Livermore National Laboratory Research Articles

Shock-wave compression of hydrogen isotopes condensed under megabar pressures

Experiments on shock wave compression of solid hydrogen (protium) up to 66 GPa and deuterium (in the initially liquid or solid phase) up to 123 GPa using spherical devices where a steel ball (impactor) is explosion-accelerated to 23 km/s are described. The experimental data are compared with those obtained by American researchers for liquid deuterium and protium, who used conventional explosives and light-gas guns as energy sources in the experiments carried out on the Z machine at Sandia National Labs, where an impactor was accelerated by an ultrahigh magnetic field, or on the NOVA laser at the Livermore National laboratory. Our data agree well with those derived by Sandia Labs.

Denali fault slip rates and Holocene–late Pleistocene kinematics of central Alaska

Research Article| August 01, 2006 Denali fault slip rates and Holocene–late Pleistocene kinematics of central Alaska A. Matmon; A. Matmon 1U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar D.P. Schwartz; D.P. Schwartz 1U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar P.J. Haeussler; P.J. Haeussler 2U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar R. Finkel; R. Finkel 3Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar J.J. Lienkaemper; J.J. Lienkaemper 4U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar H.D. Stenner; H.D. Stenner 4U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar TE. Dawson TE. Dawson 4U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information A. Matmon 1U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA D.P. Schwartz 1U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA P.J. Haeussler 2U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, USA R. Finkel 3Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA J.J. Lienkaemper 4U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA H.D. Stenner 4U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA TE. Dawson 4U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 26 Oct 2005 Revision Received: 16 Mar 2006 Accepted: 18 Mar 2006 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (2006) 34 (8): 645–648. https://doi.org/10.1130/G22361.1 Article history Received: 26 Oct 2005 Revision Received: 16 Mar 2006 Accepted: 18 Mar 2006 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation A. Matmon, D.P. Schwartz, P.J. Haeussler, R. Finkel, J.J. Lienkaemper, H.D. Stenner, TE. Dawson; Denali fault slip rates and Holocene–late Pleistocene kinematics of central Alaska. Geology 2006;; 34 (8): 645–648. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G22361.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract The Denali fault is the principal intracontinental strike-slip fault accommodating deformation of interior Alaska associated with the Yakutat plate convergence. We obtained the first quantitative late Pleistocene–Holocene slip rates on the Denali fault system from dating offset geomorphic features. Analysis of cosmogenic 10Be concentrations in boulders (n = 27) and sediment (n = 13) collected at seven sites, offset 25–170 m by the Denali and Totschunda faults, gives average ages that range from 2.4 ± 0.3 ka to 17.0 ± 1.8 ka. These offsets and ages yield late Pleistocene– Holocene average slip rates of 9.4 ± 1.6, 12.1 ± 1.7, and 8.4 ± 2.2 mm/yr−1 along the western, central, and eastern Denali fault, respectively, and 6.0 ± 1.2 mm/yr−1 along the Totschunda fault. Our results suggest a westward decrease in the mean Pleistocene– Holocene slip rate. This westward decrease likely results from partitioning of slip from the Denali fault system to thrust faults to the north and west. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Introduction: Frontiers of Electron Microscopy in Materials Science

The Ninth Frontiers of Electron Microscopy in Materials Science Conference (FEMMS 2003) was held October 5–10, 2003 at the Claremont Resort and Spa in Berkeley, CA. Major sponsors for this meeting included Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, National Science Foundation, and University of California at Davis. Sponsors also included LEO Electron Microscopy Ltd. (Carl Zeiss SMT), E. A. Fischione, Inc., Gatan, Inc., Thermo NORAN (Thermo Electron Corp.), FEI Company, Hitachi-HHTA, JEOL USA, Inc., Seiko Instruments, and CEOS GmbH.

