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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.

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At least 397 records · Page 22

A Sub-electron-noise Skipper-CCD Readout ASIC with Improved Channel-to-channel Isolation and an Integrated Cryogenic Voltage Reference

The MIDNA application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) are a series of skipper-CCD readout chips fabricated in a 65 nm low-power CMOS process that implement a correlated double sampling signal processing chain based on dual-slope integrators. They are capable of working from room to cryogenic temperatures, down to 84 K. The present iteration of the ASIC has been fabricated including several design updates and the addition of an on-chip voltage reference, resulting in improved performance. This work presents the main vulnerabilities solved, the changes carried out, and the resulting performance benefits. Measurements with a skipper-CCD and the ASIC at 140 K showed that the single-electron resolution can be reached by averaging the measured charge in the analog domain using the analog pile-up technique with a readout noise as low as 0.11 erms of equivalent charge for 1200 samples. The channel-to-channel crosstalk was also characterized showing values better than -62 dB.

Alcalde Bessia, Fabricio↗

A Sub-electron-noise Skipper-CCD Readout ASIC with Improved Channel-to-channel Isolation and an Integrated Cryogenic Voltage Reference

The MIDNA application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) are a series of skipper-CCD readout chips fabricated in a 65 nm low-power CMOS process that implement a correlated double sampling signal processing chain based on dual-slope integrators. They are capable of working from room to cryogenic temperatures, down to 84 K. The present iteration of the ASIC has been fabricated including several design updates and the addition of an on-chip voltage reference, resulting in improved performance. This work presents the main vulnerabilities solved, the changes carried out, and the resulting performance benefits. Measurements with a skipper-CCD and the ASIC at 140 K showed that the single-electron resolution can be reached by averaging the measured charge in the analog domain using the analog pile-up technique with a readout noise as low as 0.11 erms of equivalent charge for 1200 samples. The channel-to-channel crosstalk was also characterized showing values better than -62 dB.

Alcalde Bessia, Fabricio↗

Parallel heat transport in integrable and chaotic magnetic fields

The study of transport in magnetized plasmas is a problem of fundamental interest in controlled fusion, space plasmas, and astrophysics research. Three issues make this problem particularly challenging: (i) The extreme anisotropy between the parallel (i.e., along the magnetic field), {chi}{sub ||} , and the perpendicular, {chi}{sub Up-Tack }, conductivities ({chi}{sub ||} /{chi}{sub Up-Tack} may exceed 10{sup 10} in fusion plasmas); (ii) Nonlocal parallel transport in the limit of small collisionality; and (iii) Magnetic field lines chaos which in general complicates (and may preclude) the construction of magnetic field line coordinates. Motivated by these issues, we present a Lagrangian Green's function method to solve the local and non-local parallel transport equation applicable to integrable and chaotic magnetic fields in arbitrary geometry. The method avoids by construction the numerical pollution issues of grid-based algorithms. The potential of the approach is demonstrated with nontrivial applications to integrable (magnetic island), weakly chaotic (Devil's staircase), and fully chaotic magnetic field configurations. For the latter, numerical solutions of the parallel heat transport equation show that the effective radial transport, with local and non-local parallel closures, is non-diffusive, thus casting doubts on the applicability of quasilinear diffusion descriptions. General conditions for the existence of non-diffusive, multivalued flux-gradient relations in the temperature evolution are derived.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Radiative Cooling Paints: Application on Warehouses and Integration with Phase Change Materials

Despite extensive research on radiative cooling (RC), researchers are still working to understand its best implementation strategy and potential benefits. Understanding this could be an instrumental part of reducing building energy costs and combating climate change. In this work, we introduce two concepts to achieve this goal and broaden the application of RC paints. While building energy simulations for RC are common, most studies focus on single-layer paints in residential settings. Limited research exists on warehouses, and no literature has conducted multi-climate zone analyses or included RC technologies with >90% reflectance. As RC technology advances in efficiency, versatility, and affordability, large-scale simulations across diverse climates are crucial, particularly for warehouses as a passive indoor temperature control solution. Here, a TRNSYS-modeled single-story warehouse assesses the energy impact of BaSO4-based RC paints. Another under-explored RC application is its integration with phase change materials (PCMs), which provide thermal regulation via latent heat storage. Though RC and PCMs have been combined by placing PCMs atop, beneath, or within RC layers, studies focus on either experiments or modeling, with no validation between the two. Here, we develop a simple RC+PCM experimental and modeling setup, placing RC paint atop an aluminum cell filled with a Rubitherm PCM.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

MOOSE Web Server Interface: A Message-based External Interface for Multiphysics Simulations

The Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework is a C++ toolkit designed to streamline the development of finite element and finite volume applications. It offers an interface for input-based coupling of these applications to create multiscale, multiphysics models. We introduce a new capability that enables external applications to integrate with MOOSE-based applications in situ via a web server using HTTP requests. An example of this integration is provided, where a MOOSE thermal-fluids solve has a boundary condition that is driven by an external Python application. Additionally, the coupling of the Python-based OpenMC depletion solver with the Cardinal application is demonstrated. A multiphysics model of a pressurized water reactor, incorporating neutronics, heat conduction, thermal-fluids, and depletion, is presented to showcase this new Cardinal capability that is enabled by the MOOSE web server capability.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

MOOSE Web Server Interface: A Message-based External Interface for Multiphysics Simulations

The Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework is a C++ toolkit designed to streamline the development of finite element and finite volume applications. It offers an interface for input-based coupling of these applications to create multiscale, multiphysics models. We introduce a new capability that enables external applications to integrate with MOOSE-based applications in situ via a web server using HTTP requests. An example of this integration is provided, where a MOOSE thermal-fluids solve has a boundary condition that is driven by an external Python application. Additionally, the coupling of the Python-based OpenMC depletion solver with the Cardinal application is demonstrated. A multiphysics model of a pressurized water reactor, incorporating neutronics, heat conduction, thermal-fluids, and depletion, is presented to showcase this new Cardinal capability that is enabled by the MOOSE web server capability.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Progress in integrated-circuit horn antennas for receiver applications. Part 2: A 90 GHz quasi-integrated horn antenna receiver

A receiver belonging to the family of integrated planar receivers has been developed at 90 GHz. It consists of a planar Schottky-diode placed at the feed of a dipole-probe suspended inside an integrated horn antenna. The measured planar mixer single-sideband conversion loss at 91.2 GHz (LO) with a 200 MHz IF frequency is 8.3dB plus or minus 0.3dB. The low cost of fabrication and simplicity of this design makes it ideal for millimeter and submillimeter-wave receivers.

Ali-Ahmad, Walid Y.↗

The IDEAL (Integrated Design and Engineering Analysis Languages) modeling methodology: Capabilities and Applications

The IDEAL (Integrated Design and Engineering Analysis Languages) modeling methodology has been formulated and applied over a five-year period. It has proven to be a unique, integrated approach utilizing a top-down, structured technique to define and document the system of interest; a knowledge engineering technique to collect and organize system descriptive information; a rapid prototyping technique to perform preliminary system performance analysis; and a sophisticated simulation technique to perform in-depth system performance analysis.

Evers, Ken H.↗

Initial Benchmarking of the Liquid Sampling-Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge-Orbitrap System Against Traditional Atomic Mass Spectrometry Techniques for Nuclear Applications

The integration of the liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) ion source with Orbitrap mass spectrometers has resulted in new opportunities in the field of isotope ratio mass spectrometry. In a field that has been dominated by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) on quadrupole and scanning-mode sector field analyzer platforms for highly accurate and precise measurements, the LS-APGD-Orbitrap system offers a benchtop instrument capable of meeting the rigorous International Target Values for measurement uncertainty for uranium (U). In order to benchmark the LS-APGD-Orbitrap, a series of U certified reference materials with increasing {sup 235}U isotopic composition were analyzed. By using U samples ranging in enrichment from 1 to 80%, the ability of the system to measure isotope ratios over a wide range is demonstrated. This analysis represents the first time that the LS-APGD-Orbitrap system has been used to analyze highly enriched U samples, allowing for the measurement of each of the U isotopes, including {sup 234}U and {sup 236}U-related species, which had not been achieved previously. Ultimately, the LS-APGD-Orbitrap system was able to measure CRM U-800 (assayed as {sup 235}U / {sup 238}U = 4.265622) as 4.266922, with a combined uncertainty, (u{sub c}), of 0.040%. These results are compared to those obtained using traditional elemental mass spectrometers including TIMS and ICP-MS-based instruments. The effectiveness of the LS-APGD-Orbitrap MS system for measuring U isotopes shows excellent promise in nuclear forensics, safeguards, and other nuclear weapon-based applications. .

