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At least 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

An effective description of charge diffusion and energy transport in a charged plasma from holography

We discuss the physics of sound propagation and charge diffusion in a plasma with non-vanishing charge density. Our analysis culminates the program initiated in to construct an open effective field theory of low-lying modes of the stress tensor and charge current in such plasmas. We model the plasma holographically as a Reissner-Nordström-AdS d+1 black hole, and study linearized fluctuations of longitudinally polarized scalar gravitons and photons in this background. We demonstrate that the perturbations can be decoupled and repackaged into the dynamics of two designer scalars, whose gravitational coupling is modulated by a non-trivial dilatonic factor. The holographic analysis allows us to isolate the phonon mode from the charge diffusion mode, and identify the combination of currents that corresponds to each of them. We use these results to obtain the real-time Gaussian effective action, which includes both the retarded response and the associated stochastic (Hawking) fluctuations, accurate to quartic order in gradients.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Observational test of inflation in loop quantum cosmology

We study in detail the power spectra of scalar and tensor perturbations generated during inflation in loop quantum cosmology (LQC). After clarifying in a novel quantitative way how inverse-volume corrections arise in inhomogeneous settings, we show that they can generate large running spectral indices, which generally lead to an enhancement of power at large scales. We provide explicit formulæ for the scalar/tensor power spectra under the slow-roll approximation, by taking into account corrections of order higher than the runnings. Via a standard analysis, we place observational bounds on the inverse-volume quantum correction δ∝a{sup −σ} (σ > 0, a is the scale factor) and the slow-roll parameter ε{sub V} for power-law potentials as well as exponential potentials by using the data of WMAP 7yr combined with other observations. We derive the constraints on δ for two pivot wavenumbers k{sub 0} for several values of δ. The quadratic potential can be compatible with the data even in the presence of the LQC corrections, but the quartic potential is in tension with observations. We also find that the upper bounds on δ(k{sub 0}) for given σ and k{sub 0} are insensitive to the choice of the inflaton potentials.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

FLAG Review 2019: Flavour Lattice Averaging Group (FLAG)

Abstract We review lattice results related to pion, kaon, D -meson, B -meson, and nucleon physics with the aim of making them easily accessible to the nuclear and particle physics communities. More specifically, we report on the determination of the light-quark masses, the form factor $$f_+(0)$$ f + ( 0 ) arising in the semileptonic $$K \rightarrow \pi $$ K → π transition at zero momentum transfer, as well as the decay constant ratio $$f_K/f_\pi $$ f K / f π and its consequences for the CKM matrix elements $$V_{us}$$ V us and $$V_{ud}$$ V ud . Furthermore, we describe the results obtained on the lattice for some of the low-energy constants of $$SU(2)_L\times SU(2)_R$$ S U ( 2 ) L × S U ( 2 ) R and $$SU(3)_L\times SU(3)_R$$ S U ( 3 ) L × S U ( 3 ) R Chiral Perturbation Theory. We review the determination of the $$B_K$$ B K parameter of neutral kaon mixing as well as the additional four B parameters that arise in theories of physics beyond the Standard Model. For the heavy-quark sector, we provide results for $$m_c$$ m c and $$m_b$$ m b as well as those for D - and B -meson decay constants, form factors, and mixing parameters. These are the heavy-quark quantities most relevant for the determination of CKM matrix elements and the global CKM unitarity-triangle fit. We review the status of lattice determinations of the strong coupling constant $$\alpha _s$$ α s . Finally, in this review we have added a new section reviewing results for nucleon matrix elements of the axial, scalar and tensor bilinears, both isovector and flavor diagonal.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

