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At least 217 records · Page 12

Projections of H-mode access and edge pedestal in the SPARC tokamak

In order to inform core performance projections and divertor design, the baseline SPARC tokamak plasma discharge is evaluated for its expected H-mode access, pedestal pressure and edge-localized mode (ELM) characteristics. A clear window for H-mode access is predicted for full field DT plasmas, with the available 25 MW of design auxiliary power. Additional alpha heating is likely needed for H-mode sustainment. Pressure pedestal predictions in the developed H-mode are surveyed using the EPED model. The projected SPARC pedestal would be limited dominantly by peeling modes and may achieve pressures in excess of 0.3 MPa at a density of approximately 3 × 10 20 m -3 . High pedestal pressure is partially enabled by strong equilibrium shaping, which has been increased as part of recent design iterations. Edge-localized modes (ELMs) with >1 MJ of energy are projected, and approaches for reducing the ELM size, and thus the peak energy fluence to divertor surfaces, are under consideration. The high pedestal predicted for SPARC provides ample margin to satisfy its high fusion gain (Q) mission, so that even if ELM mitigation techniques result in a 2x reduction of the pedestal pressure, Q > 2 is still predicted.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Systematic evaluation of fast neutron sensing with Cesium Hafnium Chloride

Cesium Hafnium Chloride (CHC) is a promising new scintillator for dual mode sensing of both neutrons and gamma-rays. The high chlorine content allows for both 35 Cl(n,p) 35 S and 35 Cl(n,α) 32 P reaction channels leading to reliable detection of fast neutrons. By utilizing pulse shape discrimination (PSD), these neutron interactions may be reliably separated from gamma-ray signals with a high figure-of-merit (FOM) after optimization of the PSD algorithm. Here, in this study, the PSD algorithm settings for CHC were systematically investigated using a bare 252 Cf and a lead shielded plutonium beryllium neutron source. It was found that the PSD algorithm settings affects both the FOM and the neutron detection efficiency, but a FOM as high as 4.5 for alpha particles was observed in one data processing scenario. Further, an intrinsic 5 parts per million alpha emitting contamination was observed in the sample, which we attribute to natural uranium.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Experimental investigation of the flowfield of an oscillating airfoil

The flowfield of an airfoil oscillated periodically over a wide range of reduced frequencies, 0 less than or = k less than or = 1.6 is studied experimentally at chord Reynolds numbers of R sub c = 22,000 and 44,000. The NACA0012 airfoil is pitched sinusoidally about one quarter chord between angles of attack (alpha) of 5 and 25 degrees. Detailed flow visualization and phase averaged vorticity measurements are carried out for k = 0.2 to document the evolution and the shedding of the dynamic stall vortex (DSV). In addition to the DSV, an intense vortex of opposite sign originates from the trailing edge just when the DSV is shed. After being shed into the wake, the two together take the shape of a large 'mushroom' while being convected away from the airfoil. The unsteady circulation around the airfoil and, therefore, the time varying component of the lift is estimated in a novel way from the shed vorticity flux and is found to be in good agreement with the lift variation reported by others. The delay in the shedding of the DSV with increasing k, as observed by previous researchers, is documented for the full range of k. The DSV, for example, is shed nearly at the maximum alpha of 25 degrees at k = 0.2, but is shed at the minimum alpha of 5 degrees at k = 0.8. At low k, the flowfield appears quasi-steady and the bluff body shedding corresponding to the maximum alpha (25 degrees) dominates the unsteady fluctuations in the wake.

Panda, J.↗

Experimental investigation of the flowfield of an oscillating airfoil

The flow field of an airfoil oscillated periodically over a wide range of reduced frequencies, 0 less than k less than 1.6, is studied experimentally at chord Reynolds numbers of R sub c = 22,000 and 44,000. The NACA0012 airfoil is pitched sinusoidally about one quarter chord between alpha of 5 deg and 25 deg. Detailed flow visualization and phase averaged vorticity measurements are carried out for k = 0.2 to document the evolution and the shedding of the dynamic stall vortex (DSV). In addition to the DSV, an intense vortex of opposite sign originates from the trailing edge just when the DSV is shed. After being shed into the wake, the two together take the shape of a large 'mushroom' while being convected away from the airfoil. The unsteady circulation around the airfoil and, therefore, the time varying component of the lift is estimated in a novel way from the shed vorticity flux and is found to be in good agreement with the lift variation reported by others. The delay in the shedding of the DSV with increasing k, as observed by previous researchers, is documented for the full range of k. The DSV, for example, is shed nearly at the maximum alpha of 25 deg at k = 0.2, but is shed at the minimum alpha of 5 deg at k = 0.8. At low k, the flowfield appears quasi-steady and the bluff body shedding corresponding to the maximum alpha (25 deg) dominates the unsteady fluctuations in the wake.

