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At least 595 records · Page 33

Simulation of SPND Beta-Current in AP1000 core

The Self-Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) are widely used in Generation-III commercial PWR due to its small size and external-power free character. It can measure the in-core neutron flux density immediately to obtain the power profile in the core. To better understand the actual state of the simulated core, a SPND beta-current simulation module has been established in the NECP-Bamboo code. Firstly, neutron simulation is carried out in the lattice code Bamboo-Lattice together with nuclide depletion simulation to obtain the depleted composition of the entire lattice including the SPND, and the few-group parameters including density and cross section of emitter material. Secondly, the depleted lattice can then be piped into a Monte-Carlo code for neutron-photon-electron simulation to obtain the electron escape efficiency from the emitter of the SPND to the corresponding collector. Thirdly, the electron escape efficiency can be parameterized into the function of the lattice state parameters similarly to the common few-group constants. Finally, the beta-current was calculated by the core code Bamboo-Core simultaneously with the simulation of the core operation process. The beta-current of the Vanadium SPND in the AP1000 core was simulated and analyzed in this paper. Comparison between simulation and measurement of the beta-current distribution in the specific core state is shown in this paper to verify the effectiveness of the method and the code. The radial normalized current distribution is in good agreement with the measurement. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

First 3D vector tracking of helium recoils for fast neutron measurements at Super$\mathrm{KEKB}$

Here we present results from the first deployment of novel, high definition, compact gas Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with pixel chip readout as part of the BEAST II beam background measurement project at SuperKEKB. The TPCs provide detailed 3D imaging of ionization from neutron-induced nuclear recoils in a helium and carbon dioxide target gas mixture at standard temperature and pressure. We present the TPC performance and the neutron backgrounds observed during the initial stage of collider commissioning. We find excellent electron background rejection, leading to background-free nuclear recoil measurements above 50 keV ee , despite the extreme high-background environment. We measure an angular resolution better than 20° for recoil tracks longer than 1.7 mm, corresponding to an average ionization energy of approximately 100 keV ee . We also obtain the full 3D vector direction of helium recoils by utilizing charge profile measurements along the recoil axis, with a correct head/tail assignment efficiency of approximately 80%. With this performance, we present comparisons between measured and simulated event rates, recoil energy spectra, and directional distributions originating from beam–gas and Touschek beam losses at SuperKEKB. We utilize head/tail recognition to distinguish neutron components traveling with positive radial velocity in the Belle II coordinate system from those traveling in the opposite direction. Finally, we present a novel method of discriminating beam–gas interactions from Touschek beam losses that can eliminate the need for dedicated accelerator runs for background measurements. This method is still statistics-limited. However, future studies should be able to verify this method, which in turn could lead to neutron background analysis runs symbiotic with normal Belle II operation. The capabilities demonstrated here also suggest that high definition recoil imaging in gas TPCs is applicable to low energy, low-background experiments, such as directional dark matter searches.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

The gamma-ray spectra of radio pulsars

A general expression for the gamma-ray spectra of pulsars is derived for models where the radiation is produced by particles accelerated along the open field lines of a neutron star. The accelerating potentials are assumed to be limited by pair production discharges and to decrease linearly with increasing number of electron-positron pairs created during these discharge processes. The corresponding energy distribution of particles is derived both for the case of strong radiation reaction and for that of no radiation reaction. The resultant formula for the gamma-ray spectrum fits well to the Crab and the Vela pulsar spectra assuming that radiation reaction is negligible in these two fast pulsars.

