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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 559 records · Page 31
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Use of proton beams with breast prostheses and tissue expanders

Since the early 2000s, a small but rapidly increasing number of patients with breast cancer have been treated with proton beams. Some of these patients have had breast prostheses or tissue expanders in place during their courses of treatment. Procedures must be implemented to plan the treatments of these patients. The density, kilovoltage x-ray computed tomography numbers (kVXCTNs), and proton relative linear stopping powers (pRLSPs) were calculated and measured for several test sample devices. The calculated and measured kVXCTNs of saline were 1% and 2.4% higher than the values for distilled water while the calculated RLSP for saline was within 0.2% of the value for distilled water. The measured kVXCTN and pRLSP of the silicone filling material for the test samples were approximately 1120 and 0.935, respectively. The conversion of kVXCTNs to pRLSPs by the treatment planning system standard tissue conversion function is adequate for saline-filled devices but for silicone-filled devices manual reassignment of the pRLSPs is required.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Exchange and spin states in quantum dots under strong spatial correlations. Computer simulation by the Feynman path integral method

The fundamental laws in the behavior of electrons in model quantum dots that are caused by exchange and strong Coulomb correlations are studied. The ab initio path integral method is used to numerically simulate systems of two, three, four, and six interacting identical electrons confined in a three-dimensional spherical potential well with a parabolic confining potential against the background of thermal fluctuations. The temperature dependences of spin and collective spin magnetic susceptibility are calculated for model quantum dots of various spatial sizes. A basically exact procedure is proposed for taking into account the permutation symmetry and the spin state of electrons, which makes it possible to perform numerical calculations using modern computer facilities. The conditions of applicability of a virial energy estimator and its optimum form in exchange systems are determined. A correlation estimator of kinetic energy, which is an alternative to a basic estimator, is suggested. A fundamental relation between the kinetic energy of a quantum particle and the character of its virtual diffusion in imaginary time is demonstrated. The process of natural 'pairing' of electron spins during the compression of a quantum dot and cooling of a system is numerically reproduced in terms of path integrals. The temperature dependences of the spin magnetic susceptibility of electron pairs with a characteristic maximum caused by spin pairing are obtained.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

Use of Monte Carlo simulation to quantify CIPS risk

Crud Induced Power Shift (CIPS), caused by the accumulation of boron compounds in corrosion product deposits on high power fuel assemblies, is an important operational issue for Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs). The Boron-induced Offset Analysis (BOA) computer code has been developed by EPRI in collaboration with Westinghouse to help utility engineers avoid onset of CIPS. The code, used with an established procedure, predicts the maximum boron mass that will be accumulated in the upcoming cycle for a given core design and plant chemistry and operating program. The calculated boron mass above a given threshold predicts the risk of CIPS to the upcoming cycle. BOA has been successful in correctly predicting the risk for onset or lack of CIPS in many cycles. However, like most codes modeling complex physical phenomena, it is subject to uncertainties in several of the inputs used to describe these phenomena. The current BOA procedure results in a single 'best estimate' prediction, which has been judged to provide engineers with a practical way to assess CIPS risk. As such, however, there is a probability that the actual plant CIPS performance may be underestimated. This paper describes a method to assess the probability (with an associated confidence level) of no CIPS, mild to moderate CIPS, or severe CIPS using BOA for a given core design. This is accomplished through the use of a Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation is applied to several plant examples, and the results are evaluated in terms of the likelihood of mild or severe CIPS. A suggested set of criteria for decision making regarding CIPS risk is presented in the conclusion. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2017

A dynamical polynomial chaos approach for long-time evolution of SPDEs

We propose a Dynamical generalized Polynomial Chaos (DgPC) method to solve time-dependent stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) with white noise forcing. The long-time simulation of SPDE solutions by Polynomial Chaos (PC) methods is notoriously difficult as the dimension of the stochastic variables increases linearly with time. Exploiting the Markovian property of white noise, DgPC implements a restart procedure that allows us to expand solutions at future times in terms of orthogonal polynomials of the measure describing the solution at a given time and the future white noise. The dimension of the representation is kept minimal by application of a Karhunen–Loeve (KL) expansion. Using frequent restarts and low degree polynomials on sparse multi-index sets, the method allows us to perform long time simulations, including the calculation of invariant measures for systems which possess one. We apply the method to the numerical simulation of stochastic Burgers and Navier–Stokes equations with white noise forcing. Our method also allows us to incorporate time-independent random coefficients such as a random viscosity. We propose several numerical simulations and show that the algorithm compares favorably with standard Monte Carlo methods.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

