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At least 361 records · Page 20

An Eulerian/Lagrangian coupling procedure for three-dimensional vortical flows

A coupled Eulerian/Lagrangian method is presented for the reduction of numerical diffusion observed in solutions of 3D vortical flows using standard Eulerian finite-volume time-marching procedures. A Lagrangian particle tracking method, added to the Eulerian time-marching procedure, provides a correction of the Eulerian solution. In turn, the Eulerian solution is used to integrate the Lagrangian state-vector along the particles trajectories. While the Eulerian solution ensures the conservation of mass and sets the pressure field, the particle markers describe accurately the convection properties and enhance the vorticity and entropy capturing capabilities of the Eulerian solver. The Eulerian/Lagrangian coupling strategies are discussed and the combined scheme is tested on a constant stagnation pressure flow in a 90 deg bend and on a swirling pipe flow. As the numerical diffusion is reduced when using the Lagrangian correction, a vorticity gradient augmentation is identified as a basic problem of this inviscid calculation.

Felici, Helene M.↗

Structure and dynamics of open-shell nuclei from spherical coupled-cluster theory

We extend the spherical coupled-cluster ab initio method for open-shell nuclei where two nucleons are removed from a shell subclosure. Following the recent implementation of the two-particle-attached approach [Phys. Rev. C 110, 044306 (2024)], we focus on the two-particle-removed method. Using the equations-of-motion framework, we address both nuclear structure and dipole response functions by coupling coupled-cluster theory with the Lorentz integral transform technique. We perform calculations using chiral interactions, including three-nucleon forces, and estimate many-body uncertainties by comparing different coupled-cluster truncation schemes. Here, we validate our approach by studying ground-state energies, excited states, and electric dipole polarizabilities in the oxygen and calcium isotopic chains. For binding energies and selected low-lying excited states, we achieve an accuracy comparable to that of the established closed-shell coupled-cluster theory and generally agree with experiment. Finally, we underestimate experimental data for electric dipole polarizabilities, particularly in calcium isotopes.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Preparation of fine-particles at cryogenic temperatures

Flash freezing process yields gelling agent for use at cryogenic temperatures. Vaporized material, diluted with an inert gas, is injected below the surface of an agitated cryogenic liquid. This method disperses particles of chlorine trifluoride in liquid oxygen difluoride.

Globus, H.↗

Method of reducing the green density of a slip cast article

The method disclosed in this specification is one of reducing the green density of an article cast in a slip casting operation. The article is cast from a casting slip containing silicon metal particles, yttrium containing particles, and a small amount of a fluoride salt which is effective to suppress flocculation of the silicon metal particles by y.sup.+3 ions derived from the yttrium containing particles. The method is characterized by the following step. A small amount of compound which produces a cation which will partly flocculate the particles of silicon metal is added to the casting slip. The small amount of this compound is added so that when the casting slip is slip cast into a casting mold, the partly flocculated particles of silicon will interrupt an otherwise orderly packing of the particles of silicon and particles of yttrium. In this manner, the green density of the slip cast article is reduced and the article may be more easily nitrided.

Mangels, John A.↗

Model-based Reconstruction for Single Particle Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Single particle cryo-electron microscopy is a vital tool for 3D characterization of protein structures. A typical workflow involves acquiring projection images of a collection of randomly oriented particles, picking and classifying individual particle projections by orientation, and finally using the individual particle projections to reconstruct a 3D map of the electron density profile. The reconstruction is challenging because of the low signal-to-noise ratio of the data, the unknown orientation of the particles, and the sparsity of data especially when dealing with flexible proteins where there may not be sufficient data corresponding to each class to obtain an accurate reconstruction using standard algorithms. In this paper we present a model-based image reconstruction technique that uses a regularized cost function to reconstruct the 3D density map by assuming known orientations for the particles. Our method casts the reconstruction as minimizing a cost function involving a novel forward model term that accounts for the contrast transfer function of the microscope, the orientation of the particles and the center of rotation offsets. We combine the forward model term with a regularizer that enforces desirable properties in the volume to be reconstructed. Using simulated data, we demonstrate how our method can significantly improve upon the typically used approach.

