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At least 703 records · Page 39

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DOE OSTI2015

Overview of results from the MST reversed field pinch experiment

An overview of recent results from the MST reversed field pinch programme is presented here. With neutral beam injection, bursty energetic particle (EP) modes are observed. The profiles of the magnetic and density fluctuations associated with these EP modes are measured using a far infrared interferometer–polarimeter. Equilibrium reconstructions of the quasi-single-helicity 3D helical state are provided by the V3FIT code that now incorporates several of MST's advanced diagnostics. The orientation of the helical structure is controlled using a new resonant magnetic perturbation technique. Gyrokinetic simulations based on experimental equilibria predict unstable trapped-electron modes (TEMs), and small-scale density fluctuations are detected in improved-confinement plasmas with TEM-like features. Upgraded pellet injection permits study of density and beta limits over MST's full range of operation, and an MST-record line-average density of 0.9 × 1020 m3 (n/nG = 1.4) has been obtained. Impurity ion temperature measurements reveal a charge-to-mass-ratio dependence in the rapid heating that occurs during a sawtooth crash. Runaway of NBI-born fast ions during the impulsive sawtooth event agrees with test-particle theory. Magnetic self-organization studies include measurements of the dynamo emf with an applied ac inductive electric field using oscillating field current drive.

beta limit↗

DOE OSTI2022

Diagnosing the DARHT Electron Beam-Target Interaction and Hydrodynamic Expansion [Dissertation]

Quantitative electron beam-target interaction studies on the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) electron linear induction accelerators have only been performed recently. This includes characterization of the temperature, density, pressure, extent, and expansion velocity of the plasma plume. The results presented in this dissertation present a detailed and unified overview of the accelerator systems, target heating physics, beam transport, and diagnostic tools. Additional information includes calibration sources, radiation hydrodynamics, spectroscopic-quality radiation transport modeling, experimental measurements, and analyses of electron beam driven aluminum experiments. The first set of spatially and temporally resolved spectroscopic measurements of electron beam driven aluminum are presented. Contamination quantification analyses are used to understand the origin of the strong Na-I 3p-3s lines that are observed in absorption within the aluminum plasma continuum. These results inform the creation of the first spectroscopic-quality radiation transport model that links several atomic physics codes to interpret the conditions from which the Na-I lines originate. A good agreement is found between the surface analysis results and the model which confirms the concentration of the sodium present within the aluminum alloy foil material. It also demonstrates, for the first time on electron beam-driven target experiments, the ability to interpret plasma conditions from measured absorption lines. In a second experimental campaign which focuses on pure aluminum, the Al-I 3p-4s and 3p3d doublets are both measured in emission. A detailed analysis of the Al-I 3p-4s doublet reveals that the lines undergo moderate self-absorption. A simple model of the self-absorption effect is successfully used to match measured spectra at various temperature/density/plasma scale length combinations. These measurements led to the realization of the minimum density that can be resolved by the spectrometers for the Al-I 3p-4s lines due to the large slit width required to observe a signal on aluminum. These measurements also demonstrate the sensitivity of visible and long wave UV spectroscopy to minor changes in both temperature and density. The simple self-absorption model will be useful for analysis of other beam-target interaction experiments with spectra exhibiting either self-absorption or full self-reversal. Substantial headway has been made on the modeling front by linking together several codes needed to model both the energy deposition, hydrodynamic motion, and atomic kinetics to produce synthetic spectral calculations that are compared with experimental measurements. There exists ample space for improvement, especially with benchmarking the hydrodynamics codes and equation-of-state tables with experimental measurements. The X-ray diagnostics required to make these new measurements along with the simulation capabilities required to interpret the results are under development and will be the subject of future studies.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

NASA NTRS1981

Advanced Gas Turbine (AGT) powertrain system development for automotive applications

Preliminary layouts were made for the exhaust system, air induction system, and battery installation. Points of interference were identified and resolved by altering either the vehicle or engine designs. An engine general arrangement evolved to meet the vehicle engine compartment constraints while minimizing the duct pressure losses and the heat rejection. A power transfer system (between gasifier and power turbines) was developed to maintain nearly constant temperatures throughout the entire range of engine operation. An advanced four speed automatic transmission was selected to be used with the engine. Performance calculations show improvements in component efficiencies and an increase in fuel economy. A single stage centrifugal compressor design was completed and released for procurement. Gasifier turbine, power turbine, combustor, generator, secondary systems, materials, controls, and transmission development are reported.

