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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 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Engineering Considerations for Remote Refabrication of EBR-II Fuel Elements

The development of remote controlled methods for manufacturing EBR-II fuel elements was influenced by many interacting factors. Radiation levels within the process cell have been predicted to range from 10 3 to 10 7 rad per hour. Radiation damage to organic lubricant, electrical insulations, elastic seals, and protective coatings precludes the use of many standard machine components. Heat generated in the fuel by absorbed radiation makes forced cooling necessary in many operations. Oxygen must be exluded from all operations where the fuel is exposed. Equipment must be designed for remote maintenance and component replacement within the limitation of available manipulators. The EBR-II fuel consisted of fissium alloy pins sodium bonded in stainless steel tubes. Precision casting was chosen as the basis for refabricating the fuel pins. Remote controlled equipment was developed to cast, assemble, and inspect the EBR-II fuel elements. Radiation resistant, plug-in machine components were developed to give reasonable life expectancy and to allow remote maintenance and replacement.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2010

Real-time heterodyne speckle pattern interferometry using the correlation image sensor

A real-time method for heterodyne speckle pattern interferometry using the correlation image sensor (CIS) is proposed. The CIS demodulates the interference phase of heterodyned speckle wavefronts pixelwise at an ordinary video frame rate. The proposed method neither suffers loss of spatial resolution nor requires a high frame rate. Interferometers for out-of-plane and in-plane deformation are developed with a 200x200 pixel CIS camera. Experimental results confirm that the proposed method realizes real-time imaging of a rough-surfaced object under deformation. The average standard deviations of demodulated phase-difference images for the out-of-plane and in-plane interferometers are 0.33 and 0.13 rad, respectively.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2023

Offset lock with a 440-GHz range using electro-optic modulation

Offset locking is crucial to many physics experiments. Wide range offset locks are desirable, as they increase the span of usable frequencies in an experiment. Here, we experimentally realize a wide-range offset lock using a beat-note setup combined with electro-optic phase modulation. By using frequency down-conversion of the beat note and locking to sidebands generated by electro-optic modulation, we achieve an offset range of ± 220.1 GHz with offset frequency fluctuations under 0.1 Hz and a phase error variance of 0.017 rad 2 over a 100 kHz bandwidth, greatly widening the range compared to past setups using this method. The relative simplicity of our setup provides a compelling method for locking at offsets in the hundreds of GHz range.

Zhou, Ocean (ORCID:0000000279192636)↗
DOE OSTI2019

Developing a High-Quality Linkage Map for the Atlantic Killifish Fundulus heteroclitus

Killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) are widely distributed among different aquatic environments where they demonstrate an impressive range of highly-plastic and locally adaptive phenotypes. High-throughput sequencing has begun to unravel the mechanisms and evolutionary history of these interesting features by establishing relationships in the genotype-phenotype map. However, some genotype-phenotype analyses require a higher order of contiguity than what initial scaffolded (fragmented genome assembly where contigs have been assemble into scaffolds) genome assemblies can provide. Here, we used 5,685 high-quality RAD-Seq markers from a single mapping family to order 84% of the scaffolded genome assembly to 24 chromosomes. This serves to: 1) expand the killifish genomic toolkit, 2) estimate genome-wide recombination rates, and 3) compare genome synteny to humans and other fishes. After initially building our map, we found that the selection of thresholds for sequence data filtration highly impacted scaffold placement in the map. We outline each step of the approach that dramatically improved our map to help guide others toward more effective linkage mapping for genome assembly. Our final map supports strong conservation of genomic synteny among closely related fish species and reveals previously described chromosomal rearrangements between more distantly related clades. However, we also commonly found minor scaffold misorientations in F. heteroclitus and in other assemblies, suggesting that further mapping (such as optical mapping) is necessary for finer scale resolution of genome structure. Lastly, we discuss the problems that would be expected from misoriented/unplaced scaffolds and stress the importance of a quality mapped genome as a key feature for further investigating population and comparative genomic questions with F. heteroclitus and other taxa.

