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At least 325 records · Page 18

Gamma Spectrometry Code Rodeo for Uranium Enrichment—FY 2022 Report

In the first two quarters of FY22, data acquisition continued at ORNL and LLNL using uranium sources of known enrichments. This was an FY21 task which could not be completed in FY21 because of problems encountered with the ORNL M400 CZT in Q4 of FY21, and the subsequent repairs. The detector was received back from H3D in the first of September 2021 , and the measurements resumed . Measurements using the repaired detector were completed in Q1 of FY22. The spectra were distributed by ORNL to the analyzing labs. Analysis results were received in Q2 of FY2022. The results from the various codes were intercompared and an ANOVA analysis was performed. Random and systematic uncertainties were established for each code. The ANOVA results and discussions were included in a revised version of FY21Annual Report issued in March 2022. A paper was presented at the INMM 2022Annual Conference, with the analysis results from the various isotopic codes, and the ANOVA table with random and systematic uncertainties. The Project Work Plan (PWP) for FY22 included a task to perform field testing of the M400 CZT and the analysis codes using UF 6 cylinder measurements at the Framatome Fuel Fabrication Facility in Richland, WA. PNNL was the lead for the field testing task. PNNL drafted a Field Test Plan, and refined it based on comments received from the team. PNNL coordinated with Framatome facility, the logistics of carrying out the field testing . A collimator and shield made out of TFlex (tungsten impregnated polymer) was designed and professionally manufactured. The collimators were used in the field test measurements. The measurements at Framatome were completed on April 21, 2022. A total of 34 Type 30B cylinders were measured using three M400 detectors (PNNL, LLNL, and ORNL detectors). Measurements using M400 were taken at two locations on the side of each cylinder and from the end-on bottom location. Additionally, HPGe measurements were taken at the end-on location to establish ground truth. Cylinder wall thickness measurements were also made at all three locations. To gain a better understanding of the effect of background from surrounding cylinders, the same five cylinders measured individually in low background locations were measured again in the cylinder storage yards. Due to inclement weather, manufacturer delays, shipping delays, and equipment failure, the measurement campaign spanned twice as long compared to the original timeline. Gamma-ray spectra from M400 and HPGe detectors, along with the cylinder data and photographs were organized and shared with the collaborators for further analysis. Spectra were analyzed by the participating laboratories. FY22 PWP also consists of tasks related to plutonium source measurements, adapting the codes to analyze plutonium spectra, and inter-comparison of the results from various codes. Plutonium spectra are being acquired at LANL, ORNL, and LLNL. LANL, SNL and LLNL are in the process of modifying FRAM, GADRAS, and CZTU, respectively. The plutonium related tasks will be completed in Q2 of FY23.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Automating Orbit Correction In The Main Injector 8 GeV Line

The Main Injector 8 GeV line (MI8 line) transports beam from Fermilab s Booster accelerator to either the Booster Neutrino experiments (BNB), the Recycler or the Main Injector. Often the orbit of the beam through the MI8 line differs depending on the beam destination. The beam is collimated in the MI8 line, so increasing intensities and repetition rates make controlling orbits through the collimators a necessity. The current method of regulating the MI8 line orbit with DC corrector settings is insufficient. A system named MITUNE is being developed to sample and categorize all beams through the MI8 line and automatically calculate and apply proper dipole corrector ramps to maintain desired orbits for pulses to any destination.