High air flow, low pressure drop, bio-aerosol collector using a multi-slit virtual impactor

A bio-aerosol collector was developed comprising a low pressure drop, multi-slit virtual impactor, a wetted wall cyclone collector from Research International (RI), and associated plumbing and blowers. The collector is portable, samples air at 1220 L/min, provides 3–8 mL liquid sample, and has 70 W power consumption. The RI collector was selected for this unit following an evaluation of leading commercial aerosol collectors. The compact, multi-slit virtual impactor has an area of 334 cm 2 and a pressure drop of 0.2 kPa at an inlet flow of 1220 L/min. The virtual impactor reported here concentrates the aerosols by a factor of four when the major to minor flow is adjusted to 4:1 ratio, but it has been field operated at a ratio of 8:1 when sampling at 2300 L/min. A preliminary evaluation of the RI-Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory collector was conducted to verify the unit has low pressure drop and can collect aerosols greater than 2 μ m . A more detailed evaluation is needed to fully characterize the collector. This bio-aerosol collector has been incorporated in autonomous pathogen detection systems.

Warfare: NRDC Knocks Nukes

Warfare: NRDC Knocks Nukes

DOE Chooses Separate Lab Competitions

Rejecting the advice of the National Research Council (NRC), the Department of Energy (DOE) last week announced that it will hold separate competitions for the contracts to manage its Los Alamos and Livermore national laboratories. “It is very important that we have the broadest possible competition,” says Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham.

On the Neutron Method of Transmutation of Nuclear Wastes

Accumulation of radioactive nuclear wastes all over the world is among the most severe ecological problems that must be solved without delay. In this regard, of great interest is the neutron method of transmutation of nuclear wastes using neutron fluxes from reactors. The neutron method of fusion of new elements is based on the successive capture of neutrons by the initial cores. The cores that absorbed neutrons undergo β-decay. As a result, new cores with masses and charges exceeding the initial ones are created. Interest in the neutron method arose in 1966, when a group of American physicists from the Los-Alamos National Laboratory performed underground experiments on thermonuclear fusion of transuranium elements in Nevada [1]. U and Am targets were irradiated by neutron fluxes produced during explosions of thermonuclear charges. The heaviest transuranium element they obtained was Fm. They tried to detect Fm and Md elements among the irradiation products, but did not succeeded. This failure was explained in 1980, when American physicists from the Los-Alamos and Livermore National Laboratories succeeded in fusion of Fm in the reaction Fm(t, p) Fm. The Fm half-life for spontaneous fission was T = 1.5 s. This is almost 10 times less than Т = 131 year for Fm [2]. Analogous decrease in Т with increasing number of neutrons in a fissionable nucleus was revealed in fusion of Fm in the reaction Fm(d, p) Fm [3]. For Fm, Т = 380 ± 60 μs, which is almost 10 times less than Т = 160 min for Fm [4]. The authors of these experiments explained this sharp destabilization of heavy fermium isotopes undergoing spontaneous fission by the shell structure of fragments. The latter become more and more close to the doubly magic nucleus Sn with Z = 50 and N = 82 as the number of neutrons in the fissionable nucleus increases. It should be noted that fragments of the heavy Fm isotopes – magic and nearly margic Sn–Sn isotopes – are weakly active cores. After a series of β-decays with half-lives from 2.2 min to 77.4 h they are transformed into stable Te or Xe cores [5]. Thus, the magic character of fragments of heavy fermium isotopes was a reason for their rapid spontaneous decay. Therefore, new transuranium elements with Z > 100 were not fused by the neutron method. The mendelevium element with Z = 101 was first discovered in USA in 1955 in the course of the nuclear reaction Еs(α, n) Md. The next elements with Z > 101 were fused in nuclear reactions with accelerated heavy ions [6]. Unsuccessful attempts to fuse the far transuranium elements [1] were caused by the unique obstacle – the predisposition of heavy fermium isotopes to spontaneous fission. This property could be useful for transmutation of nuclear wastes. There are grounds to believe that cores of radioactive wastes, including actinides and fission fragments, will gradually approach the fermium precipice in the process of neutron absorption and will end their existence in the form of weakly active Sn isotopes. These isotopes must be removed from the mixture of cores. Otherwise, the Sn isotopes can also start to absorb neutrons, new radionuclides will be accumulated, and the process as a whole will be reminiscent of the Sisyphys work. This work can be useful for the experts evaluating perspectives for the neutron method of transmutation of radioactive wastes.

