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At least 649 records · Page 36

Simulation and Development of the Radial Time Projection Chamber For the Bonus12 Experiment in CLAS12

Knowledge of the structure of nucleons (i.e. protons and neutrons) is a central topic of interest to nuclear/particle physicists. Much more is known about the structure of the proton than the neutron due to the lack of high-density free neutron targets. The Barely Off-shell Nucleon Structure experiment (BONuS12) at Jefferson Lab (JLab) is a second generation experiment upgraded/optimized to advance our knowledge of the neutron's structure using the deep-inelastic scattering of electrons off deuterium. Typically, since deuterium is a nuclear target, corrections for off-shell and nuclear binding effects must be taken into account in order to extract results on the neutron. These corrections are model-dependent and therefore have limited our success in extracting neutron information using deuterium targets. In the BONuS12 experiment, 10.6 GeV electrons are scattered off of a deuterium target. By detecting the low momentum spectator proton at backward angles, the uncertainty due to final state interactions is minimized. The goal of the experiment is to measure the ratio of the neutron to proton structure functions ($F^n_2/F^p_2$) as the Bjroken scaling variable x approaches 1. The newly designed Radial Time Projection Chamber (RTPC) for BONuS12 detects the spectator proton in coincidence with the scattered electron, which is detected in the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS12). This work presents the simulation and development of the new BONuS12 RTPC. The design, construction, and testing of the Drift-gas Monitoring Sysytem (DMS) for the BONuS12 experiment is also described. The results of the DMS operation as well as the first preliminary data from the BONuS12 experimental run are given. Because the BONuS12 data analysis depends on CLAS12 working effectively, an effort to verify the CLAS12 operation with the extraction of the inclusive deep inelastic cross section from the first experiment in CLAS12 (Run Group A) will be presented.

Dzbenski, Nathan↗

Photoproduction of Lambda* Resonances using the CLAS Detector

This thesis presents the study of the reaction yp -> K^+Lambda* using the photo production data from the CLAS-g12 experiment performed in Hall B of Jefferson Laboratory. The decay of Lambda* resonances, Lambda(1520), Lambda(1670), and Lambda(1690), into two exclusive channels, Sigma+pi?and Sigma-pi+, is studied from the detected K+,pi+, and pi?particles. This work aims at understanding photoproduction mechanism to excited state baryons, and to facilitate phenomenological model predictions using precision experimental measurements. A good agreement is established for the Lambda(1520) differential cross sections with the previous CLAS measurements. The differential cross sections as a function of CM angle are extended to higher photon energies. Newly added are the differential cross sections as a function of invariant 4-momentum transfer, which is the natural variable to use for a theoretical model based on a Regge-exchange reaction mechanism. No new N* resonances decaying into the K+Lambda(1520) final state are found. The higher mass resonances, Lambda(1670)1/2- and Lambda(1690)3/2-, are studied for the first time using photoproduction. This work provides a model dependent preliminary cross sections for these excited states.

