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NEAMS VLTS project :

The objective of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) Very Long Term Storage (VLTS) Project is to develop a simple, benchmark model that describes the performance of Zry4 d-hydrides in cladding, under conditions of long-term storage of used fuel. This model will be used to further explore the requirements of hydride modeling for used fuel storage and transport. It is expected that this model will be further developed as its weaknesses are understood, and as a basis of comparison as the Used Fuel Disposition (UFD) Campaign explores more comprehensive, multiscale approaches. Cladding hydride processes, a thermal model, a hydride model API, and the initial implementation of the J2Fiber hydride model is documented in this report.

Hansen, Glen A.↗

Summary of Data from the Fifth AIAA CFD Drag Prediction Workshop

Results from the Fifth AIAA CFD Drag Prediction Workshop (DPW-V) are presented. As with past workshops, numerical calculations are performed using industry-relevant geometry, methodology, and test cases. This workshop focused on force/moment predictions for the NASA Common Research Model wing-body configuration, including a grid refinement study and an optional buffet study. The grid refinement study used a common grid sequence derived from a multiblock topology structured grid. Six levels of refinement were created resulting in grids ranging from 0.64x10(exp 6) to 138x10(exp 6) hexahedra - a much larger range than is typically seen. The grids were then transformed into structured overset and hexahedral, prismatic, tetrahedral, and hybrid unstructured formats all using the same basic cloud of points. This unique collection of grids was designed to isolate the effects of grid type and solution algorithm by using identical point distributions. This study showed reduced scatter and standard deviation from previous workshops. The second test case studied buffet onset at M=0.85 using the Medium grid (5.1x106 nodes) from the above described sequence. The prescribed alpha sweep used finely spaced intervals through the zone where wing separation was expected to begin. Some solutions exhibited a large side of body separation bubble that was not observed in the wind tunnel results. An optional third case used three sets of geometry, grids, and conditions from the Turbulence Model Resource website prepared by the Turbulence Model Benchmarking Working Group. These simple cases were intended to help identify potential differences in turbulence model implementation. Although a few outliers and issues affecting consistency were identified, the majority of participants produced consistent results.

Levy, David W.↗

Novel artificial neural network model for instantaneous power losses and operational efficiency mapping of MW-scale vanadium redox flow battery for improved technoeconomic analysis

A novel data-driven, machine-learning-based method for modeling the instantaneous power losses of a distribution-sited 2 MW/8MWh vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB), a grid-scale electrochemical storage technology, is introduced and compared against benchmark empirical modeling approaches, including symmetric and asymmetric models, as well as a recent convex hull modeling approach. The novel loss modeling method introduces several advantages over the benchmark models and over simplistic efficiency estimates, the most significant of which is that the model can accurately reflect the stepwise and non-linear parasitic losses associated with the duty cycles of mechanical auxiliary systems like pump motor drives and blower fans. Residuals of the models are compared; the proposed data driven model features significantly improved accuracy over the benchmark models. The model's coefficient of determination is also improved relative to that of the benchmark models. Furthermore, a novel method for visualization of operational efficiency of the grid-scale storage technology is introduced. To demonstrate the benefits of the novel data-driven method for modeling the VRFB, the benchmark models and the proposed models are embedded into an Open DSS distribution network model to study two applications of the grid-scale electrical storage system: load leveling for grid support and energy arbitrage. This article demonstrates that the accuracy of the instantaneous power loss model significantly impacts the understanding of the state of charge of the VRFB. In turn, the accuracy of the efficiency modeling of the VRFB impacts the understanding of the potential economic value and technical benefits to the distribution network operators. In conclusion, the presented power loss modeling approach is, therefore, highly relevant for utility-stakeholders, battery asset owners, system engineers, system designers, and financial planners interested in evaluating or optimizing the operation of grid-scale VRFBs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

An overview of the E3SM version 2 large ensemble and comparison to other E3SM and CESM large ensembles

