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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.

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At least 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Receiver design, performance analysis, and evaluation for space-borne laser altimeters and space-to-space laser ranging systems

This interim report consists of four separate reports from our research on the receivers of NASA's Gravity And Magnetic Experiment Satellite (GAMES). The first report is entitled 'Analysis of phase estimation bias of GAMES receiver due to Doppler shift.' The second report is 'Background radiation on GAMES fine ranging detector from the moon, the planets, and the stars.' The third report is 'Background radiation on GAMES receivers from the ocean sun glitter and the direct sun.' The fourth report is 'GAMES receiver performance versus background radiation power on the detectors.'

Davidson, Frederic M.↗
DOE OSTI2011

Lightning initiation mechanism based on the development of relativistic runaway electron avalanches triggered by background cosmic radiation: Numerical simulation

The mechanism of lightning initiation due to electric field enhancement by the polarization of a conducting channel produced by relativistic runaway electron avalanches triggered by background cosmic radiation has been simulated numerically. It is shown that the fields at which the start of a lightning leader is possible even in the absence of precipitations are locally realized for realistic thundercloud configurations and charges. The computational results agree with the in-situ observations of penetrating radiation enhancement in thunderclouds.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Planets in other universes: habitability constraints on density fluctuations and galactic structure

Motivated by the possibility that different versions of the laws of physics could be realized within other universes, this paper delineates the galactic structure parameters that allow for habitable planets and revisits constraints on the amplitude Q of the primordial density fluctuations. Previous work indicates that large values of Q lead to galaxies so dense that planetary orbits cannot survive long enough for life to develop. Small values of Q lead to delayed star formation, loosely bound galaxies, and compromised heavy element retention. This work generalizes previous treatments in the following directions: [A] We consider models for the internal structure of the galaxies, including a range of stellar densities, and find the fraction of the resulting galactic real estate that allows for stable, long-lived planetary orbits. [B] For high velocity encounters, we perform a large ensemble of numerical simulations to estimate cross sections for the disruption of planetary orbits due to interactions with passing stars. [C] We consider the background radiation fields produced by the galaxies: if a galaxy is too compact, the night sky seen from a potentially habitable planet can provide more power than the host star. [D] One consequence of intense galactic background radiation fields is that some portion of the galaxy, denoted as the Galactic Habitable Zone, will provide the right flux levels to support habitable planets for essentially any planetary orbit including freely floating bodies (but excluding close-in planets). As the value of Q increases, the fraction of stars in a galaxy that allow for (traditional) habitable planets decreases due to both orbital disruption and the intense background radiation. However, the outer parts of the galaxy always allow for habitable planets, so that the value of Q does not have a well-defined upper limit (due to scattering or radiation constraints). Moreover, some Galactic Habitable Zones are large enough to support more potentially habitable planets than the galaxies found in our universe. These results suggest that the possibilities for habitability in other universes are somewhat more favorable and far more diverse than previously imagined.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1989

Radiative decays of massive relic particles and the submillimeter background

The interaction of the decay photons of an unstable relic particle species with the microwave background radiation is considered. The radiative decays of these particles delay recombination and serve as an energy source for the resultant plasma. Nonrelativistic Compton scattering by these electrons couples the decay photons to the microwave background, producing submillimeter distortions. If the decay products close the universe, they must decay with a radiative branching ratio larger than 2.5 x 10 to the -5th in order to produce recently observed excess submillimeter background radiation. To be consistent with measurements of the UV background, their mass m is much greater than 114 keV and their decay redshift z is much greater than 5200.

Field, George B.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Pioneer 10 search for gravitational waves - Limits on a possible isotropic cosmic background of radiation in the microhertz region

The nature of the response of the Doppler tracking system to a stochastic background of gravitational radiation is discussed. Using data acquired in 1981 by the Deep Space Network with the Pioneer 10 spacecraft, interesting upper limits are placed on the energy density of the background in three frequency bands extending from 7 x 10 to the -7th to 10 to the -4th Hz, a region that has been inaccessible previously by any technique.

Anderson, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Cosmic instability from radiation pressure

The Cosmic Background Explorer has recently confirmed the blackbody character of the microwave background to high accuracy (Mather et al., 1990), and will have the capability to detect other cosmic backgrounds throughout the infrared. A detection of cosmic background radiation dating from the pregalactic era would have important consequences for theories of cosmic structure. During the creation of such a background the pressure of the radiation itself causes an instability which leads inevitably to the growth of large-scale structure in the matter distribution. In contrast to conventional gravitational-instability models, the statistical properties of this structure are determined primarily by the self-organizing dynamics of the instability rather than details of cosmological initial conditions. The behavior of the instability is described here.

