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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 757 records · Page 42
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Computational Studies of Solid Stoppers for Generating Intense Exotic Radioactive Ion Beams at FRIB

Low-emittance beams of rare isotopes at low energies (less than 3 MeV/u) are required for many high precision measurements in nuclear science research. Such beams will be produced at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) by first slowing down and thermalizing or stopping fast fragmentation beams, and subsequently reaccelerating them to the required energies for experiments. The use of a solid stopper has the potential to provide high-intensity reaccelerated beams of many species. We performed simulations of the processes critical for generating beams in solid stoppers, including beam heating, external heating, diffusive release, effusive transport, and surface sticking. Using a variety of software tools, we investigated the viability of numerous solid stopper system designs for FRIB. We present our computational approach, the physical processes we modeled, the codes we used, and our results. We conclude with a proof-of-concept solid stopper system that releases ions sufficiently quickly for experiments with unstable reaccelerated beams at FRIB.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1972

Chondrules in Apollo 14 samples - Implications for the origin of chondritic meteorites.

Chondrules have been observed in several breccia samples returned by the Apollo 14 mission. These lunar chondrules are believed to have formed during a large impact event, perhaps the one that formed the Imbrian Basin. This suggests that some meteoritic chondrules are also formed by impact processes such as crystallization after shock melting and abrasion and diffusion in base-surge and fall-back deposits generated by impacts on planetary surfaces.

King, E. A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The electron Boltzmann equation in a plasma generated by fission fragments

A Boltzmann equation formulation is presented for the determination of the electron distribution function in a plasma generated by fission fragments. The formulation takes into consideration ambipolar diffusion, elastic and inelastic collisions, recombination and ionization, and allows for the fact that the primary electrons are not monoenergetic. Calculations for He in a tube coated with fissionable material show that, over a wide pressure and neutron flux range, the distribution function is non-Maxwellian, but the electrons are essentially thermal. Moreover, about a third of the energy of the primary electrons is transferred into the inelastic levels of He. This fraction of energy transfer is almost independent of pressure and neutron flux but increases sharply in the presence of a sustainer electric field.

Hassan, H. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Electron distribution function in a plasma generated by fission fragments

A Boltzmann equation formulation is presented for the determination of the electron distribution function in a plasma generated by fission fragments. The formulation takes into consideration ambipolar diffusion, elastic and inelastic collisions, recombination and ionization, and allows for the fact that the primary electrons are not monoenergetic. Calculations for He in a tube coated with fissionable material shows that, over a wide pressure and neutron flux range, the distribution function is non-Maxwellian, but the electrons are essentially thermal. Moreover, about a third of the energy of the primary electrons is transferred into the inelastic levels of He. This fraction of energy transfer is almost independent of pressure and neutron flux.

Hassan, H. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Spread F bubbles - Nonlinear Rayleigh-Taylor mode in two dimensions

The paper discusses long-wavelength developed bottomside spread F which has been attributed to the Rayleigh-Taylor instability. The nonlinear saturation amplitude and the k spectrum of the inertia-dominated Rayleigh-Taylor instability is found in two directions: east-west and vertical. As in the collisional case (Chaturvedi and Ossakow, 1977), the dominant nonlinearity is found to be two-dimensional. It is found that the linearly most unstable modes, which are primarily horizontal, saturate by the nonlinear generation of vertical spatial harmonics. The harmonics are damped by diffusion or recombination. The resulting amplitude spectrum indicates that bubbles are vertically elongated in both inertial and collisional regimes.

Hudson, M. K.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Some remarks on the design of transonic tunnels with low levels of flow unsteadiness

The principal sources of flow unsteadiness in the circuit of a transonic wind tunnel are presented. Care must be taken to avoid flow separations, acoustic resonances and large scale turbulence. Some problems discussed are the elimination of diffuser separations, the aerodynamic design of coolers and the unsteadiness generated in ventilated working sections.