Panda, J.↗

Burn propagation in magnetized high-yield inertial fusion

Recent experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) have demonstrated ignition for the first time in an inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiment, a major milestone allowing the possibility of high energy gain through burn propagation. Use of external magnetic fields, applied primarily to reduce thermal losses, could increase hotspot temperature and ease requirements for ignition, opening up the capsule design space for high energy gain. However, this same restriction of thermal transport has the potential to inhibit burn propagation, which is vital in the attainment of high gain. In this work, radiation-magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulations carried out using the code Chimera are used to investigate the effect of a pre-imposed magnetic field on ignition and burn propagation. This paper studies the propagation of burn using both an idealized planar model and in fully integrated 2D MHD simulations of an igniting NIF capsule. A study of magnetized burn propagation in the idealized planar model identifies three regimes of magnetized burn propagation: (1) thermal conduction driven; (2) alpha transport driven; and (3) fully suppressed burn. Simulations of NIF shot N210808 with an applied 40 T axial field show clear indication of burn suppression perpendicular to field lines, with rapid burn observed along field lines. Implosion shape is altered by the field, and anisotropic conduction causes significant modification to the rate of ablation during stagnation. These results highlight the fundamental changes to implosion dynamics in high-yield magnetized ICF and motivate further study to better optimize future magnetized target designs for high gain.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope: Cosmological Parameters from the 2008 Power Spectrum

We present cosmological parameters derived from the angular power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation observed at 148 GHz and 218 GHz over 296 deg(exp 2) with the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) during its 2008 season. ACT measures fluctuations at scales 500 < l < 10,000. We fit a model for the lensed CMB, Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ), and foreground contribution to the 148 GHz and 218 GHz power spectra, including thermal and kinetic SZ, Poisson power from radio and infrared point sources, and clustered power from infrared point sources. At l = 3000, about half the power at 148 GHz comes from primary CMB after masking bright radio sources. The power from thermal and kinetic SZ is estimated to be Beta(sub 3000) is identical to 6.8 +/- 2.9 mu K (exp 2), where Beta (sub l) is identical to l(l + 1) C(sub l)/2pi. The IR Poisson power at 148 GHz is Bewta(sub 3000) 7.8 +/- 0.7 muK(exp 2) (C(sub l) = 5.5 +/- 0.5 nK(exp 2)), and a clustered IR component is required with Beta (sub 3000) = 4.6 +/- 0.9 muK(exp 2), assuming an analytic model for its power spectrum shape. At 218 GHz only about 15% of the power, approximately 27 mu K(exp 2), is CMB anisotropy at l = 3000. The remaining 85% is attributed to IR sources (approximately 50% Poisson and 35% clustered), with spectral index alpha = 3.69 +/- 0.14 for flux scaling as S(nu) varies as nu(sup alpha). We estimate primary cosmological parameters from the less contaminated 148 GHz spectrum, marginalizing over SZ and source power. The ACDM cosmological model is a good fit to the data (chi square/dof = 29/46), and ACDM parameters estimated from ACT+Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) are consistent with the seven-year WMAP limits, with scale invariant n(sub s) = 1 excluded at 99.7% confidence level (CL) (3 sigma). A model with no CMB lensing is disfavored at 2.8 sigma. By measuring the third to seventh acoustic peaks, and probing the Silk damping regime, the ACT data improve limits on cosmological parameters that affect the small-scale CMB power. The ACT data combined with WMAP give a 6 sigma detection of primordial helium, with Y(sub p) = 0.313 +/- 0.044, and a 4 sigma detection of relativistic species, assumed to be neutrinos, with N(sub eff) = 5.3 +/- 1.3 (4.6 +/- 0.8 with BAO+H(sub 0) data). From the CMB alone the running of the spectral index is constrained to be d(sub s) / d ln k = -0,034 +/- 0,018, the limit on the tensor-to-scalar ratio is r < 0,25 (95% CL), and the possible contribution of Nambu cosmic strings to the power spectrum is constrained to string tension G(sub mu) < 1.6 x 10(exp -7) (95% CL),

