Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “cross sections”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 379 records · Page 21

Statistical (n,$$\gamma $$) cross section model comparison for short-lived nuclei

Abstract Neutron-capture cross sections of neutron-rich nuclei are calculated using a Hauser–Feshbach model when direct experimental cross sections cannot be obtained. A number of codes to perform these calculations exist, and each makes different assumptions about the underlying nuclear physics. We investigated the systematic uncertainty associated with the choice of Hauser-Feshbach code used to calculate the neutron-capture cross section of a short-lived nucleus. The neutron-capture cross section for $$^{73}\hbox {Zn}$$ 73 Zn (n, $$\gamma $$ γ ) $$^{74}\hbox {Zn}$$ 74 Zn was calculated using three Hauser-Feshbach statistical model codes: TALYS, CoH, and EMPIRE. The calculation was first performed without any changes to the default settings in each code. Then an experimentally obtained nuclear level density (NLD) and $$\gamma $$ γ -ray strength function ( $$\gamma \hbox {SF}$$ γ SF ) were included. Finally, the nuclear structure information was made consistent across the codes. The neutron-capture cross sections obtained from the three codes are in good agreement after including the experimentally obtained NLD and $$\gamma \hbox {SF}$$ γ SF , accounting for differences in the underlying nuclear reaction models, and enforcing consistent approximations for unknown nuclear data. It is possible to use consistent inputs and nuclear physics to reduce the differences in the calculated neutron-capture cross section from different Hauser-Feshbach codes. However, ensuring the treatment of the input of experimental data and other nuclear physics are similar across multiple codes requires a careful investigation. For this reason, more complete documentation of the inputs and physics chosen is important.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Elastic and total cross sections for simple biomolecules in the intermediate energy range

The elastic and total cross sections for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, 2-butanone and formamide are calculated using the spherical complex optical potential formalism in the intermediate energy range from 50 eV to 10 keV. These cross sections find application to various fields like radiation damage and biological sciences. The present results are compared with the available experimental and theoretical data and are found to give excellent agreement. The elastic cross sections reported for most of the targets in the present energy range are done for the first time. The energy dependence of the contribution of ionization and elastic cross section with respect to the total cross section and the correlation of total cross section with polarizability of the molecules are also studied.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Integral elastic, electronic-state, ionization, and total cross sections for electron scattering with furfural

We report absolute experimental integral cross sections (ICSs) for electron impact excitation of bands of electronic-states in furfural, for incident electron energies in the range 20–250 eV. Wherever possible, those results are compared to corresponding excitation cross sections in the structurally similar species furan, as previously reported by da Costa et al. [Phys. Rev. A 85, 062706 (2012)] and Regeta and Allan [Phys. Rev. A 91, 012707 (2015)]. Generally, very good agreement is found. In addition, ICSs calculated with our independent atom model (IAM) with screening corrected additivity rule (SCAR) formalism, extended to account for interference (I) terms that arise due to the multi-centre nature of the scattering problem, are also reported. The sum of those ICSs gives the IAM-SCAR+I total cross section for electron–furfural scattering. Where possible, those calculated IAM-SCAR+I ICS results are compared against corresponding results from the present measurements with an acceptable level of accord being obtained. Similarly, but only for the band I and band II excited electronic states, we also present results from our Schwinger multichannel method with pseudopotentials calculations. Those results are found to be in good qualitative accord with the present experimental ICSs. Finally, with a view to assembling a complete cross section data base for furfural, some binary-encounter-Bethe-level total ionization cross sections for this collision system are presented.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Measurement of the absolute and differential cross sections for 7Li(γ, n0)6Li

We have measured the cross section of the photoneutron reaction channel {sup 7}Li+{gamma}{yields}{sup 6}Li(g.s.)+n where the progeny nucleus is the ground state of {sup 6}Li. We obtained the absolute cross section at photon energies 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 MeV and also the dependence of the cross section on polar angle for all but the highest photon energy. For the energies 10 to 15 MeV we were able to use linearly polarized photons to obtain the dependence of the cross section on the photon polarization.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Interface-state capture cross section—Why does it vary so much?