Mabey, D. G.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The X-ray spectrum of QSO 0241+622

Proportional counters on the OsO-8 spacecraft measured the X-ray spectrum of QSR 0241+622 in the range 2-50 keV. The best power law fit has a proton spectral index and 90 percent errors gamma = 1.93 (+0.5, -0.3) and low energy absorption consistent with reported gas column densities, but a thermal bremsstrahlung form with temperature 13.1 keV cannot be excluded. No indication of spectral variability is found in three observations of the source with HEAO-A2, although a possible 15-30 percent intensity change over a period of 6 months was observed. The quasar is similar to 3C 273 in the proportion of energy emitted in various bands, excluding the radio, if reported radiation above 50 keV from its direction is indeed associated with QSO 0241+622. The two quasars are compared and possible energy generation scenarios are discussed. Implications concerning quasar contributions to the diffuse background are discussed.

Worrall, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for 3-dimensional, unsteady, incompressible flows by compact schemes

The present numerical method for the solution of unsteady, incompressible three-dimensional flow Navier-Stokes equations using velocity-vorticity variables and irregular Cartesian grids proceeds by solving: (1) equations of Cauchy-Riemann type for the velocity; and (2) transport-diffusion equations for the vorticity, whose solenoidal vorticity components are generated by a Poisson equation for an appropriate scalar potential. Iterations are used to solve the finite difference equations, facilitating the use of vector and parallel-computing methods; numerical experiments have verified the method's second-order spatial and temporal accuracy.

Gatski, T. B.↗
NASA NTRS1990

One-dimensional cloud fluid model for propagating star formation

The aim of this project was to study the propagation of star formation (SF) with a self-consistent deterministic model for the interstellar gas. The questions of under what conditions does star formation propagate in this model and what are the mechanisms of the propagation are explored. Here, researchers used the deterministic Oort-type cloud fluid model of Scalo and Struck-Marcell (1984, also see the review of Struck-Marcell, Scalo and Appleton 1987). This cloud fluid approach includes simple models for the effects of cloud collisional coalescence or disruption, collisional energy dissipation, and cloud disruption and acceleration as the result of young star winds, HII regions and supernovae. An extensive one-zone parameter study is presented in Struck-Marcell and Scalo (1987). To answer the questions above, researchers carried out one-dimensional calculations for an annulus within a galactic disk, like the so-called solar neighborhood of the galactic chemical evolution. In the calculations the left-hand boundary is set equal to the right hand boundary. The calculation is obviously idealized; however, it is computationally convenient to study the first order effects of propagating star formation. The annulus was treated as if it were at rest, i.e., in the local rotating frame. This assumption may remove some interesting effects of a supersonic gas flow, but was necessary to maintain a numerical stability in the annulus. The results on the one-dimensional propagation of SF in the Oort cloud fluid model follow: (1) SF is propagated by means of hydrodynamic waves, which can be generated by external forces or by the pressure generated by local bursts. SF is not effectively propagated via diffusion or variation in cloud interaction rates without corresponding density and velocity changes. (2) The propagation and long-range effects of SF depend on how close the gas density is to the critical threshold value, i.e., on the susceptibility of the medium.

Titus, Timothy N.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Evidence for particle acceleration in AE Aqr from radio and X-ray observations

The novalike cataclysmic variable AE Aquarii shows evidence for radio synchrotron emission from expanding magnetized clouds. The radio and UV flare timescales are similar indicating that the central engine is located close to the white dwarf. A collisionless shock may develop above the polar cap, which may explain the observed temperature. Protons and ions accelerated up to energies of more than 1 TeV can diffuse away from the central engine, enter magnetized clouds, and generate waves which in turn heat and accelerate electrons. An embarrassing situation exists where reprocessed optical and X-ray pulsations (33 s) are observed, but the expected direct X-ray pulse from the white dwarf is absent. The standard theory for CVs cannot explain this, and one possible explanation is that a beam of relativistic protons and ions from the polar cap may give the observed reprocessed optical to X-rays in a thick target fixed in the system.

