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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Heavy Ion Fragmentation Experiments at the Bevatron

Fragmentation processes of heavy nuclei in matter using the heavy-ion capability of the Bevatron were studied. The purpose was to obtain the single particle inclusive spectra of secondary nuclei produced at 0 deg by the fragmentation of heavy ion beam projectiles. The process being examined is B+T yields F + anything, where B is the beam nucleus, T is the target nucleus, and F is the detected fragment. The fragments F are isotopically identified by experimental procedures involving magnetic analysis, energy loss and time-of-flight measurements. Attempts were also made to: (1) measure the total and partial production cross section for all isotopes, (2) test the applicability of high-energy multi-particle interaction theory to nuclear fragmentation, (3) apply the cross-section data and fragmentation probabilities to cosmic ray transport theory, and (4) search for systematic behavior of fragment production as a means to improve existing semi-empirical theories of cross sections.

Heckman, H. H.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Single Event Upset Effects on the Clementine Solid State Data Recorder

The sensitivity of the Clementine 2.1 Gbit Solid State Data Recorder (SSDR) to single event upsets was characterized in ground tests. Subsequent in-situ measurements of the ambient radiation environment by experiments on-board Clementine permitted evaluation of the ability of models of the single event phenomenon in the SSDR to be tested using actual data. Initial results from the analysis reveal a nearly constant background upset rate of ~71 bit flips/day for the SSDR. There is no obvious correlation with a solar proton event recorded by Clementine and several other spacecraft on 20-21 February 1994, indicating that the SSDR was not sensitive to protons. The constant rate is thus interpreted as being a function of the Galactic Cosmic Ray heavy ion environment. A pronounced lunar orbit altitude dependence has also been identified in the data though the cause has not yet been unambiguously identified.

Clementine↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-Entropy Alloys for Accelerator Beam Window Applications

Development of novel high-entropy alloys (HEAs) is currently underway for potential use as beam windows in future multi-megawatt target systems at Fermilab. HEAs encompass a new class of materials with a vast design space allowing for material properties to be tailored for particular applications and to potentially offer improved resistance to beam-induced radiation damage and thermal shock effects. The alloy systems being studied consist of several compositions of AlCoCrMnTiV with 4 6 component elements. These alloys are all predicted by CALPHAD simulation to have a single-phase BCC crystal structure and low density, with some compositions displaying ordered, nanoscale precipitates. This presentation will briefly discuss alloy design and synthesis before giving a detailed description of the characterization studies of these HEAs in both the pristine state and post-irradiation by low-energy heavy ions to high damage levels. Electron microscopy techniques to quantify elemental homogeneity and composition, determine grain size, shape, and orientation, and quantify lattice parameters, defect structures and precipitate phases are all being used to study alloy microstructures. Mechanical properties of the alloys at the microscale will be reported. The evolution of these properties as a function of radiation damage will also be described. Bulk thermal characteristics of these HEAs have been tested to measure specific heat capacity and coefficient of thermal expansion as a function of temperature. To determine bulk tensile properties a miniature tensile testing apparatus is under development; it s commissioning will be covered briefly. The talk will conclude with our plans for alloy down-selection.

Burleigh, A. [Fermilab]↗
NASA NTRS1998

Miniature High-Let Radiation Spectrometer for Space and Avionics Applications

This paper reports on the design and characterization of a small, low power, and low weight instrument, a High-LET Radiation Spectrometer (HiLRS), that measures energy deposited by heavy ions in microelectronic devices. The HILRS operates on pulse-height analysis principles and is designed for space and avionics applications. The detector component in the instrument is based on large scale arrays of p-n junctions. In this system, the pulse amplitude from a particle hit is directly proportional to the particle LET. A prototype flight unit has been fabricated and calibrated using several heavy ions with varying LETs and protons with several energies. The unit has been delivered to the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) c/o the Air Force Research Laboratory in Albuquerque, NM, for integration into the military Space Technology Research Vehicle (STRV), a US-UK cooperative mission. Another version of HILRS is being prepared for delivery in April to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) project, to fly on the HST Orbital Systems Test (HOST) Platform on a shuttle mission.

