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At least 919 records · Page 51

Uniform field in microwave cavities through the use of effective magnetic walls

Wire medium (WM) resonators have emerged as a promising realization for plasma haloscopes—devices designed to detect axions, a potential component of dark matter. Key factors influencing the detection probability include cavity volume, resonance quality factor, and form factor. While the form factor has been explored for resonant frequency tuning, its optimization for axion detection remains unexplored. Here, in this work, we present an approach to significantly enhancing the form factor of WM plasma haloscopes. By shifting the metal walls of the resonator by a quarter wavelength, we effectively convert an electric wall boundary condition into a magnetic wall one, allowing for an almost uniform mode. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations confirm that this modification improves the electric field profile and boosts the form factor, while also slightly enhancing the quality factor. We validate these findings through experimental results from two prototype resonators: one with a standard geometry and another with a quarter-wave air gap between the WM and the walls. Additionally, our method provides a simple way to control the field profile within WM cavities, which can be explored for further applications.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Infrared triggered dwell and active cooling thermal control effects on microstructural uniformity in DED

Directed Energy Deposition (DED) offers rapid large scale fabrication, but difficulty in delivering consistent microstructures and properties hinders the use of DED fabricated components in safety or performance critical applications. Variability stems from the complex thermal cycles generated by the toolpath used to print the required geometry. Several practical methods have become established in DED to regulate overheating, such as active cooling of the baseplate structure or the use of an infrared camera to inject interlayer pauses to ensure the top layer of the component cools to a set temperature, which have been shown to affect microstructure. However, no critical assessment has been performed as to how effective these controls are in promoting microstructural uniformity in the context of complex layer timing commonly generated by non-prismatic geometries. Here we show how controls influence the thermal field, phase transformations, and dynamic annealing of a low-temperature transformation steel using infrared imaging and operando neutron diffraction. Counterintuitively, common thermal homogenization process controls can reduce microstructural uniformity because these approaches stabilize peak temperature while overlooking temperatures near the solid-state phase transformation fronts. Instead, the cyclic reheating induces spatially-variant dynamically annealed regions which can be modulated via control parameters. We show that these controls have spatially linked effects centimeters away from the active weld, which implies that microstructure control must co-optimize thermal input across many subsequent layers. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the pressing need for higher order controls that integrate predictive elements of simulation data to stabilize printed properties for future qualification of DED components.

Directed energy deposition↗

A holistic approach to the optimization of neutron beam transport at the LANSCE facility

An advanced neutron beam collimation system has been developed as part of an effort to optimize neutron beam transport at the Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) Facility, located within the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). The goal of this work was to develop and demonstrate techniques to tailor neutron delivery in order to provide maximum available flux on sample with a specific beam profile, while simultaneously reducing unwanted background. A holistic approach was taken, upgrading the facility spallation target, facility metrology infrastructure, and flight path shutter insert to support the implementation of this advanced collimation system. Here, modern instruments and software were employed to conduct facility surveys, characterization of as-built geometry of critical components, 3D ray tracing and neutron transport calculations. Beam images and flux measurements were acquired after installation to evaluate the performance of the collimation system and to demonstrate consistent agreement with MCNP simulations which showed an 87% increase of flux on sample while providing suppression of background neutron impingement on the sample frame by 10 3 .

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Experiment-modeling studies comparing energy dissipation in the DIII-D SAS and SAS-VW divertors