De Jager, O. C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Helium diffusion in the sun

We calculate improved standard solar models using the new Livermore (OPAL) opacity tables, an accurate (exportable) nuclear energy generation routine which takes account of recent measurements and analyses, and the recent Anders-Grevesse determination of heavy element abundances. We also evaluate directly the effect of the diffusion of helium with respect to hydrogen on the calculated neutrino fluxes, on the primordial solar helium abundance, and on the depth of the convective zone. Helium diffusion increases the predicted event rates by about 0.8 SNU, or 11 percent of the total rate, in the chlorine solar neutrino experiment, by about 3.5 SNU, or 3 percent, in the gallium solar neutrino experiments, and by about 12 percent in the Kamiokande and SNO solar neutrino experiments. The best standard solar model including helium diffusion and the most accurate nuclear parameters, element abundances, and radiative opacity predicts a value of 8.0 SNU +/- 3.0 SNU for the C1-37 experiment and 132 +21/-17 SNU for the Ga - 71 experiment, where the uncertainties include 3 sigma errors for all measured input parameters.

Bahcall, J. N.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Surface-induced charge at the Ge (001) surface and its interaction with self-interstitials

The Ge (001) surface with dimer structure, is negatively charged while into the bulk, positive charges are observed even deeper than the fifteenth layer from the surface. This is different from the Si case. This charge distribution can lead to the repulsion of positively charged self-interstitials by the positively charged near surface layer in an implantation or irradiation process. Self-interstitial reflection by Ge surfaces had been proposed to explain the results of diffusion experiments during irradiation whereby positively charged self-interstitials are generated by collisions of highly energetic particles with Ge atoms. We investigated different Ge (001) surface comparing an as-cleaved surface with dangling bonds to a surface with dimer structure, and to a surface terminated by hydrogen atoms. The effect of these different surface terminations on the surface-induced charges in the near surface bulk were calculated by ab initio techniques.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Diffusion behavior of lanthanide fission products in bcc Fe cladding: A first-principles study

Fuel-cladding chemical interaction poses significant challenges in nuclear reactors, where fission products generated from nuclear fuel interact with Fe-based cladding materials, potentially compromising their structural integrity. This study investigates the diffusion behavior of lanthanide fission products, Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), and Neodymium (Nd), within body-centered cubic (bcc) Fe cladding using the density functional theory, nudged elastic band method, and self-consistent mean field theory. Our results reveal significant vacancy binding energies, particularly with the 1st and 2nd nearest neighbors, which diminish beyond the 5th nearest neighbor, with La exhibiting the strongest binding affinity, followed by Nd, Ce, and Pr. The nudged elastic band calculations indicate significant high barriers for the dissociation of 1st nearest neighbor vacancy-solute pairs for all fission products. The tracer diffusion coefficients of these fission products were derived in an Arrhenius form, with a magnetic correction that accounts for the high-temperature paramagnetic state. The significant trapping effect of vacancies caused by a very dilute concentration of fission products reduces vacancy mobility, potentially leading to modifications in point defect supersaturation, void nucleation, and swelling under irradiation. These represent critical challenges for irradiated cladding materials. The tracer diffusion coefficients indicate that Nd diffuses the fastest, followed by La, Ce, and Pr. Furthermore, this study provides essential insights for understanding fission product transport in cladding materials and informs future design strategies to mitigate fuel-cladding chemical interaction, ultimately enhancing nuclear reactor safety and performance.

