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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

New Design Yields Robust Large-Area Framing Camera

Manuscript to be submitted to Review of Scientific Instruments to determine interest in possible publication. Website: https://aip.scitation.org/rsi/authors/manuscript High-speed imaging is a core diagnostic capability for the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Data from experiments that measure the behavior of materials under extreme conditions are essential for the stockpile mission. For example, during subcritical experiments, materials that are shocked and compressed under high-explosive drive change behavior rapidly over timescales measured in millionths or even billionths of a second. Characterizing and understanding this behavior requires radiographic and/or optical imaging to track motion on these timescales. Framing cameras provide a discrete series of images over a short period of time in a manner that mimics a high-speed movie camera, but with individual shutter times that must be extremely short in order to capture freeze-frame images of rapidly evolving phenomena such as high-explosive shock-driven ejecta, dynamic compression of metals, and high-velocity fluid flow.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterization of a 1D-imaging high-energy x-ray backlighter driven by the National Ignition Facility Advanced Radiographic Capability laser

Plastic deformation of samples compressed to Mbar pressures at high strain rates at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) forms the basis of ongoing material strength experiments in conditions relevant to meteor impacts, geophysics, armor development, and inertial confinement fusion. Hard x-ray radiography is the primary means of measuring the evolution of these samples, typically employing a slit-collimated high-Z microdot driven by the NIF laser to generate >40 keV x rays [E. Gumbrell et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 89, 10G118 (2018) and C. M. Huntington et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 89, 10G121 (2018)]. Alternatively, a dysprosium “micro-flag” target driven by the Advanced Radiographic Capability laser (~2 kJ, 10 ps) can deliver significantly higher spatiotemporal resolution [M. P. Hill et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 92, 033535 (2021)], especially in high-opacity samples. Here, initial experiments revealed problematic brightness and spectral gradients from this source, but by radiographing a set of diamond-turned, 105 µm-thick Pb test objects and supported by simulations using the 3D Monte Carlo code GEANT4, these geometry-dependent gradients across the field of view are quantified and mitigation strategies are assessed. In addition to significantly enhancing the modulation transfer function compared to the existing system, image stacking from multiple layers of image plate is shown to almost double the signal to noise ratio that will reduce uncertainties in future dynamic strength experiments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

FY24 Progress Report on Viscosity and Thermal Conductivity Measurements of Nuclear Industry Relevant Chloride Salts: An Experimental and Computational Study

As presented in this report, experimental and computational techniques were performed to assess the viscosity and thermal conductivity of key alkali and actinide chloride mixtures for molten salt reactor developers. These mixtures were pure LiCl, NaCl-KCl, LiCl-NaCl, LiCl-KCl, LiCl-NaCl-KCl, and NaCl-UCl 3 . Experimental measurements of viscosity were performed with a rolling ball viscometer, whereas experimental measurements of thermal conductivity were performed with a variable gap apparatus. Additional benchmarking work was performed using both property measurement systems to prepare for x-ray radiography in stainless-steel crucibles for viscosity and to ensure that calibration methods were accurate for thermal conductivity before assessing the NaCl-UCl 3 system. Validation data for the NaCl-UCl 3 in literature are minimal. Details on the calibration methods, salt measurement processes, and sources of error and uncertainty are discussed in detail for both property measurements. The computational methods described herein involved ab-initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations using CP2K. The calculations were performed for the LiCl-KCl-NaCl and NaCl-UCl 3 systems. These calculations not only provided thermophysical property estimations for comparison to experimental data, but they also allowed for the determination of diffusion coefficients, coordination numbers, and radial distribution functions to provide insight into ion mobility and local coordination environments, which is linked to macroscopic property trends.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Laser-driven flash x-ray radiography of a shocked metallic foil