Hogan, Craig J.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Transcriptome analysis reveals a stress response of Shewanella oneidensis deprived of background levels of ionizing radiation

Natural ionizing background radiation has exerted a constant pressure on organisms since the first forms of life appeared on Earth, so that cells have developed molecular mechanisms to avoid or repair damages caused directly by radiation or indirectly by radiation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we investigated the transcriptional effect of depriving Shewanella oneidensis cultures of background levels of radiation by growing the cells in a mine 655 m underground, thus reducing the dose rate from 72.1 to 0.9 nGy h -1 from control to treatment, respectively. RNASeq transcriptome analysis showed the differential expression of 4.6 and 7.6% of the S. oneidensis genome during early- and late-exponential phases of growth, respectively. The greatest change observed in the treatment was the downregulation of ribosomal proteins (21% of all annotated ribosomal protein genes during early- and 14% during late-exponential) and tRNA genes (14% of all annotated tRNA genes in early-exponential), indicating a marked decrease in protein translation. Other significant changes were the upregulation of membrane transporters, implying an increase in the traffic of substrates across the cell membrane, as well as the up and downregulation of genes related to respiration, which could be interpreted as a response to insufficient oxidants in the cells. In other reports, there is evidence in multiple species that some ROS not just lead to oxidative stress, but act as signaling molecules to control cellular metabolism at the transcriptional level. Consistent with these reports, several genes involved in the metabolism of carbon and biosynthesis of amino acids were also regulated, lending support to the idea of a wide metabolic response. Our results indicate that S. oneidensis is sensitive to the withdrawal of background levels of ionizing radiation and suggest that a transcriptional response is required to maintain homeostasis and retain normal growth.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗
NASA NTRS2016

Radiation-Induced Backgrounds in Astronomical Instruments: Considerations for Geosynchronous Orbit and Implications for the Design of the WFIRST Wide-Field Instrument

Geosynchronous orbits are appealing for solar or astrophysical observatories because they permit continuous data downlink at high rates. The radiation environment in these orbits presents unique challenges, however. This paper describes both the characteristics of the radiation environment in geosynchronous orbit and the mechanisms by which this radiation generates backgrounds in photon detectors. Shielding considerations are described, and a preliminary shielding design for the proposed Wide-Field InfraRed Survey Telescope observatory is presented as a reference for future space telescope concept studies that consider a geosynchronous orbit.

Kruk, Jeffrey W.↗
DOE OSTI2013

Measured Radiation and Background Levels During Transmission of Megawatt Electron Beams Through Millimeter Apertures

We report measurements of photon and neutron radiation levels observed while transmitting a 0.43 MW electron beam through millimeter-sized apertures and during beam-off, but accelerating gradient RF-on, operation. These measurements were conducted at the Free-Electron Laser (FEL) facility of the Jefferson National Accelerator Laboratory (JLab) using a 100 MeV electron beam from an energy-recovery linear accelerator. The beam was directed successively through 6 mm, 4 mm, and 2 mm diameter apertures of length 127 mm in aluminum at a maximum current of 4.3 mA (430 kW beam power). This study was conducted to characterize radiation levels for experiments that need to operate in this environment, such as the proposed DarkLight Experiment. We find that sustained transmission of a 430 kW continuous-wave (CW) beam through a 2 mm aperture is feasible with manageable beam-related backgrounds. We also find that during beam-off, RF-on operation, multipactoring inside the niobium cavities of the accelerator cryomodules is the primary source of ambient radiation when the machine is tuned for 130 MeV operation.

millimeter aperture↗
DOE OSTI2014

Analysis of Spectral Variation in Background Gamma Radiation at U.S. Ports of Entry

This project exists to improve the ability to detect nuclear material crossing the borders. The purpose of my portion of this project was to analyze spectral variations of backgrounds measured by radiation portal monitor detectors at ports of entry using available data to determine whether or not the measured background variation includes changes in the spectral shape in addition to changes in the gross counts.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
NASA NTRS1991