FLAG Review 2021

Abstract We review lattice results related to pion, kaon, D -meson, B -meson, and nucleon physics with the aim of making them easily accessible to the nuclear and particle physics communities. More specifically, we report on the determination of the light-quark masses, the form factor $$f_+(0)$$ f + ( 0 ) arising in the semileptonic $$K \rightarrow \pi $$ K → π transition at zero momentum transfer, as well as the decay constant ratio $$f_K/f_\pi $$ f K / f π and its consequences for the CKM matrix elements $$V_{us}$$ V us and $$V_{ud}$$ V ud . Furthermore, we describe the results obtained on the lattice for some of the low-energy constants of $$SU(2)_L\times SU(2)_R$$ S U ( 2 ) L × S U ( 2 ) R and $$SU(3)_L\times SU(3)_R$$ S U ( 3 ) L × S U ( 3 ) R Chiral Perturbation Theory. We review the determination of the $$B_K$$ B K parameter of neutral kaon mixing as well as the additional four B parameters that arise in theories of physics beyond the Standard Model. For the heavy-quark sector, we provide results for $$m_c$$ m c and $$m_b$$ m b as well as those for the decay constants, form factors, and mixing parameters of charmed and bottom mesons and baryons. These are the heavy-quark quantities most relevant for the determination of CKM matrix elements and the global CKM unitarity-triangle fit. We review the status of lattice determinations of the strong coupling constant $$\alpha _s$$ α s . We consider nucleon matrix elements, and review the determinations of the axial, scalar and tensor bilinears, both isovector and flavor diagonal. Finally, in this review we have added a new section reviewing determinations of scale-setting quantities.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Two-fluid model of the pulsar magnetosphere represented as an axisymmetric force-free dipole

Based on the exact dipolar solution of the pulsar equation the self-consistent two-fluid model of the pulsar magnetosphere is developed. We concentrate on the low-mass limit of the model, taking into account the radiation damping. As a result, we obtain the particle distributions sustaining the dipolar force-free configuration of the pulsar magnetosphere in case of a slight velocity shear of the electron and positron components. Over most part of the force-free region, the particles follow the poloidal magnetic field lines, with the azimuthal velocities being small. Close to the Y-point, however, the particle motion is chiefly azimuthal and the Lorentz-factor grows unrestrictedly. This may result in the very-high-energy emission from the vicinity of the Y-point and may also imply the magnetocentrifugal formation of a jet. As for the first-order quantities, the longitudinal accelerating electric field is found to change the sign, hinting at coexistence of the polar and outer gaps. Besides that, the components of the plasma conductivity tensor are derived and the low-mass analogue of the pulsar equation is formulated as well.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

THE ROLE OF TINY GRAINS ON THE ACCRETION PROCESS IN PROTOPLANETARY DISKS

Tiny grains such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been thought to dramatically reduce the coupling between the gas and magnetic fields in weakly ionized gas such as in protoplanetary disks (PPDs) because they provide a tremendous surface area to recombine free electrons. The presence of tiny grains in PPDs thus raises the question of whether the magnetorotational instability (MRI) is able to drive rapid accretion consistent with observations. Charged tiny grains have similar conduction properties as ions, whose presence leads to qualitatively new behaviors in the conductivity tensor, characterized by n-bar /n{sub e}>1, where n{sub e} and n-bar denote the number densities of free electrons and all other charged species, respectively. In particular, Ohmic conductivity becomes dominated by charged grains rather than by electrons when n-bar /n{sub e} exceeds about 10{sup 3}, and Hall and ambipolar diffusion (AD) coefficients are reduced by a factor of ( n-bar /n{sub e}){sup 2} in the AD-dominated regime relative to that in the Ohmic regime. Applying the methodology of Bai, we find that in PPDs, when PAHs are sufficiently abundant ({approx}> 10{sup -9} per H{sub 2} molecule), there exists a transition radius r{sub trans} of about 10-20 AU, beyond which the MRI active layer extends to the disk midplane. At r < r{sub trans}, the optimistically predicted MRI-driven accretion rate M-dot is one to two orders of magnitude smaller than that in the grain-free case, which is too small compared with the observed rates, but is in general no smaller than the predicted M-dot with solar-abundance 0.1 {mu}m grains. At r > r{sub trans}, we find that, remarkably, the predicted M-dot exceeds the grain-free case due to a net reduction of AD by charged tiny grains and reaches a few times 10{sup -8} M{sub sun} yr{sup -1}. This is sufficient to account for the observed M-dot in transitional disks. Larger grains ({approx}> 0.1 {mu}m) are too massive to reach such high abundance as tiny grains and to facilitate the accretion process.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Potential for a Tensor Asymmetry Azz Measurement in the x > 1 Region at Jefferson Lab

The tensor asymmetry A(zz) in the quasi-elastic region through the tensor polarized D(e, e')X channel is sensitive to the nucleon-nucleon potential. Previous measurements of A(zz) have been used to extract b(1) in the DIS region and T(20) in the elastic region. In the quasielastic region, A(zz) can be used to compare light cone calculations with variation nucleon- nucleon calculations, and is an important quantity to determine for understanding tensor effects, such as the dominance of pn correlations in nuclei. In the quasi-elastic region, A(zz) was first calculated in 1988 by Frankfurt and Strikman using the Hamada-Johnstone and Reid soft-core wave functions [1]. Recent calculations by M. Sargsian revisit A(zz) in the x > 1 range using virtual-nucleon and light-cone methods, which differ by up to a factor of two [2]. Discussed in these proceedings, a study has been completed that determines the feasibility of measuring A(zz) in the quasi-elastic x > 1 region at Jefferson Lab's Hall C.