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Tailorable Optical Response of Au-LiNbO 3 Hybrid Metamaterial Thin Films for Optical Waveguide Applications

Photonic integrated circuits require various optical materials with versatile optical properties and easy on–chip device integration. To address such needs, a well–designed nanoscale metal–oxide metamaterial, that is, plasmonic Au nanoparticles embedded in nonlinear LiNbO 3 (LNO) matrix, is demonstrated with tailorable optical response. Specifically, epitaxial and single–domain LNO thin films with tailored Au nanoparticle morphologies (i.e., various nanoparticle sizes and densities), are grown by a pulsed laser deposition method. The optical measurement presents obvious surface plasmon resonance and dramatically varied complex dielectric function because of the embedded Au nanoparticles, and its response can be well tailored by varying the size and density of Au nanoparticles. An optical waveguide structure based on the thin film stacks of a–Si on SiO 2 /Au–LNO is fabricated and exhibits low optical dispersion with an optimized evanescent field staying in the LNO–Au active layer. Furthermore, the hybrid Au–LNO metamaterial thin films provide a novel platform for tunable optical materials and their future on–chip integrations in photonic–based integrated circuits.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fracture control procedures for aircraft structural integrity

The application of applied fracture mechanics in the design, analysis, and qualification of aircraft structural systems are reviewed. Recent service experiences are cited. Current trends in high-strength materials application are reviewed with particular emphasis on the manner in which fracture toughness and structural efficiency may affect the material selection process. General fracture control procedures are reviewed in depth with specific reference to the impact of inspectability, structural arrangement, and material on proposed analysis requirements for safe crack growth. The relative impact on allowable design stress is indicated by example. Design criteria, material, and analysis requirements for implementation of fracture control procedures are reviewed together with limitations in current available data techniques. A summary of items which require further study and attention is presented.

Wood, H. A.↗

Dosimetric considerations in dental applications

The integration of the Lixiscope into dental procedures was studied and compared with conventional dental radiographic techniques. It was found that through the use of intraoral sealed sources in conjunction with microchannel plate technology, the Lixiscope gives increased diagnostic information with decreased radiation dosage.

Goble, J. C.↗

A Cassegrain reflector system for compact range applications

An integral part of a compact range is the means of providing a uniform plane wave. A Cassegrain reflector system is one alternative for achieving this goal. Theoretically, this system offers better performance than a simple reflector system. The longer pathlengths in the Cassegrain system lead to a more uniform field in the plane of interest. The addition of the subreflector creates several problems, though. System complexity is increased both in terms of construction and performance analysis. The subreflector also leads to aperture blockage and the orientation of the feed now results in spillover illuminating the target areas as well as the rest of the range. Finally, the addition of the subreflector leads to interaction between the two reflectors resulting in undesired field variations in the plane of interest. These difficulties are addressed and through the concept of blending the surfaces, a Cassegrain reflector system is developed that will provide a uniform plane wave that offers superior performance over large target areas for a given size reflector system. Design and analysis is implemented by considering the main reflector and subreflector separately. Then the system may be put together and the final design and system analysis completed.

Rader, Mark D.↗

Application of Framework for Integrating Safety, Security and Safeguards (3Ss) into the Design Of Used Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility

Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, Fuel Cycle Research and Development develops options to the current commercial fuel cycle management strategy to enable the safe, secure, economic, and sustainable expansion of nuclear energy while minimizing proliferation risks by conducting research and development focused on used nuclear fuel recycling and waste management to meet U.S. needs. Used nuclear fuel is currently stored onsite in either wet pools or in dry storage systems, with disposal envisioned in interim storage facility and, ultimately, in a deep-mined geologic repository. The safe management and disposition of used nuclear fuel and/or nuclear waste is a fundamental aspect of any nuclear fuel cycle. Integrating safety, security, and safeguards (3Ss) fully in the early stages of the design process for a new nuclear facility has the potential to effectively minimize safety, proliferation, and security risks. The 3Ss integration framework could become the new national and international norm and the standard process for designing future nuclear facilities. The purpose of this report is to develop a framework for integrating the safety, security and safeguards concept into the design of Used Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility (UNFSF). The primary focus is on integration of safeguards and security into the UNFSF based on the existing Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approach to addressing the safety/security interface (10 CFR 73.58 and Regulatory Guide 5.73) for nuclear power plants. The methodology used for adaptation of the NRC safety/security interface will be used as the basis for development of the safeguards /security interface and later will be used as the basis for development of safety and safeguards interface. Then this will complete the integration cycle of safety, security, and safeguards. The overall methodology for integration of 3Ss will be proposed, but only the integration of safeguards and security will be applied to the design of the UNFSF. The framework for integration of safeguards and security into the UNFSF will include 1) identification of applicable regulatory requirements, 2) selection of a common system that share dual safeguard and security functions, 3) development of functional design criteria and design requirements for the selected system, 4) identification and integration of the dual safeguards and security design requirements, and 5) assessment of the integration and potential benefit.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