Stassinopoulos, E. G.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Development of Corrosion Resistant Coatings for Structural Materials for Liquid Fueled Molten Salts Reactors Applications (Final Report)

Current structural alloys, code certified for the MSRs temperature ranges, contain high levels of chromium, making them highly susceptible to molten halide salt corrosion. One potential solution to circumvent the need for code certification of novel alloys, which is expensive and time consuming, is to design claddings that will protect the underlying code certified materials from corrosion damage during operation. In this work, we examined the corrosion of Ni and Cu electroplated, Ni and CuNi weld overlay, Mo-laser clad, and carburized claddings on SS316H for use in molten salt reactor environments. After characterization of the cladded materials (Task 1), static corrosion tests were used to assess corrosion resistance of the claddings in typical molten fluoride salts (Task 2). The corrosion tests were performed in molten FLiNaK at 700°C up to 1000 hours. Pre- and post-corrosion Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive-spectroscopy (EDS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and glow-discharge-optical-emission-spectroscopy (GDOES) were performed on cladding cross-sections and surfaces to evaluate degradation. The Cu and Ni electroplated samples, as well as the carburized samples, showed excellent corrosion resistance relative to the bare SS316H. To assess high temperature cladding stability, ageing experiments were performed at temperatures up to 900 C in inert atmosphere for the electroplated and carburized samples and a diffusion model was developed to predict long term cladding behavior (Task 3). It was found that the Cu cladding was basically insensitive to the high temperature ageing, except for small secondary phases forming at the interface. On the other hand, the Ni electroplated cladding experienced significant interdiffusion. Nevertheless, the gain in corrosion resistance for a 100μm Ni electroplated cladding is phenomenal, with more than 50% reduction in chromium dissolution from the substrate material for the first 15 years of salt exposure at 700°C. To assess radiation resistance and phase stability, high-temperature 4MeV Ni heavy ion irradiation was performed across the cladding/substrate interface up to 50 displacement-per-atom (DPA) at 500°C and 700°C to assess the phase stability and irradiation behaviors of the electroplated systems (Task 4). The Ni and Cu electroplated systems did not experience void swelling at the contrary to the SS316H substrate due to their nanocrystalline nature. Some level of recrystallization was observed in the cladding, as well as radiation induced segregation and enhanced diffusion. The interface acted as a potent sink for point defects with the presence of a void denuded zone. The mechanical properties of the claddings were assessed using thermal shock, micro-indentation, nano-indentation, and four-point bend testing experiments (Task 5). These experiments were performed on the claddings in as-received, corroded, irradiated, and thermally aged states to determine the effects of typical molten salt reactor environments on cladding integrity. No significant mass loss was observed after repeated thermal shocks. While the electroplated samples softened after high-temperature ageing, irradiation hardening compensate this effect, such that there is little different with the as-received materials. The results of these experiments suggest that the electroplated (copper/nickel) show the greatest promise for application in molten salt reactor development. These claddings prevented any chromium dissolution from occurring during the static corrosion experiments. Additionally, they demonstrated favorable properties for high temperature diffusion, phase stability, interfacial mechanical properties, and irradiation resistance. Weld-overlay cladding are also of great interest and could reach properties similar to the electroplated samples upon optimization (especially with multiple weld passes). The carburized SS316H showed excellent behavior as well, but more work needs to be done to assess their long-term stability. Finally, the Mo-laser clad system was not pursued further due to the manufacturing challenges. It is also worth noting that the Ni cladding systems should behave relatively well in terms of weldability since the Ni-weld overlay microstructure and associated corrosion rate are sound. While the NiCu weld-overlay has even lower corrosion rates than the Ni-weld overlay, more studies on welding of Cu-electroplated systems are necessary since Cu clusters are known to embrittle steels.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2008

VIRTEX-4 VQ static SEU Characterization Summary

This report is the result of the combined efforts of members within the Xilinx Radiation Test Consortium (XRTC), sometimes known as the Xilinx SEE Test Consortium. The XRTC is a voluntary association of aerospace entities, including leading aerospace companies, universities and national laboratories, combining resources to characterize reconfigurable FPGAs for aerospace applications. Previous publications of Virtex-4 radiation results are for commercial (non-epitaxial) devices; see, for example, Refs. 1-4. A notable exception is Ref. 5, which presents XRTC upset measurements of storage elements in the PowerPC405s in the XQR4VFX60. This report of upset susceptibility to heavy ions and protons of the static memory elements in the Virtex-4QV family is a direct parallel to the XRTC report on the thin epitaxial devices in the Virtex-2 family released four years ago.