Recent DIII-D experiments on Small Angle Slot (SAS) divertors have confirmed that a combination of divertor closure and target shaping can enhance cooling across the divertor target and increase energy dissipation, but with significant dependence on B T (toroidal magnetic field) direction. In these novel divertors, the roles of closure, target shaping, drifts, and scale lengths are all interconnected in optimizing dissipation, with the separatrix electron density n eSEP being the key parameter associated with the level of dissipation/detachment. After modifying the original flat-targeted graphite SAS to include a V shape with a tungsten coating on the outer side of the divertor (SAS-VW), matched series of discharges were run to compare to detailed SOLPS-ITER modeling. Experimentally, when run as designed with the outer strike point at the slot vertex, SAS-VW requires nearly identical n eSEP for detachment as the original SAS, with little difference in dissipation for the new geometry. This is in contrast to (1) earlier modeling predictions that a small change of the SAS geometry to a V shape should enhance dissipation at the same n eSEP for magnetic configurations having better H-mode access (ion B × ∇B drift directed into the divertor), and (2) despite the achievement of significantly higher (2-7x) neutral pressures and compression in the SAS-VW slot. Comparisons of experimental density scans to the most recent SOLPS-ITER modeling with ExB drifts show reasonable agreement for dissipation/detachment onset when using separatrix density as the independent parameter. In order to help understand the discrepancy in modeled vs actual performance for the new configuration, additional measurements varying gas injection location and impurity injection were undertaken. In-slot D 2 gas fueling is more effective (5–22 %) in promoting detachment, in accord with modeling. In-slot impurity injection (N 2 or Ne) can yield 30 % lower core Z eff and 15 % less confinement degradation after detachment compared to main chamber puffing, as well as relatively lower tungsten leakage from the divertor. Modeling can also reproduce the improved detachment seen as the strike point moves inboard of the slot vertex. While we can explain the effects of the most important parameters causing energy dissipation in these slot divertors, it remains that many aspects of their behavior cannot be accurately modeled using state-of-art codes such as SOLPS-ITER. This is of concern for future model-driven designs utilizing similar V-shaped geometries.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Coordination Sphere of Lanthanide Aqua Ions Resolved with Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

To resolve the fleeting structures of lanthanide Ln 3+ aqua ions in solution, we (i) performed the first ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations of the entire series of Ln 3+ aqua ions in explicit water solvent using pseudopotentials and basis sets recently optimized for lanthanides and (ii) measured the symmetry of the hydrating waters about Ln 3+ ions (Nd 3+ , Dy 3+ , Er 3+ , Lu 3+ ) for the first time with extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). EXAFS spectra were measured experimentally and generated from AIMD trajectories to directly compare simulation, which concurrently considers the electronic structure and the atomic dynamics in solution, with experiment. In this study, we performed a comprehensive evaluation of EXAFS multiple-scattering analysis (up to 6.5 Å) to measure Ln–O distances and angular correlations (i.e., symmetry) and elucidate the molecular geometry of the first hydration shell. This evaluation, in combination with symmetry-dependent L 3 - and L 1 -edge spectral analysis, shows that the AIMD simulations remarkably reproduces the experimental EXAFS data. The error in the predicted Ln–O distances is less than 0.07 Å for the later lanthanides, while we observed excellent agreement with predicted distances within experimental uncertainty for the early lanthanides. Our analysis revealed a dynamic, symmetrically disordered first coordination shell, which does not conform to a single molecular geometry for most lanthanides. This work sheds critical light on the highly elusive coordination geometry of the Ln 3+ aqua ions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Global particle buildup simulations with gas puff scan: application to WEST discharge

This paper deals with the distribution of sources, transport, and exhaust of particles in a tokamak. Knowledge and understanding of all the physical phenomena involved in the global particle buildup are necessary to study and predict density regimes and subsequently to develop optimized scenarios for tokamak operation in order to control heat and particle exhaust. Neutral particles and their interactions with plasma are central in this perspective. This paper discusses the impact of varying the intensity of particle fueling in 2D transport simulations of a WEST discharge. Simulations are performed with an updated version of SOLEDGE-HDG that allows a more realistic transport of neutrals using a self-consistent diffusive model based on charge exchange and ionization processes. New code capabilities allow the entire WEST poloidal cross section to be simulated in a realistic configuration for both geometry and the range of control parameters. A gas puff scan illustrates the main features of the sheath-limited, high-recycling, and detached regimes, such as the buildup of the temperature gradient and the pressure drop in the scrape-off layer (SOL), the target temperature falling to 1 eV, and the ionization source moving away from the targets, as well as the particle flux rollover. A crude estimate of wall erosion is also provided, showing the respective role of each plasma wall component in each of these regimes.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Calibrating hypersonic turbulence flow models with the HIFiRE-1 experiment using data-driven machine-learned models.