Dunkley, J.↗

Emergent symmetries in atomic nuclei: Probing nuclear dynamics and physics beyond the standard model

Dominant shapes naturally emerge in atomic nuclei from first principles, thereby establishing the shape-preserving symplectic Sp(3, \mathbb{R} ℝ ) symmetry as remarkably ubiquitous and almost perfect symmetry in nuclei. We discuss the critical role of this emergent symmetry in enabling machine-learning descriptions of heavy nuclei, ab initio modeling of \alpha α clustering and collectivity, as well as tests of beyond-the-standard-model physics. In addition, the Sp(3, \mathbb{R} ℝ ) and SU(3) symmetries provide relevant degrees of freedom that underpin the ab initio symmetry-adapted no-core shell model with the remarkable capability of reaching nuclei and reaction fragments beyond the lightest and close-to-spherical species.

Launey, Kristina D.↗

Ultraviolet photometry of the eclipsing variable CW Cephei

An extended series of photometric observations were made of the eclipsing variable CW Cephei using the Wisconsin instrument on OAO-2. Approximate elements which were derived based solely on the eclipse depths and shape of the secondary are in satisfactory agreement with those found using ground based observations. However, persistent asymmetries and anomalous light variations, all larger than the expected experimental error, were also found; subsequent ground-based observations show H sub alpha entirely in emission indicating the presence of an extended gaseous system surrounding one or both of the components. Consistent solutions utilizing all data at all wavelengths were not found.

Sobieski, S.↗

The ultraviolet spectrum of periodic Comet Encke (1980 XI)

A comparison of the ultraviolet spectrum of periodic Comet Encke (1980 XI), recorded by the IUE between October 24, and November 5, 1980 with similar spectra, of short- and long-period comets, shows the gaseous composition of P/Encke to be nearly identical to that of the other comets observed by the IUE. If P/Encke is indeed the remains of a once-giant comet, this similarity implies a homogeneous radial structure for the cometary ice nucleus. The OH brightness distribution shows a spatial variation similar to the visible fan-shaped image of the comet, suggestive of a nonuniform distribution of volatile ices on the surface of the nucleus. The total derived water production rate appears to be a factor of 5 higher than that derived from HI Lyman-alpha observations made during the 1970 apparition, and shows a variation with heliocentric distance (r) as r to the -3.3 power over the range 0.81 to 1.02 AU.

Feldman, P. D.↗

Molten-Metal Droplet Deposition on a Moving Substrate in Microgravity: Aiding the Development of Novel Technologies for Microelectronic Assembly

Driven by advancements in microelectronics manufacturing, this research investigates the oblique (non-axisymmetric) impact of liquid-metal droplets on flat substrates. The problem of interest is relevant to the development of the novel technology of on-demand dispension (printing) of microscopic solder deposits for the surface mounting of microelectronic devices. The technology, known as solder jetting, features on-demand deposition of miniature solder droplets (30 to 120 microns in diameter) in very fine, very accurate patterns using techniques analogous to those developed for the ink-jet printing industry. Despite its promise, severe limitations exist currently with regards to the throughput rates of the technology; some of these limitations are largely due to the lack of the capability for reliable prediction of solder bump positioning and shapes, especially under ballistic deposition conditions where the droplet impact phenomena are inherently three-dimensional. The study consists of a theoretical and an experimental component. The theoretical work uses a finite element formulation to simulate numerically the non-axisymmetric (3-D) fluid mechanics and heat transfer phenomena of a liquid solder droplet impacting at an angle alpha on a flat substrate. The work focuses on the pre-solidification regime. The modeling of the most challenging fluid mechanics part of the process has been completed successfully. It is based upon the full laminar Navier-Stokes equations employing a Lagrangian frame of reference. Due to the large droplet deformation, the surface (skin) as well as the volumetric mesh have to be regenerated during the calculations in order to maintain the high accuracy of the numerical scheme. The pressure and velocity fields are then interpolated on the newly created mesh. The numerical predictions are being tested against experiments, for cases where wetting phenomena are not important. For the impact parameters used in the example shown (We = 2.38, Fr = 16300, Re = 157), the droplet rolls along the substrate, but its shape remains practically axisymmetric for all impact angles within the range from 0 to 60 deg. Interestingly, the substrate/droplet contact area during the recoiling phase of the impact is not a monotonically decreasing function of time. The experimental component of the research tests the numerical predictions and provides necessary input data (contact angles) for the theoretical model. The experiments are performed in microgravity (2.2s drop tower of the NASA GRC) in order to allow for the use of mm-size solder droplets, which make feasible the performance of accurate measurements, while maintaining similitude of the relevant fluid dynamic groups (Re, Fr, We, Ste). Preliminary oblique impact experiments have been performed using water droplets in normal gravity.

