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At least 289 records · Page 16

Coupling Surface Flow with High-performance Subsurface Reactive Flow and Transport Code PFLOTRAN

Water exchange between the surface and subsurface is important for both water resource management and environmental protection. In this paper, we develop coupled surface and subsurface flow simulation capability in a parallel subsurface flow and reactive transport code PFLOTRAN. We sequentially couple the diffusion wave-based surface flow with the subsurface flow governedby the Richards equation in PFLOTRAN. These two flow domains are linked with a boundary condition switching method that ensures continuity of pressure and flux at the surface-subsurface interface. We verify the coupled code against other existing hydrologic models and observation data using a number of numerical experiments. The coupled hydrological model exhibits good performance in strong parallel scaling tests. The new coupled surface and subsurface simulator significantly advance community simulation capability towards improving integrated hydrologic and biogeochemical understanding of complex systems such as watersheds and river corridors. Keywords: Surface flow, Integrated hydrological modeling, Boundary condition switching, Parallel computing

Wu, Runjian↗

Validating sequential Monte Carlo for gravitational-wave inference

Nested sampling (NS) is the preferred stochastic sampling algorithm for gravitational-wave inference for compact binary coalescences. It can handle the complex nature of the gravitational-wave likelihood surface and provides an estimate of the Bayesian model evidence. However, there is another class of algorithms that meets the same requirements, but has not been used for gravitational-wave analyses: sequential Monte Carlo (SMC), an extension of importance sampling that maps samples from an initial density to a target density via a series of intermediate densities. In this work, we validate a type of SMC algorithm, called persistent sampling (PS), for gravitational-wave inference. We consider a range of different scenarios including binary black holes and binary neutron stars and real and simulated data and show that PS produces results that are consistent with NS whilst being, on average, 2 times more efficient and 2.74 times faster. This demonstrates that PS is a viable alternative to NS that should be considered for future gravitational-wave analyses.

black hole mergers↗

Simulations of applications using diaboloid mirrors

The diaboloid is a reflecting surface that converts a spherical wave to a cylindrical wave. This complex surface may find application in new Advanced Light Source bending-magnet beamlines or in other beamlines that now use toroidal optics for astigmatic focusing. Here, the numerical implementation of diaboloid mirrors is described, and the benefit of this mirror in beamlines exploiting diffraction-limited storage rings is studied by ray tracing. The use of diaboloids becomes especially interesting for the new low-emittance storage rings because the reduction of aberration becomes essential for such small sources. Here, the validity of the toroidal and other mirror surfaces approximating the diaboloid, and the effect of the mirror magnification, are discussed.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Quantum dynamics of a nucleon in the Fermi accelerator

Highlights: • In nuclear physics, the Fermi accelerator is a coherent open quantum system. • There is not a true equilibrium for a nucleon‘s mean-energy in the Fermi accelerator. • Occupation of higher energy eigen-states remains even after the mean-energy plateaus. • This work paves the way for work on quantum tunnelling in the Fermi accelerator. The quantum dynamics of a particle in a one-dimensional box with an oscillating wall (the Fermi accelerator) is investigated. The model is applied to the motion of a single nucleon in the mean-field potential of a heavy atomic nucleus whose surface vibrates. By directly solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, both the state of the particle and its mean-energy are studied. The effects of the frequency of the wall oscillation on the nucleon’s energy are addressed. Its energy oscillates in phase with the moving wall for all frequencies, showing no chaotic behaviour. There is a large initial peak of the nucleon’s energy as the particle adjusts to the sudden change in the size of the box and a varying relaxation time as it plateaus towards lower energy and a partial equilibrium. Small oscillations in energy continue, since there cannot be a true equilibrium while the wall is moving. The quantum coherence between the different parts of the nucleon’s wave-function in real space is very much preserved. This research lays the foundation for future investigations into quantum tunnelling in the Fermi accelerator.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Hypothesis tests on Rayleigh wave radiation pattern shapes: a theoretical assessment of idealized source screening