Reduction in melanoma mortality by a screening program at the lawrence livermore national laboratory

Reduction in melanoma mortality by a screening program at the lawrence livermore national laboratory

Sampling Plan Optimization: A Data Review and Sampling Frequency Evaluation Process

AbstractLawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) uses a cost‐effective sampling (CES) methodology to evaluate and review ground water contaminant data and optimize the site's ground water monitoring plan. The CES methodology is part of LLNL's regulatory approved compliance monitoring plan (Lamarre et al. 1996). It allows LLNL to adjust the ground water sampling plan every quarter in response to changing conditions at the site. Since the use of the CES methodology has been approved by the appropriate regulatory agencies, such adjustments do not need additional regulatory approval. This permits LLNL to respond more quickly to changing conditions. The CES methodology bases the sampling frequency for each location on trend, variability, and magnitude statistics describing the contaminants at that location, and on the input of the technical staff (hydrologists, chemists, statisticians, and project leaders). After initial setup is complete, each application of CES takes only a few days for as many as 400 wells. Effective use of the CES methodology requires sufficient data, an understanding of contaminant transport at the site, and an adequate number of monitoring wells downgradient of the contamination. The initial implementation of CES at LLNL in 1992 produced a 40% reduction in the required number of annual routine ground water samples at LLNL. This has saved LLNL $390,000 annually in sampling, analysis, and data management costs.

Assessing the Value of Interorganizational Systems to Support Business Transactions

:In interorganizational settings, the use of information systems (IS) and networks is often not formally evaluated, and decisions are made by “gut feeling” rather than based on rational evidence. Since benefits depend not only on internal contingencies but also on the decisions and loyalty of business partners, issues of trust and the risk of becoming locked in with a disloyal partner become crucial. The Internet and Web-based technologies, by facilitating system development and the deployment of interorganizational systems (lOSt may help change this picture. In times when IT use is becoming more and more important for firms to remain competitive and efficient, system costs and benefits have to be carefully balanced in order to build systems that are perceived as beneficial even in cases where risk aversion makes this difficult. This paper examines applications that support interfirm business transactions, in particular those that involve buying processes. A conceptual model for the evaluation of investments is introduced that takes into account the perspectives of the initiator and the prospective participants. The model is applied to a system developed by the lawrence livermore National laboratory (llNl) to link it with suppliers and support purchasing processes.

Peaceful Nuclear Explosions and the Geography of Scientific Authority

From 1957 to 1973, scientists and engineers working under the direction of the United States Atomic Energy Commission and its Livermore laboratory investigated, experimented with, and promoted the idea of ‘peaceful’ uses of nuclear explosives through a program called Project Plowshare. Proponents confidently argued that the ‘geographical engineering’ (as it was called) of harbors, canals, dams, and mountain passes could be accomplished safely, economically, and scientifically by means of nuclear-blasted excavation. But the nuclear earthmoving explosions also produced large amounts of radioactive fallout, and with it, significant challenges to the program on scientific grounds. This paper examines several moments from the contested career of nuclear earthmoving to show how scientific and technical research under the Plowshare program, developed out of the resources of Cold War American science, was structured by geographical variations in scientific authority.

UK to help fund US laser fusion research

livermore, ca. The British government is to invest more than $100 million in the world's largest laser currently under construction at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Security Fears Prompt Computer Shutdown

Due to the continuing controversy over the alleged Chinese theft of U.S. nuclear secrets, Department of Energy officials abruptly suspended classified computing operations at the Los Alamos, Sandia, and Livermore national laboratories in New Mexico and California on 2 April and herded more than 20,000 employees--including many not involved in secret projects--to briefings on improving safeguards. Although some researchers say the time out was a necessary distraction, others worry that it could lead to new rules that will make the labs9 computers harder to use but not necessarily more secure.

The Effect of Soil-Skin Contact and Contact Frequency on Dermal Absorption from Soil

Health and Ecological Assessment Division, Lawrence livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA

Organic Waste Processing using Molten Salt Oxidation

Molten Salt Oxidation (MSO) is a thermal means of oxidizing (destroying) the organic constituents of mixed wastes, hazardous wastes, and energetic materials while retaining inorganic and radioactive constituents in the salt. For this reason, MSO is considered a promising alternative to incineration for the treatment of a variety of organic wastes. The U. S. Department of Energy`s Office of Environmental Management (DOE/EM) is currently funding research that will identify alternatives to incineration for the treatment of organic-based mixed wastes. (Mixed wastes are defined as waste streams which have both hazardous and radioactive properties.) One such project is Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory`s Expedited Technology Demonstration of Molten Salt Oxidation (MSO). The goal of this project is to conduct an integrated demonstration of MSO, including off-gas and spent salt treatment, and the preparation of robust solid final forms. Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has constructed an integrated pilot-scale MSO treatment system in which tests and demonstrations are presently being performed under carefully controlled (experimental) conditions. The system consists of a MSO process vessel with dedicated off-gas treatment, a salt recycle system, feed preparation equipment, and equipment for preparing ceramic final waste forms. In this paper we describe the integrated system and discuss itsmore » capabilities as well as preliminary process demonstration data. A primary purpose of these demonstrations is to identify the most suitable waste streams and waste types for MSO treatment.« less

