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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 973 records · Page 54
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

High Conduction Neutron Absorber to Simulate Fast Reactor Environment in an Existing Test Reactor

A need was determined for a thermal neutron absorbing material that could be cooled in a gas reactor environment without using large amounts of a coolant that would thermalize the neutron flux. A new neutron absorbing material was developed that provided high conduction so a small amount of water would be sufficient for cooling thereby thermalizing the flux as little as possible. An irradiation experiment was performed to assess the effects of radiation and the performance of a new neutron absorbing material. Neutron fluence monitors were placed inside specially fabricated holders within a set of drop-in capsules and irradiated for up to four cycles in the Advanced Test Reactor. Following irradiation, the neutron fluence monitor wires were analyzed by gamma and x-ray spectrometry to determine the activities of the activation products. The adjusted neutron fluences were calculated and grouped into three bins – thermal, epithermal and fast to evaluate the spectral shift created by the new material. Fluence monitors were evaluated after four different irradiation periods to evaluate the effects of burn-up in the absorbing material. Additionally, activities of the three highest activity isotopes present in the specimens are given.

Reactor dosimetry, advanced test reactor, Al3Hf sh↗
DOE OSTI2021

Damage development in neutron-irradiated concrete in a test reactor: Hygro-thermal and mechanical simulations

This paper reports the development of a 3D mesoscale hygro-thermal-mechanical simulation approach to predict damage in concrete irradiated in a test reactor. This framework, developed in MOOSE, considers the effects of elevated temperature, moisture content, and high neutron fluence (energy threshold, E > 0.1 MeV) on the mortar and aggregates separately. The first-stage simulation implements hygro-thermal analysis to determine the temperature and RH inside the specimen as a function of imposed radiation energy. These are used as inputs to the second stage, which considers radiation-induced volumetric expansion (RIVE) of aggregates, and creep, shrinkage, and stress-strain response of mortar to predict the expansion, stresses, and damage in specimens made using different coarse aggregates and subjected to different irradiation times. The irradiation time-dependent damage in the mortar is expressed using an isotropic damage parameter. This multi-physics model serves as a predictive tool for damage quantification in concrete due to neutron irradiation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Testing the process dependence of the Sivers function via hadron distributions inside a jet

We study the process dependence of the Sivers function by considering the impact of color-gauge invariant initial and final state interactions on transverse spin asymmetries in proton-proton scattering reactions within the framework of the transverse momentum dependent (TMD), generalized parton model. To this aim, we consider the azimuthal distribution of leading pions inside a fragmenting jet as well as single inclusive jet asymmetry in polarized proton-proton collisions. In contrast to single inclusive pion production, in both cases we can isolate the Sivers contribution and thereby study its process dependence. The predictions for the Sivers asymmetry obtained with and without inclusion of color gauge factors are comparable in size but with opposite signs. We conclude that both processes represent unique opportunities to discriminate among the two approaches and test the universality properties of the Sivers function in hadronic scattering reactions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Architecture, implementation, and testing of a multiple-shell gas injection system for high current implosions on the Z accelerator

Tests are ongoing to conduct {approx}20 MA z-pinch implosions on the Z accelerator at Sandia National Laboratory using Ar, Kr, and D{sub 2} gas puffs as the imploding loads. The relatively high cost of operations on a machine of this scale imposes stringent requirements on the functionality, reliability, and safety of gas puff hardware. Here we describe the development of a prototype gas puff system including the multiple-shell nozzles, electromagnetic drivers for each nozzle's valve, a UV pre-ionizer, and an inductive isolator to isolate the {approx}2.4 MV machine voltage pulse present at the gas load from the necessary electrical and fluid connections made to the puff system from outside the Z vacuum chamber. This paper shows how the assembly couples to the overall Z system and presents data taken to validate the functionality of the overall system.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

Langmuir probes for SPIDER (source for the production of ions of deuterium extracted from radio frequency plasma) experiment: Tests in BATMAN (Bavarian test machine for negative ions)

A prototype system of the Langmuir probes for SPIDER (Source for the production of Ions of Deuterium Extracted from RF plasma) was manufactured and experimentally qualified. The diagnostic was operated in RF (Radio Frequency) plasmas with cesium evaporation on the BATMAN (BAvarian Test MAchine for Negative ions) test facility, which can provide plasma conditions as expected in the SPIDER source. A RF passive compensation circuit was realised to operate the Langmuir probes in RF plasmas. The sensors’ holder, designed to better simulate the bias plate conditions in SPIDER, was exposed to a severe experimental campaign in BATMAN with cesium evaporation. No detrimental effect on the diagnostic due to cesium evaporation was found during the exposure to the BATMAN plasma and in particular the insulation of the electrodes was preserved. The paper presents the system prototype, the RF compensation circuit, the acquisition system (as foreseen in SPIDER), and the results obtained during the experimental campaigns.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

An in situ tensile test apparatus for polymers in high pressure hydrogen

Degradation of material properties by high-pressure hydrogen is an important factor in determining the safety and reliability of materials used in high-pressure hydrogen storage and delivery. Hydrogen damage mechanisms have a time dependence that is linked to hydrogen outgassing after exposure to the hydrogen atmosphere that makes ex situ measurements of mechanical properties problematic. Designing in situ measurement instruments for high-pressure hydrogen is challenging due to known hydrogen incompatibility with many metals and standard high-power motor materials like Nd. Here we detail the design and operation of a solenoid based in situ tensile tester under high-pressure hydrogen environments up to 5,000 psi. Here, modulus data from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) samples tested under high-pressure hydrogen are also reported as compared to baseline measurements taken in air.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2015

A look ahead: Status of the SNS external antenna ion source and the new RFQ test stand