SUMMARY Shallow seismic sources excite Rayleigh wave ground motion with azimuthally dependent radiation patterns. We place binary hypothesis tests on theoretical models of such radiation patterns to screen cylindrically symmetric sources (like explosions) from non-symmetric sources (like non-vertical dip-slip or non-VDS faults). These models for data include sources with several unknown parameters, contaminated by Gaussian noise and embedded in a layered half-space. The generalized maximum likelihood ratio tests that we derive from these data models produce screening statistics and decision rules that depend on measured, noisy ground motion at discrete sensor locations. We explicitly quantify how the screening power of these statistics increase with the size of any dip-slip and strike-slip components of the source, relative to noise (faulting signal strength) and how they vary with network geometry. As applications of our theory, we apply these tests to (1) find optimal sensor locations that maximize the probability of screening non-circular radiation patterns and (2) invert for the largest non-VDS faulting signal that could be mistakenly attributed to an explosion with damage, at a particular attribution probability. Finally, we quantify how certain errors that are sourced by opening cracks increase screening rate errors. While such theoretical solutions are ideal and require future validation, they remain important in underground explosion monitoring scenarios because they provide fundamental physical limits on the discrimination power of tests that screen explosive from non-VDS faulting sources.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Propagation of atmospheric pressure plasmas through interconnected pores in dielectric materials

We report the propagation of atmospheric pressure plasmas (APPs) on and through porous dielectric materials is being investigated for plasma-catalysis and functionalizing biomedical materials for tissue scaffolding and bone regeneration. Such plasma functionalization improves wettability and cell attachment, and so uniformity of the treatment of the pore surfaces is important. The method of propagation of APPs through porous media is not well characterized. In this paper, we discuss results from a computational investigation of humid air APPs propagating through short fully interconnected pore-chains in a dielectric substrate. The properties of the dielectric and pores (diameter 150 μm) were chosen to resemble bone scaffolding. We found that photoionization is an important feature in plasma propagation through pore-chains to seed electrons in the following pore in the chain. This seeding of electrons in regions of high electric field allows for the formation of micro-streamers and surface ionization waves. This is particularly important when the openings between pores are small. The orientation of the pore-chain with respect to the applied electric field has a significant impact on plasma generation, mode of propagation, and fluences of short-lived, reactive species to the surfaces of the pores. The uniformity of fluences of charged and short-lived neutral species to the pore surfaces decreases as the angle of the pore chain deviates from being aligned with the applied electric field. Diffusion within pores

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Non-destructive evaluation and machine learning methods for inspection of spent nuclear fuel canisters: A state-of-the-art review

Nuclear energy is among the cleanest and most efficient energy sources currently available. The operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs) produces large amounts of high-level radioactive waste known as spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Currently, large amounts of SNF is stored in dry cask storage systems (DCSSs) for extended interim storage until a permanent disposal solution becomes available. During the extended interim storage, the DCSS, particularly the SNF canisters, may degrade and abnormal conditions may occur. Therefore, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and machine learning (ML) approaches are necessary for inspection of SNF canisters. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of literature by summarizing recent progress made on the applications of NDE and ML for inspection of SNF canisters. Sixteen NDE methods are examined and compared: visual inspection, ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs), laser-based approaches, acoustic emission (AE), eddy current testing (ECT), non-invasive acoustic sensing, dynamic modal testing, cosmic ray muons tomography, neutron imaging, gamma rays detection, fiber optical sensors, through-wall communications, X-ray computed tomography (CT), vibrothermography, monoenergetic photon sources, and surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors. The technology readiness level (TRL) for each method is assessed and compared. Recent publications on ML-enhanced visual inspection, AE, non-invasive acoustic sensing, dynamic modal testing, and neutron imaging for SNF canisters are summarized and future research needs are identified. In conclusion, this review article provides a convenient reference on the state-of-the-art applications of NDE and ML methods for inspection of SNF canisters.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Doped Mott insulators in the triangular-lattice Hubbard model

Here we investigate the evolution of the Mott insulators in the triangular lattice Hubbard Model, as a function of hole doping δ in both the strong and intermediate coupling limits. Using the advanced density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method, at light hole doping δ ≲ 10%, we find a significant difference between strong and intermediate couplings. Notably, at intermediate coupling an unusual metallic state emerges, with short ranged spin correlations but long ranged spin-chirality order. Moreover, no clear Fermi surface or wave vector is observed, this chiral metal also exhibits staggered loop current, which breaks the translational symmetry. These features disappear on increasing interaction strength or on further doping. At strong coupling, the 120 degree magnetic order of the insulating magnet persists for light doping, and produces hole pockets with a well-defined Fermi surface. On further doping, δ ≈ 10%~20% SDW order and coherent hole Fermi pockets are found at both strong and intermediate couplings. At even higher doping δ ≳ 20%, the SDW order is suppressed and the spin-singlet Cooper pair correlations are simultaneously enhanced. We also briefly comment on the strong particle-hole asymmetry of the model.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The Spiral Galaxies Flat Rotational Velocity Curve Explained by the Constant Group Velocity of a Nonlinear Density Wave