Shrestha, Utsav↗

Calibration of the DUNE Far Detector Using Cosmic-ray Muon Events

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) aims to set new limits on parameters associated with neutrino oscillations, neutrino astrophysics, and beyond the Standard Model (SM) searches such as nucleon decay. DUNE will quantify the magnitude of CP violation in the lepton sector, and determine the neutrino mass ordering. These benefit highly from the large target mass and excellent imaging, tracking, and particle identification capabilities of Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers (LArTPCs). Detector calibration is essential to make precise physics measurements. For instance, accurate energy reconstruction is necessary for measuring many of the aforementioned quantities with the precision required for discovering new physics and fully exploiting the capabilities of the detector. Cosmic muons are a freely available natural source of calorimetric data and can be used for calibrating various detector parameters. This thesis provides an analysis of simulated cosmic-ray muon events generated with the Muon Simulation Underground (MUSUN) generator in the DUNE horizontal drift (HD) far detector (FD). The study focuses on analysing the energy and angular distribution of various classes of muon events, as well as characterising the different particles produced by cosmic muon interactions. The analysis of π0 → 2γ events within the cosmic-ray muon sample is presented in this thesis with a detailed study of reconstructing electromagnetic showers. The π0 mass is reconstructed within the DUNE FD, yielding a value of (136 ± 7) MeV/c2. Additionally, the thesis introduces methods for dE/dx calibration using simulated and reconstructed muon tracks. A calibration constant Ccal = (5.469 ± 0.003) × 10−3 ADC × tick/e is obtained through a model-dependent calibration process, where 1 tick corresponds to 500 ns of sampling time of an ADC. Furthermore, a calibration technique is presented, demonstrating precise translation from dQ/dx to dE/dx. This calibration method is applied to stopping muons, charged pions, and protons in the DUNE FD, addressing the measurement of energy loss in the detector volume. These are important calibrations of the DUNE FD and will contribute to achieving the exciting physics goals of the experiment.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A study of the 2H(e, e ' p)X reaction at large 4-momentum transfers and high missing momenta

The short-range region (r < 1 fm) of the nucleon-nucleon potential may be studied via deuteron electro-disintegration. Such an experiment was done at Hall C of Jefferson Lab at 4-momentum transfers of Q^2 = 4.07 (GeV/c)^2 and reaching missing momenta up to 900 MeV/c. At such settings, complications arising from Meson Exchange Currents (MEC) and Isobar Currents are expected to be signifi cantly minimized, as well as Final State Interactions (FSI) at recoiling angles of ¿_Xq ~ 40 deg. This makes comparisons of experimental and theoretical cross sections less model dependent. A luminosity study was done to determine the reduction of liquid deuterium targets with increasing beam current. A 2.8% in the charge yield was found between 0 to 70 µA. Electron scattering from the walls of the target chamber was determined to be negligible, but caution was taken by considering scattering events away from the walls. A neutron was found to be contained in the missing mass spectrum for each missing momentum setting. Extraction of the deuteron total cross section is still on going.

Love, Shawn [California State Univ. (CalState), Lo↗

MARVEL Reactor Fuel Performance Report

The Microreactor Applications Research Validation and EvaLuation (MARVEL) project is producing a high temperature liquid metal-cooled nuclear test bed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to ultimately improve the integration of microreactors to end-user applications. This ambitious effort seeks to design, authorize, construct, test, and operate the reactor within five years. In order to construct and operate the MARVEL reactor in a timely manner, the system will utilize materials and component designs which have already been used, qualified, or licensed from previous reactors. The MARVEL reactor will be located at the INL Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) facility in the north high-bay equipment pit and will use the existing 304 stainless steel-clad U-ZrH1.6 pin-type fuel system developed by General Atomics and purchased from TRIGA International. This fuel has been previously qualified under the United States Department of Energy’s (US DOE) Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR) Program. Even though the regulator of the MARVEL reactor is the US DOE, the standards and overall approach recommended by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is well-defined and utilized here. Following NUREG-1537 regulatory guidance, this report documents the authorization case for the MARVEL fuel system’s application to MARVEL and establishes stable and predictable fuel performance during the most thermophysically unfavorable conditions achievable in the MARVEL reactor. To that end, this report provides a comprehensive survey of the known thermophysical properties, performance, and quantitative relationships associated with the MARVEL reactor fuel element and uses this information to determine its mechanical integrity and risk of reaching unacceptable conditions during the most extreme accident scenarios predicted for the reactor using the most conservative assumptions available. The information contained herein is compiled from a combination of historical reports and peer reviewed scientific publication manuscripts. Known mechanisms under which the fuel is susceptible to failure are highlighted and compared to conditions that could exist in the MARVEL reactor during an unanticipated transient or accident scenario. The two scenarios considered for analysis in this report are (1) an unprotected loss of flow accident and (2) a hypothetical unprotected loss of coolant accident during the loss of flow accident. Preliminary 2D steady-state analyses herein indicate that both fuel-cladding chemical interactions and fuel-cladding mechanical interactions are negligible throughout the fuel’s operational cycle under both normal and high temperature accident scenario conditions. Although higher fidelity 3D time-dependent modeling and simulations are planned, the following may be concluded presently. The MARVEL fuel element maintains its geometric stability and structural integrity during the most extreme accident scenarios predicted for the MARVEL reactor. The hoop stress during the unprotected loss of flow accident reaches about -1.27 MPa; this negative stress indicates that it is compressive rather than tensile. The compressive stress is a result of the NaK pressure on the outside of the fuel element, caused by the restricted thermal expansion of the NaK coolant, exceeding the internal pressures generated inside of the fuel element. The hoop stress generated in the cladding during the unprotected loss of coolant accident reaches a maximum of about approximately 10 MPa, which is nearly an order of magnitude less than the predicted yield strength of the cladding under high-temperature accident scenario conditions. Calculations were compared with results from high performance computational simulations using BISON and are in very close agreement. A conservative MARVEL fuel meat peak temperature limit of 900 °C is recommended presently, which is about 180 °C higher than the peak fuel temperature predicted to occur during the most extreme accident. Based on the known properties and behavior of the MARVEL fuel element, the fuel successfully meets its design and safety requirements under normal and most extreme accident conditions with a large safety margin.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Across the Scales of the Nucleus: Understanding Short Range Correlations from Medium Modification to Probe Independence