A capture cross section value is often assigned to Si–SiO{sub 2} interface defects. Using a kinetic variation of the charge pumping technique and transition state theory, we show that the value of capture cross section is extremely sensitive to the measurement approach and does not provide any meaningful insight into the physics involved. We argue that capture cross section is neither a physical property of interface defects nor is there any need to assign capture cross section values.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

New Parameterization of Neutron Absorption Cross Sections

Recent parameterization of absorption cross sections for any system of charged ion collisions, including proton-nucleus collisions, is extended for neutron-nucleus collisions valid from approx. 1 MeV to a few GeV, thus providing a comprehensive picture of absorption cross sections for any system of collision pairs (charged or uncharged). The parameters are associated with the physics of the problem. At lower energies, optical potential at the surface is important, and the Pauli operator plays an increasingly important role at intermediate energies. The agreement between the calculated and experimental data is better than earlier published results.

Tripathi, Ram K.↗

An experimental estimate of the O/+/-O resonant charge transfer cross section, collision frequency, and energy transfer rate

The resonant-charge-transfer cross section dominates the interaction between neutral and ionized atomic oxygen at temperatures greater than several hundred degrees Kelvin. This cross section is of direct importance to F-region studies of ion diffusion, ion thermal balance, and neutral atmospheric winds and pressure gradients, since it determines collision frequencies and energy and momentum transfer rates. However, the uncertainty in this cross section is roughly 25-40%. Incoherent-scatter measurements allow determination of the product of the atomic oxygen concentration multiplied by the cross section. If present-day atmospheric models are accepted as statistically representative of F-region atomic oxygen concentrations experimental (aeronomical) data presented indicate that the resonant-charge-transfer cross section is about 1.3 times greater than the value presently in general use, though in excellent agreement with the only other available (laboratory) experimental value. This revised cross section has obvious implications for thermospheric studies.

Carlson, H. C.↗

Neutrino-nucleus cross section impacts on neutrino oscillation measurements

The challenges in neutrino-nucleus cross section modeling and its impact on neutrino oscillation experiments are widely recognized. However, a comprehensive and theoretically robust estimation of cross section uncertainties has been lacking, and few studies have quantitatively examined their impact on oscillation measurements. In this work, we evaluate the effect of cross section uncertainties on oscillation parameters using setups inspired by NOvA and DUNE. To characterize these uncertainties, we adopt multiple neutrino-nucleus event generators and simulate a realistic experimental procedure that incorporates near-detector data and near-to-far-detector extrapolation. Our results confirm that cross section uncertainties cannot significantly bias oscillation results in current statistics-dominated experiments like NOvA. However, they could lead to substantial bias for future systematics-dominated experiments like DUNE, even when near-detector data are employed to mitigate uncertainties. These findings underscore the need for further studies on the quantitative impacts of cross section modeling, improved strategies to utilize near-detector data and the PRISM concept, and more robust cross section models to optimize the success of future experiments.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Isomeric Cross Sections For 87 Y(n,$γ$) From Surrogate (p,d$γ$) Data

Cross sections for compound-nuclear reactions involving unstable targets are important for many applications, but can often not be measured directly. Recently, I developed a method for extracting cross sections for neutron-capture on unstable isotopes from indirect (surrogate) reaction data. I applied the method to $89$ Y(p,$γ$) data, which were supplied by the LLNL experimental nuclear physics program, to determine the $87$ Y(n,$γ$) (activation) cross section. Here, I extend the approach further, in order to determine cross sections for reactions that start and/or end at isomeric states. In particular, I determine cross sections, along with uncertainties, for seven additional reactions: $87$ Y(n,$γ$) $88gs$ Y, $87$ Y(n,$γ$) $88m1$ Y, $87$ Y(n,$γ$) $88m2$ Y, $87m$ Y(n,$γ$) $88$ Y (activation), $87m$ Y(n,$γ$) $88gs$ Y, $87m$ Y(n,$γ$) $88m1$ Y, $87m$ Y(n,$γ$) $88m2$ Y. These cross sections cannot be measured directly.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Methodology for Generating Covariance Data of Thermal Neutron Scattering Cross Sections