Source record↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Combined Analysis of NASA's High Efficiency Megawatt Motor and Its Converter

NASA’s High Efficiency Megawatt Motor (HEMM) is being developed to achieve the performance needed by single aisle class electrified aircraft. It is a 1.4 MW electric machine designed as a generator for NASA’s STARC-ABL concept vehicle. It has performance objectives of greater than 16 kW/kg electromagnetic specific power and efficiency of greater than 98%. The key enabling technology for HEMM’s high performance metrics is a superconducting rotor cooled by an integrated cryocooler. HEMM’s integrated cryocooler is being designed to only lift 50 W of heat at its target 50 K cold tip operating temperature. HEMM’s superconducting rotor therefore needs to have essentially zero electromagnetic losses in order to stay below the 50 W heat rejection limit of the cryocooler. This paper presents the combined analysis of HEMM and a preliminarily designed HEMM converter to analyze the rotor loss impact of several potential converter filter topologies. The analysis results point to interleaving and series inductance filters not being sufficient to suppress switching harmonic caused rotor loss. Paths forward to develop a converter to eliminate rotor loss are discussed.

Matthew Granger↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Combined Analysis of NASA's High Efficiency Megawatt Motor and Its Converter

Matthew Granger↗

DOE OSTI2019

Reduced Model for Direct Induction Startup Scenario Development on MAST-U and NSTX-U

A reduced semi-empirical model using time-dependent axisymmetric vacuum field calculations is used to develop the prefill and feed-forward coil current targets required for reliable direct induction (DI) startup on the new MA-class spherical tokamaks, MAST-U and NSTX-U. The calculations are constrained by operational limits unique to each device, such as the geometry of the conductive elements and active coils, power supply specifications and coil heating and stress limits. The calculations are also constrained by semi-empirical models for sufficient breakdown, current drive, equilibrium and stability of the plasma developed from a shared database. A large database of DI startup on NSTX and NSTX-U is leveraged to quantify the requirements for achieving a reliable breakdown (Ip ~ 20 kA). It is observed that without pre-ionization, STs access the large E/P regime at modest loop voltage (Vloop) where the electrons in the weakly ionized plasma are continually accelerating along the open field lines. This ensures a rapid (order millisecond) breakdown of the neutral gas, even without pre-ionization or high-quality field nulls. The timescale of the initial increase in Ip on NSTX is reproduced in the reduced model provided a mechanism for impeding the applied electric field is included. Most discharges that fail in the startup phase are due to an inconsistency in the evolution of the plasma current (Ip) and equilibrium field or loss of vertical stability during the burn-through phase. The requirements for the self-consistent evolution of the fields in the weakly and full-ionized plasma states are derived from demonstrated DI startup on NSTX, NSTX-U and MAST. The predictive calculations completed for MAST-U and NSTX-U illustrate that the maximum Ip ramp rate (dIp/dt) in the early startup phase is limited by the voltage limits on the poloidal field coils on MAST-U and passive vertical stability on NSTX-U.

Direct induction↗

DOE OSTI2019

Reduced model for direct induction startup scenario development on MAST-U and NSTX-U

A reduced semi-empirical model using time-dependent axisymmetric vacuum field calculations is used to develop the prefill and feed-forward coil current targets required for reliable direct induction (DI) startup on the new MA-class spherical tokamaks, MAST-U and NSTX-U. The calculations are constrained by operational limits unique to each device, such as the geometry of the conductive elements and active coils, power supply specifications and coil heating and stress limits. The calculations are also constrained by semi-empirical models for sufficient breakdown, current drive, equilibrium and stability of the plasma developed from a shared database. A large database of DI startup on NSTX and NSTX-U is leveraged to quantify the requirements for achieving a reliable breakdown (I p ~ 20 kA). It is observed that without pre-ionization, STs access the large E/P regime at modest loop voltage (V loop ) where the electrons in the weakly ionized plasma are continually accelerating along the open field lines. This ensures a rapid (order millisecond) breakdown of the neutral gas, even without pre-ionization or high-quality field nulls. The timescale of the initial increase in I p on NSTX is reproduced in the reduced model provided a mechanism for impeding the applied electric field is included. Most discharges that fail in the startup phase are due to an inconsistency in the evolution of the plasma current (I p ) and equilibrium field or loss of vertical stability during the burn-through phase. Here, the requirements for the self-consistent evolution of the fields in the weakly and fully-ionized plasma states are derived from demonstrated DI startup on NSTX, NSTX-U and MAST. The predictive calculations completed for MAST-U and NSTX-U illustrate that the maximum I p ramp rate (dI p /dt) in the early startup phase is limited by the voltage limits on the poloidal field coils on MAST-U and passive vertical stability on NSTX-U.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2011

