Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “high explosive experiments”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Growing Pacific Linkage with Western North Atlantic Explosive Cyclogenesis

Abstract Explosive cyclones (ECs), defined as extratropical cyclones that experience normalized pressure drops of at least 24 hPa in 24 h, are impactful weather events in the North Atlantic sector, but year-to-year changes in the frequency and impacts of these storms are sizeable. To analyze the sources of this interannual variability, we track cases of ECs and dissect them into two spatial groups: those that formed near the east coast of North America (coastal) and those in the north central Atlantic (high latitude). The frequency of high-latitude ECs is strongly correlated with the North Atlantic Oscillation, a well-known feature, whereas coastal EC frequency is statistically linked with an atmospheric wave train emanating from the North Pacific in the last 30 years. This wave train pattern of alternating high and low pressure is associated with heightened upper-level divergence and Eady growth rates along the east coast of North America, likely resulting in a stronger correspondence between the atmospheric wave train and coastal EC frequency. Using coupled model experiments, we show that the tropical and North Pacific oceans are an important factor for this atmospheric wave train and the subsequent enhancement of seasonal baroclinicity in the North Atlantic.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Exploring the origin of supermassive black holes with coherent neutrino scattering

Collapsing supermassive stars (M ≳ 3 × 10 4 M ⊙ ) at high redshifts can naturally provide seeds and explain the origin of the supermassive black holes observed in the centers of nearly all galaxies. During the collapse of supermassive stars, a burst of non-thermal neutrinos is generated with a luminosity that could greatly exceed that of a conventional core collapse supernova explosion. In this work, we investigate the extent to which the neutrinos produced in these explosions can be observed via coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEνNS). Large scale direct dark matter detection experiments provide particularly favorable targets. Finally, we find that upcoming O(100) tonne-scale experiments will be sensitive to the collapse of individual supermassive stars at distances as large as $\mathcal{O}$(10) Mpc.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Single-particle chemical analysis reveals organic-rich detonation soot products

The detonation of high explosives produces a wide variety of particulate matter (PM) with distinct properties, not all of which are traditionally studied for chemical composition, formation processes, and forensic applications. We report particle-resolved measurements of Composition B detonation soot using soot particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SP-AMS), identifying carbonaceous species and metals not previously characterized on a single-particle basis. Results are combined with scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to enhance source-dependent signatures. Black carbon, including graphitic carbon and detonation nanodiamonds, contributed 50.5-71.4% of PM 2.5 mass, while 22.5-43.4% was non-refractory organic carbon, a previously overlooked component that exhibited a complex and varying composition. Detonations were performed with and without PMMA confinement and under steady and overdriven conditions. Distinct particles enriched with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were observed in experiments utilizing confinement, with quantities dependent on manufacturing method. SEM-EDS validated SP-AMS findings of metals internally mixed with carbonaceous species and extended the particle size range to 100 µm. This work makes detecting non-refractory organics using single-particle techniques more feasible for detonation forensics and understanding high-energy soot formation. While this analysis uses offline sample collection, SP-AMS could be deployed for in-situ measurements of detonation PM 2.5 transported in the atmosphere.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Experimental observations of shock-wave-induced bubble collapse and hot-spot formation in nitromethane liquid explosive

We studied the collapse of individual helium gas bubbles in the homogeneous explosive nitromethane (NM) to investigate effects of hot-spot formation on the detonation process. A bubble was injected into a NM sample, and a shock wave from an explosive detonator compressed the bubble, creating a localized hot spot. We measured shock and detonation wave speeds with optical velocimetry, and we used a high-speed camera to image the shock propagation and the pre- and post-bubble collapse processes. An infrared camera image showed the residual radiance temperature distribution after the bubble collapse, and an optical fiber pyrometer measured the time-resolved thermal radiance. We measured the optical spectra of light emitted from detonating NM without a bubble and from a collapsing bubble in shocked, undetonated NM. We estimated temperatures of the detonation fronts and of the hot spots formed by bubble collapse. To study the incipient detonation process, we performed all bubble collapse experiments at pressures below the threshold for creating a sustained detonation. Where the bubble collapsed, we observed an opaque, thermally emissive region believed to be chemical reaction products. Chemical reactions in NM can be produced with lower shock pressures (~1 GPa) when a helium bubble is present than without a bubble (~10 GPa). We used hydrodynamic modeling to predict shock wave propagation, extent of chemical reaction, and subsequent temperature rise from the collapsing bubble. Simulations using a temperature-dependent Arrhenius burn model gave much better results than reactive burn models that depend only on pressure and density.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Effect of a collapsing gas bubble on the shock-to-detonation transition in liquid nitromethane