Touching the void: A striking drop in stellar halo density beyond 50 kpc

We use A-type stars selected from Sloan Digital Sky Survey data release 9 photometry to measure the outer slope of the Milky Way stellar halo density profile beyond 50 kpc. A likelihood-based analysis is employed that models the ugr photometry distribution of blue horizontal branch and blue straggler stars. In the magnitude range 18.5 < g < 20.5, these stellar populations span a heliocentric distance range of: 10 ≲ D {sub BS}/kpc ≲ 75, 40 ≲ D {sub BHB}/kpc ≲ 100. Contributions from contaminants, such as QSOs, and the effect of photometric uncertainties, are also included in our modeling procedure. We find evidence for a very steep outer halo profile, with power-law index α ∼ 6 beyond Galactocentric radii r = 50 kpc, and even steeper slopes favored (α ∼ 6-10) at larger radii. This result holds true when stars belonging to known overdensities, such as the Sagittarius stream, are included or excluded. We show that, by comparison to numerical simulations, stellar halos with shallower slopes at large distances tend to have more recent accretion activity. Thus, it is likely that the Milky Way has undergone a relatively quiet accretion history over the past several gigayears. Our measurement of the outer stellar halo profile may have important implications for dynamical mass models of the Milky Way, where the tracer density profile is strongly degenerate with total mass estimates.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Determination of the mechanical properties of blisters by nanoindentation

In light-water reactors, a zirconium oxide layer will be formed at the outer surface of the fuel cladding as a consequence of the chemical reaction which takes place between zirconium and the cooling water. This zirconium oxide layer is a good thermal insulator, but at some point, it may spall-out. As a consequence, a cold spot will be formed at the outer surface of the cladding. In this situation, the hydrogen will quickly migrate to this spot to form a highly-enriched hydride zone, known as blister. In this work, an experimental procedure has been devised to produce blisters with a similar shape to the ones reported in the literature for irradiated cladding with severe hydriding. Nano-indentation tests were performed on blisters prepared in laboratory. A numerical simulation by the finite element method was developed to fit the load versus penetration depth data from the aforementioned nano-indentation tests. By means of an inverse process which combines experimental data and numerical simulations, the constitutive equation of the blister was determined. The process has been used to calculate the plastic stress-strain curve of the blister under study at room temperature. The results show an almost perfect numerical fitting of the experimental data.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Treatment of Osteoid Osteomas Using a Navigational Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation System

BackgroundPercutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for osteoid osteomas. This technical case series describes the use of a recently introduced ablation system with a probe that can be curved in multiple directions, embedded thermocouples for real-time monitoring of the ablation volume, and a bipolar design that obviates the need for a grounding pad.MethodsMedical records of all patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation of an osteoid osteoma with the STAR Tumor Ablation System (DFINE; San Jose, CA) were reviewed. The location of each osteoid osteoma, nidus volume, and procedural details were recorded. Treatment efficacy and long-term complications were assessed at clinical follow-up.ResultsDuring the study period, 18 osteoid osteomas were radiofrequency ablated with the multidirectional bipolar system. Lesion locations included the femur (50 %; 9/18), tibia (22 %; 4/18), cervical spine (11 %; 2/18), calcaneus (5.5 %; 1/18), iliac bone (5.5 %; 1/18), and fibula (5.5 %; 1/18). The median nidus volume of these cases was 0.33 mL (range 0.12–2.0 mL). All tumors were accessed via a single osseous channel. Median cumulative ablation time was 5 min and 0 s (range 1 min and 32 s–8 min and 50 s). All patients with clinical follow-up reported complete symptom resolution. No complications occurred.ConclusionSafe and effective CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas can be performed in a variety of locations using a multidirectional bipolar system.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2022