Production of High Energy Tail Electrons by Electron Bernstein Waves during the Current Start-up Discharges in the LATE Device

Toroidal plasma current is started and ramped up by injecting microwave power in the electron cyclotron range of frequency without induction in the LATE device. Radial scanning with hard X-ray pulse height analysis reveals the production of high energy electrons with average energy {approx}100 keV in the radial region from R = 28 cm to 40.5 cm, which are heated by electron Bernstein wave. The radial profile of photon counts in the energy range from 25 to 200 keV is very similar to that of perpendicular pressure obtained by magnetic measurement and equilibrium analysis, suggesting that a significant portion of trapped electrons exists outside the last closed flux surface. The plasma current inside the LCFS is carried mainly by passing electrons, while some portion of the outside current may be generated as a result of the toroidal precession of trapped electrons.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Optimization Considerations for Annular Linear Electromagnetic Pumps for Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion

The Need for High Performance Liquid Metal Pumps Testing Power and Efficiency Considerations Liquid metal cooled reactors is one option for space nuclear power for settlements and electric propulsion vehicles (Snap 10 A, SP100, Soviet Topaz reactors) • High heat capacity • High boiling point (NaK~1200K) • Simplified heat transfer loop • Good neutronics Liquid metal EM pumps are desired over conventional pumps owing to lack of seals, bearings elimination of cavitation issues, lower mass and eliminates mechanical impeller • Conduction pumps (typically DC-high current, low voltage; ~5% efficiency) • Induction pumps (typically AC, high efficiency ~40%) Annular linear induction pump is an EM pump with no moving parts and of cylindrical/tubular geometry which makes it straightforward to integrate in conventional piping architectures • Higher inherent reliability • Invented by Einstein and Szilard

ALIP↗

DOE OSTI2012

EC MoDeRn Project: In-situ Demonstration of Innovative Monitoring Technologies for Geological Disposal - 12053

Monitoring to provide information on the evolution of geological disposal presents several challenges. The 4-year, euros M 5, EC MoDeRn Project (http://www.modern-fp7.eu/), which commenced in 2009, addresses monitoring processes, state-of-the-art technology and innovative research and development of monitoring techniques. This paper discusses some of the key drivers for the development of innovative monitoring techniques and provides outlines of the demonstration programmes being conducted within MoDeRn. The aim is to develop these innovative monitoring techniques and to demonstrate them under realistic conditions present in underground laboratories. These demonstration projects, applying a range of different monitoring techniques, are being carried out at underground research facilities in different geological environments at HADES URL in Belgium (plastic clay), Bure in France (indurated clay) and at Grimsel Test Site (granite) in Switzerland. These are either built upon existing infrastructure (EC ESDRED Low pH shotcrete and TEM experiments at Grimsel; and PRACLAY experiment and underground galleries in HADES) or will be attached to infrastructure that is being developed and financed by resources outside of this project (mock-up disposal cell in Bure). At Grimsel Test Site, cross-hole and hole-to-tunnel seismic methods are being employed as a means to monitor induced changes in an artificially saturated bentonite wall confined behind a shotcrete plug. Recognising the limitations for travel-time tomography for monitoring a disposal cell, full waveform inversion techniques are being employed to enhance the capacity to monitor remote from the excavation. At the same Grimsel location, an investigation will be conducted of the potential for using a high frequency wireless (HFW) sensor network embedded within the barrier system; this will include the possibility of providing energy remotely to isolated sensors. At the HADES URL, the monitoring programme will utilise the PRACLAY gallery equipped to simulate a disposal gallery for heat-generating high-level waste evaluating fibre-optic based sensing techniques, including distributed sensing for thermal distribution and long-term reliability in harsh conditions. It also includes the potential to improve the treatment of signals from micro-seismic monitoring to enable enhanced understanding of the evolution around the gallery following its excavation due to ventilation, saturation and heating, and to image a water-bearing concretion layer. HADES URL will also be used to test wireless techniques to transmit monitoring data from the underground to the surface. The main focus of this contribution is to evaluate magneto-inductive data transmission; and to optimise energy usage. At the Bure underground facility in France, monitoring systems have been developed and will be embedded into the steel liner for the mock-up high-level waste disposal tunnel. The aim of this programme is to establish the capacity to conduct integrated monitoring activities inside the disposal cell, on the cell liner and in the near-field and to assess the capability of the monitoring to withstand construction and liner emplacement procedures. These projects, which are supported by focused development and testing of the monitoring systems, will allow the testing of both the effectiveness of these techniques applied to disposal situations and to understand the limits of these monitoring technologies. This approach should also enhance the confidence of key stakeholders in the ability to understand/confirm the changes occurring within a disposal cell. In addition, remote or 'non-intrusive' monitoring technologies are evaluated to provide a means of enhancing understanding of what is occurring in an isolated disposal cell. The projects also test solutions for embedded monitoring systems in challenging (risk of damage) situations. The outputs from this work will lead to improved understanding of these state-of-the-art techniques and allow focused development of those techniques beneficial to future monitoring programmes. It is also planned, as part of the MoDeRn programme of stakeholder engagement to show some of these monitoring demonstrations to lay stakeholders in order to receive their feed-back on the approach taken and their views on the value of this work. This feedback will help improve our understanding of how this work and future work on monitoring can be more effectively communicated. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2016