In this paper we study the efficacy of combining machine-learning methods with projection-based model reduction techniques for creating data-driven surrogate models of computationally expensive, high-fidelity physics models. Such surrogate models are essential for many-query applications e.g., engineering design optimization and parameter estimation, where it is necessary to invoke the high-fidelity model sequentially, many times. Surrogate models are usually constructed for individual scalar quantities. However there are scenarios where a spatially varying field needs to be modeled as a function of the model’s input parameters. Here we develop a method to do so, using projections to represent spatial variability while a machine-learned model captures the dependence of the model’s response on the inputs. The method is demonstrated on modeling the heat flux and pressure on the surface of the HIFiRE-1 geometry in a Mach 7.16 turbulent flow. The surrogate model is then used to perform Bayesian estimation of freestream conditions and parameters of the SST (Shear Stress Transport) turbulence model embedded in the high-fidelity (Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes) flow simulator, using shock-tunnel data. The paper provides the first-ever Bayesian calibration of a turbulence model for complex hypersonic turbulent flows. We find that the primary issues in estimating the SST model parameters are the limited information content of the heat flux and pressure measurements and the large model-form error encountered in a certain part of the flow.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Elliptic Aperture CCT Coils for HTS Dipole Magnets

High-temperature REBa$_{2}$Cu$_{3}$O$_{7-x}$ (REBCO) superconductors are a route to increase the field of accelerator magnets beyond the 15-16T practical limit of Nb$_{3}$Sn. REBCO cabled in a CORC geometry is a promising fit for this application, enabling the design of low inductance magnets with conductor transposition. However, the use of CORC in coils with the tight conductor bending radii typical of accelerator magnets remains a key challenge, with on-going research both on the conductor development and coil design fronts seeking to address this issue. Here, in this work we explore the tradeoffs between circular and elliptic aperture canted-cosine-theta (CCT) coils when the conductor minimum bending radius is a key consideration, concluding that aperture ellipticity is an important free parameter in the optimization of magnetically efficient CORC dipole magnets. In particular, we show that elliptic bore designs enable a regime of smaller aperture HTS coils, an important result for LTS-HTS hybrid magnets and more generally for accelerator applications benefiting from non-circular magnet apertures. To this end we present an elliptic aperture dipole design optimized for hybrid testing within the US Magnet Development Program (US-MDP) and share 77 K test results of a prototype coil which provides first experimental confirmation of the advantages.

Brouwer, L. [Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory↗

Compliant heat exchangers, heat pipes and methods for making same

A method for fabricating heat exchangers using additive manufacturing technologies. Additive manufacturing enables the manufacture of heat exchangers with complex geometries and/or with internal and external integral surface features. Additive manufacture also facilitates the manufacture of heat exchangers with regional variations, such as changes in size, shape and surface features. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a heat exchanger with a helicoidal shape that provides axial elastic compliance. In one embodiment, the internal channel of the heat exchanger varies along its length. The internal channel may have a cross-sectional area that increases progressively from one end to the other. In one embodiment, the external shape of the tubular structure may be non-circular to optimize heat transfer with an external heat transfer fluid. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a heat pipe with an internal wicking structure formed as an integral part of the additive manufacturing process.

Lara-Curzio, Edgar↗

Theoretical Optimization of Trapped-Bubble-Based Acoustic Metamaterial Performance

Acoustic metamaterials have proven to be a versatile tool for the precise control and manipulation of sound waves. One of the promising designs of acoustic metamaterials employ the arrays of bubbles and find applications for soundproofing, blast mitigation, and many others. An obvious advantage of bubble-based metamaterials is their ability to be relatively thin while absorbing low-frequency sound waves. The vast majority of theories developed to predict resonant behavior of bubble-based metamaterials capitalize on Minnaert frequency. Here, we propose a novel theoretical approach to characterize bubble-based metamaterials that are based on our previous findings for a single bubble trapped in circular cavity modeled as a thin clamped plate. We obtain analytical expressions for resonant frequencies of bubble metascreens using self-consistent approximation. Two geometry factors, distance between bubble centers and distance between bubble center and interface of acoustic impedance change, are taken into account. We demonstrate the existence of multiple bandgaps and possibility of switching between them via adjustment of geometry parameters and reflector properties.