Venkatakrishnan, Singanallur↗

Measurement of 𝑑 2⁢ 𝜎/𝑑⁢|$\vec{q}$|⁢𝑑⁢𝐸 avail in charged current 𝜈 𝜇 -nucleus interactions at ⟨𝐸 𝜈 ⟩=1.86 GeV using the NOvA Near Detector

Double- and single-differential cross sections for inclusive charged-current 𝜈 𝜇 -nucleus scattering are reported for the kinematic domain 0 to 2 GeV/𝑐 in three-momentum transfer and 0 to 2 GeV in available energy, at a mean 𝜈 𝜇 energy of 1.86 GeV. The measurements are based on an estimated 995,760 𝜈 𝜇 charged-current (CC) interactions in the scintillator medium of the NOvA Near Detector. The subdomain populated by 2-particle-2-hole (2p2h) reactions is identified by the cross section excess relative to predictions for 𝜈 𝜇 -nucleus scattering that are constrained by a data control sample. Models for 2-particle-2-hole processes are rated by 𝜒 2 comparisons of the predicted-versus-measured 𝜈 𝜇 CC inclusive cross section over the full phase space and in the restricted subdomain. Shortfalls are observed in neutrino generator predictions obtained using the theory-based València and SuSAv2 2p2h models.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Scalable nanomanufacturing of chalcogenide inks: a case study on thermoelectric V–VI nanoplates

Solution-processed semiconducting main-group chalcogenides (MMCs) have attracted increasing research interest for next-generation device technologies owing to their unique nanostructures and superior properties. To achieve the full potential of MMCs, the development of highly universal, scalable, and sustainable synthesis and processing methods of chalcogenide particles is thus becoming progressively more important. Here we studied scalable factors for the synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) V–VI chalcogenide nanoplates (M 2 Q 3 : M = Sb, Bi; Q = Se, Te) and systematically investigated their colloidal behaviour and chemical stability. Based on a solvent engineering technique, we demonstrated scale-up syntheses of MMCs up to a 900% increase of batch size compared with conventional hydrazine-based gram-level syntheses, and such a scalable approach is highly applicable to various binary and ternary MMCs. Furthermore, we studied the stability of printable chalcogenide nanoparticle inks with several formulation factors including solvents, additives, and pH values, resulting in inks with high chemical stability (>4 months). As a proof of concept, we applied our solution-processed chalcogenide particles to multiple additive manufacturing methods, confirming the high printability and processability of MMC inks. Furthermore, the ability to combine the top-down designing freedom of additive manufacturing with bottom-up scalable synthesis of chalcogenide particles promises great opportunities for large-scale design and manufacturing of chalcogenide-based functional devices for broad application.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Onset of Fluidization in MP-PIC Simulations using MFIX-Exa

Fluidized bed reactors are used across a variety of industries, including for energy processes like pyrolysis that result in low-cost energy products. Design and scale-up of fluidized beds is de-risked by modeling and simulation, utilizing tools like NETL’s MFIX-Exa High-Performance Computing (HPC) code for reacting multiphase flow. This report summarizes an investigation into the breadth of problems to which MFIX-Exa may be applied, specifically with regard to low fluid velocities and the onset of fluidization. A simple fluidization study is conducted both experimentally and numerically for particles of interest, then reactor simulations are compared to cold flow experiments for uniform distributor plates. Approaches for modeling bubble caps are also presented.

discrete particle method↗

Preparation of calibrated test packages for particle impact noise detection

A standard calibration method for any particle impact noise detection (PIND) test system used to detect loose particles responsible for failures in hybrid circuits was developed along with a procedure for preparing PIND standard test devices. Hybrid packages were seeded with a single gold ball, hermetically sealed, leak tested, and PIND tested. Conclusions are presented.