Structure Characterization and Properties of K-Containing Copper Hexacyanoferrate

Copper hexacyanoferrate, Cu II [Fe III (CN) 6 ] 2/3 nH 2 O, was synthesized, and varied amounts of K + ions were inserted via reduction by K 2 S 2 O 3 (aq). Ideally, the reaction can be written as Cu II [Fe III (CN) 6 ] 2/3 ∙ nH 2 O + 2x/3K + + 2x/3e⁻ ↔K 2x/3 Cu II [Fe II x Fe III 1- x (CN) 6 ] 2/3 nH 2 O. Infrared, Raman, and Mössbauer spectroscopy studies show that Fe III is continuously reduced to Fe II with increasing x, accompanied by a decrease of the a-axis of the cubic F$m\bar{3}$m unit cell. Elemental analysis of K by inductively coupled plasma shows that the insertion only begins when a significant fraction, ~20% of the Fe III , has already been reduced. Thermogravimetric analysis shows a fast exchange of water with ambient atmosphere and a total weight loss of ~26 wt % upon heating to 180 °C, above which the structure starts to decompose. The crystal structures of Cu II [Fe III (CN) 6 ] 2/3 ∙ nH 2 O and K 2/3 Cu[Fe(CN) 6 ] 2/3 ∙ nH 2 O were refined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data. In both, one-third of the Fe(CN) 6 groups are vacant, and the octahedron around Cu II is completed by water molecules. In the two structures, difference Fourier maps reveal three additional zeolitic water sites (8c, 32f, and 48g) in the center of the cavities formed by the Cu N C Fe framework. In conclusion, the K-containing compound shows an increased electron density at two of these sites (32f and 48g), indicating them to be the preferred positions for the K + ions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2016

Proteomics analysis of dendritic cell activation by contact allergens reveals possible biomarkers regulated by Nrf2

Allergic contact dermatitis is a widespread disease with high clinical relevance affecting approximately 20% of the general population. Typically, contact allergens are low molecular weight electrophilic compounds which can activate the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. We performed a proteomics study to reveal possible biomarkers for dendritic cell (DC) activation by contact allergens and to further elucidate the role of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling in this process. We used bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) of wild-type (nrf2{sup +/+}) and Nrf2 knockout (nrf2{sup −/−}) mice and studied their response against the model contact sensitizers 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), cinnamaldehyde (CA) and nickel(II) sulfate by 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) in combination with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, 100 μM) served as irritant control. While treatment with nickel(II) sulfate and SDS had only little effects, CA and DNCB led to significant changes in protein expression. We found 18 and 30 protein spots up-regulated in wild-type cells treated with 50 and 100 μM CA, respectively. For 5 and 10 μM DNCB, 32 and 37 spots were up-regulated, respectively. Almost all of these proteins were not differentially expressed in nrf2{sup −/−} BMDCs, indicating an Nrf2-dependent regulation. Among them proteins were detected which are involved in oxidative stress and heat shock responses, as well as in signal transduction or basic cellular pathways. The applied approach allowed us to differentiate between Nrf2-dependent and Nrf2-independent cellular biomarkers differentially regulated upon allergen-induced DC activation. The data presented might contribute to the further development of suitable in vitro testing methods for chemical-mediated sensitization. - Highlights: • Contact allergens induce proteins involved in DC maturation Nrf2-dependently. • Induction of these proteins points to a functional role of Nrf2 in DC maturation. • Evidence that metabolic reprogramming enables DC activation by contact allergens. • Identification of biomarker candidates for development of in vitro testing methods.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1979