Abstract. This work assesses a recently produced 21-member climate model large ensemble (LE) based on the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) version 2 (E3SM2). The ensemble spans the historical era (1850 to 2014) and 21st century (2015 to 2100), using the SSP370 pathway, allowing for an evaluation of the model's forced response. A companion 500-year preindustrial control simulation is used to initialize the ensemble and estimate drift. Characteristics of the LE are documented and compared against other recently produced ensembles using the E3SM version 1 (E3SM1) and Community Earth System Model (CESM) versions 1 and 2. Simulation drift is found to be smaller, and model agreement with observations is higher in versions 2 of E3SM and CESM versus their version 1 counterparts. Shortcomings in E3SM2 include a lack of warming from the mid to late 20th century, likely due to excessive cooling influence of anthropogenic sulfate aerosols, an issue also evident in E3SM1. Associated impacts on the water cycle and energy budgets are also identified. Considerable model dependence in the response to both aerosols and greenhouse gases is documented and E3SM2's sensitivity to variable prescribed biomass burning emissions is demonstrated. Various E3SM2 and CESM2 model benchmarks are found to be on par with the highest-performing recent generation of climate models, establishing the E3SM2 LE as an important resource for estimating climate variability and responses, though with various caveats as discussed herein. As an illustration of the usefulness of LEs in estimating the potential influence of internal variability, the observed CERES-era trend in net top-of-atmosphere flux is compared to simulated trends and found to be much larger than the forced response in all LEs, with only a few members exhibiting trends as large as observed, thus motivating further study.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Computers for real time flight simulation: A market survey

An extensive computer market survey was made to determine those available systems suitable for current and future flight simulation studies at Ames Research Center. The primary requirement is for the computation of relatively high frequency content (5 Hz) math models representing powered lift flight vehicles. The Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA) was used as a benchmark vehicle for computation comparison studies. The general nature of helicopter simulations and a description of the benchmark model are presented, and some of the sources of simulation difficulties are examined. A description of various applicable computer architectures is presented, along with detailed discussions of leading candidate systems and comparisons between them.

Bekey, G. A.↗

Bayesian estimation of cross-section and errors of experiment and calculation for accurate prediction of neutronic characteristics

In some experiments, there might be a correlation of experimental errors such as an error caused by fabrication. The correlation of calculation errors also might exist among analyses of experiments. In the present study, considering these correlations, the cross-section and errors of experiment and calculation are adjusted for the accurate prediction of neutronic characteristics. The adjustment method is derived based on Bayesian theory. The 'a posteriori' distributions of cross-section and errors of experiment and calculation are obtained by the derivation. The case study is performed by using the benchmarks of light-water moderated experiments reported in ICSBEP. The error from fuel rod fabrication and measurement are included in the experiment error, and the error from the simplification of the benchmark model is included in the calculation error. Since these errors have a positive correlation among the benchmarks, the prediction accuracy is expected to be improved by considering these correlations. For the sensitivity analysis of the correlation among benchmarks, the correlation coefficient of experiment error and that of calculation error is assumed from 0.0 to 0.9. The results indicate that the prediction accuracy of the multiplication factor can be improved by increasing the correlation coefficient of experiment error and that of calculation error. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

A Search for Anomalous Production of Events with Multiple Leptons and a $W$ or $Z$ Boson

This paper presents a search for anomalous production of multiple low-energy leptons in association with a $W$ or $Z$ boson using events collected at the CDF experiment corresponding to $5.1$ fb$^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity. This search is sensitive to a wide range of topologies with low-momentum leptons, including those with the leptons near one another. The observed rates of production of additional electrons and muons are compared with the standard model predictions. No indications of phenomena beyond the standard model are found. A 95\% confidence level limit is presented on the production cross section for a benchmark model of supersymmetric hidden-valley Higgs production. Particle identification efficiencies are also provided to enable the calculation of limits on additional models.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Search for New Light Bosons in Higgs Boson Decays