Long, Elena↗
DOE OSTI2014

Inflation physics from the cosmic microwave background and large scale structure

Here, fluctuations in the intensity and polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and the large-scale distribution of matter in the universe each contain clues about the nature of the earliest moments of time. The next generation of CMB and large-scale structure (LSS) experiments are poised to test the leading paradigm for these earliest moments—the theory of cosmic inflation—and to detect the imprints of the inflationary epoch, thereby dramatically increasing our understanding of fundamental physics and the early universe. A future CMB experiment with sufficient angular resolution and frequency coverage that surveys at least 1% of the sky to a depth of 1 uK-arcmin can deliver a constraint on the tensor-to-scalar ratio that will either result in a 5σ measurement of the energy scale of inflation or rule out all large-field inflation models, even in the presence of foregrounds and the gravitational lensing B -mode signal. LSS experiments, particularly spectroscopic surveys such as the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, will complement the CMB effort by improving current constraints on running of the spectral index by up to a factor of four, improving constraints on curvature by a factor of ten, and providing non-Gaussianity constraints that are competitive with the current CMB bounds.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

First principle study of elastic and thermodynamic properties of FeB{sub 4} under high pressure

The elastic properties, elastic anisotropy, and thermodynamic properties of the lately synthesized orthorhombic FeB{sub 4} at high pressures are investigated using first-principles density functional calculations. The calculated equilibrium parameters are in good agreement with the available experimental and theoretical data. The obtained normalized volume dependence of high pressure is consistent with the previous experimental data investigated using high-pressure synchrotron x-ray diffraction. The complete elastic tensors and crystal anisotropies of the FeB{sub 4} are also determined in the pressure range of 0–100 GPa. By the elastic stability criteria and vibrational frequencies, it is predicted that the orthorhombic FeB{sub 4} is stable up to 100 GPa. In addition, the calculated B/G ratio reveals that FeB{sub 4} possesses brittle nature in the range of pressure from 0 to 100 GPa. The calculated elastic anisotropic factors suggest that FeB{sub 4} is elastically anisotropic. By using quasi-harmonic Debye model, the compressibility, bulk modulus, the coefficient of thermal expansion, the heat capacity, and the Grüneisen parameter of FeB{sub 4} are successfully obtained in the present work.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Intrinsic alignments of galaxies in the MassiveBlack-II simulation: Analysis of two-point statistics

The intrinsic alignment of galaxies with the large-scale density field in an important astrophysical contaminant in upcoming weak lensing surveys. We present detailed measurements of the galaxy intrinsic alignments and associated ellipticity-direction (ED) and projected shape (w g ₊) correlation functions for galaxies in the cosmological hydrodynamic MassiveBlack-II (MB-II) simulation. We carefully assess the effects on galaxy shapes, misalignment of the stellar component with the dark matter shape and two-point statistics of iterative weighted (by mass and luminosity) definitions of the (reduced and unreduced) inertia tensor. We find that iterative procedures must be adopted for a reliable measurement of the reduced tensor but that luminosity versus mass weighting has only negligible effects. Both ED and w g ₊ correlations increase in amplitude with subhalo mass (in the range of 10¹⁰ – 6.0 X 10¹⁴h⁻¹ M ⊙ ), with a weak redshift dependence (from z = 1 to z = 0.06) at fixed mass. At z ~ 0.3, we predict a w g ₊ that is in reasonable agreement with SDSS LRG measurements and that decreases in amplitude by a factor of ~ 5–18 for galaxies in the LSST survey. We also compared the intrinsic alignment of centrals and satellites, with clear detection of satellite radial alignments within the host halos. Finally, we show that w g ₊ (using subhalos as tracers of density and w δ (using dark matter density) predictions from the simulations agree with that of non-linear alignment models (NLA) at scales where the 2-halo term dominates in the correlations (and tabulate associated NLA fitting parameters). The 1-halo term induces a scale dependent bias at small scales which is not modeled in the NLA model.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