Megaridis, C. M.↗

Photometric light curves for seven rapidly-rotating K dwarfs in the Pleiades and Alpha Persei clusters

Light curves and period estimates were obtained for several Pleiades and Alpha Persei cluster K dwarfs which were identified as rapid rotators in earlier spectroscopic studies. A few of the stars have previously-published light curves, making it possible to study the long-term variability of the light-curve shapes. The general cause of the photometric variability observed for these stars is an asymmetric distribution of photospheric inhomogeneities (starspots). The presence of these inhomogeneities combined with the rotation of the star lead to the light curves observed. The photometric periods derived are thus identified with the rotation period of the star, making it possible to estimate equatorial rotational velocities for these K dwarfs. These data are of particular importance because the clusters are sufficiently young that stars of this mass should have just arrived on the main sequence. These data could be used to estimate the temperatures and sizes of the spot groups necessary to produce the observed light curves for these stars.

Stauffer, John R.↗

Cross sections for production of H(2p, 2s, 1s) by electron collisional dissociation of H2

The excitation function of H Ly-alpha from the astrophysically important dissociation of electron-excited H2 over the range 10-700 eV has been measured. The analysis predicts the cross section to energies higher than the present experimental limit, and it is found that the predicted shape is in close agreement with measured results. At 6 eV the cross section is dominated by the electric dipole first Born component, while at 100 eV the electric dipole component constitutes 73 percent of the total H(2p) cross section. The cross sections of the H(2s) and H(1s) components are calculated.

Ajello, J. M.↗

A summary of the forebody high-angle-of-attack aerodynamics research on the F-18 and the X-29A aircraft

High-angle-of-attack aerodynamic studies have been conducted on both the F18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) and the X-29A aircraft. Data obtained include on- and off-surface flow visualization and static pressure measurements on the forebody. Comparisons of similar results are made between the two aircraft where possible. The forebody shapes of the two aircraft are different and the X-29A forebody flow is affected by the addition of nose strakes and a flight test noseboom. The forebody flow field of the F-18 HARV is fairly symmetric at zero sideslip and has distinct, well-defined vortices. The X-29A forebody vortices are more diffuse and are sometimes asymmetric at zero sideslip. These asymmetries correlate with observed zero-sideslip aircraft yawing moments.

Bjarke, Lisa J.↗

A summary of the forebody high-angle-of-attack aerodynamics research on the F-18 and the X-29A aircraft

High-angle-of-attack aerodynamic studies have been conducted on both the F18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) and the X-29A aircraft. Data obtained include on- and off-surface flow visualization and static pressure measurements on the forebody. Comparisons of similar results are made between the two aircraft where possible. The forebody shapes of the two aircraft are different and the X-29A forebody flow is affected by the addition of nose strakes and a flight test noseboom. The forebody flow field of the F-18 HARV is fairly symmetric at zero sideslip and has distinct, well-defined vortices. The X-29A forebody vortices are more diffuse and are sometimes asymmetric at zero sideslip. These asymmetries correlate with observed zero-sideslip aircraft yawing moments.

Bjarke, Lisa J.↗

In-Flight Aerodynamic Measurements of an Iced Horizontal Tailplane

The effects of tailplane icing on aircraft dynamics and tailplane aerodynamics were investigated using, NASA's modified DHC-6 Twin Otter icing research aircraft. This flight program was a major element of the four-year NASA/FAA research program that also included icing wind tunnel testing, dry-air aerodynamic wind tunnel testing, and analytical code development. Flight tests were conducted to obtain aircraft dynamics and tailplane aerodynamics of the DHC-6 with four tailplane leading-edge configurations. These configurations included a clean (baseline) and three different artificial ice shapes. Quasi-steady and various dynamic flight maneuvers were performed over the full range of angles of attack and wing flap settings with each iced tailplane configuration. This paper presents results from the quasi-steady state flight conditions and describes the range of flow fields at the horizontal tailplane, the aeroperformance effect of various ice shapes on tailplane lift and elevator hinge moment, and suggests three paths that can lead toward ice-contaminated tailplane stall. It was found that wing, flap deflection was the most significant factor in driving the tailplane angle of attack toward alpha(tail stall). However, within a given flap setting, an increase in airspeed also drove the tailplane angle of attack toward alpha(tail stall). Moreover, increasing engine thrust setting also pushed the tailplane to critical performance limits, which resulted in premature tailplane stall.