Ayasli, S.↗

Spin Dynamics of Triple-𝐐 Magnetic Orderings in a Triangular Lattice: Implications for Multi-𝐐 Orderings in General Two-Dimensional Lattices

Multi-𝐐 magnetic structures on two-dimensional (2D) lattices provide a key route to realizing topological physics in 2D magnetism. A major experimental challenge is to unambiguously confirm their formation by excluding the possibility of topologically trivial multidomain single- or double-𝐐 magnetic orders, which cannot be distinguished using conventional diffraction techniques. Here, we propose that long-wavelength spin dynamics offers a universal diagnostic for triangular lattices: Triple-𝐐 orders that preserve rotational symmetry and single- or double-𝐐 orders that break it exhibit qualitatively distinct anisotropies in their Goldstone-mode velocities, stemming from fundamental differences in their underlying spin configurations. We validate this concept using the metallic triangular-lattice antiferromagnet Co 0.325 ⁢TaS 2 , which hosts both a stripe-type single-𝐐 state and a triple-𝐐 tetrahedral ordering at different temperatures. Using inelastic neutron-scattering and spin dynamics simulations, we first refine the spin Hamiltonian by fitting the paramagnetic excitation spectra, allowing us to develop an unbiased model independent of magnetic ordering. We then show that the observed velocity profiles of the Goldstone modes agree with the high-temperature model’s predictions: markedly anisotropic for the single-𝐐 phase and near isotropic for the triple-𝐐 phase. Importantly, this contrast persists across various exchange parameters, highlighting its model-independent nature and suggesting potential applicability to other 2D lattice systems. Beyond the long-wavelength regime, we present a substantial discrepancy between the measured and simulated magnon spectra exclusively in the triple-𝐐 phase. We attribute this discrepancy to magnon energy renormalization arising from order-of-magnitude-enhanced magnon-magnon interactions in the triple-𝐐 phase, due to its noncollinear configuration. This work provides universal insight into the dynamical properties of topological multi-𝐐 magnetic orderings in 2D lattice structures, offering a broadly applicable diagnostic to distinguishing them from topologically trivial single- or double-𝐐 counterparts. The unequivocal confirmation of the triple-𝐐 structure in Co 0.325 ⁢TaS 2 further establishes it as a prominent material platform for exploring topological spin textures in the genuine 2D limit.

Park, Pyeongjae [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (OR↗

Preliminary Criticality and Radiation Shielding Analysis for the Storage and Transfer of MARVEL Reactor Spent Nuclear Fuel

This report documents the results of preliminary nuclear criticality and radiation shielding assessments during transfer and dry storage of irradiated Microreactor Applications Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) reactor fuel at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The assessments focus on transfer casks and storage canisters that are currently in use at INL, which may be compatible with the irradiated MARVEL reactor fuel. The criticality assessments were performed using the radiation transport code MCNP6 with 37 MARVEL reactor fuel elements in various configurations and scenarios. All transfer and storage configurations under dry conditions were below the assumed criticality safety limit of 0.93. Some storage and transfer configurations under wet conditions exceeded the criticality safety limit. This suggests that the appropriate administrative and engineering controls, in addition to reducing the number of MARVEL reactor fuel elements per transfer cask or storage canister, can be expected to ensure criticality safety under all scenarios. The radiation shielding assessments were performed by generating conservative neutron and photon source terms using the ORIGEN module in the SCALE suite of codes. These source spectra were used to estimate the dose equivalent rates using the radiation transport code MCNP6, both on contact and 1 m away from the fuel and transfer casks. The maximum estimated dose equivalent rate of 37 unshielded MARVEL reactor fuel elements on contact is approximately 42000 R/hr. The maximum estimated dose equivalent rates on contact to the ATR transfer cask, HFEF-5 transfer cask, and high load charger were approximately 233 mR/hr, 171 mR/hr, and 201 mR/hr, respectively. This suggests that with the appropriate administrative and engineering controls, all three transfer casks analyzed can be expected to provide sufficient radiation shielding to workers during transfer of irradiated MARVEL reactor fuel. These calculations are performed to support the planning and strategy for the MARVEL project and will demonstrate the technical viability of the different configurations discussed and help identify where engineered or administrative controls may be necessary. A complete criticality safety analysis and radiation shielding analysis, including validation and contingency and accident analysis must be completed by licensed and authorized personnel before any transfer or storage of MARVEL reactor nuclear fuel.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Multi-Probe 23A Pre-Shot report