The atomic nucleus presents an intricate system due to the non-linear forces described by Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) that govern its structure. The range of scales involved is remarkable; the most massive nuclei weigh approximately five orders of magnitude more than the quarks that compose them. The nucleus can be analyzed at various levels, from quarks to hadrons to the nucleus as a whole. Short-Range Correlations (SRCs) within the nucleus play a significant role that spans these diverse scales. At the most fundamental level, SRCs influence the interaction between nucleons. The nucleon-nucleon (NN) interaction, arising from QCD, is crucial in determining nuclear properties. SRCs serve as valuable probes for measuring this NN interaction, as the nucleons within SRCs become effectively decoupled from the rest of the nucleus. Multiple experimental techniques, including electron scattering, have been employed to investigate the NN interaction through SRCs. However, our first project demonstrates that inclusive measurements alone are inadequate to constrain this interaction fully. Moving to the scale of the nucleus, SRCs contribute to the high-momentum tail of the nuclear spectral function. While the low-momentum region is characterized by nucleons exhibiting bulk properties, nucleons begin to pair into SRCs at higher momenta. Our research aims to bridge the understanding between the mean-field portion of the nucleus and its high-momentum SRC components. Additionally, SRCs affect the quark structure of protons, as evidenced by the EMC effect, which indicates that quarks behave differently when protons are embedded within a nucleus—an effect referred to as medium modification. This thesis explores the correlation between SRCs and medium modification across various experimental setups. Finally, we seek to establish an interpretation of the nuclear ground state. Accomplishing this requires demonstrating that our SRC observables are independent of the probe’s scale and scheme. The concluding project of this thesis illustrates how we utilize triple coincidence quasi-elastic scattering across a range of (Q2) values to develop a model-dependent framework for understanding SRC distributions within the nucleus’s ground-state wavefunction.

Denniston, A. W. Denniston [University of Tel Aviv↗

General Multimechanism Reversible-Irreversible Time-Dependent Constitutive Deformation Model Being Developed

Since most advanced material systems (for example metallic-, polymer-, and ceramic-based systems) being currently researched and evaluated are for high-temperature airframe and propulsion system applications, the required constitutive models must account for both reversible and irreversible time-dependent deformations. Furthermore, since an integral part of continuum-based computational methodologies (be they microscale- or macroscale-based) is an accurate and computationally efficient constitutive model to describe the deformation behavior of the materials of interest, extensive research efforts have been made over the years on the phenomenological representations of constitutive material behavior in the inelastic analysis of structures. From a more recent and comprehensive perspective, the NASA Glenn Research Center in conjunction with the University of Akron has emphasized concurrently addressing three important and related areas: that is, 1) Mathematical formulation; 2) Algorithmic developments for updating (integrating) the external (e.g., stress) and internal state variables; 3) Parameter estimation for characterizing the model. This concurrent perspective to constitutive modeling has enabled the overcoming of the two major obstacles to fully utilizing these sophisticated time-dependent (hereditary) constitutive models in practical engineering analysis. These obstacles are: 1) Lack of efficient and robust integration algorithms; 2) Difficulties associated with characterizing the large number of required material parameters, particularly when many of these parameters lack obvious or direct physical interpretations.