field programmable gate array (FPGA)↗
NASA NTRS1976

Heavy ion fragmentation experiments at the bevatron

Collaborative research efforts to study the fragmentation processes of heavy nuclei in matter using heavy ion beams of the Bevatron/Bevalac are described. The goal of the program is to obtain the single particle inclusive spectra of secondary nuclei produced at 0 deg by the fragmentation of heavy ion beam projectiles. The process being examined is B+T yields F + anything, where B is the beam nucleus, T is the target nucleus, and F is the detected fragment. The fragments F are isotopically identified by experimental procedures involving magnetic analysis, energy loss and time-of-flight measurements. Effects were also made to: (a) study processes of heavy nuclei in matter, (b) measure the total and partial production cross section for all isotopes, (c) test the applicability of high energy multiparticle interaction theory to nuclear fragmentation, (d) apply the cross section data and fragmentation probabilities to cosmic ray transport theory, and (e) search for systematic behavior of fragment production as a means to improve existing semi-empirical theories of cross-sections.

Heckman, H. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Biostack 3 experiment MA-107

The Biostack III experiment onboard the Apollo spacecraft during the Apollo Soyuz Test Project complemented the Biostack I and II experiments of the Apollo 16 and 17 missions. The objectives of these experiments were to study the biological effects of individual heavy cosmic particles of high energy loss (HZE) not available on earth, to study the influence of additional space flight factors, to obtain knowledge on the mechanism by which HZE particles damage biological materials, to get information on the spectrum of charge and energy of the cosmic ions in the spacecraft, and to estimate the radiation hazards to man in space.

H. Bucker↗
DOE OSTI2022

Flow-plane decorrelations in heavy-ion collisions with multiple-plane cumulants

The azimuthal correlations between local flow planes at different (pseudo)rapidities (η) may reveal important details of the initial nuclear matter density distributions in heavy-ion collisions. Extensive experimental measurements of a factorization ratio (r 2 ) and its derivative (F 2 ) have shown evidence of the longitudinal flow-plane decorrelation. However, nonflow effects also affect this observable and prevent a quantitative understanding of the phenomenon. In this paper, to distinguish decorrelation and nonflow effects, we propose a new cumulant observable, T 2 , which largely suppresses nonflow. Here, the technique sensitivity to different initial-state scenarios and nonflow effects are tested with a simple Monte Carlo model, and in the end, the method is applied to events simulated by a multiphase transport model (AMPT) for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV. We also emphasize that a distinct decorrelation signal requires not only the right sign of an observable but also its proper dependence on the η window of the reference flow plane to be consistent with the pertinent decorrelation picture.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Comprehensive Machine Learning Model for Metal–Ligand Binding Prediction: Applications in Chemistry and Biology

A machine-learning (ML) model that predicts metal–ligand binding constants was developed using the open-source Chemprop software. The model was trained on over 30,000 experimental log K 1 values, which include both protonation and metal–ligand stability constants, comprising over 3500 ligands and 10 2 metal ions from 73 total elements, thus generalizing beyond existing limited approaches, which focus only on specific metals or ligand families. The best-performing model included a combination of SMILES-based molecular representations along with descriptors for the metal ion and experimental conditions. It had an external test R 2 value of 0.942, and MAE value of 0.834. A “SMILES-only” simpler version also produced accurate predictions and preserved the binding trends, serving as a quick and easily accessible alternative for users without computational expertise. The SMILES-only model performed comparably to density functional theory (DFT) calculations but utilized a fraction of the computational resources. The model was successfully applied across diverse domains, including bioinorganic chemistry, heavy metal remediation, and sensor development and demonstrated its effectiveness as a rapid and reliable screening tool for both academic and industrial uses.

Ligands↗
DOE OSTI2024

Development of a low-pressure Multi-Mesh THGEM detector for fission experiments at FRIB

Abstract A small-area imaging detector prototype for position measurement of fission fragments produced in low energy heavy-ion reactions is presented in this study. The detector readout is equipped with a 2-dimensional, position-sensitive gaseous avalanche readout based on the novel Multi-Mesh Thick-GEM (MM-THGEM), and is coupled to a delay-line board for particle localization. The prototype has an effective area of 10 × 10 cm 2 and is operated in isobutane at low pressure (7–10 Torr). We present and discuss a series of systematic evaluation tests performed by irradiating the detector with α-particles and fission fragments emitted by small-rate sources ( 241 Am, 249 Cf and 252 Cf). Position and time resolutions of about 0.42 mm and 1 ns were achieved, respectively. This work serves as a benchmark for the development of a large-scale array of detectors for experiments with fission and fission-like reaction products at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB).

