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At least 199 records · Page 11

Progress towards a high-gain and robust target design for heavy ion fusion

Recently [E. Henestroza et al., Phys. Plasmas 18, 032702 (2011)], a new inertial-fusion target configuration, the X-target, using one-sided axial illumination has been explored. This class of target uses annular and solid-profile heavy ion beams to compress and ignite deuterium-tritium (DT) fuel that fills the interior of metal cases that have side-view cross sections in the shape of an 'X.' X-targets using all-DT-filled metal cases imploded by three annular ion beams resulted in fuel densities of {approx}50 g/cm{sup 3} at peak compression, and fusion gains of {approx}50, comparable to heavy ion driven hohlraum targets [D. A. Callahan-Miller and M. Tabak, Phys. Plasmas 7, 2083 (2000)]. This paper discusses updated X-target configurations that incorporate inside the case a propellant (plastic) and a pusher (aluminum) surrounding the DT fuel. The updated configurations are capable of assembling higher fuel areal densities {approx}2 g/cm{sup 2} using two annular beams to implode the target to peak DT densities {approx}100 g/cm{sup 3}, followed by a fast-ignition solid ion beam which heats the high-density fuel to thermonuclear temperatures in {approx}200 ps to start the burn propagation, obtaining gains of {approx}300. These targets have been modeled using the radiation-hydrodynamics code HYDRA [M. M. Marinak et al., Phys. Plasmas 8, 2275 (2001)] in two- and three- dimensions to study the properties of the implosion as well as the ignition and burn propagation phases. At typical Eulerian mesh resolutions of a few microns, the aluminum-DT interface shows negligible Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) and Richtmyer-Meshkov instability growth; also, the shear flow of the DT fuel as it slides along the metal X-target walls, which drives the RT and Kelvin Helmholtz instabilities, does not have a major effect on the burning rate. An analytic estimate of the RT instability process at the Al-DT interface shows that the aluminum spikes generated during the pusher deceleration phase would not reach the ignition zone in time to affect the burning process. Also, preliminary HYDRA calculations, using a higher resolution mesh to study the shear flow of the DT fuel along the X-target walls, indicate that metal-mixed fuel produced near the walls would not be transferred to the DT ignition zone (at maximum {rho}R) located at the vertex of the X-target.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Converging cylindrical shocks in ideal magnetohydrodynamics

We consider a cylindrically symmetrical shock converging onto an axis within the framework of ideal, compressible-gas non-dissipative magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). In cylindrical polar co-ordinates we restrict attention to either constant axial magnetic field or to the azimuthal but singular magnetic field produced by a line current on the axis. Under the constraint of zero normal magnetic field and zero tangential fluid speed at the shock, a set of restricted shock-jump conditions are obtained as functions of the shock Mach number, defined as the ratio of the local shock speed to the unique magnetohydrodynamic wave speed ahead of the shock, and also of a parameter measuring the local strength of the magnetic field. For the line current case, two approaches are explored and the results compared in detail. The first is geometrical shock-dynamics where the restricted shock-jump conditions are applied directly to the equation on the characteristic entering the shock from behind. This gives an ordinary-differential equation for the shock Mach number as a function of radius which is integrated numerically to provide profiles of the shock implosion. Also, analytic, asymptotic results are obtained for the shock trajectory at small radius. The second approach is direct numerical solution of the radially symmetric MHD equations using a shock-capturing method. For the axial magnetic field case the shock implosion is of the Guderley power-law type with exponent that is not affected by the presence of a finite magnetic field. For the axial current case, however, the presence of a tangential magnetic field ahead of the shock with strength inversely proportional to radius introduces a length scale R=√(μ{sub 0}/p{sub 0}) I/(2 π) where I is the current, μ{sub 0} is the permeability, and p{sub 0} is the pressure ahead of the shock. For shocks initiated at r ≫ R, shock convergence is first accompanied by shock strengthening as for the strictly gas-dynamic implosion. The diverging magnetic field then slows the shock Mach number growth producing a maximum followed by monotonic reduction towards magnetosonic conditions, even as the shock accelerates toward the axis. A parameter space of initial shock Mach number at a given radius is explored and the implications of the present results for inertial confinement fusion are discussed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Study of the azimuthal magnetic fields and scaling laws at the KPF-4-Phoenix facility