The Multi-Probe Radiography campaign will field a full day of experiments at the Omega EP laser facility. The experiments will consist of shots that alternate between Omega EP’s two short-pulse laser beams to generate proton and deuteron beams from a variety of film and foam targets. The proton beam is intended to be used as a radiographic source, while the deuteron beam will be used as the pitcher in a pitcher-catcher neutron-generation concept. For the proton beam, our goal is to characterize the angular distribution and energy spectra of unwanted x-rays that are generated during proton acceleration and were found to be problematic for simultaneous radiography in MP-22A. As part of this primary goal, we will test whether an x-ray shield, XBLK, can be used to prevent these x-rays from impacting other x-ray diagnostics. For the deuteron beam, our primary goal is to characterize the energy spectra and beam profile of deuterons accelerated from CD foils and foams.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Nuclear processes and accelerated particles in solar flares

Nuclear processes and particle acceleration in solar flares are reviewed. The theory of gamma-ray and neutron production is discussed and results of calculations are compared to gamma-ray, neutron, and charged-particle observations from solar flares. The implications of these comparisons on particle energy spectra, total numbers, anisotropies, electron-to-proton ratios, as well as on acceleration mechanisms and the interaction site, are presented. The information on elemental and isotopic abundances derived from gamma-ray observations is compared to abundances obtained from escaping accelerated particles and other sources.

Ramaty, R.↗

Neutrinos from SN 1987A - Implications for cooling of the nascent neutron star and the mass of the electron antineutrino

Data on neutrinos from SN 1987A are compared here with parameterized models of the neutrino emission using a consistent and straightforward statistical methodology. The empirically measured detector background spectra are included in the analysis, and the data are compared with a much wider variety of neutrino emission models than was explored previously. It is shown that the inferred neutrino emission model parameters are strongly correlated. The analysis confirms that simple models of the neutrino cooling of the nascent neutron star formed by the SN adequately explain the data. The inferred radius and binding energy of the neutron star are in excellent agreement with model calculations based on a wide range of equations of state. The results also raise the upper limit of the electron antineutrino rest mass to roughly 25 eV at the 95 percent confidence level, roughly 1.5-5 times higher than found previously.

Loredo, Thomas J.↗

The R -process Alliance: Fifth Data Release from the Search for R -process-enhanced Metal-poor Stars in the Galactic Halo with the GTC

Understanding the abundance pattern of metal-poor stars and the production of heavy elements through various nucleosynthesis processes offers crucial insights into the chemical evolution of the Milky Way, revealing primary sites and major sources of rapid neutron-capture process (r-process) material in the Universe. In this fifth data release from the R-Process Alliance (RPA), we present the detailed chemical abundances of 41 faint (down to V = 15.8) and extremely metal-poor (down to [Fe/H] = -3.3) halo stars selected from the RPA. We obtained high-resolution spectra for these objects with the HORuS spectrograph on the Gran Telescopio Canarias. We measure the abundances of light, α, Fe-peak, and neutron-capture elements. We report the discovery of five carbon-enhanced metal-poor, one limited-r, three r-I, and four r-II stars, and six Mg-poor stars. We also identify one star of a possible globular cluster origin at an extremely low metallicity at [Fe/H] = -3.0. This adds to the growing evidence of a lower-limit metallicity floor for globular cluster abundances. We use the abundances of Fe-peak elements and the α-elements to investigate the contributions from different nucleosynthesis channels in the progenitor supernovae. We find the distribution of [Mg/Eu] as a function of [Fe/H] to have different enrichment levels, indicating different possible pathways and sites of their production. We also reveal differences in the trends of the neutron-capture element abundances of Sr, Ba, and Eu of various r-I and r-II stars from the RPA data releases, which provide constraints on their nucleosynthesis sites and subsequent evolution.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Melting and Re-Freezing Leads to Irreversible Changes in the Morphology and Molecular-Level Dynamics of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