A medium-scale measurement of the cosmic microwave background at 3.3 millimeters

A system has been developed for making measurements of spatial fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background radiation, on an angular scale of 5 arcmin to a few degrees. The system consists of an off-axis Gregorian telescope with a nearly Gaussian response with FWHM adjustable from 20 to 50 arcmin, an SIS coherent receiver operating at 3.3 mm, and a pointing system capable of better than 1 arcmin rms stabilization. This paper reports on results from the system's first balloon flight in August 1988, and ground-based measurements made from the South Pole in December 1988. A portion of the South Pole data is used to place a 95-percent confidence level upper limit of Delta T/T less than 0.000035 for Gaussian sky fluctuations in the background radiation at 20-arcmin angular scale and a limit of Delta T/T less than 0.000033 on overall excess intrinsic sky noise. In addition, dust contamination in cosmic background radiation data is estimated using measurements of the Galaxy from this flight and a previous one, along with the IRAS 100-micron map. These anisotropy results give the most stringent limits on cold dark matter theories to date.

Meinhold, Peter↗
NASA NTRS1998

Photodisintegration of Ultrahigh Energy Cosmic Rays: A New Determination

We present the results of a new calculation of the photodisintegration of ultrahigh energy cosmic-ray (UHCR) nuclei in intergalactic space. The critical interactions for energy loss and photodisintegration of UHCR nuclei occur with photons of the 2.73 K cosmic background radiation (CBR) and with photons of the infrared background radiation (IBR). We have reexamined this problem making use of a new determination of the IBR based on empirical data, primarily from IRAS galaxies, consistent with direct measurements and upper limits from TeV gamma-ray observations. We have also improved the calculation by including the specific threshold energies for the various photodisintegration interactions in our Monte Carlo calculation. With the new smaller IBR flux, the steepness of the Wien side of the now relatively more important CBR makes their inclusion essential for more accurate results. Our results indicate a significant increase in the propagation time of UHCR nuclei of a given energy over previous results. We discuss the possible significance of this for UHCR origin theory.

Stecker, F. W.↗
DOE OSTI2021

A hierarchical Bayesian model for background variation in radiation source localization

In this paper, we apply a new model to account for varying background radiation in radiological source localization. We present a hierarchical Bayesian model that simultaneously infers background and source location parameters without requiring separate estimation of the background radiation at each detector location. We employ a simplified photon transport model to reduce the computational expense of Bayesian model calibration. Furthermore, we demonstrate the model accuracy by localizing a cesium-137 source in a simulated city block, and we analyze experimental field measurements with varying background. In both cases, the model provides sufficient fidelity that we can locate the source while simultaneously estimating background radiation.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2017

Estimating Public Dose Along Hypothetical Spent Nuclear Fuel Transportation Routes

In the future, it will be necessary to transport large quantities of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from nuclear power plant sites to an interim storage facility (ISF) or a repository when such a facility is available. Because it is impossible to shield all of the radiation from this material, the general public will receive a very small, but quantifiable, dose from this transportation campaign. This paper describes the estimated collective effective radiation dose to the public due to SNF shipments under routine conditions and compares the estimated dose figures to the natural background radiation dose. To determine the estimated collective effective dose to the public, this analysis uses the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Stakeholder Tool for Assessing Radioactive Transportation (START), a geographic information system (GIS) routing tool, and a set of unit dose factors (UDFs) which were developed to calculate the estimated dose to the public along transportation routes. The estimated doses of radiation to which the public would be exposed during shipments of SNF is expected to be a consideration, along with many other factors, when making routing decisions. In all cases studied in this paper, estimated doses to the public will be orders of magnitude lower than the natural background radiation dose and will meet all US federal regulatory requirements for radiation dose/exposure to members of the public. The sample routes analyzed in this paper are expected to be representative of future SNF shipment routes in terms of length and mode of transportation, although they do not represent actual routes or destinations. This paper considers four routes from two shutdown reactor sites to two destinations. It must be noted that the specified origin sites are not necessarily the first sites under consideration for a de-inventory process. Further, the destination sites reviewed in this report are only to illustrate estimated dose figures along different routes and should not be taken as potential sites for an ISF or repository. For illustrative purposes only, the shortest distance rail route was found between each origin and destination point, and the collective effective dose to the public from the SNF cask was estimated along each route. This paper is not intended to make recommendations for routing decisions, but rather is intended to inform further discussion about the transportation of SNF and other radioactive materials.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