Genetics & Heredity↗
DOE OSTI2022

High-Gradient Wien Spin Rotators at Jefferson Lab

Nuclear physics experiments performed in the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Laboratory (JLab) require spin manipulation of electron beams. Two Wien spin rotators in the injector keV region are essential at CEBAF to establish longitudinal polarization at the end station target, and to flip the polarization direction by ? rad to rule out false asymmetries. In a Wien filter, the homogeneous and independent electric and magnetic fields, along with the velocity vectors of the electrons that traverse it, form a mutually orthogonal system. The magnitude of the electrostatic field, established by biasing two highly-polished electrodes, defines the desired spin angle at the target yet deviates the beam trajectory due to the Lorentz force. The beam trajectory in the Wien is then re-established by adjusting the magnetic field, induced by an electromagnet encasing the device vacuum chamber. This contribution describes the evolution design and high voltage testing of Wien filters for spin manipulation at increased beam energies in the keV injector region, required by high precision parity violation experiments like MOLLER.

Palacios Serrano, G. G.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Developing Flexible, Networked Lighting Control Systems That Reliably Save Energy in California Buildings

An important strategy to meet California's ambitious energy efficiency goals is to use innovative wireless communications, embedded sensors, data analytics and controls to significantly reduce lighting energy use in commercial buildings. This project developed a suite of networked lighting solutions to further this goal. The technologies include a platform for low-cost sensing, distributed intelligence and communications, the “PermaMote,” which is a self-powered sensor and controller for lighting applications. The project team also developed a task ambient daylighting system that integrates sensors with data-driven daylighting control using an open communication interface, called the “Readings-At-Desk” (RAD) system. To address the problem of building occupants being confused about how to operate traditional lighting control systems, the research team created content that could be the basis for a user interface standard for lighting controls. Finally, to address the difficulty of ensuring that advanced lighting control systems actually deliver their promised energy savings, the project team developed a new method for evaluating and specifying lighting systems’ performance. The research team validated these technologies in the laboratory, showing significant lighting energy savings, up to 73% for the PermaMote sensor system from occupancy control and daylight dimming features, compared to the same light source (LED replacement lamps) operated via simple on/off scheduling. The project team also developed a proposed standard lighting data model and user interface elements, which were contributed to the ANSI Lighting Systems Committee (C137) for standardization. Existing data models are incomplete and inconsistent, whereas the lighting-specific data model developed here is clear and comprehensive, to serve as a starting point for creating common, universally agreed upon semantic definitions of key lighting parameters, to promote interoperability. For the task on verifiable performance of lighting systems, the project team developed a more effective metric for capturing the actual energy impact of a lighting system over time — the energy usage intensity (kWh/ft2/year). Three commercial lighting systems were tested in FLEXLAB® using this new metric, and the tests show a wide range in the accuracy of the self-reported energy-use metric, from 0.5% to 28% error compared to direct measurement of lighting energy using dedicated submeters. Overall, the project team estimates that these advanced technologies can reduce California office lighting energy use by 20% (above and beyond normal advanced lighting controls mandated by Title 24), resulting in about 1,600 GWh/year in savings.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2011

THE CHEMICAL AND RADIATION RESISTANCE OF POLYPHENYLENE SULFIIDE AS ENCOUNTERED IN THE MODULAR CAUSTIC SIDE SOLVENT EXTRACTION PROCESSES

Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is a semicrystalline polymer with excellent engineering plastic properties and suitable processing temperatures. PPS can also be made containing branches (using a trifunctional monomer) and with crosslinked microstructure (when curing the monomer at high temperature in the presence of oxygen). PPS is made from the condensation reaction between para-dichlorobenzene and sodium sulfide with the assistance of a catalyst (to lower the activation barrier). The synthesis conditions for making PPS has evolved since its invention in the 1960's to the optimal conditions developed by the Philips Corporation in the 1970's. The resulting polymer consists of chemically stable molecular moieties such as benzene rings and ether like sulfur linkages between the aromatic rings. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is extremely resistant to gamma irradiation, caustic solution, and dilute nitric acid. PPS is the material of construction for the coalescers used in the Modular Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU). After applying the equivalent of 3.3 E8 rad (330 Mrad), or the equivalent of 11 years of gamma irradiation (assuming a stripping solution concentration of 7.5 Ci/gal), and several months of exposures to 3M caustic solution and caustic salt simulant, no dimensional changes nor chemical changes were detected in PPS whether the PPS was in fiber form or in a composite with E-glass fibers. However, PPS acts as a media for heterogeneous nucleation. In particular, PPS appears to favor aluminosilicate formation in saturated solutions of aluminum and silicon in caustic environments. Parallel testing, in progress, is examining the stability of PPS when exposed to the new solvent formulation under development for MCU. Preliminary data, after two months of exposure, demonstrates PPS is stable to the new solvent.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Test Results from Gamma Irradiation of Aluminum Oxyhydroxides

Hydrated metal oxides or oxyhydroxides boehmite and gibbsite that can form on spent aluminum-clad nuclear fuel assemblies during in-core and post-discharge wet storage were exposed as granular powders to gamma irradiation in a 60 Co irradiator in closed laboratory test vessels with air and with argon as separate cover gases. The results show that boehmite readily evolves hydrogen with exposure up to a dose of 1.8 x 10 8 rad, the maximum tested, in both a full-dried and moist condition of the powder, whereas only a very small measurable quantity of hydrogen was generated from the granular powder of gibbsite. Specific information on the test setup, sample characteristics, sample preparation, irradiation, and gas analysis are described.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Study of CP Violation in Dalitz-Plot Analyses of B-Meson Decays to Three Kaons

The Standard Model (SM) explains CP violation in terms of the CKM matrix. The BABAR experiment was designed mainly to test the CKM model in B decays. B decays that proceed through b → s loop diagrams, of which B {yields} KKK decays are an example, are sensitive to new physics effects that could lead to deviations from the CKM predictions for CP violation. We present studies of CP violation in the decays B + → K + K - K + , B + → K S 0 K S 0 K + , and B 0 → K + K - K S 0 , using a Dalitz plot amplitude analysis. These studies are based on approximately 470 million B$\bar{B}$ decays collected by BABAR at the PEP-II collider at SLAC. We perform measurements of time-dependent CP violation in B 0 → K + K - K S 0 , including B 0 → ΦK S 0 . We measure a CP-violating phase β eff (ΦK S 0 ) = 0.36 ± 0.11 ± 0.04 rad., in agreement with the SM. This is the world's most precise measurement of this quantity. We also measure direct CP asymmetries in all three decay modes, including the direct CP asymmetry A CP (ΦK + ) = (12.8 ± 4.4 ± 1.3)%, which is 2.8 sigma away from zero. This measurement is in tension with the SM, which predicts an asymmetry of a few percent. We also study the resonant and nonresonant features in the B → KKK Dalitz plots. We find that the hypothetical scalar f X (1500) resonance, introduced by prior analyses to explain an unknown peak in the m KK spectrum, cannot adequately describe the data. We conclude instead that the f X (1500) can be explained as the sum of the f 0 (1500), f' 2 (1525), and f 0 (1710) resonances, removing the need for the hypothetical f X (1500). We also find that an exponential nonresonant model, used by previous analyses to describe the broad nonresonant feature seen in B → KKK decays, cannot fully model the data. We introduce a new nonresonant model that contains more free parameters, allows for phase motion, and contains both S-wave and P-wave components.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Instrumentation and Equipment for Three Independent Research Labs