A 15 kWe (nominal) solar thermal-electric power conversion concept definition study: Steam Rankin reciprocator system

A conceptual design of a 3600 rpm reciprocation expander was developed for maximum thermal input power of 80 kW. The conceptual design covered two engine configurations; a single cylinder design for simple cycle operation and a two cylinder design for reheat cycle operation. The reheat expander contains a high pressure cylinder and a low pressure cylinder with steam being reheated to the initial inlet temperature after expansion in the high pressure cylinder. Power generation is accomplished with a three-phase induction motor coupled directly to the expander and connected electrically to the public utility power grid. The expander, generator, water pump and control system weigh 297 kg and are dish mounted. The steam condenser, water tank and accessory pumps are ground based. Maximum heat engine efficiency is 33 percent: maximum power conversion efficiency is 30 percent. Total cost is $3,307 or $138 per kW of maximum output power.

Wingenback, W.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Advanced electric motor technology flux mapping

Design of electric motors which fulfill the needs of Thrust Vector Control (TVC) actuators used in large rocket propelled launch vehicles is covered. To accomplish this end the methodology of design is laid out in some detail. In addition a point design of a motor to fulfill the requirements of a certain actuator specified by MSFC is accomplished and reported upon. In the course of this design great stress has been placed on ridding the actuator of internally generated heat. To conduct the heat out of the motor use is made of the unique properties of the in house MSFC designed driving electronics. This property is that as along as they are operated in a quasi-linear mode the electronics nullify the effects of armature inductance as far as the phase of the armature current versus the rotor position is concerned. Actually the additional inductance due to the extended end turns in this design is of benefit because in the shorted armature failure mode the armature current in the fault (caused by the rotor flux sweeping past the armature) is diminished at a given rotor speed when compared to a more conventional motor with lower inductance. The magnetic circuit is analyzed using electromagnetic finite element methods.

Doane, George B., III↗

NASA NTRS1988

Calcium in the regulation of gravitropism by light

The red light requirement for positive gravitropism in roots of corn (Zea mays cv "Merit") provides an entry for examining the participation of calcium in gravitropism. Applications of calcium chelators inhibit the light response. Calcium channel blockers (verapamil, lanthanum) can also inhibit the light response, and a calcium ionophore, A23187, can substitute for light. One can substitute for red light by treatments which have elsewhere been shown to trigger Ca2+ influx into the cytosol, e.g. heat or cold shock. Agents which are known to be agonists of the phosphatidylinositol second messenger system (serotonin, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, deoxycholate) can each partially substitute for the red light, and Li+ can inhibit the light effect. These experiments suggest that the induction of positive gravitropism by red light involves a rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, and that a contribution to this end may be made by the phosphatidylinositol second messenger system.

NASA Discipline Number 40-10↗

NASA NTRS2011

Non-Nuclear Testing of Compact Reactor Technologies at NASA MSFC

Safe, reliable, compact, autonomous, long-life fission systems have numerous potential applications, both terrestrially and in space. Technologies and facilities developed in support of these systems could be useful to a variety of concepts. At moderate power levels, fission systems can be designed to operate for decades without the need for refueling. In addition, fast neutron damage to cladding and structural materials can be maintained at an acceptable level. Nuclear design codes have advanced to the stage where high confidence in the behavior and performance of a system can be achieved prior to initial testing. To help ensure reactor affordability, an optimal strategy must be devised for development and qualification. That strategy typically involves a combination of non-nuclear and nuclear testing. Non-nuclear testing is particularly useful for concepts in which nuclear operating characteristics are well understood and nuclear effects such as burnup and radiation damage are not likely to be significant. To be mass efficient, a SFPS must operate at higher coolant temperatures and use different types of power conversion than typical terrestrial reactors. The primary reason is the difficulty in rejecting excess heat to space. Although many options exist, NASA s current reference SFPS uses a fast spectrum, pumped-NaK cooled reactor coupled to a Stirling power conversion subsystem. The reference system uses technology with significant terrestrial heritage while still providing excellent performance. In addition, technologies from the SFPS system could be applicable to compact terrestrial systems. Recent non-nuclear testing at NASA s Early Flight Fission Test Facility (EFF-TF) has helped assess the viability of the reference SFPS and evaluate methods for system integration. In July, 2011 an Annular Linear Induction Pump (ALIP) provided by Idaho National Laboratory was tested at the EFF-TF to assess performance and verify suitability for use in a10 kWe technology demonstration unit (TDU). In November, 2011 testing of a 37-pin core simulator (designed in conjunction with Los Alamos National Laboratory) for use with the TDU will occur. Previous testing at the EFFTF has included the thermal and mechanical coupling of a pumped NaK loop to Stirling engines (provided by GRC). Testing related to heat pipe cooled systems, gas cooled systems, heat exchangers, and other technologies has also been performed. Integrated TDU testing will begin at GRC in 2013. Thermal simulators developed at the EFF-TF are capable of operating over the temperature and power range typically of interest to compact reactors. Small and large diameter simulators have been developed, and simulators (coupled with the facility) are able to closely match the axial and radial power profile of all potential systems of interest. A photograph of the TDU core simulator during assembly is provided in Figure 2.