National Ignition Facility. Facility and Infrastructure Systems Maintenance Plan

Ensuring the reliability of the NIF, including its support systems, laser systems, target diagnostic systems, and utilities, is essential to the availability of the NIF in its support of NNSA missions. NIF is a key capability in the DOE Stockpile Stewardship Program and supports high energy physics experiments for nuclear weapons, energy, and astrophysics applications. High system reliability provides opportunities for shots and scientific discoveries with opportunities to enhance and upgrade capabilities. This Maintenance Plan (MP) identifies the policies and procedures used to perform and support asset management of the NIF Facility and Infrastructure Systems (FInS), NIF Lasers & Alignment (LASE), NIF Target Experimental Operations (TOPS), NIF Target Area Science and Engineering (TASE), and NIF&PS Control Systems (NCS). The FInS systems include the facility, HVAC, contamination control, beampath, and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) as well as utilities which create the beampath environments, such as vacuum, argon, or clean dry air. The LASE systems are Programmatic systems which include laser diagnostics, alignment, power conditioning, pulsed power, and input laser systems. The TOPS and TASE systems are also Programmatic systems which include target and diagnostic delivery systems and positioners, many different insertable and fixed target diagnostics, and cryogenic and target gas fill systems. Finally, the NCS systems include both software and hardware for industrial and shot operation control systems. Policies governing administrative and operational practices related to maintenance of FInS, LASE, TOPS, TASE, and NCS systems are described in this plan. In addition, the plan provides processes and procedures for managing, tracking, and documenting the work. This document, the NIF Operations Management Plan, NIF-5020544 (Ref. 1), and NIF Shot Operations Plan, NIF-5018506 (Ref. 2), together satisfy the requirements of the Conduct of Operations. Duties, responsibilities, and reporting requirements of the various positions associated with FInS, LASE, and TOPS maintenance are detailed in this plan. The FInS systems include both Real Property systems with asset management requirements specified in DOE Order 430.1C (Ref. 3) and Programmatic systems. In addition, for FInS, there is a list of the System Level Maintenance Plans (SLMPs) in NIF-1007419198 (Ref. 4) which provide the system descriptions and maintenance plan and schedule. In addition, the list includes the Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) and Experience Centered Maintenance (ECM) evaluations that have been performed for applicable FInS systems as well as reliability criticality per Section 3.5. The -AM version of the NIF Maintenance Plan focuses on the reliability program for FInS, LASE, TOPS, TASE, and NCS within the context of the overall NIF Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) program and incorporates changes since the -AL version from August 2011 and has been updated to be fully consistent with the updates to Ref. 1. It also includes asset management considerations, updates to the Work Order (WO) process within the NIF Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) which is EAM infor® System Maintenance and Reliability Tracking (SMaRT) (Ref. 5), and updates to metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2016

ANALYTIC H i-to-H{sub 2} PHOTODISSOCIATION TRANSITION PROFILES

We present a simple analytic procedure for generating atomic (H i) to molecular (H{sub 2}) density profiles for optically thick hydrogen gas clouds illuminated by far-ultraviolet radiation fields. Our procedure is based on the analytic theory for the structure of one-dimensional H i/H{sub 2} photon-dominated regions, presented by Sternberg et al. Depth-dependent atomic and molecular density fractions may be computed for arbitrary gas density, far-ultraviolet field intensity, and the metallicity-dependent H{sub 2} formation rate coefficient, and dust absorption cross section in the Lyman–Werner photodissociation band. We use our procedure to generate a set of H I-to-H{sub 2} transition profiles for a wide range of conditions, from the weak- to strong-field limits, and from super-solar down to low metallicities. We show that if presented as functions of dust optical depth, the H I and H{sub 2} density profiles depend primarily on the Sternberg “αG parameter” (dimensionless) that determines the dust optical depth associated with the total photodissociated H I column. We derive a universal analytic formula for the H I-to-H{sub 2} transition points as a function of just αG. Our formula will be useful for interpreting emission-line observations of H i/H{sub 2} interfaces, for estimating star formation thresholds, and for sub-grid components in hydrodynamics simulations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

COMPRESSIBLE RELATIVISTIC MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC TURBULENCE IN MAGNETICALLY DOMINATED PLASMAS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR A STRONG-COUPLING REGIME