Completed in 2011, Albright's new Science Center includes three independent student and faculty research labs in Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, and Physics (separate from teaching labs). Providing independent research facilities, they eliminate disruptions in classrooms and teaching labs, encourage and accommodate increased student interest, and stimulate advanced research. The DOE grant of $369,943 enabled Albright to equip these advanced labs for 21st century science research, with much instrumentation shared among departments. The specialty labs will enable Albright to expand its student-faculty research program to meet growing interest, help attract superior science students, maximize faculty expertise, and continue exceeding its already high rates of acceptance for students applying for postgraduate education or pharmaceutical research positions. Biology instrumentation/equipment supports coursework and independent and collaborative research by students and faculty. The digital shaker, CO 2 and water bath incubators (for controlled cell growth), balance, and micropipettes support cellular biology research in the advanced cell biology course and student-faculty research into heavy metal induction of heat shock proteins in cultured mammalian cells and the development of PCR markers from different populations of the native tree, Franklinia. The gravity convection oven and lyophilizer support research into physical and chemical analysis of floodplain sediments used in assessment of riparian restoration efforts. The Bio-Rad thermocycler permits fast and accurate DNA amplification as part of research into genetic diversity in small mammal populations and how those populations are affected by land-use practices and environmental management. The Millipore water deionizing system and glassware washer provide general support of the independent research lab and ensure quality control of coursework and interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and toxicology. Grant purchases support faculty and students working in the areas of plant cellular biology, landscape ecology and wildlife management, wetland restoration, and ecotoxicology of aquatic invertebrates. Chemistry/BioChemistry instrumentation supports a wide range of research and teaching needs. The Dell quad core Xeon processors and Gaussian 09 support computational research efforts of two of our faculty. The computational work of one of these groups is part of close collaboration with one organic chemist and provides support info for the synthetic work of this professor and his students. Computational chemistry studies were also introduced into the physical chemistry laboratory course for junior chemistry concentrators. The AKTA plus system and superdex columns, Thermoscientific Sorvall RC-6 plus superspeed centrifuge, Nanodrop spectrometer, Eppendorf microfuge, Homogenizer and Pipetman pipetters were incorporated into a research project involving purification and characterization of a construct of beta 2-microglobulin by one of our biochemists. The vacuum system (glove box, stand, and pump) makes a significant contribution to the research of our inorganic chemist, the newest department member, working on research projects with four students. The glove box provides the means to carry out their synthetic work in an oxygenless atmosphere. Supporting basic research pursued by faculty and students, the remaining items (refrigerator/freezer units for flammable storage, freezer, refrigerated water bath, rotary evaporator system, vacuum oven, analytical and top-loading balances) were distributed between our biochemistry and chemistry research labs. The Nanodrop spectrometer, Sorvall centrifuge, and rotary evaporator system are used in several junior/senior lab courses in both biochemistry and chemistry. To date, 14 undergraduate research students have been involved in projects using the new instrumentation and equipment provided by this grant. Physics equipment acquired is radically transforming Albright research and teaching capabilities. The two main purchases are an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). These two devices allow us to view surfaces at much higher resolution than ever before, even to the level of individual atoms. Already the AFM has been incorporated into courses for advanced physics and biology students, allowing them to view at high resolution material such as carbon nanotubes, cell structure, and proteins. These devices offer possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration among students and faculty in various departments that have barely begun to be tapped. Additional equipment, such as software, optical tables, lasers, and other support equipment, is also strengthening our research and teaching capabilities in optics-related areas.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Air Monitoring of Emissions from the Fukushima Daiichi Reactor

