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At least 847 records · Page 47

Singlet fission in linear chains of molecules

We develop a model configuration interaction Hamiltonian to study the electronic structure of a chain of molecules undergoing singlet fission. We first consider models for dimer and trimer and then we use a matrix partitioning technique to build models of arbitrary size able to describe the relevant electronic structure for singlet fission in linear aggregates. We find that the multi-excitonic state (ME) is stabilized at short inter-monomer distance and the extent of this stabilization depends upon the size of orbital coupling between neighboring monomers. We also find that the coupling between ME states located on different molecules is extremely small leading to bandwidths in the order of ∼10 meV. This observation suggests that multi-exciton states are extremely localized by electron-phonon coupling and that singlet fission involves the transition between a relatively delocalized Frenkel exciton and a strongly localized multi-exciton state. We adopt the methodology commonly used to study non-radiative transitions to describe the singlet fission dynamics in these aggregates and we discuss the limit of validity of the approach. The results indicate that the phenomenology of singlet fission in molecular crystals is different in many important ways from what is observed in isolated dimers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Magnetic states of the quasi-one-dimensional iron chalcogenide Ba 2 FeS 3

Quasi-one-dimensional iron-based ladders and chains, with the 3d iron electronic density n=6, are attracting considerable attention. Recently, a new iron chain system Ba 2 FeS 3 , also with n=6, was prepared under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. Here the magnetic and electronic phase diagrams are theoretically studied for this quasi-one-dimensional compound. Based on first-principles calculations, a strongly anisotropic one-dimensional electronic band behavior near the Fermi level was observed. In addition, a three-orbital electronic Hubbard model for this chain was constructed. Introducing the Hubbard and Hund couplings and studying the model via the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method, we studied the ground-state phase diagram. A robust staggered ↑-↓-↑-↓ AFM region was unveiled in the chain direction, consistent with our density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Furthermore, at intermediate Hubbard U coupling strengths, this system was found to display an orbital selective Mott phase (OSMP) with one localized orbital and two itinerant metallic orbitals. At very large U/W (W=bandwidth), the system displays Mott insulator characteristics, with two orbitals half-filled and one doubly occupied. Our results for high pressure Ba 2 FeS 3 provide guidance to experimentalists and theorists working on this one-dimensional iron chalcogenide chain material.

1-dimensional systems↗

The Visibility of DCT Quantization Noise: Spatial Frequency Summation

Computational models of the ability to detect image compression artifacts facilitate the optimization of compression parameters, such as the JPEG quantization matrix. For simplicity, some models assume that the visibility of artifacts containing different spatial frequency components is determined by the most visible component, that is, no summation over components. Using the type of noise generated by quantization in the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) domain, we find a degree of summation between that of probability summation and contrast energy summation.

Peterson, H. A.↗

Large covariance matrices: smooth models from the two-point correlation function

We introduce a new method for estimating the covariance matrix for the galaxy correlation function in surveys of large-scale structure. Our method combines simple theoretical results with a realistic characterization of the survey to dramatically reduce noise in the covariance matrix. For example, with an investment of only ≈1000 CPU hours we can produce a model covariance matrix with noise levels that would otherwise require ~35 000 mocks. Non-Gaussian contributions to the model are calibrated against mock catalogues, after which the model covariance is found to be in impressive agreement with the mock covariance matrix. Since calibration of this method requires fewer mocks than brute force approaches, we believe that it could dramatically reduce the number of mocks required to analyse future surveys.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Rolling Element Bearing Stiffness Matrix Determination (Presentation)

Current theoretical bearing models differ in their stiffness estimates because of different model assumptions. In this study, a finite element/contact mechanics model is developed for rolling element bearings with the focus of obtaining accurate bearing stiffness for a wide range of bearing types and parameters. A combined surface integral and finite element method is used to solve for the contact mechanics between the rolling elements and races. This model captures the time-dependent characteristics of the bearing contact due to the orbital motion of the rolling elements. A numerical method is developed to determine the full bearing stiffness matrix corresponding to two radial, one axial, and two angular coordinates; the rotation about the shaft axis is free by design. This proposed stiffness determination method is validated against experiments in the literature and compared to existing analytical models and widely used advanced computational methods. The fully-populated stiffness matrix demonstrates the coupling between bearing radial, axial, and tilting bearing deflections.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Physical/chemical modeling for photovoltaic module life prediction