Results are presented from magnetic probe measurements in the pinching region formed during the compression of the plasma current sheath (PCS) in a discharge in deuterium at the KPF-4-Phoenix plasma focus facility. The fine structure (shock front-magnetic piston) of the PCS and its time evolution in the course of plasma compression toward the facility axis was studied by means of magnetic probes. It is shown that the fraction of the current transported into the axial region by the PCS does not exceed 65% of the total discharge current. The integral neutron yield Y{sub n} is well described by the formula Y{sub n} ≈ (1.5–3) × 10{sup 10}I{sub p}{sup 4}, where I{sub p} (in MA) is the pinch current flowing in the region r ≤ 22 mm.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Characterization of Shear Properties for APO/MBI Syntactic Foam

Triaxial compression testing is a means for mechanical characterization of a material. A unique feature of the triaxial compression test is the application of two different magnitudes of compressive pressures on the material simultaneously. The material behavior under these different compressive pressures can be monitored over time. Several important characteristics of the material, such as stress yield values and the shear failure envelope may then be determined. Also mechanical properties such as Poisson’s ratio, Young’s modulus and bulk modulus can be determined from the triaxial compression test. The triaxial compression test was employed in this investigation to characterize the shear behavior, shear failure envelope, and mechanical properties of a syntactic foam. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) supplied a total of 36 samples of APO-BMI syntactic foam to the University of New Mexico, Department of Civil Engineering for testing between December 2003 and May 2004. Each sample had a diameter of 1.395±0.005 in. (3.543±0.013cm.) and a length of 2.796±0.004 in. (7.102±0.010 cm.). The samples had an average density of 0.295 g/cm3. Additional information about the material tested in this investigation can be found in the “Specimen Description” section contained in Chapter 1. The nomenclatures used in this study is presented in Chapter 1. In addition to designing and implementing triaxial compression tests capable of up to 2,000 psi. confining pressure (minor principal stress) and roughly 13,000 psi. in axial pressure (major principal stress), a pure tension test was designed and conducted on the foam material. The purpose of this pure tension test was to obtain maximum tensile stress values to enhance the characterization of the shear envelope in the stress space. The sampling procedure and specimen preparation for a standard test can be found in the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) D 5379/ D 5379 – 93. The above tests mentioned and their procedures are discussed in Chapter 2. Chapter 2 contains the types of tests performed and the apparatus used for testing the material. Chapter 2 also has a brief explanation of the equipment and the procedures used for conducting the tests. In Chapter 3, the material characteristics and mechanical properties obtained from the tests are described; composite plots of deviatoric vs. mean stress and deviatoric stress vs. longitudinal strain are also included. The plots of deviatoric stress vs. mean stress clearly identify the shear envelope for the material. Chapter 4 summarizes the vital information obtained from the tests and the conclusions made. All the necessary plots and the data generated during the testing have been included in the Appendix. The information in the appendix includes plots of: Strain vs. Time, Stress vs. Time, Stress vs. Strain, Mean Stress vs. Volumetric Strain, Lateral Strain vs. Longitudinal Strain, and q vs. p. Bulk modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Young’s modulus are displayed in the appropriate plots in each appendix.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thermal and Mechanical Characterization of DAAF and LAX-133 (FY19 Summary Report)

We have performed a series of thermal and mechanical tests to characterize the high explosive 3,3’-diamino-4,4’-azofurazan (DAAF), as well as the formulated version LAX-133 (97 wt% DAAF and 3 wt% FK-800 binder, now also referred to as PBX 9701; for clarity in this report, we will use the name LAX-133 which is what the formulated material was called at the time this work was performed). Specifically, we have used axially die-pressed cylinders (with no further machining) of neat DAAF and of LAX-133 to make measurements of compressive strength, Brazil disk, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), as well as irreversible volume expansion with thermal cycling (ratchet growth).

