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At least 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

PORFLOW modeling of Vadose zone flow and transport for the E-area intermediate level vault

In support of the E-Area Performance Assessment, a two-dimensional model of water flow and radionuclide transport through the E-Area Intermediate Level Vault (ILV) and local vadose zone has been developed using the PORFLOWTM software. The purpose of the model is to calculate flux to the water table for radionuclides eluted from the ILV during its operational life, the period of institutional control, and times following site closure. Results of model calculations will be used by a three-dimensional PORFLOW model of transport through the aquifer to determine radionuclide concentrations at a hypothetical 100 meter well and at the site boundary where contaminated groundwater could be assessed by members of the public following site closure. While newly developed, the model structure closely follows that used in the 2008 PA while incorporating a refined computational mesh, updated material properties for the vadose zone soil and vault concrete, revised infiltration rates, and new solid-liquid distribution coefficients. The model also addresses degradation of concrete hydraulic properties by blending soil and concrete water retention curves over a 500 year period. That is, the hydraulic properties of ILV concrete start out as fresh concrete at the time of site closure and degrade to soil properties over a 500 year time period. This approach has not been used previously in E-Area PA’s. The model has been used to calculate water flow through the ILV vadose zone and, on a trial basis, transport of a limited number of radionuclides from the waste region inside the ILV to the water table. Figure ES-1 provides a view of the model and an example of water flow after the concrete has substantially degraded. Figure dimensions are in centimeters. The red area in the left hand side figure is the waste disposal region within the ILV. Colored bands in the figures indicate different soil and concrete regions. Figure ES-2 shows a calculation of flux to the water table (mol/yr) for U-234 and its one-year half-life decay chain (U-234 → Th-230 → Ra-226 → Pb-210). Pb-210 flux is too small to show on the same scale used for Th-230 and Ra-226 in Figure ES-2. The model has also been used to make a preliminary evaluation of the release of tritium from TPBAR disposal containers that will be place in the ILV. A separately calculated tritium release rate as a function of time was used as a source in the PORFLOW model. The TPBAR disposal schedule and tritium release rate differ from the values used in the 2008 PA. Results from these initial trial runs are compared to calculations made for the 2008 PA ILV analysis. In brief, a new PORFLOW model of flow and transport through the ILV vadose zone has been developed and tested. The model is ready to be used for PA calculations.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Special Analysis: Inventory and Solid Waste Release Modeling for the LLBG Sensitivity Case - UCAQ-22-01 Inventory Discrepancies for 218-E-12B, 218-W-3A, and 218-W-3AE in the Hanford Site Composite Analysis

This environmental calculation file (ECF) documents the methodologies, assumptions, and results of four sensitivity analyses that reevaluate the representativeness of solid-waste radionuclide inventory and release rate from three solid waste sites included in the recently completed Hanford Site Composite Analysis (CA) (DOE-RL-2019-52, Composite Analysis for Low-Level Waste Disposal in the Hanford Site Central Plateau (FY 2020), Rev. 1) (hereinafter called the CA Update). Specifically, this ECF reevaluates the representativeness of the base case inventory and radionuclide waste release rates from three solid waste sites (i.e., 218-E-12B, 218-W-3A, and 218-W-3AE) and two radionuclides (i.e., carbon-14 [C-14] and technetium-99 [Tc-99]). These three waste sites and two radionuclides were identified as being the most significant contributors to groundwater contamination and dose in the CA Update for the Inner Area boundary at times periods after the compliance period. This ECF first evaluates the representativeness of the C-14 and Tc-99 inventory and second, radionuclide release rates for the three waste sites1. If the inventory and release rates assumed in the CA Update are determined to be not representative, as hypothesized in the CA Update, then this ECF evaluates the impact of more representative inventories and release rates on the transfer of radionuclides to the vadose zone. The four analyses described in this ECF are as follows: 1) 218-E-12B C-14 Inventory and Release Rate Sensitivity Case – Determine the representativeness of the C-14 inventory and associated waste release rate from the 218-E-12B waste site assumed in the CA Update. If the inventory and associated waste release are more appropriately characterized as being different from the assumptions in the CA Update, then update the predicted C-14 release rate and compare the results to the results presented in the CA Update (DOE/RL-2019-52); 2) 218-W-3A C-14 Inventory and Release Rate Sensitivity Case – Determine the representativeness of the C-14 inventory and associated waste release rate from the 218-W-3A waste site assumed in the CA Update. If the inventory and associated waste release are more appropriately characterized as being different from the assumptions in the CA Update, then update the predicted C-14 release rate and compare the results to the results presented in the CA Update (DOE/RL-2019-52); 3) 218-W-3AE Tc-99 Release Rate Sensitivity Case – Determine the representativeness of the Tc-99 inventory and associated waste release rate from the 218-W-3AE waste site assumed in the CA Update. If the inventory and associated waste release are more appropriately characterized as being different from the assumptions in the CA Update, then update the predicted Tc-99 release rate and compare the results to the results presented in the CA Update (DOE/RL-2019-52); 4) 218-W-3AE Tc-99 Release Footprint Sensitivity Case – Determine the representativeness of the Tc-99 waste area footprint for the 218-W-3AE waste site assumed in the CA Update. If the footprint of the waste is more appropriately characterized as being different from the assumptions in the CA Update, then update the predicted Tc-99 release rate and compare the results to the result presented in the CA Update (DOE/RL-2019-52).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2022