Ratvasky, Thomas P.↗

Near-Infrared Mass Loss Diagnostics for Massive Stars

Stellar wind mass loss is a key process which modifies surface abundances, luminosities, and other physical properties of hot, massive stars. Furthermore, mass loss has to be understood quantitatively in order to accurately describe and predict massive star evolution. Two urgent problems have been identified that challenge our understanding of line-driven winds, the so-called weak-wind problem and wind clumping. In both cases, mass-loss rates are drastically lower than theoretically expected (up to a factor 1001). Here we study how the expected spectroscopic capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), especially NIRSpec, could be used to significantly improve constraints on wind density structures (clumps) and deep-seated phenomena in stellar winds of massive stars, including OB, Wolf-Rayet and LBV stars. Since the IR continuum of objects with strong winds is formed in the wind, IR lines may sample different depths inside the wind than UV-optical lines and provide new information about the shape of the velocity field and clumping properties. One of the most important applications of IR line diagnostics will be the measurement of mass-loss rates in massive stars with very weak winds by means of the H I Bracket alpha line, which has been identified as one of the most promising diagnostics for this problem.

Sonneborn, George↗

Materials Data on Si2H2O3 by Materials Project

Si2H2O3 is alpha oxygen structured and crystallizes in the triclinic P1 space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of two Si2H2O3 clusters. there are ten inequivalent Si4+ sites. In the first Si4+ site, Si4+ is bonded in a distorted T-shaped geometry to three O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.73 Å) and two longer (1.87 Å) Si–O bond length. In the second Si4+ site, Si4+ is bonded in a distorted T-shaped geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Si–O bond distances ranging from 1.67–1.92 Å. In the third Si4+ site, Si4+ is bonded in a distorted T-shaped geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Si–O bond distances ranging from 1.72–1.86 Å. In the fourth Si4+ site, Si4+ is bonded in a distorted T-shaped geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Si–O bond distances ranging from 1.66–1.89 Å. In the fifth Si4+ site, Si4+ is bonded in a distorted T-shaped geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Si–O bond distances ranging from 1.76–1.92 Å. In the sixth Si4+ site, Si4+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Si–O bond distances ranging from 1.67–1.85 Å. In the seventh Si4+ site, Si4+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Si–O bond distances ranging from 1.70–2.10 Å. In the eighth Si4+ site, Si4+ is bonded in a distorted T-shaped geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Si–O bond distances ranging from 1.66–2.13 Å. In the ninth Si4+ site, Si4+ is bonded in a distorted trigonal non-coplanar geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Si–O bond distances ranging from 1.67–1.85 Å. In the tenth Si4+ site, Si4+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Si–O bond distances ranging from 1.66–1.85 Å. There are ten inequivalent H1- sites. In the first H1- site, H1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.00 Å. In the second H1- site, H1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 0.99 Å. In the third H1- site, H1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.01 Å. In the fourth H1- site, H1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.00 Å. In the fifth H1- site, H1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.03 Å. In the sixth H1- site, H1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 0.99 Å. In the seventh H1- site, H1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 0.99 Å. In the eighth H1- site, H1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.00 Å. In the ninth H1- site, H1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.02 Å. In the tenth H1- site, H1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.00 Å. There are fifteen inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a water-like geometry to two Si4+ atoms. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted trigonal planar geometry to two Si4+ and one H1- atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to two Si4+ and one H1- atom. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 150 degrees geometry to two Si4+ atoms. In the fifth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to two Si4+ and one H1- atom. In the sixth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to two Si4+ and one H1- atom. In the seventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 150 degrees geometry to two Si4+ atoms. In the eighth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 150 degrees geometry to two Si4+ atoms. In the ninth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to two Si4+ and one H1- atom. In the tenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 150 degrees geometry to two Si4+ atoms. In the eleventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to two Si4+ and one H1- atom. In the twelfth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to two Si4+ and one H1- atom. In the thirteenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to two Si4+ and one H1- atom. In the fourteenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to two Si4+ and one H1- atom. In the fifteenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to two Si4+ and one H1- atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