This paper details and implements a framework for evaluating thermal neutron scattering cross sections that provide S(α,β) data and covariance data for hydrogen in light water. This methodology involves perturbing model parameters of molecular dynamics potentials and fitting the simulation results to experimental data. The framework is general and can be applied to any material or simulation method. The fit is made using the Unified Monte Carlo method to experimentally measure double-differential scattering cross sections of light water at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Mean values and covariance data were generated for model parameters, phonon density of states, double-differential cross sections, and total scattering cross sections. These posterior parameter values were very similar to their prior values with a maximum relative error of 0.54%. This falls within in the Unified Monte Carlo–calculated uncertainties on the order of 2.7%. Additionally, posterior double-differential cross sections agree favorably with ENDF/B-VIII.0 cross sections. The new thermal scattering law was tested by comparing it against benchmarks from the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project Handbook, which showed a slight improvement over the ENDF/B-VIII.0 library. Additionally, the covariance matrix of the phonon density of states was validated to confirm that the spread of k eff from the density of states used to generate the covariance matrix was similar to the spread of k eff from the density of states of the sampled covariance matrix.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Universal Parameterization of Absorption Cross Sections

Our prior nuclear absorption cross sections model is extended for light systems (A less than or equal to 4) where either both projectile and target are light particles or one is a light particle and the other is a medium or heavy nucleus. The agreement with experiment is excellent for these cases as well. Present work in combination with our original model provides a comprehensive picture of absorption cross sections for light, medium, and heavy systems, a very valuable input for radiation protection studies.

Tripathi, R. K.↗

Universal function for heavy-ion fusion cross sections

A universal function for heavy-ion fusion cross sections, Y = $\sqrt{π}$ Xerfc (- X ) + exp(- X 2 ) is proposed. By scaling both the cross section σ(E) and the energy E, heavy-ion fusion cross section data are found to follow closely a universal function over the whole energy range. The scaling is developed from either a simple, empirical single-Gaussian barrier distribution model for the representation d 2 (σE)/dE 2 , or the modified Siwek-Wilczynski model. The cross section expressions of these models are analytical, and can be easily used for all heavy-ion fusion excitation functions. Thus a bench marking of heavy-ion fusion excitation functions has been achieved. Finally, a general discussion regarding the universal function is given.

low & intermediate energy heavy-ion reactions↗

Infrared absorption cross sections of alternative CFCs

Absorption cross sections have obtained in the infrared atmospheric window, between 600 and 1500 cm(exp -1), for 10 alternative hydrohalocarbons: HCFC-22, HCFC-123, HCFC-124, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b, HCFC-225ca, HCFC-225cb, HFC-125, HFC-134a, and HFC-152a. The measurements were made at three temperatures (287K, 270K and 253K) with a Fourier transform spectrometer operating at 0.03 cm(exp -1) apodized resolution. Integrated cross sections are also derived for use in radiative models to calculate the global warming potentials.

Clerbaux, Cathy↗

Charge exchange and ionization cross sections of H{sup +}+H collision in dense quantum plasmas

The plasma screening effects of dense quantum plasmas on H{sup +}+H charge exchange and ionization cross sections are calculated by the classical trajectory Monte Carlo method. For charge exchange cross sections, it is found that the screening effects reduce cross sections slightly in weak screening conditions. However, cross sections are reduced substantially in strong screening conditions. For ionization cross sections, with the increase of screening effects, cross sections for low energies increase more rapidly than those for high energies. When the screening effects are strong enough, it is found that ionization cross sections decrease with the increase of incident H{sup +} energy. In addition, the cross sections have been compared with those in weakly coupled plasmas. It is found that in weak screening conditions, plasma screening effects in the two plasmas are approximately the same, while in strong screening conditions, screening effects of dense quantum plasmas are stronger than those of weakly coupled plasmas.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Measurement of Neutrino and Antineutrino Total Charged-Current Cross Sections on Carbon with MINERvA

This thesis presents a measurement of charged-current inclusive cross sections of muon neutrino and antineutrino interaction on carbon, and antineutrino to neutrino cross section ratio, r, in the energy range 2 - 22 GeV, with data collected in the MINERA experiment. The dataset corresponds to an exposure of 3.2 x 10 20 protons on target (POT) for neutrinos and 1.01020 POT for antineutrinos. Measurement of neutrino and antineutrino charged-current inclusive cross sections provides essential constraints for future long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment at a few GeV energy range. Our measured antineutrino cross section has an uncertainty in the range 6.1% - 10.5% and is the most precise measurement below 6 GeV to date. The measured r has an uncertainty of 5.0% - 7.5%. This is the rst measurement below 6 GeV since Gargamelle in 1970s. The cross sections are measured as a function of neutrino energy by dividing the eciency corrected charged-current sample with extracted uxes. Fluxes are obtained using the low- method, which uses low hadronic energy subsamples of charged-current inclusive sample to extract ux. Measured cross sections show good agreement with the prediction of neutrino interaction models above 7 GeV, and are about 10% below the model below 7 GeV. The measured r agrees with the GENIE model [1] over the whole energy region. The measured cross sections and r are compared with world data.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Application of Neutron Multiplicity Counting Experiments to Optimal Cross-Section Adjustments