As an mRNA-based vaccine, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has stringent cold storage requirements to preserve functionality of the mRNA active ingredient. To this end, lipid components of the vaccine formulation play an important role in stabilizing and protecting the mRNA molecule for long-term storage. The purpose of the current study was to measure molecular-level dynamics as a function of temperature in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to gain microscopic insight into its thermal stability. Materials and Methods: We used quasielastic and inelastic neutron scattering to probe (1) the vaccine extracted from the manufacturer-supplied vials and (2) unperturbed vaccine in the original manufacturer-supplied vials. The latter measurement was possible due to the high penetrative power of neutrons. Upon warming from the low-temperature frozen state, the vaccine in its original form exhibits two-step melting, indicative of a two-phase morphology. Once the melting is completed (above 0 °C), vaccine re-freezing cannot restore its original two-phase state. This observation is corroborated by the changes in the molecular vibrational spectra. The molecular-level mobility measured in the resulting single-phase state of the re-frozen vaccine greatly exceeds the mobility measured in the original vaccine. Even a brief melting (above 0 °C) leads to an irreversible alteration of the two-phase morphology of the original vaccine formulation. Re-freezing of the vaccine results in a one-phase morphology with much increased molecular-level mobility compared to that in the original vaccine, suggesting irreversible deterioration of the vaccine’s in-storage stability. Neutron scattering can be used to distinguish between the vibrational spectra characteristic of the original and deteriorated vaccines contained in the unperturbed original manufacturer-supplied vials.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Study of the water dynamics near hydrophilic, nanostructured CuO surfaces by quasielastic and inelastic neutron scattering

We have used quasielastic and inelastic neutron scattering to investigate the structure, dynamics, and phase transitions of water interacting with superhydrophilic CuO surfaces that not only possess a strong affinity for water but also a “grass-like” topography that is rough on both micro- and nanoscales. Here, we report quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) measurements on two samples differing in water content at five temperatures below 280 K. The QENS spectra show water undergoing two different types of diffusive motion near the CuO surfaces: a “slow” translational diffusion occurring on a nanosecond time scale and a faster rotational motion. Further from the surfaces, there is “fast” translational diffusion comparable in rate to that of bulk supercooled water and the rotational motion occurring in the interfacial water. Analysis of the QENS spectra supports wetting of water to the CuO blades as seen in electron microscopy images. In addition, we observe an anomalous temperature dependence of the QENS spectra on cooling from 270 to 230 K with features consistent with a liquid–liquid phase transition. We suggest that the solvent-like properties of the coexisting bulk-like water in our CuO samples are a significant factor in determining the temperature dependence of the interfacial water’s dynamics. Our results are compared with those obtained from two well-studied substrate classes: (1) silicas that contain ordered cylindrical nanopores but have weaker hydrophilicity and (2) nanoparticles of other transition-metal oxides, such as TiO 2 , which share the strong hydrophilicity of our samples but lack their porosity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Gamma Spectroscopy Detector Candidates and Radioisotope Identification Algorithms for Use in National Security Applications

In 2006, the United States Congress mandated for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to screen all cargo containers to protect against terrorist acts and ensure the safety and security of the nation. Containers are screened by gamma and neutron detectors to ensure threat material is not smuggled into the country. However, because commerce is radioactive, detecting the presence of radioactive materials is not sufficient in ensuring the safety and security of the nation. Radioactive materials must also be identified in real time, thus distinguishing threat sources (Uranium-235 and Plutonium-230) from non-threat sources (kitty litter, pot ash, medical isotopes). Screening cargo containers can be considered a two-step process (1) alerting to the presence of radioactive material when gamma counts exceed a threshold setting, and (2) once alerted, identifying the type of radioactive material, which is done by collecting a gamma spectra and analyzing it with an analysis tool/algorithm. For this reason, it is important to evaluate not only emerging technology in neutron and gamma detection, but also investigate new advances in algorithm development for radioisotope identification (RIID). New candidates in detection and on-board algorithm analysis might offer opportunities to make the scanning, detection, and identification process more efficient while still ensuring the health and safety of the public. This research will investigate emerging technology in radiation detection focused on gamma spectroscopy capabilities and RIID algorithms for DHS applications.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Energy Dependent Fission Product Yields