Hazelwood, K. J. [Fermilab]↗

The Role of Outflows, Radiation Pressure, and Magnetic Fields in Massive Star Formation

Stellar feedback in the form of radiation pressure and magnetically driven collimated outflows may limit the maximum mass that a star can achieve and affect the star formation efficiency of massive prestellar cores. Here we present a series of 3D adaptive mesh refinement radiation–magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the collapse of initially turbulent, massive prestellar cores. Our simulations include radiative feedback from both the direct stellar and dust-reprocessed radiation fields, and collimated outflow feedback from the accreting stars. We find that protostellar outflows punch holes in the dusty circumstellar gas along the star’s polar directions, thereby increasing the size of optically thin regions through which radiation can escape. Precession of the outflows as the star’s spin axis changes due to the turbulent accretion flow further broadens the outflow, and causes more material to be entrained. Additionally, the presence of magnetic fields in the entrained material leads to broader entrained outflows that escape the core. We compare the injected and entrained outflow properties and find that the entrained outflow mass is a factor of ∼3 larger than the injected mass and the momentum and energy contained in the entrained material are ∼25% and ∼5% of the injected momentum and energy, respectively. As a result, we find that, when one includes both outflows and radiation pressure, the former are a much more effective and important feedback mechanism, even for massive stars with significant radiative outputs.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Laboratory Tests of Laser Control of Electron Beams for Future Colliders

Laser-driven Compton backscattering (CBS) has been proposed as method for controlling the intensity of colliding bunches in the FCC-ee so as to avoid the flip-flop instability caused by intensity asymmetry in colliding bunches. Laser-based collimation has also been proposed as an indestructible collimator for high-intensity electron beams. We have initiated a laboratory-based test program of these concepts with the E344 experiment at FACET-II. In this paper, we describe simulations of laser-beam interactions at FACET-II and the relevant scaling for FCC-ee. We also describe the experimental setup and diagnostics that will be used to make the measurements at FACET-II.

Accelerator Physics (physics.acc-ph)↗

Planetary X ray experiment

Design studies for an X-ray experiment using solid state detectors and for an experiment using a proportional counter for investigating Jovian and Saturnian magnetospheres are reported. Background counting rates through the forward aperture and leakage fluxes are discussed for each design. It is concluded that the best choice of instrument appears to have following the characteristics: (1) two separate multiwire proportional counters for redundancy; (2) passive collimation to restrict the field to about 5 deg, wiregrid modulation collimation to about 0.1 deg angular resolution; (3) no active shielding system around the counter body; and (4) light passive shielding around any portion of the counter body exposed to space to absorb most of the cosmic X-ray background.

Anderson, K. A.↗

Techniques in balloon X-ray astronomy.

Since the first balloon observation of the Crab Nebula balloon data have provided much information on the positions, spectra, time variability and pulsed nature of localized sources, and on the spectrum and isotropy of diffuse galactic and universal components. Measurements are limited to energies above about 20 keV by atmospheric attenuation at 2 to 3 g/sq cm depth and to below several hundred keV by detector sensitivity. Detectors usually consist of large-area Na I or Cs I scintillation counters with anticoincidence collimators for rejection of charged particles and scattered X-rays. Proportional counters are occasionally used at lower energies and solid-state detectors are used where extreme energy resolution is important. The instruments require a pointing capability on the order of 1.0 to 0.1 deg, depending on the collimator aperture. Digital data is either recorded on board or telemetered using a PCM technique.

Peterson, L. E.↗

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory 7.62-m space simulator modification

The JPL 7.62-m space simulator was modified to simulate the solar intensities at the planet Mercury. The capability of the simulator was increased to support testing of both the Mariner spacecraft mission to Venus and Mercury (to be launched in 1973) and the Helios spacecraft. The design of the off-axis reflecting system of the JPL simulators allowed attaining increased solar intensity, at the expense of test area, by placing a smaller collimating mirror at a lower elevation in the space simulator. In addition to requiring a new collimating mirror 4.57-m in diameter, the optical integrating system required a new design and there were several other efforts necessary to support these primary alterations.

Morgan, N. R.↗

Optical data processing using paraboloidal mirror segments

An optical data processing system using paraboloidal reflecting surfaces is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment the paraboloidal reflecting surfaces are segments of a paraboloidal mirror. A source of coherent light is in the focal plane of the first paraboloidal mirror segment which collimates the beam and reflects it toward a second paraboloidal mirror surface. The information to be analyzed, on a transparency for example, is placed in the collimated beam. The beam is reflected from the second paraboloidal mirror segment and focused on a Fourier transform plane. A photon detector could be placed in the Fourier transform plane or suitable spatial filters, with the filtered beam then being reflected from a third paraboloidal mirror segment to be focused on a reconstruction plane.