In this Letter, we report compressible mode effects on relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (RMHD) turbulence in Poynting-dominated plasmas using three-dimensional numerical simulations. We decomposed fluctuations in the turbulence into 3 MHD modes (fast, slow, and Alfvén) following the procedure of mode decomposition in Cho and Lazarian, and analyzed their energy spectra and structure functions separately. We also analyzed the ratio of compressible mode to Alfvén mode energy with respect to its Mach number. We found the ratio of compressible mode increases not only with the Alfvén Mach number, but also with the background magnetization, which indicates a strong coupling between the fast and Alfvén modes. It also signifies the appearance of a new regime of RMHD turbulence in Poynting-dominated plasmas where the fast and Alfvén modes are strongly coupled and, unlike the non-relativistic MHD regime, cannot be treated separately. This finding will affect particle acceleration efficiency obtained by assuming Alfvénic critical-balance turbulence and can change the resulting photon spectra emitted by non-thermal electrons.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Transarterial Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer Visualization and Penetration After Embolization of Life-Threatening Hemoptysis: Technical and Clinical Outcomes

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVAC) for bronchial artery embolization (BAE) in patients with life-threatening hemoptysis and to compare the visualization and transarterial penetration of EVAC under fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT). Methods: Fifteen patients (mean age, 62.9 (range, 24-82) years) who were referred for life-threatening hemoptysis (27 month period) underwent BAE using EVAC. All patients had thoracic CT examination before and after BAE. Technical and clinical results were evaluated. Visibility and extent of cast penetration (graded 1-4) on fluoroscopy and postprocedure CT were assessed and compared. Results: BAE was feasible in all but one artery (due to spasm; n = 27; 96.4%). No procedure-related complications or deaths were detected. Two patients had recurrent bleeding in the following day (13.3%). Immediate clinical success was achieved in 14 cases (93.3%) after reembolization of pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm in one patient (mean follow-up, 43.5 (range, 14-148) days). Visibility of the cast was possible in 73.3% of patients (n = 11) under fluoroscopy (mean cast penetration 1.66) and in all patients under CT (mean cast penetration 2.06). The postinjection fluoroscopic visibility in 6 of 15 (40%) patients was inferior to CT (P < 0.02). Conclusions: BAE with EVAC seems to be feasible and safe with immediate control of hemoptysis in most patients. The postinjection fluoroscopic visibility of EVAC under fluoroscopy was inferior to CT.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2016

First Human Experience with Directly Image-able Iodinated Embolization Microbeads

PurposeTo describe first clinical experience with a directly image-able, inherently radio-opaque microspherical embolic agent for transarterial embolization of liver tumors.MethodologyLC Bead LUMI™ is a new product based upon sulfonate-modified polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel microbeads with covalently bound iodine (~260 mg I/ml). 70–150 μ LC Bead LUMI™ iodinated microbeads were injected selectively via a 2.8 Fr microcatheter to near complete flow stasis into hepatic arteries in three patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, carcinoid, or neuroendocrine tumor. A custom imaging platform tuned for LC LUMI™ microbead conspicuity using a cone beam CT (CBCT)/angiographic C-arm system (Allura Clarity FD20, Philips) was used along with CBCT embolization treatment planning software (EmboGuide, Philips).ResultsLC Bead LUMI™ image-able microbeads were easily delivered and monitored during the procedure using fluoroscopy, single-shot radiography (SSD), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), dual-phase enhanced and unenhanced CBCT, and unenhanced conventional CT obtained 48 h after the procedure. Intra-procedural imaging demonstrated tumor at risk for potential under-treatment, defined as paucity of image-able microbeads within a portion of the tumor which was confirmed at 48 h CT imaging. Fusion of pre- and post-embolization CBCT identified vessels without beads that corresponded to enhancing tumor tissue in the same location on follow-up imaging (48 h post).ConclusionLC Bead LUMI™ image-able microbeads provide real-time feedback and geographic localization of treatment in real time during treatment. The distribution and density of image-able beads within a tumor need further evaluation as an additional endpoint for embolization.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2016

TU-D-209-05: Automatic Calculation of Organ and Effective Dose for CBCT and Interventional Fluoroscopic Procedures