NORM Concentration Determination in Common Materials in an Urban Environment

The United States government performs searches for illicit radiation sources before and during large special events, such as State of the Union addresses, presidential inaugurations, or the recent papal visit. Clear detection of sources is difficult due to natural background radiation, which can vary greatly throughout a given search area. Background radiation is mostly a function of the materials used in roadways, sidewalks, and building exteriors. A team of scientists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), the Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL), and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is exploring the nature and variability of background count rates in order to improve the performance of searches in urban areas. A series of background measurements have been and will continue to be taken at a Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) environment at the Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) National Guard training facility in Pennsylvania. This site replicates a small town with asphalt roads, concrete intersections, buildings, sidewalks, curbs, and gravel parking areas. Unlike an actual urban area, traffic and pedestrian access can be easily controlled to avoid interference with measurements. This paper documents the efforts focused on characterizing the various concentrations of radioactive material found in these materials at the site. The NORM concentrations determined from this work will be incorporated in to a large-scale simulation (a 'virtual test-bed') that can be used to investigate various search techniques and algorithms, detector suite configurations, and to produce representative synthetic data for future work. A combination of measurement and simulation was used to determine the concentration of {sup 40}K and the radioactive nuclides in the uranium series and the thorium series in several materials at the FTIG MOUT site. The predicted concentrations are consistent with other published results, and they matched favorably with synthetic data generated with MCNP6 models using the determined NORM concentrations and estimates of the FTIG environment as described by available construction plans and using standard material assumptions. Future measurements will incorporate lessons learned from this study. More measurements will be made of the concrete intersections at the site. The methodology explained in this report will also be carried out on building materials in an effort to characterize NORM concentrations in these background sources. Other modeling and simulation work that should be conducted includes a robust sensitivity analysis in which the effects of small changes to the model (and measurement) system can be characterized to help bound the uncertainty on the final NORM concentration predictions. (authors)

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

A broadband gamma-ray spectrometry using novel unfolding algorithms for characterization of laser wakefield-generated betatron radiation

We present a high-flux, broadband gamma-ray spectrometry capable of characterizing the betatron radiation spectrum over the photon energy range from 10 keV to 20 MeV with respect to the peak photon energy, spectral bandwidth, and unique discrimination from background radiations, using a differential filtering spectrometer and the unfolding procedure based on the Monte Carlo code GEANT4. These properties are experimentally verified by measuring betatron radiation from a cm-scale laser wakefield accelerator (LWFA) driven by a 1-PW laser, using a differential filtering spectrometer consisting of a 15-filter and image plate stack. The gamma-ray spectra were derived by unfolding the photostimulated luminescence (PSL) values recorded on the image plates, using the spectrometer response matrix modeled with the Monte Carlo code GEANT4. The accuracy of unfolded betatron radiation spectra was assessed by unfolding the test PSL data simulated with GEANT4, showing an ambiguity of less than 20% and clear discrimination from the background radiation with less than 10%. The spectral analysis of betatron radiation from laser wakefield-accelerated electron beams with energies up to 3 GeV revealed radiation spectra characterized by synchrotron radiation with the critical photon energy up to 7 MeV. The gamma-ray spectrometer and unfolding method presented here facilitate an in-depth understanding of betatron radiation from LWFA process and a novel radiation source of high-quality photon beams in the MeV regime.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2011

Gravitational waves from first order phase transitions during inflation

We study the production, spectrum, and detectability of gravitational waves in models of the early Universe where first order phase transitions occur during inflation. We consider all relevant sources. The self-consistency of the scenario strongly affects the features of the waves. The spectrum appears to be mainly sourced by collisions of bubble of the new phases, while plasma dynamics (turbulence) and the primordial gauge fields connected to the physics of the transitions are generally subdominant. The amplitude and frequency dependence of the spectrum for modes that exit the horizon during inflation are different from those of the waves produced by quantum vacuum oscillations of the metric or by first order phase transitions not occurring during inflation. A not too large number of slow (but still successful) phase transitions can leave detectable marks in the common microwave background radiation, but the signal weakens rapidly for faster transitions. When the number of phase transitions is instead large, the primordial gravitational waves can be observed both in the common microwave background radiation or with LISA (but in this case only marginally, for the slowest transitions) and especially with DECIGO. We also discuss the nucleosynthesis bound and the constraints it places on the parameters of the models.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