We studied the shock-induced collapse of butane gas bubbles in the homogeneous explosive nitromethane (NM) to investigate the effects of hot spot formation on the detonation process. A butane bubble was injected into a sample of NM, and a shock wave from a flat plate impactor compressed the bubble, creating a localized hot spot. We measured shock and detonation wave speeds with optical velocimetry, and we used a high-speed camera to image the shock propagation and bubble collapse processes. A multiband optical fiber pyrometer measured the time-resolved thermal radiance, and we used the results and emissivity values extracted from spectral fits to estimate temperatures. We measured the characteristics of the shock-to-detonation transition in NM with and without a bubble. All experiments were performed at shock pressures near 8 GPa, where neat NM can detonate. A single bubble in this system was shown to sensitize NM, leading to a reduced run-to-detonation time. We used hydrodynamic modeling to predict shock wave propagation, the extent of chemical reaction, and subsequent temperature rise from the collapsing bubble. We used a temperature-dependent Arrhenius burn model for simulations, and it yielded much better results than reactive burn models that depend only on pressure and density.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

A reactive flow model for the 3,3'-diamino-4,4'-azoxyfurazan based plastic bonded explosive (PBX 9701)

Here, this paper describes the calibration of the Arrhenius Wescott–Stewart–Davis (AWSD) reactive flow model for the recently developed high explosive PBX 9701, which consists of 97% 3,3'-diamino-4,4'-azoxyfurazan (DAAF) and 3% FK-800 binder by weight. DAAF-based explosive formulations have several desirable qualities as they are relatively insensitive to non-shock insults but have higher performance than triaminotrinitrobenzene based formulations. Equations of state for the explosive reactants and products are calibrated using a combination of existing and new experimental data and theoretical calculations. The AWSD rate law calibration utilizes both one-dimensional shock-to-detonation and multidimensional rate stick experiments to capture the shock initiation and propagating detonation regimes. Validation of the calibrated model is demonstrated through comparison with recent gas-gun experiments.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2020

Fireworks on Weather Radar and Camera

High-sensitivity weather radars easily detect nonmeteorological phenomena characterized by weak radar returns. Fireworks are the example presented here. To understand radar observations, an experiment was conducted in which the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)’s research (3-cm wavelength) dual-polarization radar and a video camera were located at 1 km from fireworks in Norman, Oklahoma. The fireworks from the 4 July 2017 celebration were recorded by both instruments. The experiment is described. Few bursts recorded by the camera are analyzed to obtain the height of the explosion, its maximum diameter, number of stars, and the duration of the visible image. Radar volume scans are examined to characterize the height of the observation, the maximum reflectivity, and its distribution with height. The fireworks location is close to the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) that operates in single polarization at a 5-cm wavelength and monitors hazardous weather over the Oklahoma City airport. A third radar with data from the event is the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) located in Norman. It has a wavelength of 10 cm and supports technical developments at the Radar Operation Center. Reflectivity factors measured by the three radars are compared to infer the size of dominant scatterers. The polarimetric characteristics of fireworks returns are analyzed. Although these differ from those of precipitation, they are indistinguishable from insect returns. Radar observation of larger fireworks in Fort Worth, Texas, with a WSR-88D is included and compared with the observations of the smaller fireworks in Norman. We expect the detectability of explosions would be similar as of fireworks. Pinpointing locations would be useful to first responders, or air quality forecasters. We note a benefit of fireworks recognition in weather radar data is that it can prevent contamination of precipitation accumulations.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Towards Resilient Near Real-Time Analysis Workflows in Fusion Energy Science

Nuclear fusion holds the promise of an endless source of energy. Several research experiments across the world and joint modeling and simulation efforts between the nuclear physics and high performance computing communities are actively preparing the operation of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). Both experimental reactors and their simulated counterparts generate data that must be analyzed quickly and in a resilient way to support decision making for the configuration of subsequent runs or prevent a catastrophic failure. However, the cost if the traditional techniques used to improve the resilience of analysis workflows, i.e., replicating datasets and computational tasks, becomes prohibitive with explosion of the volume of data produced by modern instruments and simulations. Therefore, we advocate in this paper for an alternate approach based on data reduction and data streaming. The rationale is that by allowing for a reasonable, controlled, and guaranteed loss of accuracy it becomes possible to transfer smaller amounts of data, shorten the execution time of analysis workflows, and lower the cost of replication to increase resilience. We develop our research and development roadmap towards resilient near real-time analysis workflows in fusion energy science and present early results showing that data streaming and data reduction is a promising way to speed up the execution and improve the resilience of analysis workflows.

