Approximate quasi-Newton methods

We consider the effect of approximation on performance of quasi-Newton methods for infinite dimensional problems. In particular we study methods in which the approximation is refined at each iterate. We show how the local convergence behavior of the quasi-Newton method in the infinite dimensional setting is affected by the refinement strategy. Applications to boundary value problems and integral equations are considered.The research of this author was supported by NSF grant DMS-8601139 and AFOSR grant AFOSR-ISSA-860074.     

Radionuclide detection by ion-chromatography and on-line ICP/MS and beta detection: Fission product rare earth element measurements

Separation and analysis of²³⁵U fission produced rare earth elements (REE) is described. Rare earth elements were separated using a high presure ion chromatographic separation where by each rare earth is isolated and individually detected. Detection is performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) and solid scintillation beta counting. The resulting detection methods allow complete evaluation of all stable (non-radioactive) and many radioactive REE fission products. The two detection methods (ICP/MS and Beta) illustrate how mass selective and radiometric data can be used to provide complimentary information regarding the isotopic characterization of radioactive samples.Pacific Northwest Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy by Battelle Memorial Institute under Contract DE-AC06-76RLO 1830.     

A crucial demonstration of strong collisional behavior of vibrational energy for gas-surface collisions

Application of the variable encounter method (VEM) has been made to the thermal cyclobutene decomposition system. Vibrational energy transfer in the cyclobutene-seasoned quartz surface system has been studied. The occurrence of strong collisions is demonstrated in crucial manner at temperatures below 400 K.     

Light emission from porous silicon single and multiple cavities

Experimental and theoretical techniques are used to examine the effects of microstructuring on the optical properties of multilayer, single and multiple microcavity structures fabricated from porous silicon. Measurements of the reflectivity and photoluminescence spectra of three multilayer samples are presented. The results are modelled using a transfer matrix technique including a negative absorption term to represent the effect of spontaneous emission which gives luminescence. The emitted light is strongly controlled by the optical modes of the structures and very good agreement is observed between theory and experiment.     

Monte Carlo simulations of low background detectors

An implementation of the Electron Gamma Shower 4 code (EGS4) has been developed to allow convenient simulation of typical gamma ray measurement systems. Coincidence gamma rays, beta spectra, and angular correlations have been added to adequately simulate a complete nuclear decay and provide corrections to experimentally determined detector efficiencies. This code has been used to strip certain low-background spectra for the purpose of extremely low-level assay. Monte Carlo calculations of this sort can be extremely successful since low background detectors are usually free of significant contributions from poorly localized radiation sources, such as cosmic muons, secondary cosmic neutrons, and radioactive construction or shielding materials. Previously, validation of this code has been obtained from a series of comparisons between measurements and blind calculations. An example of the application of this code to an exceedingly low background spectrum stripping will be presented.Pacific Northwest Laboratory is operated by Battelle Memorial Institute for the US Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC06-76RLO 1830.     

Analytic model for surface-induced molecular weight segregation in thermoplastic composites

An analytic model based on a random-walk formulation for absorbing barriers is presented. The range of applicability of the model is established from results derived from Monte Carlo simulations. The model takes into account the influences of neutral, repulsive, and attractive polymer-surface interactions on the spatial variation of species concentrations in the vicinity of a surface. The model predicts that the lower molecular weight species of a polydisperse mixture will accumulate in the vicinity of a surface to create an interphase region. The extent of this surface-perturbed interphase region is on the order of three times the radius of gyration of the longest species of the mixture. The degree of molecular weight segregation is dependent upon the breadth of the molecular weight distribution. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.