The eigenmode perspective of NMR spin relaxation in proteins

We developed in recent years the two-body (protein and probe) coupled-rotator slowly relaxing local structure (SRLS) approach for elucidating protein dynamics from NMR spin relaxation. So far we used as descriptors the set of physical parameters that enter the SRLS model. They include the global (protein-related) diffusion tensor, D{sub 1}, the local (probe-related) diffusion tensor, D{sub 2}, and the local coupling/ordering potential, u. As common in analyzes based on mesoscopic dynamic models, these parameters have been determined with data-fitting techniques. In this study, we describe structural dynamics in terms of the eigenmodes comprising the SRLS time correlation functions (TCFs) generated by using the best-fit parameters as input to the Smoluchowski equation. An eigenmode is a weighted exponential with decay constant given by an eigenvalue of the Smoluchowski operator, and weighting factor determined by the corresponding eigenvector. Obviously, both quantities depend on the SRLS parameters as determined by the SRLS model. Unlike the set of best-fit parameters, the eigenmodes represent patterns of motion of the probe-protein system. The following new information is obtained for the typical probe, the {sup 15}N−{sup 1}H bond. Two eigenmodes, associated with the protein and the probe, dominate when the time scale separation is large (i.e., D{sub 2} ≫ D{sub 1}), the tensorial properties are simple, and the local potential is either very strong or very weak. When the potential exceeds these limits while the remaining conditions are preserved, new eigenmodes arise. The multi-exponentiality of the TCFs is associated in this case with the restricted nature of the local motion. When the time scale separation is no longer large, the rotational degrees of freedom of the protein and the probe become statistically dependent (coupled dynamically). The multi-exponentiality of the TCFs is associated in this case with the restricted nature of both the local and the global motion. The effects of local diffusion axiality, potential strength, and extent of mode-coupling on the eigenmode setup are investigated. We detect largely global motional or largely local motional eigenmodes. In addition, we detect mixed eigenmodes associated with correlated/prograde or anti-correlated/retrograde rotations of the global (D{sub 1}) and local (D{sub 2}) motional modes. The eigenmode paradigm is applied to N−H bond dynamics in the β-sheet residue K19, and the α-helix residue A34, of the third immunoglobulin-binding domain of streptococcal protein G. The largest contribution to the SRLS TCFs is made by mixed anti-correlated D{sub 1} and D{sub 2} eigenmodes. The next largest contribution is made by D{sub 1}-dominated eigenmodes. Eigenmodes dominated by the local motion contribute appreciably to A34 and marginally to K19. Correlated D{sub 1} and D{sub 2} eigenmodes contribute exclusively to K19 and do not contribute above 1% to A34. The differences between K19 and A34 are delineated and rationalized in terms of the best-fit SRLS parameters and mode-mixing. It may be concluded that eigenmode analysis is complementary and supplementary to data-fitting-based analysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Towards developing a compact model for magnetization switching in straintronics magnetic random access memory devices

Strain-mediated magnetization switching in a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) by exploiting a combination of piezoelectricity and magnetostriction has been proposed as an energy efficient alternative to spin transfer torque (STT) and field induced magnetization switching methods in MTJ-based magnetic random access memories (MRAM). Theoretical studies have shown the inherent advantages of strain-assisted switching, and the dynamic response of the magnetization has been modeled using the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation. However, an attempt to use LLG for simulating dynamics of individual elements in large-scale simulations of multi-megabyte straintronics MRAM leads to extremely time-consuming calculations. Hence, a compact analytical solution, predicting the flipping delay of the magnetization vector in the nanomagnet under stress, combined with a liberal approximation of the LLG dynamics in the straintronics MTJ, can lead to a simplified model of the device suited for fast large-scale simulations of multi-megabyte straintronics MRAMs. In this work, a tensor-based approach is developed to study the dynamic behavior of the stressed nanomagnet. First, using the developed method, the effect of stress on the switching behavior of the magnetization is investigated to realize the margins between the underdamped and overdamped regimes. The latter helps the designer realize the oscillatory behavior of the magnetization when settling along the minor axis, and the dependency of oscillations on the stress level and the damping factor. Next, a theoretical model to predict the flipping delay of the magnetization vector is developed and tested against LLG-based numerical simulations to confirm the accuracy of findings. Lastly, the obtained delay is incorporated into the approximate solutions of the LLG dynamics, in order to create a compact model to liberally and quickly simulate the magnetization dynamics of the MTJ under stress. Using the developed delay equation, the efficiency of the straintronics switching over the STT method is highlighted by analytically investigating the energy-delay trade-off of both methodologies.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Visualizing the SEI formation between lithium metal and solid-state electrolyte