Gritsenko, Dmitry (ORCID:0000000248181512)↗

Design and Implementation of Surface Eroding Thermocouples for Stage-One Modular Divertor Integration at the DIII-D Tokamak

The DIII-D has upgraded its upper divertor to a modular system using copper alloy pedestals to alter the divertor geometry without changing the vessel structure. Six new graphite tiles were designed for the shape and volume rise (SVR) divertor. Here, these new SVR tiles facilitated the formation of a poloidal array of 27 surface eroding thermocouples (SETCs) in the upper divertor region. At one location, a specialized recessed SETC, paired with a standard flush SETC, was installed in one of the ceiling tiles to provide comprehensive heat flux measurements, distinguishing between charged and noncharged particle contributions. Upgrades were made to the SETC system in the small-angle slot (SAS) divertor to improve overall performance. These upgrades included optimizing the feedthrough system to double the thermocouple cable capacity and reallocating cables from the SAS area to the SVR divertor. A compact isolation amplifier system with a fixed gain of 41 was employed to improve the signal level and minimize interference. Additionally, two analog-to-analog fiber systems were implemented for transmitting thermocouple signals over a single fiber, significantly reducing both noise levels and costs. The newly installed SETCs in the SVR divertor successfully completed initial commissioning testing. The SETCs captured the in-out asymmetry in the power distribution between the inner and outer strike points and demonstrated the dependency of the heat flux profile on the outer strike point location. During divertor detachment, heat flux mitigation was noted at the outer strike point location, while significant heat flux contributions from neutral particles were measured in the SVR divertor.

Divertor↗

Nanoscale Ion Transport Enhances Conductivity in Solid Polymer-Ceramic Lithium Electrolytes

The predictive design of flexible and solvent-free polymer electrolytes for solid-state batteries requires an understanding of the fundamental principles governing the ion transport. In this work, we establish a correlation among the composite structures, polymer segmental dynamics, and lithium ion (Li + ) transport in a ceramic-polymer composite. Elucidating this structure–property relationship will allow tailoring of the Li + conductivity by optimizing the macroscopic electrochemical stability of the electrolyte. The ion dissociation from the slow polymer segmental dynamics was found to be enhanced by controlling the morphology and functionality of the polymer/ceramic interface. The chemical structure of the Li + salt in the composite electrolyte was correlated with the size of the ionic cluster domains, the conductivity mechanism, and the electrochemical stability of the electrolyte. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) filled with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) or lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide (LiFSI) salts was used as a matrix. A garnet electrolyte, aluminum substituted lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (Al-LLZO) with a planar geometry, was used for the ceramic nanoparticle moieties. Further, the dynamics of the strongly bound and highly mobile Li + were investigated using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. The incorporation of the Al-LLZO platelets increased the number density of more mobile Li + . The structure of the nanoscale ion-agglomeration was investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering, while molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies were conducted to obtain the fundamental mechanism of the decorrelation of the Li + in the LiTFSI and LiFSI salts from the long PEO chain.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

MTA Secondary Beamline Production and Optics Optimization

A new secondary beamline was recently installed in the MeV Test Area (MTA) with the objective of enhancing mu+/mu- production by factors of 3/8 by using a tungsten target versus the conventional graphite production target using the 400 MeV Fermilab proton Linac beam. Ultra-low energy muon beams can support world-class physics experiments for fundamental muon measurements, sensitive searches for symmetry violation, and precision tests of theory. Extensive production studies have confirmed higher muon yield from heavy targets (tungsten vs carbon), but also, surprisingly, showed significant differences in production fluence and energy spectrum between modern hadronic models (GENIEhad) and between GEANT and MCNP. Studies are also underway towards a high-efficiency source of muonium by stopping the mu+ beam in superfluid helium. Muon fluxes can be measured at MTA including using higher-Z and novel target geometries to test hadronic and production models which are critical to understanding ongoing experiments (Mu2e) and will significantly impact the planning of future HEP experiments and planning PIP II facilities. The MTA beamline will additionally support a broad user muon test beam for future experiments and R&D.