Suter, Fred↗
DOE OSTI2024

New Nonreactive Force Field for Accurate Molecular Dynamics Simulations of TATB at Extreme Conditions

Insensitive high explosives based on TATB (1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene) are needed in applications when safety is of paramount importance, but the basic material properties that give rise to its insensitivity are not fully understood. Molecular dynamics modeling using empirical force fields (FFs) has been the main route to characterize many complicated dynamical properties of TATB single crystal, but these FFs have not been comprehensively tested at extreme conditions typical of detonation. We collect a benchmark data set of (quasi)static TATB physical properties as determined by experiments and electronic structure calculations and apply this data set to validate four existing TATB FFs along with a new TATB FF that we develop here and denote as the CEA-LLNL-Missouri (CLM) FF. Benchmark data include vibrational spectra, the TATB crystal temperature–pressure–volume equation of state and lattice parameters, properties of TATB crystal polymorphs and transitions to the gaseous and liquid states, dimer energy landscapes, the pressure-dependent elastic tensor, and the energy landscape for inelastic deformation via sliding of TATB crystal layers. As a general assessment, we find that the two existing nonreactive FFs are more accurate in describing TATB’s physical properties compared to the two variants of the ReaxFF reactive FF considered. The new CLM FF is found to consistently yield similar or better agreement with experiments and electronic structure theory than any of the existing FF models, and it presents a distinct improvement in accurately modeling TATB elasticity and equation of state. So this work is expected to help improve the accuracy of FF-based modeling of complicated dynamic responses that ultimately govern the safety and performance characteristics of this material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Carrier gas attenuation in gamma assay of radioactive xenon samples

Gamma attenuation attributable to xenon and carbon dioxide carrier gas in radioactive xenon assay samples has been calculated using Monte Carlo n-Particle (MCNP) transport code for the 0.65 mL flame sealed ampoule (bean), and 15 mL and 50 mL Schlenk tube geometries. The attenuation was correlated as a % loss per standard mL of carrier gas. In this work, high Purity Ge gamma spectroscopy experiments were performed to measure against the MCNP results. The experimental results from the 133 Xe in xenon carrier gas in a bean geometry showed 0.97 ± 0.4% loss per standard mL xenon, which was in agreement with the MCNP predictions.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
DOE OSTI2023

Assessing the vulnerability of solar inverters to EMPs: Port testing, PCI modeling, and protection strategies

Renewable energy sources are becoming an ever-larger contributor to the power grid. These renewable energy sources depend upon the power electronic devices, specifically inverters, being essential for connecting Photovoltaic (PV) generation to the grid. However, the Electromagnetic Pulses (EMPs) caused by the high-altitude nuclear explosions can generate fast broad-band pulses with nanosecond rise time, potentially causing damage or destruction to electronic components. To assess the vulnerability of PV inverters to high-altitude EMPs, the port testing and Pulsed Current Injection (PCI) modeling schemes are proposed based on the port impedance analysis. Wide-band frequency measurements are achieved by fusing impedance results from three vector network analyzers. Then, a PCI model is used to simulate the induced response to EMP, with two typical immunity levels of EC5 and EC8 tested. Here, the experiment successfully excites the induced voltage and current under EMP, where the voltage and current can reach 1500V/40A and 8000V/150Aunder EC5 andEC8, respectively. The port vulnerability analysis results demonstrate that only some ports can survive under EC5. To defend against the impact of EMP, three protection strategies are discussed.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Nucleosynthesis and observation of the heaviest elements

Abstract The rapid neutron capture or ‘ r process’ of nucleosynthesis is believed to be responsible for the production of approximately half the natural abundance of heavy elements found on the periodic table above iron (with proton number $$Z=26$$ Z = 26 ) and all of the heavy elements above bismuth ( $$Z=83$$ Z = 83 ). In the course of creating the actinides and potentially superheavies, the r process must necessarily synthesize superheavy nuclei (those with extreme proton numbers, neutron numbers or both) far from isotopes accessible in the laboratory. Many questions about this process remain unanswered, such as ‘where in nature may this process occur?’ and ‘what are the heaviest species created by this process?’ In this review, we survey at a high level the nuclear properties relevant for the heaviest elements thought to be created in the r process. We provide a synopsis of the production and destruction mechanisms of these heavy species, in particular the actinides and superheavies, and discuss these heavy elements in relation to the astrophysical r process. We review the observational evidence of actinides found in the Solar system and in metal-poor stars and comment on the prospective of observing heavy-element production in explosive astrophysical events. Finally, we discuss the possibility that future observations and laboratory experiments will provide new information in understanding the production of the heaviest elements.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2026