Source record↗

Particle Characterization in Rocket Exhaust Plumes

A method to characterize particles in rocket exhaust plumes is developed. The particle velocity, size, and material composition are determined from crater characteristics resulting from impacts into aluminum and copper targets passed through the plume. The targets are mounted on a steel arm approximately 21 inches (53 cm) long which is rotated through the plume at sufficient velocity to prevent material failure resulting from thermal effects. A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with secondary x-ray detectors is used to determine the particle material, and a standard optical measurement microscope is used to determine the crater diameter and depth. The crater diameter and depth are used in turn, as inputs to a ballistics computer code to estimate the velocity and size of the particle. The target has a safe residence time in the plume of approximately 50 ms before reaching an unacceptably high temperature. The = must mach a velocity of 104 ft/s (32 m/s) before entering the plume to produce the design residence time of 20 ms. The arm is actuated by a torsion spring with a 5-inch (13 cm) outer diameter, 0.625-inch (16 mm wire diameter, and 11 coils. A prototype of the entire rocket exhaust particle impact characterization system (PICS) was constructed and statically tested.

Callen, E. Eugene, Jr.↗

3D tracking of particles in a dusty plasma by laser sheet tomography

The collective behavior of levitated particles in a weakly ionized plasma (dusty plasma) has raised significant scientific interest. This is due to the complex array of forces acting on the particles and their potential to act as in situ diagnostics of the plasma environment. Ideally, the three-dimensional (3D) motion of many particles should be tracked for long periods of time. Typically, stereoscopic imaging using multiple cameras combined with particle image velocimetry is used to obtain a velocity field of many particles, yet this method is limited by its sample volume and short time scales. Here, we demonstrate a different, high-speed tomographic imaging method capable of tracking individual particles. We use a scanning laser sheet coupled to a single high-speed camera. We are able to identify and track tens of individual particles over centimeter length scales for several minutes, corresponding to more than 10 000 frames.

Physics↗

A numerical investigation of coal particle modeling for the inlet section of a pressurized oxy-combustion burner

Concerns over climate change have led to numerous efforts to develop low-carbon technologies, and pressurized oxy-combustion (POC) is a promising candidate to reduce carbon emissions in the power industry. Designing an effective burner for such technologies is vital for the development of these and other coal combustion technologies. Because of the high pressure, the volume fraction of coal particles at the fuel inlet of the pressurized oxy-combustor burner is close to or even higher than the maximum limit for commercial CFD codes (e.g., ANSYS FLUENT). At these high particle volume fractions, the interactions among particles, fluid flow and wall need to be re-evaluated. The present computational work is a first step in a systematic analysis of the influence of various parameters, like method of particle release, release location, and particle size, in a pilot-scale POC combustor, developed at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL). In the POC process, pulverized coal is burned under elevated pressure in an O2-CO2 environment. Specifically, a 15-bar, 100 kWth, POC combustor is modeled employing Ansys FLUENT commercial sodtware using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approach. It is revealed that for this pilot-scale, pressurized burner, velocity profiles in the near-wall region exhibit some anomalies. In order to investigate the influence of particle loading in the near-wall region, particle release location was investigated. The numerical simulations incorporate the coupling between the turbulent flow and the particles. A sensitivity investigation of particle release location found that by tuning the release location, the velocity profile can be consistent with the pure gas flow velocity profile. More importantly, the particle releasing location also affects flame stability. Particle size was also found to have a significant impact on particle trajectory, flame stability and temperature. Finally, Large Eddy Simulations (LES) were performed and compared with the results from two-dimensional RANS.

Li, Lei↗

Three-dimensional quantitative flow diagnostics

The principles, capabilities, and practical implementation of advanced measurement techniques for the quantitative characterization of three-dimensional flows are reviewed. Consideration is given to particle, Rayleigh, and Raman scattering; fluorescence; flow marking by H2 bubbles, photochromism, photodissociation, and vibrationally excited molecules; light-sheet volume imaging; and stereo imaging. Also discussed are stereo schlieren methods, holographic particle imaging, optical tomography, acoustic and magnetic-resonance imaging, and the display of space-filling data. Extensive diagrams, graphs, photographs, sample images, and tables of numerical data are provided.