Ahmed, Shiza↗

A meshing framework for digital twins for extrusion based additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) allows for manufacturing of complex three-dimensional geometries not typically realizable with standard manufacturing practices. The internal microstructure of AM components has a significant impact on mechanical, vibrational, and shock properties and permits richer design space when this is controllable. Due to complex interactions of internal geometry of an extrusion-based AM component, it is common practice to assume homogeneous behavior or to perform characterization testing on specific toolpath configurations. To avoid testing or material waste, it is necessary to develop a consistently accurate numerical simulation framework with relevant boundary value problems that can handle the complicated geometry of internal material microstructure present in AM components. Herein, a framework is proposed to directly create computational meshes suitable for finite element analysis (FEA) of the fine-scale features generated from extrusion-based AM tool paths to maintain a strong process–structure–property-performance linkage. This mesh can be manually or automatically analyzed using standard FEA simulations such as quasi-static preloading or modal analysis. The framework allows an in-silico assessment of a target AM geometry where fine-scale features greatly impact quantities of design interest such as in soft elastomeric lattices where toolpath infill can greatly influence the self-contact of a structure in compression, which we use as a motivating exemplar. This approach greatly reduces both time and resource waste present in traditional build and test design cycles for non-intuitive design spaces, and acts as a tool for use in the production of a key component of a digital twin, a mesh suitable for finite element analysis. In conclusion, it also further allows for the exploration of toolpath infill to optimize component properties beyond simple linear properties such as density and stiffness.

Additive manufacturing↗

Finite element modeling of electropolishing of radio frequency dipole Nb crab cavity in hydrofluoric-sulfuric acid electrolyte

The superior performance of niobium superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities is achieved through meticulous surface treatment, notably via chemical electropolishing, ensuring exceptionally smooth surfaces. While this technique has been extensively employed for cylindrically symmetric structures, addressing more intricate geometries poses significant challenges in achieving uniform polishing and controlled material removal, especially when moving away from retractable cathodes. This presents a multifaceted electrochemical, thermal, and fluid dynamics conundrum. A prime example is the 197 MHz radio frequency dipole (RFD) crabbing cavity proposed for the Electron Ion Collider (EIC) project, exemplifying such complex structures. Our groundbreaking work integrates the localized oxide thickness variation, considering its impact on current distribution and Joule heating, within the framework of multi-physics modeling using the COMSOL® simulation suite. This approach was applied to a comprehensive model of the RFD cavity, allowing us to investigate optimal external cooling water flow conditions necessary for achieving desirable outcomes. In conclusion, this illustrates the increasing utility of such multi-physics codes to greatly aid in designing solutions to challenging processing requirements for increasingly complex accelerator cavities.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Reducing heat load density with asymmetric and inclined double-crystal monochromators: principles and requirements revisited