The rotation velocity curves of stars in galaxies, the motions of pairs of galaxies, and the behavior of galaxies in clusters and super-clusters all indicate that there is a lack of mass on different scales in the universe. In this paper, we derive the expression for rotational velocity using the nonlinear density wave theory considering only stellar components and we show that such theory can support the observed flat rotational velocity curve due to the main property of the soliton wave, which is a constant group velocity of the wave. The surface mass density (SMD) function, used to derive gravitational potential gradient and rotational velocity, is not assumed but rather derived as a solution of the nonlinear Srödinger equation, on the contrary to the widely used, in the literature, exponential disk approximation. Three parameters relevant to the curve shape are the intensities of equilibrium SMD, the amplitude of the wave, and total angular velocity or differential rotation, equivalently. Since the shape of the rotational velocity is highly sensitive to the mentioned parameters, this theory eventually provides a method for a very accurate estimation of galaxy mass and angular velocity as well.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

A new woven composite constitutive model validated by shock wave experiments

In this paper, we present results of plate impact simulations of shock compressed woven glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP) performed using the Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian three-dimensional finite element code. A hyperelastic large-strain-based empirical Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) formulation is employed to describe damage initiation and growth in the shock-compressed GRP. The model parameters calibration scheme utilizes the Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector normal particle velocity measurements at the free surface of the GRP target plates. The impact velocity in the experiments ranged from 8.5 to 418 m/s. The finite element model considered planar 0°/90° bidirectional plies with an individual ply thickness of 0.68 mm, stacked to reach a total laminate thickness of 6.8 mm. The anisotropic elastic strains were estimated from the experimentally determined tetragonal symmetry stiffness matrix for the GRP. The strain-based damage model captures several salient features observed in the measured free surface particle wave profiles, including the shock rise time, onset of Elastic—Elastic Cracking, and the shape of the nonlinear portion of the experimental particle velocity profiles. Furthermore, the CDM model predicts the dominant damage mode to be matrix microcracking due to shear and the associated bulk expansion (bulking) under the global compressive loading in the plate impact configuration.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Single Electron Self-coherence and Its Wave/Particle Duality in the Electron Microscope

Intensities in high-resolution phase-contrast images from electron microscopes build up discretely in time by detecting single electrons. A wave description of pulse-like coherent-inelastic interaction of an electron with matter implies a time-dependent coexistence of coherent partial waves. Their superposition forms a wave package by phase decoherence of 0.5 - 1 radian with Heisenbergs energy uncertainty ΔE H = $\hbar$/2 Δt -1 matching the energy loss ΔE of a coherent-inelastic interaction and sets the interaction time Δt. In these circumstances, the product of Planck's constant and the speed of light hc is given by the product of the expression for temporal coherence λ 2 /Δλ and the energy loss ΔE. Experimentally, the self-coherence length was measured by detecting the energy-dependent localization of scattered, plane matter waves in surface proximity exploiting the Goos–Hänchen shift. Chromatic-aberration Cc-corrected electron microscopy on boron nitride (BN) proves that the coherent crystal illumination and phase contrast are lost if the self-coherence length shrinks below the size of the crystal unit cell at ΔE > 200 eV. Finally, in perspective, the interaction time of any matter wave compares with the lifetime of a virtual particle of any elemental interaction, suggesting the present concept of coherent-inelastic interactions of matter waves might be generalizable.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Towards single-chip radiofrequency signal processing via acoustoelectric electron–phonon interactions

Abstract The addition of active, nonlinear, and nonreciprocal functionalities to passive piezoelectric acoustic wave technologies could enable all-acoustic and therefore ultra-compact radiofrequency signal processors. Toward this goal, we present a heterogeneously integrated acoustoelectric material platform consisting of a 50 nm indium gallium arsenide epitaxial semiconductor film in direct contact with a 41° YX lithium niobate piezoelectric substrate. We then demonstrate three of the main components of an all-acoustic radiofrequency signal processor: passive delay line filters, amplifiers, and circulators. Heterogeneous integration allows for simultaneous, independent optimization of the piezoelectric-acoustic and electronic properties, leading to the highest performing surface acoustic wave amplifiers ever developed in terms of gain per unit length and DC power dissipation, as well as the first-ever demonstrated acoustoelectric circulator with an isolation of 46 dB with a pulsed DC bias. Finally, we describe how the remaining components of an all-acoustic radiofrequency signal processor are an extension of this work.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

$\testit{d}$-wave superconductivity and Bogoliubov-Fermi surfaces in Rarita-Schwinger-Weyl semimetals