The paper presents a generalized methodology for identification and evaluation of potential degradation and failure of terrestrial photovoltaic encapsulation. Failure progression modeling and an interaction matrix are utilized to complement the conventional approach to failure degradation mode identification. Comparison of the predicted performance based on these models can produce: (1) constraints on system or component design, materials or operating conditions, (2) qualification (predicted satisfactory function), and (3) uncertainty. The approach has been applied to an investigation of an unexpected delamination failure; it is being used to evaluate thermomechanical interactions in photovoltaic modules and to study corrosion of contacts and interconnects.

Moacanin, J.↗

Origins of Solar Systems Program

The chondrites are aggregates of components (e.g. chondrules, chondrule rims and matrix) that formed in the nebula but, at present, there is no consensus on how any of these components formed or whether their formation produced or post dated the chemical fractionations between the chondrites. Chondrites are, at present, the most primitive Solar System objects available for laboratory study and the conditions under which their principle components formed would provide the most direct constraints for models of nebula formation and evolution. The conditions under which chondrules formed is of particular importance because, if their relative abundance in chondrites approximates that in the nebula, they are the products of one of the most energetic and pervasive processes that operated in the early Solar System. The goal of this proposal was to combine theoretical modeling with a comprehensive study of the elemental and isotopic compositions of the major components in unequilibrated ordinary chondrites (UOCs), with the aim of determining the conditions in the nebula at the time of their formation. The isotopes of volatile and moderately volatile elements should be particularly revealing of conditions during chondrule formation, as evaporation under most conditions would lead to isotopic mass fractionation. Modeling of chondrule and matrix formation requires the development of a kinetic model of evaporation and condensation, and calibration of this model against experiments.

O'D. Alexander, Conel↗

Final Summary of Research Report to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Origins of Solar Systems Program

The chondrites are aggregates of components (e.g. chondrules, chondrule rims and matrix) that formed in the nebula but, at present, there is no consensus on how any of these components formed or whether their formation produced or post dated the chemical fractionations between the chondrites. Chondrites are, at present, the most primitive Solar System objects available for laboratory study and the conditions under which their principle components formed would provide the most direct constraints for models of nebula formation and evolution. The conditions under which chondrules formed is of particular importance because, if their relative abundance in chondrites approximates that in the nebula, they are the products of one of the most energetic and pervasive processes that operated in the early Solar System. The goal of this proposal was to combine theoretical modeling with a comprehensive study of the elemental and isotopic compositions of the major components in unequilibrated ordinary chondrites (UOCs), with the aim of determining the conditions in the nebula at the time of their formation. The isotopes of volatile and moderately volatile elements should be particularly revealing of conditions during chondrule formation, as evaporation under most conditions would lead to isotopic mass fractionation. Modeling of chondrule and matrix formation requires the development of a kinetic model of evaporation and condensation, and calibration of this model against experiments. Cosmic spherules present an opportunity to test our evaporation models under flash heating conditions that would be difficult to simulate experimentally. However, there is surprisingly little known about the isotopic compositions of silicate cosmic spherules, and a number of questions need to be addressed. Is the range of compositions they exhibit due to evaporation? If they are, are the relative volatilities consistent with the models/experiments and are the isotopic fractionations consistent with Rayleigh conditions? For instance, do the alkalis and S evaporate prior to significant melting so that conditions did not meet the Rayleigh criteria of rapid diffusion? If so, their isotopic fractionation might be considerably suppressed. Could this mechanism of K loss apply to chondrule formation? The Fe isotopic fractionation during evaporation of silicates has not been measured, so cosmic spherules might provide a clue to whether FeO diffusion is fast enough to maintain Rayleigh conditions during evaporation. And so on.