Instruments & Instrumentation↗
NASA NTRS2022

Preferential Acceleration of Heavy Ions in a Spontaneously Fragmenting Flare Current Sheet

We study the ion acceleration in a mesoscale, spontaneously fragmenting flare current sheet (SFCS) characterized by the presence of a plasmoid cascade. The main subject of our investigation is to determine whether and how plasmoid cascades at intermediate scales in a fragmented current sheet of a solar flare can impact the (preferential) acceleration of specific ions. The time evolution of the SFCS is obtained from high-resolution 2.5D MHD simulations. The ion trajectories (in the background fields resulting from the MHD model), energies, and pitch angles are calculated using a relativistic test-particle code based on the half-acceleration–rotation–half-acceleration method. For light ions, the main acceleration effects of electromagnetic fields within the SFCS are analyzed using the guiding center approximation. We identify regions with the most-efficient ion acceleration within the SFCS, the accelerator efficiency, and spectra of the accelerated ions. The influence of the charge-to-mass ratio on ion behavior is also studied and resulting ion abundances are compared with observational data. The main ion acceleration takes place in the regions with a strong polarization term, which is part of the first-order Fermi acceleration. Because the term is mass dependent, heavier ions undergo preferential acceleration. The ion energy spectra, abundance-enhancement factors, and differential fluxes, obtained from the model, exhibit power-law profiles, in agreement with observed solar energetic particle events. Nonetheless, the obtained slopes for the abundance-enhancement factor do not exactly match the observed data. The computed slopes and profiles are not sensitive to changes in the initial plasma temperature.

David Kramoliš↗
NASA NTRS2013

What Reliability Engineers Should Know about Space Radiation Effects

Space radiation in space systems present unique failure modes and considerations for reliability engineers. Radiation effects is not a one size fits all field. Threat conditions that must be addressed for a given mission depend on the mission orbital profile, the technologies of parts used in critical functions and on application considerations, such as supply voltages, temperature, duty cycle, and redundancy. In general, the threats that must be addressed are of two types-the cumulative degradation mechanisms of total ionizing dose (TID) and displacement damage (DD). and the prompt responses of components to ionizing particles (protons and heavy ions) falling under the heading of single-event effects. Generally degradation mechanisms behave like wear-out mechanisms on any active components in a system: Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and Displacement Damage: (1) TID affects all active devices over time. Devices can fail either because of parametric shifts that prevent the device from fulfilling its application or due to device failures where the device stops functioning altogether. Since this failure mode varies from part to part and lot to lot, lot qualification testing with sufficient statistics is vital. Displacement damage failures are caused by the displacement of semiconductor atoms from their lattice positions. As with TID, failures can be either parametric or catastrophic, although parametric degradation is more common for displacement damage. Lot testing is critical not just to assure proper device fi.mctionality throughout the mission. It can also suggest remediation strategies when a device fails. This paper will look at these effects on a variety of devices in a variety of applications. This paper will look at these effects on a variety of devices in a variety of applications. (2) On the NEAR mission a functional failure was traced to a PIN diode failure caused by TID induced high leakage currents. NEAR was able to recover from the failure by reversing the current of a nearby Thermal Electric Cooler (turning the TEC into a heater). The elevated temperature caused the PIN diode to anneal and the device to recover. It was by lot qualification testing that NEAR knew the diode would recover when annealed. This paper will look at these effects on a variety of devices in a variety of applications. Single Event Effects (SEE): (1) In contrast to TID and displacement damage, Single Event Effects (SEE) resemble random failures. SEE modes can range from changes in device logic (single-event upset, or SEU). temporary disturbances (single-event transient) to catastrophic effects such as the destructive SEE modes, single-event latchup (SEL). single-event gate rupture (SEGR) and single-event burnout (SEB) (2) The consequences of nondestructive SEE modes such as SEU and SET depend critically on their application--and may range from trivial nuisance errors to catastrophic loss of mission. It is critical not just to ensure that potentially susceptible devices are well characterized for their susceptibility, but also to work with design engineers to understand the implications of each error mode. -For destructive SEE, the predominant risk mitigation strategy is to avoid susceptible parts, or if that is not possible. to avoid conditions under which the part may be susceptible. Destructive SEE mechanisms are often not well understood, and testing is slow and expensive, making rate prediction very challenging. (3) Because the consequences of radiation failure and degradation modes depend so critically on the application as well as the component technology, it is essential that radiation, component. design and system engineers work togetherpreferably starting early in the program to ensure critical applications are addressed in time to optimize the probability of mission success.