In this work, we uncover the properties of complex tensor ($\textit{d}$-wave) superconducting order in three-dimensional Rarita-Schwinger-Weyl semimetals that host pseudospin-$\frac{3}{2}$ fermions at a fourfold linear band-crossing point. Although the general theory of $\textit{d}$-wave order was originally developed for materials displaying quadratic band touching, it directly applies to the case of semimetals with linear dispersion, several candidate compounds of which have been discovered experimentally very recently. The spin-$\frac{3}{2}$ nature of the fermions allows for the formation of spin-2 Cooper pairs which may be described by a complex second-rank tensor order parameter. In the case of linear dispersion, for the chemical potential at the Fermi point and at strong coupling, the energetically preferred superconducting state is the uniaxial nematic state, which preserves time-reversal symmetry and provides a full (anisotropic) gap for quasiparticle excitations. In contrast, at a finite chemical potential, we find that the usual weak-coupling instability is toward the “cyclic state,” well known from the studies of multicomponent Bose-Einstein condensates, which breaks time-reversal symmetry maximally, has vanishing average value of angular momentum, and features 16 small Bogoliubov-Fermi surfaces. The Rarita-Schwinger-Weyl semimetals provide therefore the first example of weakly coupled, three-dimensional, isotropic $\textit{d}$-wave superconductors where the $\textit{d}$-wave superconducting phase is uniquely selected by the quartic expansion of the mean-field free energy, and is not afflicted by the accidental degeneracy first noticed by Mermin over 40 years ago. We discuss the appearance and stability of the Bogoliubov-Fermi surfaces in absence of inversion symmetry in the electronic Hamiltonian, as in the case at hand.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Langmuir turbulence in suspended kelp farms

This study investigates the influence of suspended kelp farms on ocean mixed layer hydrodynamics in the presence of currents and waves. We use the large eddy simulation method, where the wave effect is incorporated by solving the wave-averaged equations. Distinct Langmuir circulation patterns are generated within various suspended farm configurations, including horizontally uniform kelp blocks and spaced kelp rows. Intensified turbulence arises from the farm-generated Langmuir circulation, as opposed to the standard Langmuir turbulence observed without a farm. The creation of Langmuir circulation within the farm is attributed to two primary factors depending on farm configuration: (i) enhanced vertical shear due to kelp frond area density variability, and (ii) enhanced lateral shear due to canopy discontinuity at lateral edges of spaced rows. Both enhanced vertical and lateral shear of streamwise velocity, representing the lateral and vertical vorticity components, respectively, can be tilted into downstream vorticity to create Langmuir circulation. This vorticity tilting is driven by the Craik–Leibovich vortex force associated with the Stokes drift of surface gravity waves. In addition to the farm-generated Langmuir turbulence, canopy shear layer turbulence is created at the farm bottom edge due to drag discontinuity. The intensity of different types of turbulence depends on both kelp frond area density and the geometric configuration of the farm. The farm-generated turbulence has substantial consequences for nutrient supply and kelp growth. These findings also underscore the significance of the presence of obstacle structures in modifying ocean mixed layer characteristics.

Bo, Tong (ORCID:0000000260300561)↗

Technology Maturation of Wireless Harsh Environment Sensors For Improved Condition Based Monitoring Of Coal Fired Power Generation