NO$\nu$A Far Detector $\nu_e$ Sideband Study Technical Note

Till now the NO$\nu$A experiment has used the Far Detector (FD) electron neutrino (anti-neutrino) events in the energy range 1 < $E_ν$ < 4 GeV in 3-favor neutrino oscillation analysis, to constraint the neutrino oscillation parameters. In this study, we have used the high-energy neutrino (sideband) sample with 4 < $E_ν$ < 12 GeV, dominated heavily by the beam electron neutrino/anti-neutrino background events to constrain the neutrino oscillation parameters. This was done to figure out if an additional power can be obtained in constraining the oscillation parameters by adding this sample to the analysis. This technote discusses the modifications done in the existing framework to add the sideband sample to the standard FD $\nu_e$ predictions and its impact on the neutrino oscillation parameters sensitivity of the NO$\nu$A experiment. Results from the statistics only study and the study including all the existing systematic shifts are reported separately.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Measurement of Charged-Current $ν_μ$ and $ν_e$ Interactions Towards a Search for Low-Energy $ν_Ε$ Excess Using Wire-Cell In Microboone

This technote summarizes the existing work in searching for $ν_e$ low-energy excess (eLEE) in MicroBooNE Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB) data stream based on the Wire-Cell event reconstruction paradigm. The charged-current $ν_μ$ and $ν_e$ events are selected from the 5.3e19 POT open data from the BNB beam, 6.37e20 POT far sideband from the BNB beam data, and 2.10e20 POT data from Neutrinos at the Main Injector (NuMI) beam. The charged-current $ν_e$ selection results from the BNB data that are sensitive to the eLEE search are not included. Various comparisons between data and Monte Carlo predictions are performed to validate the overall model and demonstrate the power of the analysis techniques. Physics sensitivities in terms of the exclusion and the discovery potential are presented.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Search for a Sterile Neutrino in a 3+1 Framework using Wire-Cell Inclusive Charged-Current $\nu_e$ Selection with the BNB and NuMI beamlines in MicroBooNE

A search for a sterile neutrino is being carried out in the MicroBooNE experiment within the 3+1 (three flavors of active neutrinos + one flavor of sterile neutrino) framework using neutrinos from the Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB) and the Neutrinos at the Main Injector (NuMI). The sensitivity of this search is built upon high performance inclusive charged-current electron neutrino and muon neutrino event selections. The previous 3+1 sterile neutrino search using only BNB data, the cancellation between $\nu_{e}$ disappearance and $\nu_{e}$ appearance oscillations led to a reduced oscillation effect in the $\nu_{e}$ energy spectrum resulting in a degeneracy of the oscillation parameters. Such a degeneracy is shown to be mitigated by including the neutrino events from the NuMI beam. In this note, the prospect of a 3+1 oscillation analysis using both BNB and NuMI is reported, considerably improving the sensitivity to 3+1 neutrino oscillations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Prediction and Analysis of Utah FORGE Injection Activities using a Coupled Thermo-hydro-mechanical and Earthquake (THM+E) Modeling Workflow

A coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) numerical workflow that is capable of modeling seismic slip is critical for the successful development of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). By integrating key physical processes, this workflow enables accurate simulation of temperature and pressure diffusions, stress changes, and induced seismicity. As a result, it serves as a vital tool for predicting induced seismicity and optimizing reservoir stimulation strategies. The Utah FORGE (Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy) project, located near Milford, Utah, is a U.S. Department of Energy initiative aimed at advancing EGS technology. In April 2024, eight new stimulation stages (Stages 3R-10) were conducted in well 16A (injection well) subsequent to the first series of stimulation (Stages 1-3) performed in April, 2022. To monitor the induced seismicity, geophones were deployed in wells 58-32, 56-32, and 78B-32, while fiber optic cables were also installed in wells 16B, 78-32, and 78B-32 to collect microseismic data and detect frac hits Preliminary analyses of microseismic catalogs and fiber optic data suggest that the stimulated fractures in Stages 3R–6 closely align with that generated during Stage 3, indicating that the new stimulations were likely reactivating the previously stimulated fracture. To better understand the underlying process, a comprehensive modeling approach that can accurately capture thermal, hydrological, mechanical, and seismic responses is essential. In this work, we propose and utilize a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical and earthquake (THM+E) simulation workflow to numerically investigate the stimulation activities on well 16A. The specific objective is to confirm whether the new stimulation stages (Stages 3R–6) reactivated fractures previously stimulated during Stage 3. For this purpose, we perform THM+E simulations individually for Stages 3, 3R, 4, and 5, incorporating the discrete fracture networks (DFNs) created by the plane-fitting technique based on the microseismic catalogs. The simulation workflow consists of two separate models: a THM model and an earthquake model, coupled in a one-way manner. Detailed descriptions of the workflow are provided in Section 3. Simulation results are presented in terms of injection pressure, permeability evolution, and predicted seismic catalogs, which are then compared with field data for further analyses. This report is structured as follows. In Section 2, we present detailed analyses of the field data and propose the hypothesis that the new stimulation stages (Stages 3R–6) were probably reactivating the previously stimulated fractures in Stage 3. In Section 3, we introduce the coupled THM+E workflow and the problem setup to validate our hypothesis, followed by the simulation results for each stage in Section 4. Meanwhile, discussions are included to analyze the model predictions and their comparison with field data. Lastly, we conclude the report and outline future plans in Section 5.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

No Escaping Helium from 55 Cnc e

We search for escaping helium from the hot super-Earth 55 Cnc e by taking high-resolution spectra of the 1083 nm line during two transits using Keck/NIRSPEC. We detect no helium absorption down to a 90% upper limit of 250 ppm in excess absorption or 0.27 mÅ in equivalent width. This corresponds to a mass-loss rate of less than ∼10{sup 9} g s{sup −1} assuming a Parker wind model with a plausible exosphere temperature of 5000–6000 K, although the precise constraint is heavily dependent on model assumptions. We consider both hydrogen- and helium-dominated atmospheric compositions and find similar bounds on the mass-loss rate in both scenarios. Our hydrodynamical models indicate that if a lightweight atmosphere exists on 55 Cnc e, our observations would have easily detected it. Together with the nondetection of Lyα absorption by Ehrenreich et al., our helium nondetection indicates that 55 Cnc e either never accreted a primordial atmosphere in the first place or lost its primordial atmosphere shortly after the dissipation of the gas disk.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Near-infrared Chemical Inventory of the Atmosphere of 55 Cancri e