Saleeb, A. F.↗

Skeletal model reduction with forced optimally time dependent modes

Skeletal model reduction based on local sensitivity analysis of time dependent systems is presented in which sensitivities are modeled by forced optimally time dependent (f-OTD) modes. The f-OTD factorizes the sensitivity coefficient matrix into a compressed format as the product of two skinny matrices, i.e. f-OTD modes and f-OTD coefficients. The modes create a low-dimensional, time dependent, orthonormal basis which capture the directions of the phase space associated with most dominant sensitivities. These directions highlight the instantaneous active species, and reaction paths. Evolution equations for the f-OTD modes and coefficients are derived, and the implementation of f-OTD for skeletal reduction is described. For demonstration, skeletal reduction is conducted of the constant pressure ethylene-air burning in a zero-dimensional reactor, and new reduced models are generated. The laminar flame speed, the ignition delay, and the extinction curve as predicted by the models are compared against some existing skeletal models in literature for the same detailed model. Finally, the results demonstrate the capability of f-OTD to eliminate unimportant reactions and species in a systematic, efficient and accurate manner.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A multilayer model of time dependent deformation following an earthquake on a strike-slip fault

A multilayer model of the Earth to calculate finite element of time dependent deformation and stress following an earthquake on a strike slip fault is discussed. The model involves shear properties of an elastic upper lithosphere, a standard viscoelastic linear solid lower lithosphere, a Maxwell viscoelastic asthenosphere and an elastic mesosphere. Systematic variations of fault and layer depths and comparisons with simpler elastic lithosphere over viscoelastic asthenosphere calculations are analyzed. Both the creep of the lower lithosphere and astenosphere contribute to the postseismic deformation. The magnitude of the deformation is enhanced by a short distance between the bottom of the fault (slip zone) and the top of the creep region but is less sensitive to the thickness of the creeping layer. Postseismic restressing is increased as the lower lithosphere becomes more viscoelastic, but the tendency for the width of the restressed zone to growth with time is retarded.

Cohen, S. C.↗

Modeling Time-Dependent Surrogates of Additive-Manufactured Nuclear Fuels Processes

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology is being increasingly adopted in a wide variety of application areas for its ability to rapidly produce, prototype, and customize designs. Recently, a hybrid AM technique was successfully developed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to manufacture nuclear fuels [1]. Despite the advantages, this AM technique needs optimization due to defects from a highly complex melting and sintering process. The complex metallurgical phenomena during AM processes are strongly related to parameters such as applied laser power, traveling speed, and scan style, which could lead to differences in density, residual stress, crystallographic texture, and mechanical properties. In addition, stochastic variations in laser energy interaction and associated multiscale/multiphysics phenomena cause variations in microstructure evolution and mechanical properties. Currently, researchers at INL are focusing on developing a comprehensive modeling framework, leveraging INL’s simulation tools MOOSE/MARMOT/BISON/RAVEN [2-4] to describe all steps of this AM process across multiple length scales. Although this advanced framework plays a critical role in enabling enhancements to traditional trial and error approaches for design and optimization of nuclear fuel materials, it remains computationally intense, limiting its use in sensitivity and optimization analysis. In this case, an accurate and inexpensive surrogate becomes an effective tool for providing a tractable approximation of the underlying underline physics. Surrogate models generally not based on the physics of a system are purely mathematical models used to capture the relationships between specific system inputs and outputs. Popular approaches, including neural networks [5], response surfaces [6], and subspace-based reduced order models [7], have been applied to a wide range of disciplines, such as nuclear reactor design, aerospace design and automotive design. In this summary, we employ advanced time-dependent surrogate models such as high-dimensional model representation (HDMR) [8] and physics-informed deep neural network (PINNs) [9] to accelerate the design and optimization of AM process.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Evaluation of a Multi-Axial, Temperature, and Time Dependent (MATT) Failure Model