DiBari, Rebecca↗
DOE OSTI2022

Carbon Anode Material from Biomass Pyrolysis Oil

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are an important component of electric vehicles and sodium-ion batteries (SIB) are an attractive alternative for grid electric storage. We are investigating a novel approach to synthesizing the carbon anode materials for these batteries from biomass pyrolysis oil as part of conversion processes to produce biofuels. Graphite is used as anode material in LIB and is exclusively produced from petroleum residue or mined mineral carbon. We have synthesized drop-in graphite by coking the heavy residual oil from the distillation of catalytic fast pyrolysis oil and by catalytic graphitizing raw pyrolysis oil. XRD and Raman spectroscopies were used to verify the production of high purity crystalline graphite. Figure 1 shows typical XRD spectra of the bio-graphite compared to commercial material as well as the charge/discharge cycle. Graphite particle sizes and morphologies were adjusted to improve performance using jet milling and carbon coating. The bio-graphite delivered a high capacity (335 mAh/g) when tested in a graphite half-cell. Full cell coin cell experiments were also conducted to verify the observations from half-cell testing. The high value of graphite (>$9/kg) can positively impact the economics of biofuels production and can be an important part of a future circular carbon economy. We have also investigated synthesizing hard carbon from pyrolysis oil for use as anode material in SIB. These batteries are not commercially mature but have great promise in grid storage and use earth abundant elements. We have demonstrated that pyrolysis oil can be used to synthesize hard carbon, which was subsequently be used in SIB experiments. This material achieved a sodium-ion capacity of 250 mAh/g and a first cycle efficiency of 78%, with opportunities to further optimize this performance from optimizing the composition of the pyrolysis oil to shaping the hard carbon particles. As with graphite, hard carbon is a high value (> $10/kg) material that could facilitate biofuels production.

BIOMASS FUELS,INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND AN↗
NASA NTRS2006

Single Event Effects Test Results for the Actel ProASIC Plus and Altera Stratix-II Field Programmable Gate Arrays

This work describes radiation testing of Actel's ProASIC Plus and Altera's Stratix-II FPGAs. The Actel Device Under Test (DUT) was a ProASIC Plus APA300-PQ208 nonvolatile, field reprogrammable device which is based on a 0.22micron flash-based LVCMOS technology. Limited investigation has taken place into flash based FPGA technologies, therefore this test served as a preliminary reference point for various SEE behaviors. The Altera DUT was a Stratix-II EP2S60F1020C4. Single Event Upset (SEU) and Single Event Latchup (SEL) were the focus of these studies. For the Actel, a latchup test was done at an effective LET of 75.0 MeV-sq cm/mg at room temperature, and no latchup was detected when irradiated to a total fluence of 1 x 10(exp 7) particles/sq cm. The Altera part was shown to latchup at room temperature.

heavy ions↗
NASA NTRS2006

Single Event Transients in Voltage Regulators for FPGA Power Supply Applications

As with other bipolar analog devices, voltage regulators are known to be sensitive to single event transients (SET). In typical applications, large output capacitors are used to provide noise immunity. Therefore, since SET amplitude and duration are generally small, they are often of secondary importance due to this capacitance filtering. In low voltage applications, however, even small SET are a concern. Over-voltages may cause destructive conditions. Under-voltages may cause functional interrupts and may also trigger electrical latchup conditions. In addition, internal protection circuits which are affected by load as well as internal thermal effects can also be triggered from heavy ions, causing dropouts or shutdown ranging from milliseconds to seconds. In the case of FPGA power supplies applications, SETS are critical. For example, in the case of Actel FPGA RTAX family, core power supply voltage is 1.5V. Manufacturer specifies an absolute maximum rating of 1.6V and recommended operating conditions between 1.425V and 1.575V. Therefore, according to the manufacturer, any transient of amplitude greater than 75 mV can disrupt normal circuit functions, and overvoltages greater than 100 mV may damage the FPGA. We tested five low dropout voltage regulators for SET sensitivity under a large range of circuit application conditions.

Poivey, Christian↗