Asymmetric double-crystal monochromators (aDCMs) and inclined DCMs (iDCMs) can significantly expand the X-ray beam footprint and consequently reduce the heat load density and gradient. Based on rigorous dynamical theory calculations, the major principles and properties of aDCMs and iDCMs are presented to guide their design and development, particularly for fourth-generation synchrotrons. In addition to the large beam footprint, aDCMs have very large bandwidths (up to ∼10 eV) and angular acceptance, but the narrow angular acceptance of the second crystal requires precise control of the relative orientations and strains. Based on Fourier coupled-wave diffraction theory calculations, it is rigorously proved that the iDCM has almost the same properties as the conventional symmetric DCM, including the efficiency, angular acceptance, bandwidth, tuning energy range and sensitivity to misalignment. The exception is that, for the extremely inclined geometry that can achieve very large footprint expansion, the iDCM has (beneficially) a larger bandwidth and wider angular acceptance. Inclined diffraction has the `rho-kick effect' that can be cancelled by the second reflection of the iDCM (even with misalignment), except that inhomogeneous strains may cause non-uniform rho-kick angles. At present, fabrication/mounting-induced strains pose low risk since they can be controlled to <0.5 µrad over large areas. The only uncertain challenge is the thermally induced strains, yet it is estimated that these strains are naturally lowered by the large footprint and may be further mitigated by optimized cryogenic cooling to the 1–2 µrad level. Overall, aDCMs and iDCMs have more stringent requirements than normal DCMs, but they are feasible schemes in practice.

asymmetric monochromator↗

A Tool Kit for Generating Simulated Radiation Measurements for Advanced Reactor Safeguards and Security

A tool kit was developed to simulate and analyze passive radiation measurements of molten salt reactor (MSR) operations to support development of nuclear safeguards approaches for this emerging reactor technology. A Transient Simulation Framework of Reconfigurable Modules (TRANSFORM) multiphysics simulation of an MSR produces time-dependent isotopic inventories at user-selected locations within the model. The tool kit implements the Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) application programming interface to inject the TRANSFORM isotopic inventories extracted/processed by a Python pipeline into GADRAS models of user-defined geometries. The TRANSFORM inventories are the source terms used to obtain synthetic measurements from GADRAS-defined detectors. The speed of TRANSFORM and GADRAS simulations enables surveying the large design space of MSRs (e.g., fuel type, fuel salt composition, number of loops) and the plethora of measurements (e.g., location, detector type, and collimation) within the reactor. This has enabled timely assessment of the various measurement locations and detectors to identify the most effective and efficient safeguards approach for a specific MSR design. Lastly, the tool kit also simulates extracted samples that can be aged to a desired dose, enabling stakeholders to optimize a measurement plan to use sample analysis as an element within a broader material accountancy plan.

Westphal, Greg↗

Interlaced Characterization and Calibration (ICC) for Improved Computational Simulation Credibility

Accurate material characterization and model calibration are pivotal for simulations used for high-consequence engineering decisions. Current characterization and calibration methods (1) use simplified test specimen geometries and global data, (2) cannot guarantee that sufficient characterization data is collected for a specific model of interest, (3) provide only mean parameter values with no uncertainty quantification, and (4) are sequential, inflexible, and time-consuming. This work developed a new paradigm—coined Interlaced Characterization and Calibration (ICC)—which drives forward the state-of-the-art in model calibration by bringing together recent advancements into one improved workflow. The ICC paradigm (1) employs tools to efficiently use full-field data to calibrate high-fidelity material models, (2) aligns the data needed with the data collected by adopting an optimal experimental design protocol, (3) provides uncertainty metrics on the calibrated model parameters, and (4) incorporates these advances into a quasi real-time feedback loop. The ICC framework was validated synthetically with both low-fidelity and high-fidelity simulations paired with several different elastoplastic material models, and was also demonstrated experimentally with an aluminum 6061 cruciform exemplar specimen. Results showed that the ICC framework—in which Bayesian optimal experimental design actively guided the experiment— resulted in calibrations with similar or better accuracy than predetermined experiments based on subject matter expertise. Moreover, the ICC framework produced a complete model calibration— with quantified uncertainties on model parameters—in 1 week, a 5 - 10× increase in efficiency over traditional approaches. Thus, the ICC paradigm improves both the calibration process and quality, by (1) improving efficiency, which increases agility of solid mechanics modeling and enables utilization of computational simulation (CompSim) at earlier stages of the design cycle and (2) providing quantified, and in some cases reduced, parameter uncertainties, which increases confidence in model predictions and supports credible decision making.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