Diffusion↗
DOE OSTI2016

Velocity diffusion of energetic electrons in the solar wind

Particle diffusion in velocity space is studied on the basis of 1D simulations of Langmuir turbulence generated by electron beams in solar wind plasmas. Using a large amount of particle trajectories calculated with a great accuracy and over long times and analyzing them with statistical algorithms, the diffusion coefficients of particles in wave packets are estimated, as well as their relation to the waves’ intensities and spectra and their dependence on the average level of background plasma density fluctuations. Results are compared with analytical solutions provided by the quasilinear theory of weak turbulence.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2011

Structural and electrical characterization of HBr/O{sub 2} plasma damage to Si substrate

Silicon substrate damage caused by HBr/O{sub 2} plasma exposure was investigated by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), high-resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The damage caused by H{sub 2}, Ar, and O{sub 2} plasma exposure was also compared to clarify the ion-species dependence. Although the damage basically consists of a surface oxidized layer and underlying dislocated Si, the damage structure strongly depends on the incident ion species, ion energy, and oxidation during air and plasma exposure. In the case of HBr/O{sub 2} plasma exposure, hydrogen generated the deep damaged layer ({approx}10 nm), whereas ion-enhanced diffusion of oxygen, supplied simultaneously by the plasma, caused the thick surface oxidation. In-line monitoring of damage thicknesses by SE, developed with an optimized optical model, showed that the SE can be used to precisely monitor damage thicknesses in mass production. Capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics of a damaged layer were studied before and after diluted-HF (DHF) treatment. Results showed that a positive charge is generated at the surface oxide-dislocated Si interface and/or in the bulk oxide after plasma exposure. After DHF treatment, most of the positive charges were removed, while the thickness of the ''Si recess'' was increased by removing the thick surface oxidized layer. As both the Si recess and remaining dislocated Si, including positive charges, cause the degradation of electrical performance, precise monitoring of the surface structure and understanding its effect on device performance is indispensable for creating advanced devices.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Progress Report for Diffusion Welding of the NGNP Process Application Heat Exchangers (Revision 1)

The U.S. Department of Energy selected the high temperature gas-cooled reactor as the basis for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP). The NGNP will demonstrate the use of nuclear power for electricity, hydrogen production, and process heat applications. The NGNP Project is currently investigating the use of metallic, diffusion welded, compact heat exchangers to transfer heat from the primary (reactor side) heat transport system to the secondary heat transport system. An intermediate heat exchanger will transfer this heat to downstream applications such as hydrogen production, process heat, and electricity generation. The channeled plates that make up the heat transfer surfaces of the intermediate heat exchanger will have to be assembled into an array by diffusion welding. This report describes the preliminary results of a scoping study that evaluated the diffusion welding process parameters and the resultant mechanical properties of diffusion welded joints using Alloy 800H. The long-term goal of the program is to progress towards demonstration of small heat exchanger unit cells fabricated with diffusion welds. Demonstration through mechanical testing of the unit cells will support American Society of Mechanical Engineers rules and standards development, reduce technical risk, and provide proof of concept for heat exchanger fabrication methods needed to deploy heat exchangers in several potential NGNP configurations.1 Researchers also evaluated the usefulness of modern thermodynamic and diffusion computational tools (Thermo-Calc and Dictra) in optimizing the parameters for diffusion welding of Alloy 800H. The modeling efforts suggested a temperature of 1150°C for 1 hour with an applied pressure of 5 MPa using 15 μm nickel foil as joint filler to reduce chromium oxidation on the welded surfaces. Good agreement between modeled and experimentally determined concentration gradients was achieved

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2020

Gradient microstructure induced shear band constraint, delocalization, and delayed failure in CuZr nanoglasses

The mechanical properties of metallic glasses (MGs) can be significantly tuned by introducing a nanoscale glass-glass interface microstructure. Here, we design three types of Cu 64 Zr 36 MG seamless gradient microstructures by combining glassy grain sizes from 3 to 15 nm. We perform tensile loading molecular dynamics simulations on the named gradient nanoglasses to characterize their mechanical behavior. In all cases, results indicate the generation of gradient plasticity following the gradient in grain size, i.e. local plasticity increases from large to small grain size regions. Loading parallel to the gradient direction results in initial broad necking followed by catastrophic failure. In contrast, loading perpendicular to the gradient direction results in diffused shear band propagation from large to small grain size regions, delaying the generation of a dominant shear band and further delocalizing plastic deformation. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the synergistic effects generated by heterogeneous gradient designs in the mechanical behavior of metallic glasses.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