A&L Annual Report: Kapton Strength

Exploding Foil Initiator (EFI) systems function by launching a polymer flyer (often referred to as a slapper) at a high explosive (HE) pellet, which is intended to shock-initiate the HE. Flyer characteristics (e.g., shape, planarity, etc.) are extremely important in this respect, governing their ability to initiate the HE. Polymer models currently used in these systems are largely unvalidated, potentially compromising the integrity of magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) predictions of EFI function. An improved EFI MHD modelling capability is expected to: (1) expedite optimization of EFI-based initiation system design, (2) enable consideration of EFI-related aging and corresponding lifetime predictions, and (3) potentially minimize the number of costly experiments required to certify EFI designs. To address this knowledge gap, several years ago we began a computational project to develop a higher-fidelity model for Kapton, a Polyimide copolymer most commonly employed as the flyer material in EFI devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Effects of sub‐mm cylindrical voids on detonation performance in PBX 9501

Abstract Internal features of varying scale and geometry are always present in explosives systems. Below a critical length, dependent on the explosive, these features can operate as a driving force for energy concentration and reaction, known as hotspots. At larger length scales, internal features result in jetting and detonation wave shaping, allowing for bulk work to be done by the explosive as is seen in shape charges. To date, a large volume of work has been performed to simulate hotspot ignition and large‐scale wave shaping. However, little experimental data exists on the effects of features in intermediate length scales, 0.1 to 1 millimeter. It has been observed in many tests that these small‐scale features can influence the high explosive (HE) performance and in some cases cause substantial damage to adjacent systems. This work provides quantitative data on the effects of machined voids moderately above more typical hotspot lengths, 0.3–0.8 mm in diameter, in PBX 9501 pressed to 1.785 g cm −3 ±2.5 mg cm −3 . Streak imaging was used to visualize void collapse, jet velocity, re‐initiation time, and wave shape evolution. Delay in detonation front propagation time was found to be linearly dependent on the void diameter and jet velocity was found to be independent within the tested range and resolution. Cut‐back experiments were used to investigate wave shape distortion and evolution downstream of the void, showing consistent growth and decay shapes across all void sizes. Simulations using CTH, a hydrocode by Sandia National Laboratory, were used to investigate void collapse showing agreement with the trends of experimental results but yielded inaccurate wave shape development delay values. Both simulation and experimental results identified several re‐initiation mechanisms with jetting and subsequent double shocking of localized HE being the dominant mechanisms for the void sizes that were studied.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2023

Diffuse neutrino background from past core collapse supernovae

Core collapse supernovae are among the most powerful explosions in the Universe, which emit thermal neutrinos that carry away most of the gravitational binding energy released. These neutrinos produce a diffuse supernova neutrino background (DSNB), which is one of the largest energy budgets among all radiation backgrounds. Detecting the DSNB is an important goal of modern high-energy astrophysics and particle physics, which provides valuable insights into core collapse modeling, neutrino physics, and cosmic supernova rate history. In this review, the key ingredients of DSNB calculation and what can be learned from future detections, including black hole formation and non-standard neutrino interactions are discussed. Moreover, an overview of the latest updates in neutrino experiments, which could lead to the detection of the DSNB in the next decade, is provided. With the promise of this breakthrough discovery on the horizon, the study of DSNB has great potential to further our understanding of the Universe.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Features of explosion of thin aluminum foils on an 8 kA, 350 ns pulse generator

This paper presents the results of a study of the explosion of Al foils with a thickness of 4 μm on an 8 kA, 350 ns pulsed-power generator. The features of the energy deposition process in the explosion of foils in comparison with wires of similar mass and cross section, as well as with thin wires, are studied. In the experiments presented here, the dependence of the energy deposition in the foil on its initial structure was found. In conclusion, two types of exploded foil structure were recorded using point-projection radiography

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Grating-Based Imaging-Scattering with Portable Neutron Generator