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

Investigation on Mechanical Properties and Equivalent Model of Aluminum Honeycomb Sandwich Panels

In this study, positive-pressure, bending, and drum peel tests were carried out for aluminum honeycomb sandwich panels made of different materials and with different dimensions. The results of these tests not only precisely revealed the relationships between the mechanical properties of aluminum honeycomb sandwich panels and the material dimensions of the face and core layers, the layout mode of the core layer, and the connecting mode between the face layers and core layers, but also determined the reliable mechanical equivalent model. The test results indicate that when the specimen was subjected to the vertical load, the compression properties of aluminum honeycomb sandwich panels were mainly determined by its core layer, while the face layer mainly relieves the axial stress and restrains the deformation of the core layer. In the flexural test, the face layer is the main part subjected to the load, whereas the core layer shows supporting, stabilizing, and strengthening effects, slowing the deformation of the face layer; flexural-tensile properties can be somewhat affected by the layout type of the core layer. The equivalent plate model, honeycomb plate model, and sandwich panel model were screened based on the experimental results, indicating that the sandwich panel model provided a more accurate description. The sandwich panel model was further modified, ultimately resulting in a more effective equivalent model that can accurately reflect the mechanical properties of the aluminum honeycomb sandwich panels.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electromechanical response of piezoelectric thin films subjected to large strain

The use of piezoelectric thin sensors, when subjected to large static strain levels in ultrasonic applications is reported in this paper. A novel flipped beam bending method is proposed to induce static strain level nearing twice the incipient yield strain in the beam material (~0.39%). First, the effect of static large strain on ultrasonic guided wave propagation in the beam was studied using the velocity measurements obtained from a laser Doppler vibrometer. Next, the ultrasonic response of thin sensors is studied under compressive and tensile static strain (±0.72%) with the sensors symmetrically bonded on the lower and upper surfaces, and at the same axial location. The ultrasonic guided wave response to varying levels of static strain is recorded at different center frequencies (50–400 kHz) of the narrow banded ultrasonic excitation. As a case study, the variation of the ultrasonic guided wave response of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) thin sensors with center frequencies at different static strain levels was analyzed and compared with that of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin sensors. PZT sensors show a higher variation of sensing performance with strain when compared to PVDF sensors. Apart from static strain, the possible effects on the change in performance of sensors, such as the change in the capacitance is discussed. The characterization method provides a reusable beam arrangement to study the ultrasonic sensor performance at large static strain levels. Characterization at large strain level allows the development of fail-safe sensors even under large strain and permanent plastic deformation of structure on which they are bonded, allowing accurate ultrasonic structural health monitoring even in the presence of damage progression. Piezopolymer sensor like PVDF are least susceptible to static strain due to large yield strain and low modulus and can serve as fail-safe sensors under large strain.

Rathod, Vivek↗

PONDEROMOTIVE ACCELERATION IN CORONAL LOOPS

Ponderomotive acceleration has been asserted to be a cause of the first ionization potential (FIP) effect, the well-known enhancement in abundance by a factor of 3–4 over photospheric values of elements in the solar corona with FIP less than about 10 eV. It is shown here by means of numerical simulations that ponderomotive acceleration occurs in solar coronal loops, with the appropriate magnitude and direction, as a “by-product” of coronal heating. The numerical simulations are performed with the HYPERION code, which solves the fully compressible three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic equations including nonlinear thermal conduction and optically thin radiation. Numerical simulations of coronal loops with an axial magnetic field from 0.005 to 0.02 T and lengths from 25,000 to 75,000 km are presented. In the simulations the footpoints of the axial loop magnetic field are convected by random, large-scale motions. There is a continuous formation and dissipation of field-aligned current sheets, which act to heat the loop. As a consequence of coronal magnetic reconnection, small-scale, high-speed jets form. The familiar vortex quadrupoles form at reconnection sites. Between the magnetic footpoints and the corona the reconnection flow merges with the boundary flow. It is in this region that the ponderomotive acceleration occurs. Mirroring the character of the coronal reconnection, the ponderomotive acceleration is also found to be intermittent.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Comparison of measured and computed radial trajectories of plasma focus devices UMDPF1 and UMDPF0