The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics is a theory that summarizes our current knowledge about the most fundamental constituents of matter and interactions between them. The Higgs boson is a central part of the SM as it provides masses to all other particles. After many decades of searches for it, on the 4th of July 2012 CERN announced a discovery of a new particle by CMS and ATLAS collaborations at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The properties of the new particle and the properties of the Higgs boson predicted by the SM are consistent at the level of precision of current measurements. The extensive physics program of the LHC experiments includes searches for new physics beyond the SM which complement further precision measurements of the properties of the new particle. These searches may lead to earlier confirmation that the particle is not the SM Higgs boson in case the new physics is found. This dissertation is dedicated to a search for decays of the newly discovered particle to pairs of new light bosons, each of which decays into the μ+μ- final state. The data set corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 5.3 fb^-1 of proton-proton collisions at √s = 7 TeV, recorded by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2011. No excess of events above the SM predictions is observed. A model-independent upper limit of 0.86 fb on the product of the cross section times branching fraction times acceptance is set. The obtained limit is applicable to models where the new light bosons have lifetimes corresponding to flight distances within a few cm from the proton beamline before their decay. The recipe for application of the results to an arbitrary model with the same final state is provided. Interpretation of the results in the context of two benchmark models significantly surpasses the sensitivity of previous similar searches.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

False Positive and False Negative Effects on Network Attacks

Robustness against attacks serves as evidence for complex network structures and failure mechanisms that lie behind them. Most often, due to detection capability limitation or good disguises, attacks on networks are subject to false positives and false negatives, meaning that functional nodes may be falsely regarded as compromised by the attacker and vice versa. In this work, we initiate a study of false positive/negative effects on network robustness against three fundamental types of attack strategies, namely, random attacks (RA), localized attacks (LA), and targeted attack (TA). By developing a general mathematical framework based upon the percolation model, we investigate analytically and by numerical simulations of attack robustness with false positive/negative rate (FPR/FNR) on three benchmark models including Erdős-Rényi (ER) networks, random regular (RR) networks, and scale-free (SF) networks. We show that ER networks are equivalently robust against RA and LA only when FPR equals zero or the initial network is intact. We find several interesting crossovers in RR and SF networks when FPR is taken into consideration. By defining the cost of attack, we observe diminishing marginal attack efficiency for RA, LA, and TA. Our finding highlights the potential risk of underestimating or ignoring FPR in understanding attack robustness. The results may provide insights into ways of enhancing robustness of network architecture and improve the level of protection of critical infrastructures.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Representing Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Carbon Interactions in the E3SM Land Model: Development and Global Benchmarking

Over the past several decades, the land modeling community has recognized the importance of nutrient regulation on the global terrestrial carbon cycle. Implementations of nutrient limitation in land models are diverse, varying from applying simple empirical down–regulation of potential gross primary productivity under nutrient deficit conditions to more mechanistic treatments. In this study, we introduce a new approach to model multinutrient (nitrogen [N] and phosphorus [P]) limitations in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) Land Model version 1 (ELMv1–ECA). The development is grounded on (1) advances in representing multiple–consumer, multiple–nutrient competition; (2) a generic dynamic allocation scheme based on water, N, P, and light availability; (3) flexible plant CNP stoichiometry; (4) prognostic treatment of N and P constraints on several carbon cycle processes; and (5) global data sets of plant physiological traits. Through benchmarking the model against best knowledge of global plant and soil carbon pools and fluxes, we show that our implementation of nutrient constraints on the present–day carbon cycle is robust at the global scale. Compared with predecessor versions, ELMv1–ECA better predicts global–scale gross primary productivity, ecosystem respiration, leaf area index, vegetation biomass, soil carbon stocks, evapotranspiration, N2O emissions, and NO3– leaching. Factorial experiments imply that representing the phosphorus cycle improves modeled carbon fluxes, while considering dynamic allocation improves modeled carbon stock density. We also illustrate the value of using the International Land Model Benchmarking (ILAMB) package to evaluate and document performance during model development.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Search for Heavy Higgs Bosons with the ATLAS Detector

The ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider performed searches for heavy Higgs bosons, whose presence would establish the existance of new physics. Searches for charged and neutral Higgs bosons are carried out using 8 or 13 TeV data for various production modes and in many different final states. No deviations from Standard Model expectations are observed. Exclusions limits are set on the production cross section and on parameters in various benchmark models.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Simplified Models for LHC New Physics Searches