Since 2011, the LLNL-LANL-TUNL collaboration has undertaken experimental measurements of the energy evolution of the chain fission product yields (FPY) from neutron-induced fission of 235 U, 238 U, and 239 Pu using quasi-monoenergetic neutrons produced at the TUNL 10 MV Van de Graaff accelerator. Our method relies on direct, post-irradiation γ-ray spectroscopy of γ-rays emitted by fission products in actinide targets, with multiple γ-ray spectra taken continuously for a period from a half-hour to three months from the end of irradiation. The main experimental results of this study have been published for eight incident neutron energies of En = 0.58, 1.37, 2.37, 3.6, 4.6, 5.5, 8.9 and 14.8 MeV [1–4]. For each incident energy, approximately 16 cumulative FPYs were determined, nearly all being high-yield fission products, i.e., those occurring in the peaks of the mass distributions. As will be described in this report, our FPY analysis has been significantly improved in every step of the process, reducing the overall systematic uncertainties compared to previously published data.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

The CLAS12 Backward Angle Neutron Detector (BAND)

The Backward Angle Neutron Detector (BAND) of CLAS12 detects neutrons emitted at backward angles of 155° to 175°, with momenta between 200 and 600 MeV$/c_0$. It is positioned 3-m upstream of the target, consists of 18 rows and 5 layers of 7.2-cm by 7.2-cm scintillator bars, and read out on both ends by PMTs to measure time and energy deposition in the scintillator layers. Between the target and BAND there is a 2-cm thick lead wall followed by a 2-cm veto layer to suppress gammas and reject charged particles. This paper discusses the component-selection tests and the detector assembly. Timing calibrations (including offsets and time-walk) were performed using a novel pulsed-laser calibration system, resulting in time resolutions better than 250 ps (150 ps) for energy depositions above 2 MeV (5 MeV). Cosmic rays and a variety of radioactive sources were used to calibration the energy response of the detector. Scintillator bar attenuation lengths were measured. We report the time resolution results in a neutron momentum reconstruction resolution, $δp/p$ < 1.5% for neutron momentum 200 ≤ $p$ ≤ 600 MeV/c. Final performance of the BAND with CLAS12 is shown, including electron–neutral particle timing spectra and a discussion of the off-time neutral contamination as a function of energy deposition threshold.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate: Interpretation of Pair Distribution Function and X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy Data

The structure and transformation of hydrous amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) are key to understanding biomineralization pathways and their relationship with the properties of the resulting material. Quantitative interpretation of scattering experiments aimed at elucidating the structure of ACC is challenging, due to the amorphous nature of this material, and, therefore, requires models for the structure and the scattering physics. Here, we generate physically realistic ensembles of hydrated ACC structures and their vibrational disorder from ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations with an emphasis on enabling the consistent interpretation of the finer details of three complementary structural probes: neutron and x-ray pair distribution experiments and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). In each case, we simulate the signal directly in reciprocal space and then manipulate it into the real-space pair distribution function (PDF) or spectrum using the same procedures for the experimental and theoretical data. Good agreement with experiment was obtained across the three techniques with the simulations accounting well for all features in the spectra. Remaining small discrepancies pointed to differences between real samples and the idealized simulated systems such as deviations from the nominal CaCO3·nH2O stoichiometry. Additionally, the simulations offered a more accurate description of the local coordination environment of calcium than previous shell-by-shell fits to spectra of synthetic ACC and classical molecular dynamics simulations. This work demonstrates that AIMD is a powerful approach for extracting detailed structural information from neutron PDF, x-ray PDF, and XAS of amorphous carbonate phases.