In published literature, there has been scant data on radial trajectory of the plasma focus and no comparison of computed with measured radial trajectory. This paper provides the first such comparative study. We compute the trajectories of the inward-moving radial shock and magnetic piston of UMDPF1 plasma focus and compare these with measured data taken from a streak photograph. The comparison shows agreement with the measured radial trajectory in terms of average speeds and general shape of trajectory. This paper also presents the measured trajectory of the radially compressing piston in another machine, the UMDPF0 plasma focus, confirming that the computed radial trajectory also shows similar general agreement. Features of divergence between the computed and measured trajectories, towards the end of the radial compression, are discussed. From the measured radial trajectories, an inference is made that the neutron yield mechanism could not be thermonuclear. A second inference is made regarding the speeds of axial post-pinch shocks, which are recently considered as a useful tool for damage testing of fusion-related wall materials.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Radial Inertia Effect on Dynamic Compressive Response of Polymeric Foam Materials

Polymeric foams have been extensively used in shock isolation applications because of their superior shock or impact energy absorption capability. However, as a type of soft condensed matter, the highly nonlinear, heterogeneous, and dissipative behavior of polymeric foams may result in an ineffective mitigation or isolation to shock/blast loading. To meet certain desired shock mitigation or isolation requirements, the polymeric foams need to be experimentally characterized to obtain their intrinsic material response. However, radial inertia during dynamic compression has become a severe issue and needs to be fully understood. In this study, we developed an analytical method to calculate the additional stress induced by radial inertia in a polymeric foam specimen. The radial inertia is generally caused by Poisson’s effect and associated with three different mechanisms – axial strain acceleration, large deformation, and Poisson’s ratio change. In conclusion, the effect of Poisson’s ratio change during deformation on radial inertia was specifically investigated for hyperelastic foam materials, and verified with experimental results obtained from Kolsky compression bar tests on a silicone foam.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of geometrical constraint condition on the formation of nanoscale twins in the Ni-based metallic glass composite

We investigated the effect of geometrically constrained stress-strain conditions on the formation of nanotwins in alpha-brass phase reinforced Ni59Zr20Ti16Si2Sn3 metallic glass (MG) matrix deformed under macroscopic uniaxial compression. The specific geometrically constrained conditions in the samples lead to a deviation from a simple uniaxial state to a multi-axial stress state, for which nanocrystallization in the MG matrix together with nanoscale twinning of the brass reinforcement is observed in localized regions during plastic flow. The nanocrystals in the MG matrix and the appearance of the twinned structure in the reinforcements indicate that the strain energy is highly confined and the local stress reaches a very high level upon yielding. Both the effective distribution of reinforcements on the strain enhancement of composite and the effects of the complicated stress states on the development of nanotwins in the second-phase brass particles are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Method for non-contact particle manipulation and control of particle spacing along an axis

One or more of the embodiments of the present invention provide for a method of non-contact particle manipulation and control of particle spacing along an axis which includes axial and radial acoustic standing wave fields. Particles are suspended in an aqueous solution, and this solution then flows into the cylindrical flow channel. While the solution flows through the flow channel, the outer structure of the flow channel is vibrated at a resonant frequency, causing a radial acoustic standing wave field to form inside the flow channel in the solution. These radial acoustic standing waves focus the particles suspended in the solution to the center axis of the cylindrical flow channel. At the same time, a transducer is used to create an axial acoustic standing wave field in the flow channel parallel to the axis of the flow channel. This drives the particles, which are already being focused to the center axis of the flow channel, to nodes or anti-nodes of the axial standing wave at half-wavelength intervals, depending on whether the particles are more or less dense and more or less compressible than the surrounding fluid.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Joining mechanism with stem tension and interlocked compression ring