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is regarded as the most important factor affecting the durability of lithium-metal anode in all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). Despite its significance, the nucleation and growth mechanism of SEI is not yet well understood. Here, we elucidate the thermodynamics and kinetics governing SEI formation at the Li|β-Li 3 PS 4 interface at the atomic scale via thermodynamic phase equilibrium analysis and machine-learning-potential-assisted molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. An accurate moment tensor potential using the machine-learning method is developed for a reactive model of Li|β-Li 3 PS 4 . This potential enabled us to perform large-scale MD simulations with the model size expanded to the experimental dimensions (~40 nm) while maintaining the same level of accuracy as density functional theory calculations. The results reveal a four-stage evolution process at the Li|β-Li 3 PS 4 interface, namely (i) fast ion diffusion, (ii) nucleation, (iii) Li 2 S growth, and (iv) stabilization. Notably, we demonstrate that the SEI can be categorized into crystalline and amorphous regions. The simulated SEI thickness, structure, and composition closely match experimental findings, validating the accuracy of the MD simulations. We further disclose the significant impact of ion diffusion kinetic limitations on the phase formation and crystallization of interfacial products. Furthermore, we shed light on the detailed potential energy (PE) distribution of lithium along the direction perpendicular to the interface. Finally, this information is crucial for better understanding interfacial ion mobility.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Nonperturbative production of massless scalars during inflation and generation of gravitational waves

We discuss the possibility of a feature in the spectrum of inflationary gravitational waves sourced by a scalar field χ whose vacuum fluctuations are amplified by a rapidly time dependent mass. Unlike previous work which has focused on the case in which the mass of the field χ vanishes only for an instant before becoming massive again, we study a system where the scalar field becomes and remains massless through the end of inflation. After applying appropriate constraints to our parameters, we find, for future CMB experiments, a small contribution to the tensor-to-scalar ratio which can be at most of the order r ∼ 10{sup −5}. At smaller scales probed by gravitational interferometers, on the other hand, the energy density in the gravitational waves produced this way might be above the projected sensitivity of LISA, Ω{sub GW} h {sup 2} ∼ 10{sup −13}, in a narrow region of parameter space. If there is more than one χ species, then these amplitudes are enhanced by a factor equal to the number of those species.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Analysis of seismic moment tensors and in situ stress during Enhanced Geothermal System development at The Geysers geothermal field, California

Seismicity in the vicinity of an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) demonstration project in the Northwest Geysers at the Prati 32 (P-32) injection well and the Prati State 31 (PS-31) production well is investigated to determine earthquake focal mechanisms, moment magnitudes and in situ stress of events that occur before and during reservoir stimulation starting 2011 October 6. We present a catalogue of 167 waveform-based seismic moment tensors ranging in moment magnitude from 0.6 to 3.9. The moment tensor catalogue is subsequently used to invert for the stress tensor and to investigate possible temporal stress changes resulting from fluid injection. We find an approximate 15-degree counter-clockwise rotation of the least compressive stress σ3 during injection. More remarkable is a change in orientation of the maximum compressive stress σ1 from subhorizontal to vertical when injection operations temporarily cease. The orientation of σ1 returns to subhorizontal when injection operations resume. It is found that there was a systematic reduction in the stress shape factor, R, as the injected water volume increases, indicating an evolution towards a more transtensional stress state.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Isotropic and anisotropic dark energy models