Husain-Abidi, A. S.↗

Long range laser traversing system

The relative azimuth bearing between first and second spaced terrestrial points which may be obscured from each other by intervening terrain is measured by placing at one of the points a laser source for projecting a collimated beam upwardly in the vertical plane. The collimated laser beam is detected at the second point by positioning the optical axis of a receiving instrument for the laser beam in such a manner that the beam intercepts the optical axis. In response to the optical axis intercepting the beam, the beam is deflected into two different ray paths by a beam splitter having an apex located on the optical axis. The energy in the ray paths is detected by separate photoresponsive elements that drive logic networks for proving indications of: (1) the optical axis intercepting the beam; (2) the beam being on the left of the optical axis and (3) the beam being on the right side of the optical axis.

Caudill, L. O.↗

Electrons at low altitudes: A difficult background problem for soft X-ray astronomy

Quasi-trapped and precipitating electrons have been observed with rocket-borne X-ray astronomy detectors in the altitude range 150 to 500 km. Because the flights occured at low magnetic latitudes the electrons were unexpected. Data from many flights are combined to derive altitude dependence, an average electron spectrum, and variation with solar activity. Development of electron-rejecting collimators is discussed, and laboratory and flight data on these collimators are presented.

Seward, F. D.↗

Instrumentation for solar and cosmic X-ray spectroscopy

Five flight instruments for high resolution X-ray spectroscopy are described. They include one- and two-dimensionally collimated solar rocket X-ray spectrometers, a 1-23 A X-ray polychromator for the Solar Maximum Mission, a collimated crystal spectrometer for cosmic X-ray studies, and a grating spectrometer/spectrograph with paraboloidal telescope for 10 to 50 A solar X-ray research. The discussion includes factors motivating design and use, examples of results for those already flown, and potential for future studies.

Acton, L. W.↗

Prelaunch testing of the laser geodynamic satellite (LAGEOS)

The LAGEOS was extensively tested optically prior to launch. The measurement techniques used are described and resulting data is presented. Principal emphasis was placed on pulse spreading characteristics, range correction for center of mass tracking, and pulse distortion due to coherent effects. A mode-locked freqeuncy doubled Nd:YAG laser with a pulse width of about 60 ps was used as the ranging transmitter and a crossfield photo-multiplier was used in the receiver. High speed sampling electronics were employed to increase receiver bandwidth. LAGEOS reflected pulses typically had a width of 250 ps with a variability in the range correction of less than 2 mm rms. Pulse distortion due to coherent effects was inferred from average waveforms and appears to introduce less than + or - 50 ps jitter in the location of the pulse peak. Analytic results on this effect based on computer simulations are also presented. Theoretical and experimental data on the lidar cross section were developed in order to predict the strength of lidar echoes from the satellite. Cross section was measured using a large aperture laser collimating system to illuminate the LAGEOS. Reflected radiation far-field patterns were measured using the collimator in an autocollimating mode. Data were collected with an optical data digitzer and displayed as a three-dimensional plot of intensity versus the two far-field coordinates. Measurements were made at several wavelengths, for several types of polarizations, and as a function of satellite orientation.

Fitzmaurice, M. W.↗

Bent glass optics

The paper describes how a glass strip may be bent to match any curve of large radius of curvature, to a high degree of accuracy, so that it may be used as a glancing incidence X-ray or extreme ultraviolet optical element. The desired match is obtained by applying a suitable combination of end couples and adjusting the cross-sectional moment of inertia along the length of the strip by varying its breadth. Two applications are described; a parabolic reflector for use as a laboratory X-ray collimator for testing mechanical collimators to be used in space instruments, and an elliptical reflector for point-to-point focussing. The latter device has been used for testing gratings in the X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) regions and for concentrating radiation on the entrance slit of a spectrometer, with a resultant gain in speed and resolution. It is suggested that the technique may have other laboratory and space applications, which are briefly described.