O'D. Alexander, Conel↗

Tracing the Mott-Hubbard transition in one-dimensional Hubbard models without Umklapp scattering

Here we apply the density-matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method to a one-dimensional Hubbard model that lacks Umklapp scattering and thus provides an ideal case to study the Mott-Hubbard transition analytically and numerically. The model has a linear dispersion and displays a metal-to-insulator transition when the Hubbard interaction U equals the bandwidth U c = W, where the single-particle gap opens linearly, Δ(U ≥ W) = U - W. The simple nature of the elementary excitations permits us to determine numerically with high accuracy the critical interaction strength and the gap function in the thermodynamic limit. The jump discontinuity of the momentum distribution $n_k$ at the Fermi wave number $k_F$ = 0 cannot be used to locate accurately U c from finite-size systems. However, the slope of $n_k$ at the band edges $k_B$ = ±π, reveals the formation of a single-particle bound state which can be used to determine U c reliably from $n_k$ using accurate finite-size data.

1-dimensional systems↗

A New Model for Simulating the Imbibition of a Wetting-Phase Fluid in a Matrix-Fracture Dual Connectivity System

The imbibition experiment is an effective approach for measuring petrophysical properties of porous media, with many such experiments performed over the past decade. Quite some empirical, analytical, and numerical models have been developed to simulate spontaneous imbibition of the wetting phase fluid into porous media, but limitations still exist. In previous studies, the imbibition process has been considered to give a piston-like displacement or the porous medium modeled as multiply-sized pores linked with bonds; both approaches fail to yield comprehensive results due to their neglect of the presence of irregular fractures or nonuniform flow paths through the matrix. By building a numerical model for simulating laboratory-scale experimental data, we performed imbibition tests on several fractured Barnett Shale samples having fractures either parallel ( P ) or transverse ( T ) to the bedding plane and used MATLAB to build a new numerical model by combining the imbibition process in fractures and the matrix using concepts from percolation theory. The experimental data show that the rocks with P -direction fractures have a more steady increase of imbibition rates than the case of T -direction one. As the shale matrix with low pore connectivity hampers the upward water movement, the imbibition rate of shales with T -direction fractures will decrease suddenly after the bottom layer in contact with water is saturated during the initial period. This wetting phase movement (WPM) model can simulate 3D porous media with 2D fractures. The rate of imbibition by fractured porous media is associated with physical parameters such as porosity and fracture distribution (e.g., the number and angle of fractures). Using Monte Carlo methods, we examined fracture parameters and predicted elapsed time and cumulative water imbibition, for the Barnett Shale samples. The results show that the rate of imbibed water mass is sensitive to the number of fractures directly connected to water source, and the connectivity between two neighboring grid cells is a key parameter for the wetting-front progression. The findings of this study can help to better understand the imbibition process with multiple influencing processes and factors in fractured-matrix rocks. Although the experiments, data simulation, and prediction results are based only on Barnett Shale samples, the model is readily applicable to imbibition tests of other fractured rocks to show the spatial and temporal behavior during a dynamic imbibition process that are not easily captured experimentally.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Measurement of baryon acoustic oscillations in the Lyman-α forest fluctuations in BOSS data release 9