Miles, Richard B.↗

Off Earth Landing and Launch Pad Construction – A Critical Technology for Establishing a Long-Term Presence on Extraterrestrial Surfaces

Space Policy Directive 1 has refocused the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to lead the return of humans to the Moon for long-term exploration and utilization. A long-term presence on the moon will require numerous lunar landings and launches to build up surface assets, rotate crew, and deliver resources to/from the moon. Interactions between landing/launch plumes and the unprepared surface cause regolith to be eroded and ejected at high velocities from beneath the vehicle. The associated ejecta elevates mission risks by obscuring sensors and human vision during landing; cratering/modifying the surface that the vehicle will land upon; and subjecting the vehicle, surrounding assets, and potentially orbital assets to impacts from high velocity dust particles. A method to mitigate risks stemming from landing/launch plume ejecta is to construct reusable landing/launch pads. A landing/launch pad can provide a known landing/launch surface, minimize ejecta, protect assets from liberated particles, and provide protection in case of a landing/launch anomaly. This presentation will summarize previous work towards construction of off-Earth landing/launch pads and identify key technology gaps. Additionally, this presentation establishes metrics for comparison of pad construction technologies and trades current approaches. The overall objective of this paper is to baseline the state of the art of off-Earth landing/launch pad construction technologies and serve as the starting point for further technical development.

Landing & Launch Pad↗

The History of Monte Carlo and MCNP at Los Alamos [Slides]

The Monte Carlo method for radiation particle transport has its origins at LANL dating back to the 1940’s. The creators of these methods were Drs. Stanislaw Ulam, John von Neumann, Robert Richtmyer, and Nicholas Metropolis. Monte Carlo methods for particle transport have been driving computational developments since the beginning of modern computers; this continues today. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, these new methods were organized into a series of special-purpose Monte Carlo codes, including MCS, MCN, MCP, and MCG. These codes were able to transport neutrons and photons for specialized LANL applications. In 1977, these separate codes were combined to create the LANL Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) radiation particle transport code. In 1983, MCNP3 was released for public distribution to the Radiation Safety Information Computational Center (RSICC). MCNP6.3 will be released late in 2021. Each year, LANL has ~100 MCNP new users and RSICC ~1250 new licenses distributed. This talk will review the Los Alamos history of the development of the modern Monte Carlo method and MCNP.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Navier-Stokes Dynamics by a Discrete Boltzmann Model

This work investigates the possibility of particle-based algorithms for the Navier-Stokes equations and higher order continuum approximations of the Boltzmann equation; such algorithms would generalize the well-known Pullin scheme for the Euler equations. One such method is proposed in the context of a discrete velocity model of the Boltzmann equation. Preliminary results on shock structure are consistent with the expectation that the shock should be much broader than the near discontinuity predicted by the Pullin scheme, yet narrower than the prediction of the Boltzmann equation. We discuss the extension of this essentially deterministic method to a stochastic particle method that, like DSMC, samples the distribution function rather than resolving it completely.

Rubinstein, Robet↗

Apolipoprotein E expression and behavioral toxicity of high charge, high energy (HZE) particle radiation

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a lipid binding protein that plays an important role in tissue repair following brain injury. In the present studies, we have investigated whether apoE affects the behavioral toxicity of high charge, high energy (HZE) particle radiation. METHODS: Sixteen male apoE knockout (KO) mice and sixteen genetically matched wild-type (WT) C57BL mice were used in this experiment. Half of the KO and half of the WT animals were irradiated with 600 MeV/amu iron particles (2 Gy whole body). The effect of irradiation on motor coordination and stamina (Rotarod test), exploratory behavior (open field test), and spatial working and reference memory (Morris water maze) was assessed. ROTAROD TEST: Performance was adversely affected by radiation exposure in both KO and WT groups at 30 d after irradiation. By 60 d after radiation, the radiation effect was lost in WT, but still apparent in irradiated KO mice. OPEN FIELD TEST: Radiation reduced open field exploratory activity 14, 28, 56, 84, and 168 d after irradiation of KO mice, but had no effect on WT mice. MORRIS WATER MAZE: Radiation adversely affected spatial working memory in the KO mice, but had no discernible effect in the WT mice as assessed 180 d after irradiation. In contrast, irradiated WT mice showed marked impairment of spatial reference memory in comparison to non-irradiated mice, while no effect of radiation was observed in KO mice. CONCLUSIONS: These studies show that apoE expression influences the behavioral toxicity of HZE particle radiation and suggest that apoE plays a role in the repair/recovery from radiation injury of the CNS. ApoE deficiency may exacerbate the previously reported effects of HZE particle radiation in accelerating the brain aging process.

Non-NASA Center↗