This paper presents the first application of model calibration to neutron multiplicity counting (NMC) experiments for cross-section optimization that is informed by adjoint-based sensitivity analysis (SA) and first-order uncertainty quantification (UQ). We summarize previous work on SA applied to NMC and describe notable modifications and additions. We give the procedure for first-order UQ and Bayesian-inference-based parameter estimation (PE). We then discuss model calibration applied to NMC of a 4.5-kg sphere of weapons-grade, alpha-phase plutonium metal (the BeRP ball) with the nPod neutron multiplicity counter. For the BeRP ball in bare and polyethylene-reflected configurations, we discuss the sensitivity of the first- and second-moment detector responses (i.e., first and second moments of the NMC distribution, respectively) to the cross sections. We describe the sources of uncertainty in the measured and simulated responses. Specifically, uncertainty in the measured responses is due to both random and systematic sources. Uncertainty in the simulated responses is due to the cross-section covariances. We describe in detail the adjustment to the cross sections and cross-section covariances due to the optimization. Due to the contribution of systematic uncertainties to the measured response uncertainties, the adjustment to the cross sections is similar in trend but larger in magnitude compared to that recommended by previous work. We compare the measured responses to responses simulated with nominal and optimized cross sections, demonstrating that the best-estimate cross sections produce simulations of NMC experiments that are more accurate with reduced uncertainty.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

New Opportunity for Improved Nuclear Forensics, Radiochemical Diagnostics, and Nuclear Astrophysics: Need for a Total-Cross-Section Apparatus at the LANSCE

Total-cross-section measurements are feasible on a much wider range of radioactive samples than (n,γ) cross-section measurements, and information extracted from the former can be used to set tight constraints on the latter. There are many (n,γ) cross sections of great interest to radiochemical diagnostics, nuclear forensics, and nuclear astrophysics which are beyond the reach of current direct measurement, that could be obtained in this way. Our simulations indicate that measurements can be made at the Manuel Lujan Jr. Neutron Scattering Center at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center for samples as small as 10μg. There are at least 40 high-interest nuclides which should be measurable, including 88 Y, 167,168,170,171 Tm, 173,174 Lu, and 189,190,192 Ir.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

HIGH-RESOLUTION ELECTRON-IMPACT EMISSION SPECTRA AND VIBRATIONAL EMISSION CROSS SECTIONS FROM 330-1100 nm FOR N{sub 2}

Electron-impact emission cross sections for N{sub 2} were measured in the wavelength range of 330-1100 nm at 25 eV and 100 eV impact energies. Cross sections of several molecular emission bands of the first positive band system B {sup 3}{Pi}{sub g} {sup +}({nu}') {yields} A {sup 3}{Sigma}{sub g} {sup +}({nu}'') and the second positive band system C {sup 3}{Pi}{sub u} ({nu}') {yields} B {sup 3}{Pi}{sub g} ({nu}'') of N{sub 2}, the first negative band (1NB) system B {sup 2}{Sigma}{sub u} {sup +}({nu}') {yields} X {sup 2}{Sigma}{sub g} {sup +}({nu}'') and Meinel band system A {sup 2}{Pi}{sub u} ({nu}') {yields} X {sup 2}{Sigma}{sub g} {sup +}({nu}'') of N{sub 2} {sup +} ions as well as line emissions of N (N I) and N{sup +} (N II) in the visible-optical-near-IR wavelength range reported in this work were measured for the first time in a single experimental setup at high spectral resolving power ({lambda}/{Delta}{lambda} {approx} 10000) under single-collision-scattering geometry and optically thin conditions. Rotational emission lines of N{sub 2} and N{sub 2} {sup +} were observed for strong emission bands at a gas temperature of about 300 K. The absolute cross section of the strongest (0,0) vibrational band at 391.43 nm of 1NB was determined using the standard H{sub {alpha}} emission cross sections of H{sub 2} by electron impact at both 25 eV and 100 eV electron-impact energies, and the cross sections for the remainder of the emissions were determined using (0,0) 1NB value. A comparison of the present emission cross sections with the earlier published data from both electron energy loss and electron-impact-induced fluorescence emission is discussed.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