This document proposes a collection of simplified models relevant to the design of new-physics searches at the LHC and the characterization of their results. Both ATLAS and CMS have already presented some results in terms of simplified models, and we encourage them to continue and expand this effort, which supplements both signature-based results and benchmark model interpretations. A simplified model is defined by an effective Lagrangian describing the interactions of a small number of new particles. Simplified models can equally well be described by a small number of masses and cross-sections. These parameters are directly related to collider physics observables, making simplified models a particularly effective framework for evaluating searches and a useful starting point for characterizing positive signals of new physics. This document serves as an official summary of the results from the 'Topologies for Early LHC Searches' workshop, held at SLAC in September of 2010, the purpose of which was to develop a set of representative models that can be used to cover all relevant phase space in experimental searches. Particular emphasis is placed on searches relevant for the first {approx} 50-500 pb{sup -1} of data and those motivated by supersymmetric models. This note largely summarizes material posted at http://lhcnewphysics.org/, which includes simplified model definitions, Monte Carlo material, and supporting contacts within the theory community. We also comment on future developments that may be useful as more data is gathered and analyzed by the experiments.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Search for top-squark pair production in final states with one lepton, jets, and missing transverse momentum using 36 fb − 1 of s = 13 TeV pp collision data with the ATLAS detector

CERN-LHC. The results of a search for the direct pair production of stops, the supersymmetric partner of the top-quark, in final states with one isolated electron or muon, several energetic jets, and missing transverse momentum are reported. The search uses data from pp collisions delivered by the Large Hadron Collider in 2015 and 2016 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV and recorded by the ATLAS detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36.1/fb. A wide range of signal scenarios with different mass splittings between the stop, the lightest neutralino and possible intermediate gauginos or higgsinos is considered, including cases where the W-bosons or the top-quarks are off-shell. The analysis also targets the production of dark matter in association with a pair of top-quarks using the same final state. No significant excess over the Standard Model prediction is observed. The null results are used to set exclusion limits at 95% confidence level in several benchmark models, which reach up to a stop mass of 940 GeV. Stringent exclusion limits are also derived for all other considered stop decay scenarios, and upper limits are set on the visible cross-section for processes beyond the Standard Model.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Godiva IV Simulated Radiation Field Characterization and Variance Reduction

Godiva IV is a system comprised of highly enriched uranium alloyed with molybdenum in the form of fuel plate rings. The reactor, along with its predecessors, was designed with the unique ability to satisfy interests in the super-prompt-critical reactor operation space. Originally, the reactor was part of the Los Alamos Critical Experiments Facility (LACEF) at Technical Area-18 (TA-18). The radiation field around Godiva at this facility was well characterized and understood. As a fast neutron system, the neutron spectrum in and around Godiva was close to a Watt Fission spectrum. The Kiva where Godiva IV was located at LACEF was made of thin, sheet metal walls which did not contribute significantly to the neutron spectrum. Following the transition of LACEF to the National Critical Experiments and Research Center (NCERC) in Nevada, Godiva-IV was moved from TA-18 to the Device Assembly Facility (DAF) at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Part of this move brought renewed interest in radiation field characterization. The new facility introduced significant changes to the environment surrounding Godiva, and preliminary foil irradiation results suggested that the room contribution to the neutron spectrum was significant. Unlike at TA-18, a large thermal neutron signature was added to the fast spectrum from Godiva due to significant room return. A primary goal due to the additional complexity that the room return adds to the Godiva IV radiation emission spectrum was the development of an efficient Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) calculation capable of characterizing the neutron spectrum anywhere in the room around Godiva. A campaign of activation foil irradiations and analysis were completed to support the validation of the MCNP model. The modeling of these foils in MCNP can be easily done with a standard volumetric neutron flux tally. However, given the multitude of locations and reaction rates to be modeled, further steps must be taken to increase the efficiency of these calculations in MCNP. During this study, a benchmark model currently under development for Godiva IV was used. A qualitative assessment of the thermal neutron contributors was performed using spatial neutron distribution plots. Additional detail was added to the model based on the qualitative results showing the thermal spectrum’s large sensitivity to hydrogenous material. Neutron energy spectra was evaluated at discrete locations in the room around Godiva to quantify the relative contribution of various components. It was discovered that the concrete walls are the largest contributor to the thermal signature, with minor contributions from plastic components surrounding Godiva. Following these results, two different variance reduction techniques were implemented to improve the problem efficiency in these calculations. In the first approach, an F5 point detector tally was implemented in the standard Godiva IV criticality problem. The second approach involved a weight-window generator implementation with an F5 point detector tally in a fixed source problem. The weight window implementation reduced the runtime from 42739.55 minutes to 1803.34 minutes (computer time), compared to the F5 KCODE implementation.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Evaluation of a Potassium Filled UO2 Core in a Beryllium- ??eflected Space Reactor

