemical testing indicate that, in addition to the nitrate salt/Swheat organic kitty litter mixture, an additional trigger mechanism (or mechanisms) is likely required to raise the internal drum temperature high enough to initiate the nitrate salt/Swheat organic kitty litter reaction. A combination of chemical conditions were identified that may lower the temperature for reaction, including initial high acid concentration of free liquids; significant quantities (> 1 gal) of neutralized, absorbed free liquids; the presence of reactive or catalytic metals like magnesium, iron, or lead; the presence of bismuth containing glovebox gloves; and the presence of natural biological activity. Complex surrogate nitrate salt mixtures prepared to simulate wastes, particularly those containing iron and magnesium, can generate NOx gases that partially nitrate the organic Swheat kitty litter and form a more energetic fuel. These complex surrogate salt mixtures display exothermic behavior at temperatures as low as 60 °C (140 °F) which is still well above the ambient temperature conditions experience by a drum. Neutralization of free liquids, and sorption onto Swheat establishes conditions (moisture) with near-neutral pH) that will support natural biological activity. Spontaneous self-heating generated by low-level chemical reactions and/or the respiration of bacteria, molds, and microorganisms is potentially important in the early stages and may be sufficient to raise the temperature as high as 60 °C (140 °F), where the other exothermic chemical reactions can take place. Additional studies are being conducted to evaluate the role biological activity may have played in initiating the event. The use of Swheat absorbent in the processing of nitrate salt wastes can be pinpointed as the critical processing decision that led to the failure of drum 68660, regardless of the ii details of the thermal processes that enabled the drum to achieve temperatures sufficient to initiate the chemical reactions.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

The Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory - An Isolated Nuclear Research Establishment

Early in his twenty-five year career as the Director of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Norris Bradbury wrote at length about the atomic bomb and the many implications the bomb might have on the world. His themes were both technical and philosophical. In 1963, after nearly twenty years of leading the nation’s first nuclear weapons laboratory, Bradbury took the opportunity to broaden his writing. In a paper delivered to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s symposium on the “Criteria in the Selection of Sites for the Construction of Reactors and Nuclear Research Centers,” Bradbury took the opportunity to talk about the business of nuclear research and the human component of operating a scientific laboratory. This report is the transcript of his talk.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Key Pandemic Response R&D Contributions by Los Alamos National Laboratory

New research goals, mitigation successes, and beneficial collaborations burgeoned from the early critical days of 2020 when LANL (Los Alamos National Laboratory) pivoted to help respond to the pandemic. By applying its considerable capabilities in the fields of science, technology, and engineering (STE), LANL responded to the coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This report documents representative examples of that response. Through significant investments in COVID-19 mitigations and ongoing research and development (R&D), important advancements were made to address the pandemic that not only benefited the global population affected by the pandemic, but also protected our staff and collaborators as we executed our Lab’s mission.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

2021 Radionuclide Air Emissions Report for Los Alamos National Laboratory, Revised October 2022

Provided is a revision to the Calendar Year 2021 Radionuclide Air Emissions Report for the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This report is a regulatory compliance deliverable for LANL under the Radionuclide NESHAP, 40 CFR 61 Subpart H. The revised report is needed to correct an error identified regarding generation of wind data files. These wind data files are used for plume modeling as part of calculating off-sites doses from monitored radionuclide air emissions sources. The error resulted from a software update by LANL’s meteorology team after new towers were added to the tower network. As a result of this error, incorrect wind frequencies were assigned to the different stability classes. This slightly affected the plume model calculations and subsequent off-site dose determinations for analyses using these wind files.

2021 Radionuclide, Air Emissions↗
DOE OSTI2024

Routine & Nonredundant Steel Tension Member (NSTM) Inspection Report (Final): Property ID No. 43-0434 - Los Alamos Canyon Bridge

This report covers the inspection findings for the Routine and Nonredundant Steel Tension Member (NSTM) Inspection of the Los Alamos Canyon Bridge over Omega Rd conducted on June 7-9, 2024. The inspections were completed according to the standards referenced in DOE O 437.1 Bridge and Tunnel Management including the National Bridge Inspection Standards (23 CFR Part 650, dated 12/14/2004) and other Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) codes and standards.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2017

The Impact of Soil Vapor Extraction at Material Disposal Area L, Los Alamos National Laboratory - 17155

Material Disposal Area L (MDA L) is an inactive liquid-waste disposal site located within the Los Alamos National Laboratory property. A subsurface vapor plume of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is present in the unsaturated zone and site remediation is recommended so that the plume will not impact groundwater in the future. Soil vapor extraction using two extraction wells was recently conducted at the site for 10 months as an interim remediation measure. We analyzed plume size, concentrations vs. time and depth in monitoring wells, predicted vs. measured extraction concentrations, and plume rebound to understand the impact of the interim measure and to obtain effective feedback on how to continue remediating the site. We also re-calibrated an existing model used to predict plume behavior with field data collected during extraction. The vapor plume size decreased by 60%. This paper presents the results for the removal of VOC mass from the subsurface and the spatially-dependent reduction of VOC concentrations in the plume; these reductions, as well as maintaining the plume in the upper unsaturated zone, are desired for reducing possible future impacts to groundwater. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

New Developments in Proton Radiography at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE)

An application of nuclear physics, a facility for using protons for flash radiography, was developed at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). Protons have proven far superior to high energy x-rays for flash radiography because of their long mean free path, good position resolution, and low scatter background. Although this facility is primarily used for studying very fast phenomena such as high explosive driven experiments, it is finding increasing application to other fields, such as tomography of static objects, phase changes in materials and the dynamics of chemical reactions. The advantages of protons are discussed, data from some recent experiments will be reviewed and concepts for new techniques are introduced.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