We use the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) Data Release 9 (DR9) to detect and measure the position of the Baryonic Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) feature in the three-dimensional correlation function in the Lyman-α flux fluctuations at a redshift z{sub eff} = 2.4. The feature is clearly detected at significance between 3 and 5 sigma (depending on the broadband model and method of error covariance matrix estimation) and is consistent with predictions of the standard ΛCDM model. We assess the biases in our method, stability of the error covariance matrix and possible systematic effects. We fit the resulting correlation function with several models that decouple the broadband and acoustic scale information. For an isotropic dilation factor, we measure 100 × (α{sub iso} − 1) = −1.6{sup +2.0+4.3+7.4}{sub −2.0−4.1−6.8} (stat.) ±1.0 (syst.) (multiple statistical errors denote 1,2 and 3 sigma confidence limits) with respect to the acoustic scale in the fiducial cosmological model (flat ΛCDM with Ω{sub m} = 0.27, h = 0.7). When fitting separately for the radial and transversal dilation factors we find marginalised constraints 100 × (α{sub ||} − 1) = −1.3{sup +3.5+7.6+12.3}{sub −3.3−6.7−10.2} (stat.) ±2.0 (syst.) and 100 × (α{sub p}erpendicular − 1) = −2.2{sup +7.4+17}{sub −7.1−15} (stat.) ±3.0 (syst.). The dilation factor measurements are significantly correlated with cross-correlation coefficient of ∼ −0.55. Errors become significantly non-Gaussian for deviations over 3 standard deviations from best fit value. Because of the data cuts and analysis method, these measurements give tighter constraints than a previous BAO analysis of the BOSS DR9 Lyman-α sample, providing an important consistency test of the standard cosmological model in a new redshift regime.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Evaluation of Lower East Fork Poplar Creek Mercury Sources

This report summarizes a 3-year research project undertaken to better understand the nature and magnitude of mercury (Hg) fluxes in East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC). This project addresses the requirements of Action Plan 1 in the 2011 Oak Ridge Reservation-wide Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Five Year Review (FYR). The Action Plan is designed to address a twofold 2011 FYR issue: (1) new information suggests mobilization of mercury from the upper and lower EFPC streambeds and stream banks is the primary source of mercury export during high-flow conditions, and (2) the current Record of Decision did not address the entire hydrologic system and creek bank or creek bed sediments. To obtain a more robust watershed-scale understanding of mercury sources and processes in lower EFPC (LEFPC), new field and laboratory studies were coupled with existing data from multiple US Department of Energy programs to develop a dynamic watershed and bioaccumulation model. LEFPC field studies for the project focused primarily on quantification of streambank erosion and an evaluation of mercury dynamics in shallow groundwater adjacent to LEFPC and potential connection to the surface water. The approach to the stream bank study was innovative in using imagery from kayak floats’ surveys from the headwaters to the mouth of EFPC to estimate erosion, coupled with detailed bank soil mercury analyses. The goal of new field assessments and modeling was to generate a more holistic and quantitative understanding of the watershed and the sources, flux, concentration, transformation, and bioaccumulation of inorganic mercury (IHg) and methylmercury (MeHg). Model development used a hybrid approach that dynamically linked a spreadsheet-based physical and chemical watershed model to a systems dynamics, mercury bioaccumulation model for key fish species. The watershed model tracks total Hg and MeHg fluxes and concentrations by examining upstream inputs, floodplain runoff, floodplain leaching, bank soil erosion, and periphyton matrix dynamics. The bioaccumulation model tracks the feeding, growth, and mercury assimilation of representative individual fish through their typical life span using key inputs of fish size, water temperature, and diet. The LEFPC watershed was divided into five modeling reaches, and fluxes and concentrations are assessed at this spatial scale. Following are the key findings of the field and laboratory studies and the watershed and bioaccumulation modeling: • The greatest flux of total mercury (HgT) in LEFPC is related to stormflow transport of Hg-contaminated solids entering the creek because of bank erosion in the upper reaches of the creek. • The second greatest flux originates from upper EFPC (Station 17 representing the exit stream sampling point near the boundary of the Y-12 Complex), and appears to control base flow fluxes. • The observed increase in MeHg concentration and flux from upstream to downstream is related primarily to instream methylation by periphyton and other biological activity. • A meaningful substantial reduction of the HgT flux in LEFPC would require addressing the flux of HgT originating from bank erosion and from Station 17. • Actions to reduce LEFPC floodplain leaching and runoff would not produce much of an impact on HgT or MeHg concentrations or fluxes unless other major sources are eliminated first. This project addresses the Action Plan goal to evaluate the role of LEFPC bank soil sources and to consider the entire EFPC hydrologic system. Model conclusions are dependent on the data available at the time of this assessment. However, a robust understanding and quantification for some mercury-related parameters and relationships is still lacking; there is a continued need for field data collection and modeling improvements. Model predictions should be viewed cautiously, with comparisons of the magnitude of predictions between scenarios being more valid than absolute predictions of concentrations or fluxes. With continued updates and refinement, the watershed-scale model can be a useful, valuable tool for future EFPC research prioritization, technology development, and remedial decision-making.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Three-Dimensional High Fidelity Progressive Failure Damage Modeling of NCF Composites