In response to the disasters in Japan on March 11, 2011, and the subsequent emissions from Fukushima-Daiichi, we monitored the air near Los Alamos using four air-monitoring systems: the standard AIRNET samplers, the standard rad-NESHAP samplers, the NEWNET system, and high-volume air samplers. Each of these systems has advantages and disadvantages. In combination, they provide a comprehensive set of measurements of airborne radionuclides near Los Alamos during the weeks following March 11. We report air-monitoring measurements of the fission products released from the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear-power-plant accident in 2011. Clear gamma-spectrometry peaks were observed from Cs-134, Cs-136, Cs-137, I-131, I132, Te-132, and Te-129m. These data, together with measurements of other radionuclides, are adequate for an assessment and assure us that radionuclides from Fukushima Daiichi did not present a threat to human health at or near Los Alamos. The data demonstrate the capabilities of the Los Alamos air-monitoring systems.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Defect reaction network in Si-doped GaAs: Numerical predictions

This Report characterizes the defect reaction network in silicon doped, n-type GaAs deduced from first principles density functional theory. The reaction network is deduced by following exothermic defect reactions starting with the initially mobile interstitial defects reacting with common displacement damage defects in Si-doped GaAs until culminating in immobile reaction products. The defect reactions and reaction energies are tabulated, along with the properties of all the silicon-related defects in the reaction network. This Report serves to extend the results for intrinsic defects in: P.A. Schultz and O.A. von Lilienfeld, “Simple intrinsic defects in GaAs”, Modelling Simul. Mater. Sci Eng., Vol. 17, 084007 (2009) and its numerical supplement in SAND 2012-2675, and the preliminary silicon defect network results in: P.A. Schultz, “First-principles defect chemistry for modeling irradiated GaAs and III-V semiconductors”, J. Rad. Effects, Res. and Eng. Vol. 30, p257 (2012).

Schultz, Peter Andrew↗
DOE OSTI2012

Triblock polymers for nanoporous membranes

The fabrication of nanoporous thin-film membranes from block polymers is proposed. A computational modeling effort is described, which optimizes the polymer block lengths in order to obtain thermodynamically favorable phase-separated morphologies. Synthetic rout es to access poly(ethylene oxide) and poly (methyl methacrylate)-based block polymers are outlined. These materials were then prepared using controlled free rad ical polymerization. The relative advantages and disadvantages of numerous routes are discussed. Characterization of di- and triblock polymers using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and size-exclusion chromatograph revealed less than ideal re-initiation and cha in growth o f macroinitiators. Preliminary phase-behavior of these materials is reported from small angle x-ray scattering and scanning electron microscopy.

Cordaro, Joseph Gabriel↗
DOE OSTI2012

Defect reaction network in C-doped GaAs: Numerical predictions

This Report characterizes the defect reaction network in carbon doped, p-type GaAs deduced from first principles density functional theory. The reaction network is deduced by following exothermic defect reactions starting with the initially mobile interstitial defects reacting with common displacement damage defects in C-doped GaAs until culminating in immobile reaction products. The defect reactions and reaction energies are tabulated, along with the properties of all the carbon-related defects in the reaction network. This Report serves to extend the results for intrinsic defects in: P.A. Schultz and O.A. von Lilienfeld, “Simple intrinsic defects in GaAs”, Modelling Simul. Mater. Sci Eng., Vol. 17, 084007 (2009) and its numerical supplement in SAND 2012-2675, and the preliminary carbon defect network results in: P.A. Schultz, “First-principles defect chemistry for modeling irradiated GaAs and III-V semiconductors”, J. Rad. Effects, Res. and Eng. Vol. 30, p257 (2012).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Dose Rates and Fluences for the TA-55 TRU Waste Certification Pilot Project

At the request of TA-55 TRU Waste Certification Pilot project, Radiological Engineering conducted calculations of expected neutron and photon dose rates and fluences resulting from TRU (transuranic) waste storage at the HENC Pad and the Asphalt Pad at TA-55. A copy of this report, MCNP files, and all supporting documentation are located at RP-3 engineering server at S:\Rad Engineering\2012 PROJECTS\HENC.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Biota Dose Assessment at LANL for 2011