Purpose: To compare PCXMC and EGSnrc calculated organ and effective radiation doses from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and interventional fluoroscopically-guided procedures using automatic exposure-event grouping. Methods: For CBCT, we used PCXMC20Rotation.exe to automatically calculate the doses and compared the results to those calculated using EGSnrc with the Zubal patient phantom. For interventional procedures, we use the dose tracking system (DTS) which we previously developed to produce a log file of all geometry and exposure parameters for every x-ray pulse during a procedure, and the data in the log file is input into PCXMC and EGSnrc for dose calculation. A MATLAB program reads data from the log files and groups similar exposures to reduce calculation time. The definition files are then automatically generated in the format used by PCXMC and EGSnrc. Processing is done at the end of the procedure after all exposures are completed. Results: For the Toshiba Infinix CBCT LCI-Middle-Abdominal protocol, most organ doses calculated with PCXMC20Rotation closely matched those calculated with EGSnrc. The effective doses were 33.77 mSv with PCXMC20Rotation and 32.46 mSv with EGSnrc. For a simulated interventional cardiac procedure, similar close agreement in organ dose was obtained between the two codes; the effective doses were 12.02 mSv with PCXMC and 11.35 mSv with EGSnrc. The calculations can be completed on a PC without manual intervention in less than 15 minutes with PCXMC and in about 10 hours with EGSnrc, depending on the level of data grouping and accuracy desired. Conclusion: Effective dose and most organ doses in CBCT and interventional radiology calculated by PCXMC closely match those calculated by EGSnrc. Data grouping, which can be done automatically, makes the calculation time with PCXMC on a standard PC acceptable. This capability expands the dose information that can be provided by the DTS. Partial support from NIH Grant R01-EB002873 and Toshiba Medical Systems Corp.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

The Role of Multimodality Imaging in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Purpose of Review: Multimodality imaging is integral for diagnosis, procedural guidance, and follow-up of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). In this review, we provide an overview of the role of each imaging modality and highlight technical considerations and pitfalls. We also address current controversies and new developments in the field. Recent Findings: Echocardiography remains the primary imaging modality for diagnosis of aortic stenosis and intraprocedural guidance for TAVR, but computed tomography (CT) imaging has supplanted echocardiography for annular sizing and access site evaluation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows promise in targeted patient populations. Refined parameters and guidelines for valve sizing and paravalvular regurgitation have sought to standardize these complex assessments. Summary: Multimodality imaging remains critical to the success of TAVR, but its role has evolved over time. Understanding the applications, strengths, and limitations of each imaging modality is a crucial skill for the modern structural imager.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2015

TESTING MICROVARIABILITY IN QUASAR DIFFERENTIAL LIGHT CURVES USING SEVERAL FIELD STARS

Microvariability consists of small timescale variations of low amplitude in the photometric light curves of quasars and represents an important tool to investigate their inner core. Detection of quasar microvariations is challenging because of their non-periodicity, as well as the need for high monitoring frequency and a high signal-to-noise ratio. Statistical tests developed for the analysis of quasar differential light curves usually show either low power or low reliability, or both. In this paper we compare two statistical procedures to perform tests on several stars with enhanced power and high reliability. We perform light curve simulations of variable quasars and non-variable stars and analyze them with statistical procedures developed from the F-test and the analysis of variance. The results show a large improvement in the power of both statistical probes and a larger reliability when several stars are included in the analysis. The results from the simulations agree with those obtained from observations of real quasars. The high power and high reliability of the tests discussed in this paper improve the results that can be obtained from short and long timescale variability studies. These techniques are not limited to quasar variability; on the contrary, they can be easily implemented for other sources, such as variable stars. Their applications to future research and to the analysis of large-field photometric monitoring archives could reveal new variable sources.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Software-controlled, highly automated intrafraction prostate motion correction with intrafraction stereographic targeting: System description and clinical results

Purpose: A new system for software-controlled, highly automated correction of intrafraction prostate motion,'' intrafraction stereographic targeting'' (iSGT), is described and evaluated. Methods: At our institute, daily prostate positioning is routinely performed at the start of treatment beam using stereographic targeting (SGT). iSGT was implemented by extension of the SGT software to facilitate fast and accurate intrafraction motion corrections with minimal user interaction. iSGT entails megavoltage (MV) image acquisitions with the first segment of selected IMRT beams, automatic registration of implanted markers, followed by remote couch repositioning to correct for intrafraction motion above a predefined threshold, prior to delivery of the remaining segments. For a group of 120 patients, iSGT with corrections for two nearly lateral beams was evaluated in terms of workload and impact on effective intrafraction displacements in the sagittal plane. Results: SDs of systematic ({Sigma}) and random ({sigma}) displacements relative to the planning CT measured directly after initial SGT setup correction were <0.5 and <0.8 mm, respectively. Without iSGT corrections, effective {Sigma} and {sigma} for the 11-min treatments would increase to {Sigma}{sub eff} < 1.1 mm and {sigma}{sub eff} < 1.2 mm. With the iSGT procedure with an action level of 4 mm, effective positioning errors were reduced to {Sigma}{sub eff} < 0.8 mm and {sigma}{sub eff} < 1.0 mm, with 23.1% of all fractions requiring a correction. Computer simulations demonstrated that with an action level of 2 mm, the errors would have been reduced to {Sigma}{sub eff} < 0.6 mm and {sigma}{sub eff} < 0.7 mm, requiring corrections in 82.4% of the fractions. Because iSGT is highly automated, the extra time added by iSGT is <30 s if a correction is required. Conclusions: Without increasing imaging dose, iSGT successfully reduces intrafraction prostate motion with minimal workload and increase in fraction time. An action level of 2 mm is recommended.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2016