Performance prediction of off-axis laminates is of significant interest in designing composite structures for energy absorption. Phenomenological models available in most of the commercial programs, where the fiber and resin properties are smeared, are very efficient for large scale structural analysis, but lack the ability to model the complex nonlinear behavior of the resin and fail to capture the complex load transfer mechanisms between the fiber and the resin matrix. On the other hand, high fidelity mesoscale models, where the fiber tows and matrix regions are explicitly modeled, have the ability to account for the complex behavior in each of the constituents of the composite. However, creating a finite element model of a larger scale composite component could be very time consuming and computationally very expensive. In the present study, a three-dimensional mesoscale model of non-crimp composite laminates was developed for various laminate schemes. The resin material was modeled as an elastic-plastic material with nonlinear hardening. The fiber tows were modeled with an orthotropic material model with brittle failure. In parallel, new stress based failure criteria combined with several damage evolution laws for matrix stresses were proposed for a phenomenological model. The results from both the mesoscale and phenomenological models were compared with the experiments for a variety of off-axis laminates.

Aitharaju, Venkat↗

Search for standard model Higgs boson production in association with a W boson using a matrix element technique at CDF in pp̄ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

This paper presents a search for standard model Higgs boson production in association with a W boson using events recorded by the CDF experiment in a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6 fb⁻¹. The search is performed using a matrix element technique in which the signal and background hypotheses are used to create a powerful discriminator. The discriminant output distributions for signal and background are fit to the observed events using a binned likelihood approach to search for the Higgs boson signal. We find no evidence for a Higgs boson, and 95% confidence level (C.L.) upper limits are set on σ(pp̄→WH)×B(H→bb¯). The observed limits range from 3.5 to 37.6 relative to the standard model expectation for Higgs boson masses between mH=100 GeV/c² and mH=150 GeV/c². The 95% C.L. expected limit is estimated from the median of an ensemble of simulated experiments and varies between 2.9 and 32.7 relative to the production rate predicted by the standard model over the Higgs boson mass range studied.

Aaltonen, T.↗

Optimal laser wavelength for efficient laser power converter operation over temperature

A temperature dependent modeling study is conducted on a GaAs laser power converter to identify the optimal incident laser wavelength for optical power transmission. Furthermore, the respective temperature dependent maximal conversion efficiencies in the radiative limit as well as in a practically achievable limit are presented. The model is based on the transfer matrix method coupled to a two-diode model, and is calibrated to experimental data of a GaAs photovoltaic device over laser irradiance and temperature. Since the laser wavelength does not strongly influence the open circuit voltage of the laser power converter, the optimal laser wavelength is determined to be in the range where the external quantum efficiency is maximal, but weighted by the photon flux of the laser.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Mass spectrometry imaging of natural carbonyl products directly from agar-based microbial interactions using 4-APEBA derivatization