The U.S. Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) now operates with ∼1 MW of beam power to target with the near-term goal of delivering 1.4 MW. Plans are being considered to incorporate a second target station into the facility which will require ∼2.8 MW of beam power. Presently, H{sup −} beam pulses (∼1 ms, 60 Hz) are produced by an RF-driven, Cs-enhanced, multi-cusp ion source which injects beam into an RFQ (Radio Frequency Quadrupole) accelerator that, in turn, feeds the SNS Linac. Currently the source/RFQ system delivers ∼35 mA of pulsed current to the linac which is mostly sufficient for 1.4 MW operations while ∼50 mA are needed for the second target station upgrade. This paper provides a look forward for the SNS by providing (i) the present and future SNS source/RFQ beam requirements and our plans to achieve these, (ii) a description and status of the external antenna ion source being developed for the replacement of the current internal antenna ion source, and (iii) a description and status of the newly constructed RFQ test facility.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity Benchmark Testing of the Chevrolet Volt Onboard Charger

The Chevrolet Volt onboard charge module, which converts alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power to charge the vehicle’s onboard energy storage system, was benchmark tested for AC to DC efficiency by the Idaho National Laboratory as part of its conduct of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity. Charging with Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) at 208 VAC input (60 Hz), the Volt onboard charge module was calculated to be 91.7% efficient while operating between 3.0 AC kW and 3.3 AC kW. Charging with Level 1 EVSE at 120 VAC input (60 Hz) the Volt onboard charge module was calculated to be 90.6% efficient while operating near 1.3 AC kW. Given that most Level 2 EVSE are greater than 99% efficient1 when operating above 3.0 AC kW (Level 2) and a Level 1 EVSE was measured to be 98% efficient2 when operating above 1.25 AC kW (120VAC), the average overall AC to DC charging efficiency for the Chevrolet Volt connected to an EVSE (from the AC grid through the EVSE and the Volt’s onboard charge module OBCM) is 90.8% for Level 2 and 88.8% for Level 1.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Preliminary Interpretation of a Radionuclide and Colloid Tracer Test in a Granodiorite Shear Zone at the Grimsel Test Site, Switzerland

In February and March 2012, a tracer test involving the injection of a radionuclide-colloid cocktail was conducted in the MI shear zone at the Grimsel Test Site, Switzerland, as part of the Colloids Formation and Migration (CFM) project. The colloids were derived from FEBEX bentonite, which is mined in Spain and is being considered as a potential waste package backfill in a Spanish nuclear waste repository.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2012

TRUEX Radiolysis Testing Using the INL Radiolysis Test Loop: FY-2012 Status Report

The INL radiolysis test loop has been used to evaluate the affect of radiolytic degradation upon the efficacy of the strip section of the TRUEX flowsheet for the recovery of trivalent actinides and lanthanides from acidic solution. The nominal composition of the TRUEX solvent used in this study is 0.2 M CMPO and 1.4 M TBP dissolved in n-dodecane and the nominal composition of the TRUEX strip solution is 1.5 M lactic acid and 0.050 M diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. Gamma irradiation of a mixture of TRUEX process solvent and stripping solution in the test loop does not adversely impact flowsheet performance as measured by stripping americium ratios. The observed increase in americium stripping distribution ratios with increasing absorbed dose indicates the radiolytic production of organic soluble degradation compounds.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2016

Results of thermal test of metallic molybdenum disk target and fast-acting valve testing

This report describes the irradiation conditions for thermal testing of helium-cooled metallic disk targets that was conducted on March 9, 2016, at the Argonne National Laboratory electron linac. The four disks in this irradiation were pressed and sintered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory from molybdenum metal powder. Two of those disks were instrumented with thermocouples. Also reported are results of testing a fast-acting-valve system, which was designed to protect the accelerator in case of a target-window failure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Report for the Corrosion Testing of Solutions to Aid in the Removal of 241-AP-106 Waste: Dilution Series Testing

Corrosion analyses were conducted at the 222-S Laboratory in support of proposed liquid waste removal from tank 241-AP-106 (AP-106) in preparation for its use in direct feed low activity waste treatment. The work reported here builds upon previous corrosion testing performed at the 222-S Laboratory that used a high-density caustic and an AP-106 tank waste sample. In this current study, a second liquid grab sample from AP-106 was diluted, 50:50 vol%, with raw water, and this dilution was repeated for a total of 5 dilutions steps. Following each dilution step, the resulting solution was tested for pitting corrosion using linear polarization resistance followed by cyclic potentiodynamic polarization.

241-AP-106↗
DOE OSTI2020

Decoding Early Candidacy of High Entropy Alloys for Nuclear Application using the Advanced Test Reactor through Predictive Methods and Combinatorial Testing

High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) are identified candidates for nuclear applications owing to their superb mechanical and thermal properties. In line with evaluating their candidacy, a challenge remains in their validity as structural replacements for extreme environments. Each compositional graded specimen consists up to four different compositions spanning the fueled zone for non-prototypical neutron irradiation testing in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). We have fabricated a set of four compositionally graded specimens using spark plasma sintering that include at least five of the following elements: Cr, C, Al, Zr, Mo, Nb, Ta, V, Ti, W, and Fe. In time for this meeting the role of temperature expected to play a role in-pile cladding chemical interactions (FCCI), mechanical interactions (FCMI), irradiation damage, creep, and resistance will be reported. The irradiated portion has a scheduled irradiation date in April 2020 and with post irradiation examination (PIE) to follow.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Scalable Test-Bed for Direct Current Current Transformer Automated Functional Testing and Characterization

This article describes a scalable test-bed for automation of measurements of the direct current current transformers (DCCT). Automation of measurement involves functional measurements, fault event based measurements and data validation. The test-bed is designed to measure up to 20 DCCTs at a time with software based measurement repetition checks and validation of the measurements.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