To obtain a better understanding the response of the structural adhesives used in the Space Shuttle's Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) nozzle, an extensive effort has been conducted to characterize in detail the failure properties of these adhesives. This effort involved the development of a failure model that includes the effects of multi-axial loading, temperature, and time. An understanding of the effects of these parameters on the failure of the adhesive is crucial to the understanding and prediction of the safety of the RSRM nozzle. This paper documents the use of this newly developed multi-axial, temperature, and time (MATT) dependent failure model for modeling failure for the adhesives TIGA 321, EA913NA, and EA946. The development of the mathematical failure model using constant load rate normal and shear test data is presented. Verification of the accuracy of the failure model is shown through comparisons between predictions and measured creep and multi-axial failure data. The verification indicates that the failure model performs well for a wide range of conditions (loading, temperature, and time) for the three adhesives. The failure criterion is shown to be accurate through the glass transition for the adhesive EA946. Though this failure model has been developed and evaluated with adhesives, the concepts are applicable for other isotropic materials.

Richardson, D. E.↗

Motion of magnetospheric particle clouds in a time-dependent electric field model

A computer code has been developed to study quantitatively the drift motion of magnetospheric particles in a time-dependent electric field. These calculations were applied to the case of proton and electron injections from the plasma sheet during substorms; the model predictions were checked against observations on board the geosynchronous satellite ATS 5 by DeForest and McIlwain (1971). It was found that it is possible to simulate the observed proton spectrograms with an adequate choice of a time-dependent electric field model. The resulting kinematics is physically quite simple and in its gross features does not depend too strongly on the particular fine structure of the model.

Roederer, J. G.↗

Modeling the Environment-Dependent Kinetics of Oxygen Reduction Reaction – a Continuum Model for Electric Double Layer

Here, for proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) to achieve broad commercialization, improved energy-conversion efficiency with minimal Pt-based electrocatalyst is required. Because the sluggish rate of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) limits the efficiency of PEMFCs, the efficiency improvement requires a better understanding of ORR kinetics and mechanism to design better catalyst. To understand the ORR mechanism, theoretical and experimental analyses have been conducted. While previous studies reasonably explained the catalyst-dependent activity on single crystal catalysts in 0.1 M perchloric acid solution, the explicit effect of electrolyte and related microenvironments is not thoroughly understood. The change in the electrolyte alters the electric-double-layer (EDL) structure and thus the local microenvironment at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Thus, the structure of the EDL should be carefully analyzed to uncover the electrolyte-dependent reaction kinetics. In this talk, we propose a multiscale continuum model to predict the EDL structure and examine the effect of perchloric acid concentration on ORR activity on Pt (111). The model includes Density Potential Functional Theory (DPFT) for electron density and Modified Poisson Boltzmann equation for species’ density and electric potential. Also, the interaction between adsorbents and electric field is taken into account by minimizing the grand potential. After model validation with experimentally measured double-layer capacity data as a function of applied potential and concentration, the effect of the perchloric acid concentration (0.02 M – 0.2 M) on ORR activity is analyzed and discussed. It is shown that the model reproduces the specific activity obtained in the experiments when assuming the oxygen adsorption is limiting the rate, which can be attributed to the large energetic barrier for solvent reorganization. Then, extension of the model to PEMFC ionomer electrolytes will be introduced. Overall, the model framework and findings provide insights into the ORR mechanism and guidance on how to tailor catalyst materials for increased PEMFC performance.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Predicting the Pseudocapacitive Windows for MXene Electrodes with Voltage-Dependent Cluster Expansion Models