Aliphatic carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and ketones play diverse roles in microbial adaptation to their microenvironment, from excretion as toxins to adaptive metabolites for membrane fluidity. However, the spatial distribution of these molecules throughout biofilms and how microbes in these environments exchange these molecules remain elusive for many of these bioactive species due to inefficient molecular imaging strategies. Herein, we apply on-tissue chemical derivatization (OTCD) using 4-(2-((4-bromophenethyl)dimethylammonio)ethoxy)benzenaminium dibromide (4-APEBA) on a co-culture of a soil bacterium (Bacillus subtilis NCIB 3610) and fungus (Fusarium sp. DS 682) grown on agar as our model system. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI), we spatially resolved more than 300 different metabolites containing carbonyl groups within this model system. Various spatial patterns are observable in these species, which indicate possible extracellular or intercellular processes of the metabolites and their up- or downregulation during microbial interaction. The unique chemistry of our approach allowed us to bring additional confidence in accurate carbonyl identification, especially when multiple isomeric candidates were possible, and this provided the ability to generate hypotheses about the potential role of some aliphatic carbonyls in this B. subtilis/Fusarium sp. interaction. The results shown here demonstrate the utility of 4-ABEBA-based OTCD MALDI-MSI in probing interkingdom interactions directly from microbial co-cultures, and these methods will enable future microbial interaction studies with expanded metabolic coverage.

4-APEBA↗

The bit-error rate performance of a satellite microwave matrix switch

The matrix switch is a critical element of communications satellites employing multiple beam antennas and on-board switching. Two proof-of-concept models of a microwave matrix switch have been developed under NASA-sponsored contracts. These switches have undergone extensive testing at NASA Lewis Research Center to determine their operating characteristics in a system environment. The results of these tests indicate the effect of the matrix switch on the overall system operation.

Kerczewski, Robert J.↗

Reaction Wheel Disturbance Model Extraction Software - RWDMES

The RWDMES is a tool for modeling the disturbances imparted on spacecraft by spinning reaction wheels. Reaction wheels are usually the largest disturbance source on a precision pointing spacecraft, and can be the dominating source of pointing error. Accurate knowledge of the disturbance environment is critical to accurate prediction of the pointing performance. In the past, it has been difficult to extract an accurate wheel disturbance model since the forcing mechanisms are difficult to model physically, and the forcing amplitudes are filtered by the dynamics of the reaction wheel. RWDMES captures the wheel-induced disturbances using a hybrid physical/empirical model that is extracted directly from measured forcing data. The empirical models capture the tonal forces that occur at harmonics of the spin rate, and the broadband forces that arise from random effects. The empirical forcing functions are filtered by a physical model of the wheel structure that includes spin-rate-dependent moments (gyroscopic terms). The resulting hybrid model creates a highly accurate prediction of wheel-induced forces. It accounts for variation in disturbance frequency, as well as the shifts in structural amplification by the whirl modes, as the spin rate changes. This software provides a point-and-click environment for producing accurate models with minimal user effort. Where conventional approaches may take weeks to produce a model of variable quality, RWDMES can create a demonstrably high accuracy model in two hours. The software consists of a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables the user to specify all analysis parameters, to evaluate analysis results and to iteratively refine the model. Underlying algorithms automatically extract disturbance harmonics, initialize and tune harmonic models, and initialize and tune broadband noise models. The component steps are described in the RWDMES user s guide and include: converting time domain data to waterfall PSDs (power spectral densities); converting PSDs to order analysis data; extracting harmonics; initializing and simultaneously tuning a harmonic model and a wheel structural model; initializing and tuning a broadband model; and verifying the harmonic/broadband/structural model against the measurement data. Functional operation is through a MATLAB GUI that loads test data, performs the various analyses, plots evaluation data for assessment and refinement of analysis parameters, and exports the data to documentation or downstream analysis code. The harmonic models are defined as specified functions of frequency, typically speed-squared. The reaction wheel structural model is realized as mass, damping, and stiffness matrices (typically from a finite element analysis package) with the addition of a gyroscopic forcing matrix. The broadband noise model is realized as a set of speed-dependent filters. The tuning of the combined model is performed using nonlinear least squares techniques. RWDMES is implemented as a MATLAB toolbox comprising the Fit Manager for performing the model extraction, Data Manager for managing input data and output models, the Gyro Manager for modifying wheel structural models, and the Harmonic Editor for evaluating and tuning harmonic models. This software was validated using data from Goodrich E wheels, and from GSFC Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) wheels. The validation testing proved that RWDMES has the capability to extract accurate disturbance models from flight reaction wheels with minimal user effort.

Blaurock, Carl↗