The critical configuration of the small, compact critical assembly (SCCA) experiments performed at the Oak Ridge Critical Experiments Facility (ORCEF) in 1962-1965[1,2] have been evaluated for the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) and were determined to be acceptable benchmark experiments and are included in the International Handbook of Evaluated Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments (ICSBEP Handbook)[3]. The initial intent of these experiments was to support the design of the Medium Power Reactor Experiment (MPRE) program, whose purpose was to study “power plants for the production of electrical power in space vehicles.”[4] The third configuration in this series of experiments was a beryllium-reflected mockup of a stainless-steel-clad, highly enriched uranium (HEU)-O2 fuel, potassium-cooled, space power reactor. Reactivity measurements, cadmium ratio spectral measurements, and fission rate measurements were measured through the core and top reflector. Fuel effect worth measurements and neutron moderating and absorbing material worths were also measured in the assembly fuel region. The cadmium ratios, fission rate, and worth measurements were evaluated for the International Reactor Physics Experiment Evaluation Project (IRPhEP) and are published in the International Handbook of Evaluated Reactor Physics Benchmark Experiments (IRPhEP Handbook)[5]. More recently, two additional critical configurations have been evaluated and added to the existing evaluation report in the ICSBEP Handbook. The new critical configurations measure the effect of filling the core with potassium. The critical configuration consisted of 30.48 cm tall fuel tubes of 93.15 wt.% enriched uranium dioxide (UO2) pellets. Each fuel tube had 26 pellets with a total mass of 295.8 g UO2 per tube. There were 253 tubes were arranged with 1.506-cm center-to-center, triangular spacing and surrounded on all side by a beryllium reflected. The reactivity of the system was measured with the core tank empty and filled with potassium. The system reactivity was increased from 13.4 ¢ to 32 ¢. This change in system reactivity represents the worth of the potassium. Simple benchmark models for the empty and potassium filled cores have been derived and evaluated and found to be acceptable as benchmark experiments. The benchmark experiment eigenvalues are 1.0001 ± 0.0008 and 1.0011 ± 0.0009 for the empty and filled cores, respectively. When calculated with MCNP5 and ENDF/B-VII.0 the calculated eigenvalues are 0.98906 ± 0.00002 and 0.98883 ± 0.00002, respectively. These results are concerning due to the drop of the calculated system reactivity when potassium is added to the system rather than the expected increase in system reactivity.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Evaluation of a potassium filled UO{sub 2} core in a beryllium-reflected space reactor - 14371