The overall goal of this project was to demonstrate and develop the usage of high-temperature (HT) harsh-environment (HE) wireless surface acoustic wave resonator (SAWR) sensor technology to promote reliable maintenance through condition-based maintenance (CBM) for field applications in harsh service conditions associated with power plant environments. The project aimed to advance the HT HE wireless SAWR sensor technology from TRL 5 to TRL 7. In addition to HT HE wireless temperature sensing, efforts were dedicated during this project to investigate, develop and increase the TRL from 3 to 5 for the following technologies: (a) HT HE strain sensors to address additional CBM monitoring needs, such as boiler tube mechanical / thermal stresses, which can provide early indications for boiler tube cracking and failure; and (b) HT aluminum nitride (AlN) and scandium aluminum nitride (ScAlN) based piezoelectric thin film fabrication and implementation of SAW sensors, with the goal of releasing the need to use single crystal piezoelectric materials for SAWRs and thus broaden possible technology applications to non-planar and harder to modify surfaces. To achieve the goals mentioned above, UMaine and its partner, Environetix Technologies Corporation, established partnerships with the following power plants: Longview Power (Maidsville, WV), a coal-fired power plant; Penobscot Energy Recovery Corp (PERC, Orrington, ME), a waste-to-energy power plant; and the UMaine Steam Plant (Orono, ME), an oil / natural gas power plant. To realize wireless HT HE SAWR sensor systems in these harsh service conditions, the University of Maine research team worked with Environetix and these power plants to define, design, fabricate, test and validate a mature prototype wireless temperature SAWR sensor system for boiler tube applications within the HT HE of the reheater pass damper chamber to directly and wirelessly monitor the temperature at eighteen independent boiler tube locations. The system included three levels, or “tiers”, of wireless communication to enable remote monitoring: Tier 1, the wireless link in the reheater pass damper chamber directly accessing the sensors on the boilers; Tier 2, the wireless local area network link, transmitting processed sensor information within the power plant to the Tier 3, a commercial wireless signal carrier company for secure remote data monitoring outside of the power plant. Regarding the wireless sensor system installed at Longview Power, temperature information from the boilers was continuously transmitted from the Longview boilers at Maidsville, WV, to Environetix headquarters, Orono, ME, over a 34 month period, when the system was finally decommissioned. Strain sensors and piezoelectric ScAlN thin film sensors were successfully installed on the exhaust duct at the UMaine Steam Power plant. The advances in wireless strain sensors and thin film piezoelectric film fabrication and testing were performed mostly in UMaine laboratories and field tested at the UMaine Steam Plant, due to its close proximity to UMaine/Environetix, access to the plant facility, and due to difficulties in accessing the other power plants during the COVID shut-down period. The project accomplished the TRL level increase of the targeted CBM technologies through the successful fabrication, installation, test, and validation of dedicated and commercial wireless sensor systems, utilizing the three different power plants. The outcomes of this project, including the wireless sensor data capability, are expected to yield an advance for CBM in harsh power plant environments. The reduction of maintenance costs, improved safety during plant operation, and increased power plant efficiency will lead to increased revenues (i.e., fewer forced outages) due to better process monitoring enabled by the wireless HT HE SAWR temperature sensor technology.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Excitation of long electrostatic solitary waves in ion beam neutralization process

Unusually long electrostatic solitary waves (ESWs) are discovered in a particle-in-cell simulation study of the process of ion beam neutralization by electron emission from a filament. These ESWs are long because the density perturbation responses to the potential wells created by the ESWs are very small. Notably, the density perturbation is small because the trapped (positive) and untrapped (negative) electron density perturbations nearly compensate each other because of a non-Maxwellian electron velocity distribution in the beam.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Crustal Structure of the Mesopotamian Plain, East of Iraq

The crustal structure of Iraq was investigated through analyzing teleseismic data from 12 new seismic stations. Three seismic stations are located within the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt, and nine are within the Mesopotamian Plain. Joint inversion of P wave receiver function and Rayleigh wave dispersion data were employed to resolve S wave velocity structure models beneath each station. Combining these models with available Moho depths within and around the study area reveals that the Moho depth is smoothly increasing from the Arabian platform toward the Zagros Mountains. Further, an exceptional deeper root is observed near the eastern edge of the Mesopotamian Plain where sedimentary pile is the thickest. This root was interpreted as a structure inherited from the successive Mesozoic rifting of the NE Arabian platform enhanced by sedimentary loading and progressive subsidence. A low-velocity uppermost mantle was observed beneath the Arabian Foredeep attesting the existence of a low-strength lithospheric mantle beneath the region southwest from the Zagros deformation front. The weak rheology of the uppermost mantle may have allowed local sinking of the crust and deepening of the Moho boundary due to vertical loading and the Late Miocene lateral contraction.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Interplay of charge density wave states and strain at the surface of CeTe 2

in this work we use scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to study charge density wave (CDW) states in the rare-earth ditelluride, CeTe 2 . Our STM measurements surprisingly detect a unidirectional CDW with q ~ 0.28 a * , which differs from previous experimental and first-principles studies of the rare-earth ditellurides, and which is very close to what is found in experimental measurements of the related rare-earth tritellurides. Furthermore, in the vicinity of an extended subsurface defect, we find spatially-separated as well as spatially-coexisting unidirectional CDWs at the surface of CeTe 2 . We quantify the nanoscale strain and its variations induced by this defect, and establish a correlation between local lattice strain and the locally-established CDW states; this suggests that lattice strain plays an important role in determining the specific characteristics of the established CDW state. Our measurements probe the fundamental properties of a weakly-bound two-dimensional Te sheet, which experimental and theoretical work has previously established as the fundamental component driving much of the essential physics in both the rare-earth di- and tritelluride compounds.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