Company: Adelphi Technology, Inc. Title: Grating-Based Imaging-Scattering with Portable Neutron Generator PI: Dr. Jay Theodore Cremer, Jr. Topic: 26a Statement of the problem or situation that is being addressed. Successful plant growth depends upon an efficient and robust root system. The plant root is part of a larger system of water and microbial flows in the soil system. While much effort has been exerted to develop an imaging system for water, microbes, and roots, the problem is challenging, and no widely accepted imaging method currently exists. The optical solutions use a highly modified soil system. X-ray imaging methods are insensitive to the soft tissues in the presence of sand. Thermal neutron imaging has been often tested, but found inadequate, due to limited access and low image resolution. This project will develop a new strategy for neutron imaging of plant/soil systems. The project will allow long duration experiments in greenhouse environments and increase the image information content to the micron scale. General statement of how this problem is being addressed. Portable, rugged thermal and fast neutron sources are being developed where portable means a two-soldier team can carry the source and power unit to survey rough terrain for explosives. In the past decade, microfabrication of X-ray and thermal/cold neutron optics has opened a new imaging strategy. The standard transmission image is now supplemented with simultaneous acquisition of a phase contrast image and an image revealing scattering features. In materials science, the interferometric neutron scattering image has been used to detect early crack formation in stressed additive manufacturing test samples. The detection requires sensitivity to scattering features at the 1-micron scale. By addition of our proposed grating-optic to Adelphi Technology’s radiographic/tomographic imaging system, which is based on portable thermal neutron source, the resulting thermal neutron scatter image of the plant/soil system, will reveal details at 1-micron. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits Neutron interferometry imaging has greater penetration through large metal components compared to industrial X-ray imaging. The low-cost, large area optics developed for greenhouse applications, combined with the robust, portable neutron generator, can then be marketed as a system for inspection of additive manufactured components. In the aerospace industry, all freshly printed components are validated with X-ray CT. Scheduled maintenance again requires X-ray CT as the ability to predict aerospace component lifetime does not yet exist. Large aerospace components are only partially observed with X-ray imaging. Key Words Neutron radiography/tomography, grating interferometry, thermal neutron generator imaging, plant root and soil imaging, rhizosphere imaging, deployable neutron imaging systems Summary for Members of Congress A rugged, portable source of thermal neutrons is adapted for neutron interferometry imaging with the addition of low-cost, 3D printed optics. The first application of our proposed deployable, compact thermal neutron generator imaging system, using a grating optic, is plant root/soil science in greenhouse settings and agricultural laboratories.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Sensitivity of 44 Ti and 56 Ni Production in Core-collapse Supernova Shock-driven Nucleosynthesis to Nuclear Reaction Rate Variations

Recent observational advances have enabled high resolution mapping of 44 Ti in core-collapse supernova (CCSN) remnants. Comparisons between observations and models provide stringent constraints on the CCSN mechanism. However, past work has identified several uncertain nuclear reaction rates that influence 44 Ti and 56 Ni production in postprocessing model calculations. We evolved one-dimensional models of 15 M ⊙ , 18 M ⊙ , 22 M ⊙ , and 25 M ⊙ stars from zero age main sequence through CCSN using Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics and investigated the previously identified reaction rate sensitivities of 44 Ti and 56 Ni production. In this work, we tested the robustness of our results by making various assumptions about the CCSN explosion energy and mass cut. We found a number of reactions that have a significant impact on the nucleosynthesis of 44 Ti and 56 Ni, particularly for lower progenitor masses. Notably, the reaction rates ${}^{13}{\rm{N}}{(\alpha ,p)}^{16}{\rm{O}}$, ${}^{17}{\rm{F}}{(\alpha ,p)}^{20}\mathrm{Ne}$, ${}^{52}\mathrm{Fe}{(\alpha ,p)}^{55}\mathrm{Co}$, ${}^{56}\mathrm{Ni}{(\alpha ,p)}^{59}\mathrm{Cu}$, ${}^{57}\mathrm{Ni}{(n,p)}^{57}\mathrm{Co}$, ${}^{56}\mathrm{Co}{(p,n)}^{56}\mathrm{Ni}$, ${}^{39}{\rm{K}}{(p,\gamma )}^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$, ${}^{47}{\rm{V}}{(p,\gamma )}^{48}\mathrm{Cr}$, ${}^{52}\mathrm{Mn}{(p,\gamma )}^{53}\mathrm{Fe}$, ${}^{57}\mathrm{Co}{(p,\gamma )}^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$, and ${}^{39}{\rm{K}}{(p,\alpha )}^{36}\mathrm{Ar}$ are influential for a large number of model conditions. Furthermore, we found the list of influential reactions identified by previous postprocessing studies of CCSN shock-driven nucleosynthesis is likely incomplete, motivating future larger-scale sensitivity studies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