Beginning with the Manhattan Project, the earliest work with radioactive material was located in what is now the center of Los Alamos townsite, and some of those materials were released into the environment or disposed of as waste. These radioactive materials have been extensively studied and assessed in many reports during the past 60 years. The assessments consider many activities relevant to dose assessment, such as adventurous children who burrow into and eat the soil, as well as the activities of pets and wildlife. Even for the most extreme scenarios, the doses are less than a few mrem per year, well below the DOE limit for the public, and four orders of magnitude below the DOE limit to terrestrial animals, which is 0.1 rad per day. Locations that pose even a very small risk to humans or pets are fenced, locked, and posted as controlled areas. However, it is recognized that biota such as plants, birds, mice, and worms live in these controlled areas. The DOE standard is intended to protect these biota. Contaminated sites in and near Los Alamos consist of areas known as solid waste management units (SWMU) and areas of concern (AoC) that have been identified and studied extensively in many reports. LA-UR-90-4300 lists these locations, and many subsequent reports provide extensive details and assessments. Between these areas, the levels of detectable radioactive materials are many orders of magnitude smaller. Because they are not a focus of concern, the areas outside of SWMUs and AoCs have not been as extensively studied or sampled. The highest concentrations of radioactive materials resulting from historic LANL operations are buried in material disposal areas (MDAs) such as MDA A, B, C, G, T, etc. Much of this material is sealed in containers that are not accessible to biota (McNaughton 2005). In some cases, it is buried below the reach of tree roots or burrowing animals, and in some cases it is encased or embedded in concrete. Of particular relevance to the present report, the hills to the west of LANL, where the Las Conchas fire burned, are not contaminated with LANL‐derived substances. The radioactivity in these hills consists of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) and global fallout.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

Wedgehog Manual and Interface Guide, Jayenne-7_0_0

Wedgehog is an IMC package developed by the CCS–2’s Monte Carlo Team1 . Wedgehog is designed to interface with a time-split radiation-hydrodynamics (rad-hydro) code and supports one-dimensional R, two-dimensional RZ or three dimensional XY Z geometry. The geometry is confined to logically rectangular Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) meshes with unit aspect ratios and 2:1 refinement between adjacent cells. Wedgehog supports both two and three temperature simulations. Available scattering models for photon-electron interaction include Compton and isotropic scattering. It maintains a census of particles in between time steps to preserve the contents of the radiation field. Wedgehog can accommodate frequency dependence by using a “Multigroup” (MG) approximation that essentially averages the frequency-dependent opacity information into discrete bins. Additionally, Wedge hog includes a capability to use Opacity Distribution Factors (ODFs) that may be generated with the XCP-5 code TOPS. A previous version of Wedgehog that utilizes IBM’s Cell chip is available for the Roadrunner petascale computer at Los Alamos National Laboratory (circa 2006-2013, estimated). However, as Roadrunner is going out of service in the near future, we have dropped support for the interfaces that were deprecated in Jayenne 6 4 0 and removed in Jayenne-7 0 0. The Roadrunner version had the same interface as the mainline code and is available in RZ and XYZ geometry with all the same features except for flux tallies across a surface (i.e., tally sphere and RZ line-segment).

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Using High-Fidelity Radiation Transport Methods to Supplement the Diffusion Approximation at Material Interfaces

Today, many radiation-hydrodynamics simulations use methods that combine hydrodynamics and radiation diffusion algorithms. The diffusion model has been used because it provides faster calculations for the radiation scalar flux than the full radiation transport model. However, it is well-known that diffusion cannot resolve “transport effects” at material interfaces. This could cause erroneous predictions when coupling the radiation results with a material hydrodynamics calculation. In this work, the “transport effects” are thoroughly characterized using IMC and SN transport methods. Based on the information obtained from this study, new models based on diffusion that can capture these effects are developed. These models are subsequently compared with the full radiation transport model. It is hoped that the new models can be used to provide improved predictions in rad-hydro simulations, such as in ICF capsule implosions.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