Underwood, J. H.↗

A hard X-ray imaging instrument for solar and cosmic sources

A hard X-ray imaging instrument is described which is capable of high-resolution imaging of solar and cosmic hard X-ray sources between 2 and 80 keV during Shuttle sortie flights. The properties of solar burst sources and the resulting instrument requirements are discussed. The instrument envelope of 1.2 x 1.2 x 3.0 meters includes a tungsten multigrid collimator which has 4-arcsec resolution, a 40-arcmin response envelope and a point-source effective area of 26 sq cm. A combination of periodic fan beams and nonperiodic pencil beams enables a unique deconvolution to be achieved within a 128 x 128 arcsec field without mechanical scanning. The detector system is a set of direct-readout 40 atm-cm xenon-filled proportional counters designed to minimize background. The instrument is capable of refurbishment to optimize the collimator configuration for specific solar or cosmic scientific objectives, to upgrade the angular resolution, or to extend the high-energy response.

Hurford, G. J.↗

Definition of Mutually Optimum NDI and Proof Test Criteria for 2219 Aluminum Pressure Vessels. Volume 2: Optimization and Fracture Studies

Certain behavioral aspects associated with fracture and crack extension that cannot be studied using other techniques were evaluated with the ultrasonic method. Characterization of collimated beam techniques showed that significant beam width reduction could be accomplished. Techniques for collimation are given. The crack-opening displacement-gage correction-factor study showed that displacement resulting from crack opening and that from plasticity could be readily differentiated. Crack closure studies using both ultrasonic and crack-opening displacement measurements showed an opening and closing behavior associated with load-unload curves. The results of this work were in general agreement with the closure concepts of Elber. Ultrasonic measurements used to study the nature of flaw extension characteristics associated with failure of the ligament between the flaw front and back surface showed that penetration could occur by an abrupt fracturing after subcritical growth or by continuous growth.

Schwartzberg, F. R.↗

Magnetosheath bursts of predominantly medium nuclei observed with Imp 8 on February 16, 1974

This paper presents observations made with detectors aboard Imp 8 of a unique series of charged particle bursts that occurred on February 16, 1974, while the spacecraft was traversing the dawn magnetosheath region. This event was unlike any other observation of Imp 7 and 8 in 5.5 years of operation in orbit. The measurements are most directly interpreted as an intense (6000/(sq cm s sr MeV/nucleon)), highly collimated beam flowing in the antisolar direction composed of medium (carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen) nuclei. Both the degree of collimation in arrival direction and the composition are unique to this event. The event is possibly an important signature of terrestrial O(+) ions escaping from the magnetosphere.

Armstrong, T. P.↗

Plume Characterization of a One-Millipound Solid Teflon Pulsed Plasma Thruster, Phase 2

Measurements of the pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) plume upstream mass flux were made in the Molecular Sink (MOLSINK) vacuum facility in order to minimize the plume-tank wall reflected mass flux. Using specially designed collimators on 4 rows of Quartz Crystal Microbalanced (QCMs) mounted on a support extending radially away from the plume axis, measurements were made of the mass flux originating in a thin slice of the PPT primary plume at an arbitrary dip angle with respect to the thruster axis. The measured and analytically corrected mass flux from particles reflected from the MOLSINK walls was substracted from the collimated QCM measurements to improve their accuracy. These data were then analytically summed over dip angle to estimate the total plume backflow upstream of the thruster nozzle. The results indicate that the PPT backflow is of order 10 to the minus 10th power g/square cm/pulse in the region from 38 to 86 cm from the PPT axis in the nozzle exit plane. This flux drops with the square of the radial distance from the PPT axis and is comparable to the backflow of an 8 cm ion thruster, which has performance characteristics similar to those of the PPT.

Rudolph, L. K.↗