Implementing industrial ecology and design for environment practices: Lawrence livermore national laboratory

AbstractLawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), one of the nation's three national security laboratories, is initiating a major research effort in industrial ecology with the goal of increasing the economic and environmental efficiency of the U.S. and global economies. Closer to home, ongoing efforts to reduce LLNL's environmental impact on the surrounding community provide an example of how the environmental efficiency of a major research facility can be systematically improved. In the late 1980s, LLNL initiated its waste minimization and pollution prevention program, changing its focus from end‐of‐pipe waste management to a proactive and preventive strategy—total quality environmental management (TQEM). LLNL's success in integrating pollution prevention with R&D and operational activities is well illustrated by the waste reduction and energy and water conservation accomplishments described in this article. LLNL represents a model of how industrial ecology, design for environment, and pollution prevention can be incorporated into a comprehensive R&D and operational program. This article describes LLNL's developing industrial ecology program, gives some specific technical accomplishments that have application to many industrial facilities, and presents a case study of TQEM at LLNL's remote experimental test facility, Site 300. The integration of TQEM philosophy with LLNL's scientific capabilities holds much promise for new ideas and creative solutions to national and international industrial ecology concerns.

Estimation of Thoron incorporation by means of in-vivo measurements

Thoron (220Rn) is a gaseous decay product of232Th decay chain which becomes a potential source of internal contamination for individuals who handle significant amounts of ores and raw materials containing thorium. With the objective of establishing an occupational control of such workers, a methodology which permits, by means of in-vivo measuremens, the determination of the level of internally deposited220Rn daughters (212Pb,212Bi, and208TI), was developed at the Institute of Radiation Protection and Dosimetry/Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission (IRD/CNEN) whole body counter. Previous calibration of an 8″×4″ NaI(Tl) detector was carried out using the lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) thorax phantom with the lung cavity filled withi plastic bags containing28Th standard solution. After sealing, the bags are stored until radioactive equilibrium is reached. Patients are measured for I h in two steps, at an interval of approximately 20 h, Positioning the detector over the thorax. A comparison of the activities determined at each measurement allows the distrimination of the contribution of the internally deposited shoret-and longlived radionuclides. This technique was recently applied to a group of workers at a gas mantle industry in Rio de Janeiro. Results of these measurements will be shown.

X-ray emission from Bi 50+ to Bi 71+ ions incident on a gold surface

Bi ions with charge states q = 50 to 71 from the Livermore National Laboratory's EBIT were accelerated to energies of q × (7 keV) and directed to a gold target. Using a Si(Li) detector, two families of X-rays were observed, one of these in the range of 750–2000 eV and the other between 2500 and 6000 eV. Both families are found to shift to higher energies with increasing incident ion charge state. The lower energy group which dominates the spectra for lower incident charge states is attributed to the filling of vacancies in the N shell while the higher energy group, which predominates for the higher incident charge states, is attributed to the filling of M-shell vacancies. M X-rays are observed even for those incident charge states for which M vacancies are not expected. A similar result observed for U ions incident upon a Be target was attributed by Schuch and coworkers to a dielectronic excitation mechanism.

Livermore laboratory buys Russian papers on laser technology

Livermore laboratory buys Russian papers on laser technology

The Influence of the Los Alamos and Livermore National Laboratories on the Development of Supercomputing

The Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories have been important sponsors of, and customers for, supercomputers-high-performance scientific computers. The laboratories played an important part in establishing speed of floating-point arithmetic (rather than, say, at logical operations) as the performance criterion defining supercomputing. But their more specific influence on the evolution of computer architecture has been limited by the diversity and classified nature of their central computational tasks, together with the expansion of supercomputer use elsewhere.