We present high-resolution near-infrared spectra taken during eight transits of 55 Cancri e, a nearby low-density super-Earth with a short orbital period (<18 hr). While this exoplanet’s bulk density indicates a possible atmosphere, one has not been detected definitively. Our analysis relies on the Doppler cross-correlation technique, which takes advantage of the high spectral resolution and broad wavelength coverage of our data, to search for the thousands of absorption features from hydrogen-, carbon-, and nitrogen-rich molecular species in the planetary atmosphere. Although we are unable to detect an atmosphere around 55 Cancri e, we do place strong constraints on the levels of HCN, NH{sub 3}, and C{sub 2}H{sub 2} that may be present. In particular, at a mean molecular weight of 5 amu, we can rule out the presence of HCN in the atmosphere down to a volume mixing ratio (VMR) of 0.02%, NH{sub 3} down to a VMR of 0.08%, and C{sub 2}H{sub 2} down to a VMR of 1.0%. If the mean molecular weight is relaxed to 2 amu, we can rule out the presence of HCN, NH{sub 3}, and C{sub 2}H{sub 2} down to VMRs of 0.001%, 0.0025%, and 0.08%, respectively. Our results reduce the parameter space of possible atmospheres consistent with the analysis of Hubble Space Telescope/WFC3 observations by Tsiaras et al. and indicate that if 55 Cancri e harbors an atmosphere, it must have a high mean molecular weight or clouds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Data-driven Techniques for $v^{e}$ Signal and Background Predictions in NOνA

NOν \nu A is a long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment, using two functionally identical detectors to measure νe \nu_e appearance and νμ \nu_\mu disappearance at the Far Detector (FD) with the NuMI Beam at Fermilab. The Near Detector (ND) measures the beam before oscillations, which will allow us to make a measurement of the signal flux before it has oscillated and the background components which can mimic νe \nu_e at our FD. We use the ND in three different ways to predict the amount of signal and background expected at the FD to partially cancel systematic uncertainties. The background prediction has three components: Charged Current (CC) νμ \nu_\mu , νe \nu_e and Neutral Current (NC) events. We need to determine the fraction of the selected ND sample in each of these components because some oscillate significantly (CC νμ \nu_\mu ) and some do not oscillate at all (NC). This poster will present details of these three data-driven techniques for predicting the FD spectrum.

Yu, Shiqi [Argonne; IIT, Chicago]↗
NASA NTRS1972

Rocket-based vector magnetic measurements of Sq ionospheric currents near sporadic E.

A rocket-borne vector magnetometer has been used to infer the current magnitude, direction, and distribution of midlatitude ionospheric currents near sporadic E. Complete vector information returned throughout the flight indicates that a southward equivalent surface current (vertically integrated current) of 0.15 amp/m was encountered between the altitudes of 104 and 118 km in both ascending and descending portions of the flight. Vertical distribution of the current within the layer was approximately uniform, and the layer was found to be horizontal within the accuracy of the experiment. The data are consistent with the assumption that a sporadic-E layer observed by Wallops Island ionosondes significantly altered the usual Sq current flow pattern by concentrating the current into a narrow altitude range, and by horizontally focusing the current flow into the sporadic-E region with attendant reduction of current density outside the region.

Cloutier, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Galactic heavy cosmic rays with 5 less than E less than 130 MeV/nucleon

With stacks of Lexan and cellulose triacetate exposed outside the lunar modules on Apollo 16 and 17, a study was made of the spectra and composition of low-energy particles in interplanetary space. For the period from Apr. 16 to 23, 1972 (Apollo 16), measurements were made of the spectra of the elements 6 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 28 at energies 40 less than or equal to E less than or equal to 150 MeV/nucleon. For the period from Dec. 11 to 13, 1972 (Apollo 17), a study was made of CNO, NeMgSi, and elements with Z greater than 16 at energies 5 less than or equal to E less than or equal to 40 MeV/nucleon. Using the abundance of charges 17 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 25 relative to iron as a tracer, it is found that the bulk of the heavy particles in interplanetary space at E greater than 10 MeV/nucleon are of galactic rather than solar origin. The relative abundances of the various charge groups are independent of energy from about 2 GeV/nucleon down to about 30 MeV/nucleon.

Price, P. B.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Midlatitude sporadic-E layers

The partially transparent echo from midlatitude sporadic E layers was recorded by ionosondes between the blanketing frequency and the maximum frequency. The theory that the midlatitude sporadic E layers are not uniform in the horizontal plane but contain localized regions of high electron density was evaluated using data obtained by incoherent scatter radar and found to provide a satisfactory explanation. The main features of midlatitude sporadic E layers are consistent with the convergence of metallic ions as described by the wind shear theory applied to gravity waves and tides. The interference of gravity waves with other gravity waves and tides can be recognized in the altitudes of occurrence and the structure of the layers. Small scale horizontal irregularities are attributed in some cases to critical level effects and in others to fluid instabilities. The convergence of a meteor trail can, under some circumstances, account for localized enhancement of the electron density in the layer.