The critical configuration of the small, compact critical assembly (SCCA) experiments performed at the Oak Ridge Critical Experiments Facility (ORCEF) in 1962-1965[1,2] have been evaluated for the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) and were determined to be acceptable benchmark experiments and are included in the International Handbook of Evaluated Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments (ICSBEP Handbook)[3]. The initial intent of these experiments was to support the design of the Medium Power Reactor Experiment (MPRE) program, whose purpose was to study 'power plants for the production of electrical power in space vehicles'.[4] The third configuration in this series of experiments was a beryllium-reflected mockup of a stainless-steel-clad, highly enriched uranium (HEU)-O{sub 2} fuel, potassium-cooled, space power reactor. Reactivity measurements, cadmium ratio spectral measurements, and fission rate measurements were measured through the core and top reflector. Fuel effect worth measurements and neutron moderating and absorbing material worths were also measured in the assembly fuel region. The cadmium ratios, fission rate, and worth measurements were evaluated for the International Reactor Physics Experiment Evaluation Project (IRPhEP) and are published in the International Handbook of Evaluated Reactor Physics Benchmark Experiments (IRPhEP Handbook)[5]. More recently, two additional critical configurations have been evaluated and added to the existing evaluation report in the ICSBEP Handbook. The new critical configurations measure the effect of filling the core with potassium. The critical configuration consisted of 30.48 cm tall fuel tubes of 93.15 wt.% enriched uranium dioxide (UO{sub 2}) pellets. Each fuel tube had 26 pellets with a total mass of 295.8 g UO{sub 2} per tube. There were 253 tubes were arranged with 1.506-cm center-to-center, triangular spacing and surrounded on all side by a beryllium reflected. The reactivity of the system was measured with the core tank empty and filled with potassium. The system reactivity was increased from 13.4 c to 32 c. This change in system reactivity represents the worth of the potassium. Simple benchmark models for the empty and potassium filled cores have been derived and evaluated and found to be acceptable as benchmark experiments. The benchmark experiment eigenvalues are 1.0001 ± 0.0008 and 1.0011 ± 0.0009 for the empty and filled cores, respectively. When calculated with MCNP5 and ENDF/B-VII.0 the calculated eigenvalues are 0.98906 ± 0.00002 and 0.98883 ± 0.00002, respectively. These results are concerning due to the drop of the calculated system reactivity when potassium is added to the system rather than the expected increase in system reactivity. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

RELAP-7 and PRONGHORN Initial Integration Plan

Modern nuclear reactor safety codes require the ability to solve detailed coupled neutronicthermal fluids problems. For larger cores, this implies fully coupled 3-D spatial dynamics with appropriate feedback models that can provide enough resolution to accurately compute core heat generation and removal during steady and unsteady conditions. The reactor analyis code PRONGHORN is being coupled to RELAP-7 as a first step to extend RELAP's current capabilities. This report details the mathematical models, the type of coupling, and the testing that will be used to produce an integrated system. RELAP-7 is a MOOSE-based application that solves the continuity, momentum, and energy equations in 1-D for a compressible fluid. The pipe and joint capabilities enable it to model parts of the PCU system. The PRONGHORN application, also developed on the MOOSE infrastructure, solves the coupled equations that define the neutron diffusion, fluid flow, and heat transfer in a 3-D core model. Initially, the two systems will be loosely coupled to simplify the transition towards a more complex infrastructure. The integration will be tested with the OECD/NEA MHTGR-350 Coupled Neutronics-Thermal Fluids benchmark model.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Search for top-squark pair production in final states with one lepton, jets, and missing transverse momentum using 36 fb -1 of $\sqrt{s}=13 $ TeV pp collision data with the ATLAS detector

The results of a search for the direct pair production of top squarks, the supersymmetric partner of the top quark, in final states with one isolated electron or muon, several energetic jets, and missing transverse momentum are reported. The analysis also targets spin-0 mediator models, where the mediator decays into a pair of dark-matter particles and is produced in association with a pair of top quarks. The search uses data from proton-proton collisions delivered by the Large Hadron Collider in 2015 and 2016 at a centre-of-mass energy of s√=13 TeV and recorded by the ATLAS detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36 fb -1 . A wide range of signal scenarios with different mass-splittings between the top squark, the lightest neutralino and possible intermediate supersymmetric particles are considered, including cases where the W bosons or the top quarks produced in the decay chain are off-shell. No significant excess over the Standard Model prediction is observed. The null results are used to set exclusion limits at 95% confidence level in several supersymmetry benchmark models. For pair-produced top-squarks decaying into top quarks, top-squark masses up to 940 GeV are excluded. In conclusion, stringent exclusion limits are also derived for all other considered top-squark decay scenarios. For the spin-0 mediator models, upper limits are set on the visible cross-section.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