A stem (34) extends from a second part (30) through a hole (28) in a first part (22). A groove (38) around the stem provides a non-threaded contact surface (42) for a ring element (44) around the stem. The ring element exerts an inward force against the non-threaded contact surface at an angle that creates axial tension (T) in the stem, pulling the second part against the first part. The ring element is formed of a material that shrinks relative to the stem by sintering. The ring element may include a split collet (44C) that fits partly into the groove, and a compression ring (44E) around the collet. The non-threaded contact surface and a mating distal surface (48) of the ring element may have conic geometries (64). After shrinkage, the ring element is locked onto the stem.

42 ENGINEERING↗

4D-CT scans reveal reduced magnitude of respiratory liver motion achieved by different abdominal compression plate positions in patients with intrahepatic tumors undergoing helical tomotherapy

Purpose: While abdominal compression (AC) can be used to reduce respiratory liver motion in patients receiving helical tomotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, the nature and extent of this effect is not well described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in magnitude of three-dimensional liver motion with abdominal compression using four-dimensional (4D) computed tomography (CT) images of several plate positions. Methods: From January 2012 to October 2015, 72 patients with intrahepatic carcinoma and divided into four groups underwent 4D-CT scans to assess respiratory liver motion. Of the 72 patients, 19 underwent abdominal compression of the cephalic area between the subxiphoid and umbilicus (group A), 16 underwent abdominal compression of the caudal region between the subxiphoid area and the umbilicus (group B), 11 patients underwent abdominal compression of the caudal umbilicus (group C), and 26 patients remained free breathing (group D). 4D-CT images were sorted into ten-image series, according to the respiratory phase from the end inspiration to the end expiration, and then transferred to treatment planning software. All liver contours were drawn by a single physician and confirmed by a second physician. Liver relative coordinates were automatically generated to calculate the liver respiratory motion in different axial directions to compile the 10 ten contours into a single composite image. Differences in respiratory liver motion were assessed with a one-way analysis of variance test of significance. Results: The average respiratory liver motion in the Y axial direction was 4.53 ± 1.16, 7.56 ± 1.30, 9.95 ± 2.32, and 9.53 ± 2.62 mm in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively, with a significant change among the four groups (p < 0.001). Abdominal compression was most effective in group A (compression plate on the subxiphoid area), with liver displacement being 2.53 ± 0.93, 4.53 ± 1.16, and 2.14 ± 0.92 mm on the X-, Y-, and Z-axes, respectively. There was no significant difference in respiratory liver motion between group C (displacement: 3.23 ± 1.47, 9.95 ± 2.32, and 2.92 ± 1.10 mm on the X-, Y-, and Z-axes, respectively) and group D (displacement: 3.35 ± 1.55, 9.53 ± 2.62, and 3.35 ± 1.73 mm on the X-, Y-, and Z-axes, respectively). Abdominal compression was least effective in group C (compression on caudal umbilicus), with liver motion in this group similar to that of free-breathing patients (group D). Conclusions: 4D-CT scans revealed significant liver motion control via abdominal compression of the subxiphoid area; however, this control of liver motion was not observed with compression of the caudal umbilicus. The authors, therefore, recommend compression of the subxiphoid area in patients undergoing external radiotherapy for intrahepatic carcinoma.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

An estimation method for echo signal energy of pipe inner surface longitudinal crack detection by 2-D energy coefficients integration