Miller, K. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Incoherent scatter radar observations of irregular structure in mid-latitude sporadic E layers

The basic experiments used phase-coded pulses to record electron density profiles with a resolution of 600 m in range and 300 m in horizontal extent, while scanning in azimuth. Data from incoherent scatter radar were compared with simultaneous ionosonde observations. Observations of sporadic E layers by incoherent scatter radar were discussed in terms of the effects of the neutral wind system acting on metallic ions. Several features were noted in the data, which support the wind shear mechanism of layer formation. The sporadic E layers often contained a pronounced small-scale structure, especially at times when partially transparent echoes were observed by the ionosonde. Under specific conditions, the ions in a meteor trail can be converged by a shear in the neutral wind into a relatively small irregularity at the center of a sporadic E layer.

Miller, K. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

On plasma instabilities in the high-latitude ionospheric E region

The use of the Farley-Buneman instability in the high-latitude E region of the earth's ionosphere as a diagnostic tool for ionospheric and solar wind electric fields, and the effect of Farley-Buneman waves on cosmic radio noise events observed on riometers, are discussed. Data are analyzed and presented in support of the hypothesis, suggested by Olesen (1972), that the Slant E condition in polar cap ionograms is a manifestation of the Farley-Buneman instability in the E region. Detailed descriptions are given of the experimental apparatus employed in these investigations.

Dangelo, N.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Influence of the E region dynamo on equatorial spread F

The integrated E region Pedersen conductivity can be an important parameter in determining whether the bottomside of the equatorial F layer will be stable against the Rayleigh-Taylor gravitational instability. The F layer is observed to become unstable when it rises to great heights after sunset. One effect of this height rise is to decrease the stabilizing influence of ion-neutral collisions at F region heights. It is shown here that the same eastward electric field that raises the F layer also decreases the Pedersen conductivity of the E region, which further destabilizes convective overturning. Because the conductivity of magnetic tubes that penetrate the main F layer is large compared to the E layer contribution, these effects are important only for the bottomside of the equatorial F layer.

Hanson, W. B.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Theory of plasma waves in the auroral E region

A general theory is developed for both electrojet waves and ion cyclotron and current convective waves observed above 120 km altitude. Previously defined electrojet instability theories are extended to encompass the effects of the magnetic field on ions and the presence of field-aligned currents. The ion-cyclotron (E) waves are assumed produced by the two-stream instability in regions dominated by ion magnetization effects. Field-aligned and cross-field currents drive the E waves, which have displayed threshold drift velocities (TDV) sensitive to conditions at altitudes with effective electron/ion and anomalous electron collision frequencies. The electron density gradients in the region affect the magnitude of the TDV for waves on scales of tens of meters. Recombinational damping increases the TDV for marginal damping of two-stream E waves and establishes a TDV for excitation of large-scale gradient drift waves which propagate nearly perpendicularly to the magnetic field and may have only 10-20 m wavelengths.

Fejer, B. G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Saturn's E-ring in the red spectral region

Observations of the 1966 edge-on presentation of Saturn's E-ring in the red spectral region are presented. Techniques to suppress the glare from the planet are described. The E-ring profile does not exhibit a maximum near the orbit of Enceladus in 1966. Historical comments concerning the E-ring are included to illustrate that important planetary work can be done by ground-based observations.

Feibelman, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Macrostructure and microphysics of Saturn's E-ring

Observed optical and infrared properties of Saturn's E-ring are explained in terms of Mie scattering by a narrow distribution of ice spheres with an effective diameter of 2 to 2.5 microns, and an effective variance of 0.1 to 0.15. The spherical shape of the ring particles and their narrow size distribution imply that they had a molten origin, followed by quick freezing. Continued replenishment of the E-ring by volcanic eruptions on Enceladus seems plausible. The vertical structure of the E-ring consists of many layers. The stratification of the particles may be due to electrostatic levitation, similar to that experienced by particles in the spokes.

Pang, K. D.↗