Houts, Michael G.↗

DOE OSTI2018

Anti-obesity potential of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and licochalcone A through induction of adipocyte browning

Highlights: • G.uralensis or licochalcone A reduced body weight and inguinal fat weights in obese mice. • G.uralensis or licochalcone A increased brown fat population in inguinal white adipose tissue of obese mice. • G.uralensis and LicoA reduce obesity and recover metabolic homeostasis by inducing fat browning. The main function of brown adipose tissue is to dissipate surplus caloric intake into heat energy by thermogenesis, increasing energy expenditure. Inducible brown adipocytes can develop within white adipose tissue (WAT) through a process referred to as browning. Browning of white fat represents a promising strategy for treatment of obesity and the related complications. We investigated whether Glycyrrhiza uralensis and its ingredients modulated adipogenesis through adipocyte browning using 3T3-L1 adipocytes and a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice model. Amongst extracts and fractions of G. uralensis, methyl dichloride (MeCl{sub 2}) fraction was the most effective to induce expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a fat browning marker, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Ingredients of G. uralensis such as licochalcone A (LicoA), isoliquiritigenin, and liquiritigenin induced UCP1 expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. After inducing obesity in mice by 6-week HFD, MeCl{sub 2} fraction of G. uralensis or LicoA was intraperitoneally administered for additional 19 days. MeCl{sub 2} fraction or LicoA significantly reduced body weight gain and inguinal fat pad weights. Furthermore, MeCl{sub 2} fraction or LicoA improved metabolic disorders induced by HFD as the treatments decreased serum levels of glucose and cholesterol, and blocked insulin resistance. MeCl{sub 2} fraction or LicoA enhanced expression of brown fat markers such as UCP1, PRDM16, and PGC-1α and increased brown fat phenotype population in inguinal WAT of HFD-fed mice. Our results demonstrate that G. uralensis and LicoA are effective to reduce obesity and to recover metabolic homeostasis by inducing the brown fat phenotype.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2015

DIII-D research to address key challenges for ITER and fusion energy

DIII-D has made significant advances in the scientific basis for fusion energy. The physics mechanism of resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) edge localized mode (ELM) suppression is revealed as field penetration at the pedestal top, and reduced coil set operation was demonstrated. Disruption runaway electrons were effectively quenched by shattered pellets; runaway dissipation is explained by pitch angle scattering. Modest thermal quench radiation asymmetries are well described NIMROD modeling. With good pedestal regulation and error field correction, low torque ITER baselines have been demonstrated and shown to be compatible with an ITER test blanket module simulator. However performance and long wavelength turbulence degrade as low rotation and electron heating are approached. The alternative QH mode scenario is shown to be compatible with high Greenwald density fraction, with an edge harmonic oscillation demonstrating good impurity flushing. Discharge optimization guided by the EPED model has discovered a new super H-mode with doubled pedestal height. Lithium injection also led to wider, higher pedestals. On the path to steady state, 1 MA has been sustained fully non inductively with β N = 4 and RMP ELM suppression, while a peaked current profile scenario provides attractive options for ITER and a β N = 5 future reactor. Energetic particle transport is found to exhibit a critical gradient behavior. Scenarios are shown to be compatible with radiative and snowflake diverter techniques. Physics studies reveal that the transition to H mode is locked in by a rise in ion diamagnetic flows. Intrinsic rotation in the plasma edge is demonstrated to arise from kinetic losses. New 3D magnetic sensors validate linear ideal MHD, but identify issues in nonlinear simulations. Detachment, characterized in 2D with sub-eV resolution, reveals a radiation shortfall in simulations. As a result, future facility development targets burning plasma physics with torque free electron heating, the path to steady state with increased off axis currents, and a new divertor solution for fusion reactors.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