The echo signal energy is directly affected by the incident sound beam eccentricity or angle for thick-walled pipes inner longitudinal cracks detection. A method for analyzing the relationship between echo signal energy between the values of incident eccentricity is brought forward, which can be used to estimate echo signal energy when testing inside wall longitudinal crack of pipe, using mode-transformed compression wave adaptation of shear wave with water-immersion method, by making a two-dimension integration of “energy coefficient” in both circumferential and axial directions. The calculation model is founded for cylinder sound beam case, in which the refraction and reflection energy coefficients of different rays in the whole sound beam are considered different. The echo signal energy is calculated for a particular cylinder sound beam testing different pipes: a beam with a diameter of 0.5 inch (12.7mm) testing a φ279.4mm pipe and a φ79.4mm one. As a comparison, both the results of two-dimension integration and one-dimension (circumferential direction) integration are listed, and only the former agrees well with experimental results. The estimation method proves to be valid and shows that the usual method of simplifying the sound beam as a single ray for estimating echo signal energy and choosing optimal incident eccentricity is not so appropriate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Multi-scale nonlinear stress analysis of Nb 3 Sn superconducting accelerator magnets

A multi-scale nonlinear procedure to analyze the stress in Nb 3 Sn superconducting accelerator magnets is presented to address one of the most challenging obstacles currently facing the successful development of high-field superconducting magnets—the issue of stress management. The study demonstrates that gaskets (special nonlinear materials) are capable of modeling the complex nonlinear deformation behavior of insulation layers within the Nb 3 Sn coil block and that Hill materials (orthotropic materials utilizing the Hill yield criterion) are suitable to enable homogenization of the filamentary regions and the resin-impregnated Nb 3 Sn Rutherford cables. With the whole magnet under preload, cool-down, and Lorentz forces, the nonlinear behavior of the Nb 3 Sn coil was simulated, in three orthongonal axes, by the combined properties of the gaskets (insulation layers) and Hill materials (resin-impreganted cable). The procedure entailes minimal material assumptions because it incorporated measured stress-strain curves in the analysis. The coil was simulated to a high level of detail consisting of the insulation layers and resin-impregnated cables. The computed compressive azimuthal stresses of the cables were used to assess the stress-induced performance degradation. Through submodeling, the area-weighted average axial strains of the strands were computed and employed to evaluate the strain-induced performance degradation. The overall performance degradation of the Nb 3 Sn coil was thus obtained, and this information was subsequently used to guide the design of the overall magnet. Besides Nb 3 Sn magnets, this procedure can also be employed in the design of LTS, HTS, and room temperature magnets or in any composite structures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Use of a Be-dome holder for texture and strain characterization of Li metal thin films via sin 2 (ψ) methodology

Residual strain in electrodeposited Li films may affect safety and performance in Li metal battery anodes, so it is important to understand how to detect residual strain in electrodeposited Li and the conditions under which it arises. To explore this Li films, electrodeposited onto Cu metal substrates, were prepared under an applied pressure of either 10 or 1000 kPa and subsequently tested for the presence or absence of residual strain via sin 2 (ψ) analysis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of Li films required preparation and examination within an inert environment; hence, a Be-dome sample holder was employed during XRD characterization. Results show that the Li film grown under 1000 kPa displayed a detectable presence of in-plane compressive strain (–0.066%), whereas the Li film grown under 10 kPa displayed no detectable in-plane strain. Here, the underlying Cu substrate revealed an in-plane residual strain near zero. Texture analysis via pole figure determination was also performed for both Li and Cu and revealed a mild fiber texture for Li metal and a strong bi-axial texture of the Cu substrate. Experimental details concerning sample preparation, alignment, and analysis of the particularly air-sensitive Li films have also been detailed. This work shows that Li metal exhibits residual strain when electrodeposited under compressive stress and that XRD can be used to quantify that strain.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Poisson’s ratio of eTPU molded bead foams in compression via in situ synchrotron X-ray microtomography

In situ synchrotron X-ray microtomography was used to characterize the bulk deformation behavior by computing the Poisson's ratio of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU) molded bead foams used in footwear midsole during compression. Quantitative data on morphological characteristics were obtained using an iterative image processing workflow. Image correlation on the 4D datasets using DVC was performed to calculate the volumetric and axial strain to estimate the Poisson ratio. Strain maps from DVC showed the influence of variability in ligament thickness distribution on the global mechanical behavior exhibited which dominated the response seen in these bead foams. Lastly, our results showed a strong correlation between Poisson ratio and distribution of ligament thickness in foams.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