In this review we discuss the evolution of the universe filled with dark energy with or without perfect fluid. In doing so we consider a number of cosmological models, namely Bianchi type I, III, V, VI{sub 0}, VI and FRW ones. For the anisotropic cosmological models we have used proportionality condition as an additional constrain. The exact solutions to the field equations in quadrature are found in case of a BVI model. It was found that the proportionality condition used here imposed severe restriction on the energy-momentum tensor, namely it leads to isotropic distribution of matter. Anisotropic BVI{sub 0}, BV, BIII and BIDE models with variable EoS parameter ω have been investigated by using a law of variation for the Hubble parameter. In this case the matter distribution remains anisotropic, though depending on the concrete model there appear different restrictions on the components of energy-momentum tensor. That is why we need an extra assumption such as variational a law for the Hubble parameter. It is observed that, at the early stage, the EoS parameter v is positive i.e. the universe was matter dominated at the early stage but at later time, the universe is evolving with negative values, i.e., the present epoch. DE model presents the dynamics of EoS parameter ω whose range is in good agreement with the acceptable range by the recent observations. A spatially homogeneous and anisotropic locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi-I space time filled with perfect fluid and anisotropic DE possessing dynamical energy density is studied. In the derived model, the EoS parameter of DE (ω{sup (de)}) is obtained as time varying and it is evolving with negative sign which may be attributed to the current accelerated expansion of Universe. The distance modulus curve of derived model is in good agreement with SNLS type Ia supernovae for high redshift value which in turn implies that the derived model is physically realistic. A system of two fluids within the scope of a spatially flat and isotropic FRW model is studied. The role of the two fluids, either minimally or directly coupled in the evolution of the dark energy parameter, has been investigated. In doing so we have used three different ansatzs regarding the scale factor that gives rise to a variable decelerating parameter. It is observed that, in the non-interacting case, both the open and flat universes can cross the phantom region whereas in the interacting case only the open universe can cross the phantom region. The stability and acceptability of the obtained solution are also investigated.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2012

The study of stress application and corrosion cracking on Ni-16 Cr-9 Fe (Alloy 600) C-ring samples by polychromatic X-ray microdiffraction

Microscopic strains associated with stress corrosion cracks have been investigated in stressed C-rings of Ni-16 Cr-9 Fe (Alloy 600) boiler tubing. Polychromatic X-ray microdiffraction was used to measure deviatoric strain tensors and the distribution of dislocations near cracks that had been propagated in electrochemically accelerated corrosion tests. An associated investigation of the C-ring-induced strains prior to corrosion showed significant tensile strain in the stress axis direction by the torsional closure of the alloy tube section in the C-ring test. Significant grain lattice rotation and pronounced plastic strain at some grain boundaries were noted. Stress-corrosion-cracking-generated intergranular cracks were produced in two Alloy 600 specimens after 6 h and 18 h tests. The diffraction patterns and resultant strain tensors were mapped around the cracked area to a 1 μm spatial resolution. The strain tensor transverse to the crack growth direction showed tensile strain at the intergranular region just ahead of the crack tip for both specimens. Both cracks were found to follow grain boundary pathways that had the lowest angle of misorientation. Dislocation distributions within each grain were qualitatively obtained from the shapes of the diffraction spots and the effect of 'hard' and 'soft' grains on the crack pathway was explored for both 6 h and 18 h specimens. The Schmid factor of one of the grains adjacent to the crack at the 6 h and 18 h initiation sites was found to be the lowest, compared to Schmid factors calculated for surface grains away from the initiation site, and also along the crack path into the bulk.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effect of the Maximum Dose on White Matter Fiber Bundles Using Longitudinal Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Purpose: Previous efforts to decrease neurocognitive effects of radiation focused on sparing isolated cortical structures. We hypothesize that understanding temporal, spatial, and dosimetric patterns of radiation damage to whole-brain white matter (WM) after partial-brain irradiation might also be important. Therefore, we carried out a study to develop the methodology to assess radiation therapy (RT)–induced damage to whole-brain WM bundles. Methods and Materials: An atlas-based, automated WM tractography analysis was implemented to quantify longitudinal changes in indices of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of 22 major WM fibers in 33 patients with predominantly low-grade or benign brain tumors treated by RT. Six DTI scans per patient were performed from before RT to 18 months after RT. The DTI indices and planned doses (maximum and mean doses) were mapped onto profiles of each of 22 WM bundles. A multivariate linear regression was performed to determine the main dose effect as well as the influence of other clinical factors on longitudinal percentage changes in axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) from before RT. Results: Among 22 fiber bundles, AD or RD changes in 12 bundles were affected significantly by doses (P<.05), as the effect was progressive over time. In 9 elongated tracts, decreased AD or RD was significantly related to maximum doses received, consistent with a serial structure. In individual bundles, AD changes were up to 11.5% at the maximum dose locations 18 months after RT. The dose effect on WM was greater in older female patients than younger male patients. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates for the first time that the maximum dose to the elongated WM bundles causes post-RT damage in WM. Validation and correlative studies are necessary to determine the ability and impact of sparing these bundles on preserving neurocognitive function after RT.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