Prange, Micah P.↗

Study of activation data of metal samples from LDEF-1 and Spacelab-2

Gamma-ray spectra obtained from samples flown aboard the Long Duration Exposure Facility have been analyzed to obtain the nuclear species produced in this material by the interaction of this material with protons and neutrons in this material by the interaction of this material with protons and neutrons encountered in its 69 month orbital flight as well as to quantify the specific activity (pCi/kg) of these nuclear species. This quantification requires accurate corrections of efficiency, self-attenuation, and background. Plans have been developed for archival of the spectra in a form readily accessible to the scientific, engineering and technical community engaged in space research and application. Work has been initiated in the process of estimating the flux of activating particles encountered by material at various locations of the spacecraft.

Laird, C. E.↗

Gamma-ray burst spectra

A review of recent results in gamma-ray burst spectroscopy is given. Particular attention is paid to the recent discovery of emission and absorption features in the burst spectra. These lines represent the strongest evidence to date that gamma-ray bursts originate on or near neutron stars. Line parameters give information on the temperature, magnetic field and possibly the gravitational potential of the neutron star. The behavior of the continuum spectrum is also discussed. A remarkably good fit to nearly all bursts is obtained with a thermal-bremsstrahlung-like continuum. Significant evolution is observed of both the continuum and line features within most events.

Teegarden, B. J.↗

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVI, Part 13

Contents include the following: A Fast, Non-Destructive Method for Classifying Ordinary Chondrite Falls Using Density and Magnetic Susceptibility. An Update on Results from the Magnetic Properties Experiments on the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. Measurement Protocols for In Situ Analysis of Organic Compounds at Mars and Comets. Piping Structures on Earth and Possibly Mars: Astrobiological Implications. Uranium and Lead in the Early Planetary Core Formation: New Insights Given by High Pressure and Temperature Experiments. The Mast Cameras and Mars Descent Imager (MARDI) for the 2009 Mars Science Laboratory. MGS MOC: First Views of Mars at Sub-Meter Resolution from Orbit. Analysis of Candor Chasma Interior Layered Deposits from OMEGA/MEX Spectra. Analysis of Valley Networks on Valles Marineris Plateau Using HRSC/MEX Data. Solar Abundance of Elements from Neutron-Capture Cross Sections. Preliminary Evaluation of the Secondary Ion/Accelerator Mass Spectrometer, MegaSIMS. Equilibrium Landforms in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica: Implications for Landscape Evolution and Climate Change on Mars. Continued Study of Ba Isotopic Compositions of Presolar Silicon Carbide Grains from Supernovae. Paleoenviromental Evolution of the Holden-Uzboi Area. Stability of Magnesium Sulfate Minerals in Martian Environments. Tungsten Isotopic Constraints on the Formation and Evolution of Iron Meteorite Parent Bodies. Migration of Dust Particles and Volatiles Delivery to the Inner Planets. On the Sitting of Trapped Noble Gases in Insoluble Organic Matter of Primitive Meteorites. Trapping of Xenon Upon Evaporation-Condensation of Organic Matter Under UV Irradiation: Isotopic Fractionation and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Analysis. Stability of Water on Mars. A Didactic Activity. Analysis of Coronae in the Parga Chasma Region, Venus. Photometric and Compositional Surface Properties of the Gusev Crater Region, Mars, as Derived from Multi-Angle, Multi-Spectral Investigation of Mars Express HRSC Data. Mapping Compositional Diversity on Mars: Spatial Distribution and Geological Implications. A New Simulation Chamber for Studying Planetary Environments. Folded Structure in Terra Sirenum. Mars. Nitrogen-Noble Gas Static Mass Spectrometry of Genesis Collector Materials. Neon Isotope Heterogeneity in the Terrestrial Mantle: Implication for the Acquisition of Volatile Elements in Terrestrial Planets. The Cosmic Clock, the Cycle of Terrestrial Mass Extinctions.

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