CYRANO3 the EDF fuel code performance: Global overview and recent developments on MOX fuel

CYRANO3 is the thermal mechanical industrial code developed and used by EDF to simulate the nuclear fuel rod performance in pile, and during the disposal storage period as well. This code has already been used successfully for the last ten years by the EDF engineering teams in justifying the overall reloading options covering various fuels: UO{sub 2}, UO{sub 2} + gadolinium, MOX, UO{sub 2} plus additives, and various cladding as well proposed by the nuclear fuel suppliers. Its particularity is related to a construction around a standard one-dimensional thermal and mechanical finite elements kernel with an appropriate architecture to plug in any new functionalities or models. Since the beginning it is developed as a module able integrating within a core calculation chain. Other constrain is to always guaranty a running time consistent with the calculation of a core within a reasonable time. The objective is to provide the EDF designers with a convivial and qualified code, with robust algorithms and able to quickly evolve with computer performances. Algorithms are able to account for adiabatic transients and are robust enough to avoid any undesirable overflows. The permanent challenge is indeed to provide with the more descriptive simulations not degrading to much the running time. Developments are obviously performed within the strict Quality Insurance rules. The code is then associated to a large documentation base, including model specification, realization, validation and test procedures. Maintenance is managed through a system of anomaly and improvement forms. Computers are still evolving quickly. Therefore, after an architecture adaptation, the CYRANO3 code is now integrated in the PLEIADES platform as a PWR industrial application. The platform is an exchange space allowing sharing functionalities, models and properties. In this paper, we will give a global overview of the capabilities of CYRANO3 code to simulate the thermomechanical behavior of fuel rods, and we will focus on recent developments realized on MOX fuel. In CYRANO3 code, heterogeneous models (neutronic model, micromechanical behavior law and fission gas model) are developed for MOX fuels and integrated in order to account for differential evolutions between phases under irradiation. The methodology and these models are presented in this paper. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-I-45: An Automated Technique to Measure Image Contrast in Clinical CT Images

Purpose: To develop and validate an automated technique for measuring image contrast in chest computed tomography (CT) exams. Methods: An automated computer algorithm was developed to measure the distribution of Hounsfield units (HUs) inside four major organs: the lungs, liver, aorta, and bones. These organs were first segmented or identified using computer vision and image processing techniques. Regions of interest (ROIs) were automatically placed inside the lungs, liver, and aorta and histograms of the HUs inside the ROIs were constructed. The mean and standard deviation of each histogram were computed for each CT dataset. Comparison of the mean and standard deviation of the HUs in the different organs provides different contrast values. The ROI for the bones is simply the segmentation mask of the bones. Since the histogram for bones does not follow a Gaussian distribution, the 25th and 75th percentile were computed instead of the mean. The sensitivity and accuracy of the algorithm was investigated by comparing the automated measurements with manual measurements. Fifteen contrast enhanced and fifteen non-contrast enhanced chest CT clinical datasets were examined in the validation procedure. Results: The algorithm successfully measured the histograms of the four organs in both contrast and non-contrast enhanced chest CT exams. The automated measurements were in agreement with manual measurements. The algorithm has sufficient sensitivity as indicated by the near unity slope of the automated versus manual measurement plots. Furthermore, the algorithm has sufficient accuracy as indicated by the high coefficient of determination, R2, values ranging from 0.879 to 0.998. Conclusion: Patient-specific image contrast can be measured from clinical datasets. The algorithm can be run on both contrast enhanced and non-enhanced clinical datasets. The method can be applied to automatically assess the contrast characteristics of clinical chest CT images and quantify dependencies that may not be captured in phantom data.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