MXene transition-metal carbides and nitrides are of growing interest for energy storage applications. These compounds are especially promising for use as pseudocapacitive electrodes due to their ability to convert energy electrochemically at fast rates. Using voltage-dependent cluster expansion models, we predict the charge storage performance of MXene pseudocapacitors for a range of electrode compositions. M 3 C 2 O 2 electrodes based on group-VI transition metals have up to 80% larger areal energy densities than prototypical titanium-based (e.g., Ti 3 C 2 O 2 ) MXene electrodes. We attribute this high pseudocapacitance to the Faradaic voltage windows of group-VI MXene electrodes, which are predicted to be 1.2 to 1.8 times larger than those of titanium-based MXenes. The size of the pseudocapacitive voltage window increases with the range of oxidation states that are accessible to the MXene transition metals. Here, by similar mechanisms, the presence of multiple ions in the solvent (Li + and H + ) leads to sharp changes in the transition-metal oxidation states and can significantly increase the charge capacity of MXene pseudocapacitors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A time-dependent diffusion convection model for the long term modulation of cosmic rays

A model is developed which incorporates to first order the direct effects of the time dependent diffusive propagation of interstellar cosmic rays in a slowly changing interplanetary medium. The model provides a physical explanation for observed rigidity-dependent phase lags in modulated spectra (cosmic ray hysteresis). The average distance to the modulating boundary during the last solar cycle is estimated.

Gallagher, J. J.↗

Time-dependent collisional radiative modeling of tungsten in the magnetic sheath for erosion diagnosis

Abstract Tungsten is the material of choice for the divertors in ITER, SPARC and future fusion reactors. Accurate diagnosis of tungsten erosion and migration is important for first wall life time, slag production and core performance. The addition of a magnetic presheath requires time-dependent collisional radiative effects to be included for accurate neutral tungsten collisional radiative modeling. Gross erosion measurements could be modified by a factor of 10 due to the inclusion of time-dependent effects for ITER relevant divertor conditions. A simple sputtering model and sheath density model are developed to investigate time-dependent collisional radiative effects. Neutral tungsten spectral lines populated from different metastable levels depend on model parameters leading to potential spectroscopic diagnostics of plasma parameters. Electron temperatures inferred from spectroscopic line ratios are in agreement with Langmuir probe measurements in the Compact Toroidal Hybrid.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Improved Multi-Axial, Temperature and Time Dependent (MATT) Failure Model

An extensive effort has recently been completed by the Space Shuttle's Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) nozzle program to completely characterize the effects of multi-axial loading, temperature and time on the failure characteristics of three filled epoxy adhesives (TIGA 321, EA913NA, EA946). As part of this effort, a single general failure criterion was developed that accounted for these effects simultaneously. This model was named the Multi- Axial, Temperature, and Time Dependent or MATT failure criterion. Due to the intricate nature of the failure criterion, some parameters were required to be calculated using complex equations or numerical methods. This paper documents some simple but accurate modifications to the failure criterion to allow for calculations of failure conditions without complex equations or numerical techniques.

Richardson, D. E.↗

Determination of efficiencies, loss mechanisms, and performance degradation factors in chopper controlled dc vehical motors. Section 2: The time dependent finite element modeling of the electromagnetic field in electrical machines: Methods and applications

The time dependent solution of the magnetic field is introduced as a method for accounting for the variation, in time, of the machine parameters in predicting and analyzing the performance of the electrical machines. The method of time dependent finite element was used in combination with an also time dependent construction of a grid for the air gap region. The Maxwell stress tensor was used to calculate the airgap torque from the magnetic vector potential distribution. Incremental inductances were defined and calculated as functions of time, depending on eddy currents and saturation. The currents in all the machine circuits were calculated in the time domain based on these inductances, which were continuously updated. The method was applied to a chopper controlled DC series motor used for electric vehicle drive, and to a salient pole sychronous motor with damper bars. Simulation results were compared to experimentally obtained ones.

Hamilton, H. B.↗