Characterizing hydrodynamic instability evolution in millimeter-scale, high-Z foils is crucial for understanding complex phenomena in high-energy-density physics. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept, laser-driven flash x-ray radiography platform tailored for two-dimensional linear density mapping in shocked high-Z foils. Using chromium (Cr) foils with internal shockwaves (∼100 μm width), our platform achieves a spatial resolution of 59.8 ± 1.4 μm by employing a broadband x-ray source extending into the hundreds of keV range. The setup combines a compound parabolic concentrator cone with a tantalum wire target, a magnetic field to deflect residual transmitted electrons, and a copper casing to shield the sides and rear of the image plate pack. By varying the delay of the short-pulse beam driving the flash x-ray source, we resolve shockwave dynamics, specifically the velocity, position, width, and density profile, within the Cr foil. Reported experimental results are consistent with the corresponding hydrodynamics and radiation transport simulations, which accurately reproduce the measured electron and x-ray source terms. These developments enable the conversion of shockwave radiographs into two-dimensional density maps, enhancing interpretability for hydrodynamic instability evolution applications and validating the simulation approach.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Probing the Mechanism of Selective Phosphate Adsorption from Wastewater Using Aqueous and Synchrotron X-ray Characterization

Ion exchange shows promise for recovering phosphate from wastewater as value-added products, but requires high phosphate selectivity to compete with conventional treatment. Hybrid anion exchange (HAIX) resins, which contain non-selective basic functional groups and selective iron oxide nanoparticles (FeOnp), can effectively remove phosphate from wastewater. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the mechanisms of phosphate selectivity and influence of competing ions, hindering needed efforts to model adsorption dynamics and design scalable adsorption processes for varying wastewaters. To address these gaps, we integrated aqueous-phase adsorption analysis with solid-phase, synchrotron-based X-ray characterization; this integration facilitated elucidation of the distribution and speciation of iron, phosphate, and competing anions on HAIX resins. We compared a quaternary ammonium-functionalized HAIX resin (SBA) to a tertiary amine version (WBA) to determine the role of functional groups. X-ray radiography revealed differences in FeOnp speciation (goethite vs. ferrihydrite) and distribution (peripheral vs. homogeneous) between the resins, resulting in varied phosphate affinity and intraparticle diffusion resistance. Using micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) and micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (μ-XANES) spectroscopy, we identified differences in where and how phosphate binds across resin types and wastewaters. Across wastewater compositions, FeOnp sites in WBA contribute more to phosphate adsorption than in SBA, possibly due to variations in Fe distribution and speciation. Phosphate adsorption densities calculated from quantitative μ-XRF maps matched those from aqueous analysis, demonstrating the effectiveness of this integrated approach. Altogether, results demonstrate the use of synchrotron-based X-ray characterization for investigating adsorption mechanisms and advance HAIX as a phosphate recovery technology from complex wastewaters.

Nutrient recovery↗
DOE OSTI2023

Simulation tools, first results and experimental status of the MURAVES experiment

The MUon RAdiography of VESuvius (MURAVES) project aims at the study of Mt. Vesuvius, an active and hazardous volcano near Naples, Italy, with the use of muons freely and abundantly produced by cosmic rays. In particular, the MURAVES experiment intends to perform muographic imaging of the internal structure of the summit of Mt. Vesuvius. The challenging measurement of the rock density distribution in its summit by muography, in conjunction with data from other geophysical techniques, can help model possible eruption dynamics. The MURAVES apparatus consists of an array of three independent and identical muon trackers, with a total sensitive area of 3 square meters. In each tracker, a sequence of 4 XY tracking planes made of plastic scintillators is complemented by a 60 cm thick lead wall inserted between the two downstream planes to improve rejection of background from low energy muons. The apparatus is currently acquiring data. This paper presents preliminary results from the analysis of the first data samples acquired with trackers pointing towards Mt. Vesuvius, including the first relative measurement of the density projection of two flanks of the volcano at three different altitudes; we also present the workflow of the simulation chain of the MURAVES experiment and its ongoing developments.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Beamline K11 DIAD: a new instrument for dual imaging and diffraction at Diamond Light Source

The Dual Imaging and Diffraction (DIAD) beamline at Diamond Light Source is a new dual-beam instrument for full-field imaging/tomography and powder diffraction. This instrument provides the user community with the capability to dynamically image 2D and 3D complex structures and perform phase identification and/or strain mapping using micro-diffraction. The aim is to enable in situ and in operando experiments that require spatially correlated results from both techniques, by providing measurements from the same specimen location quasi-simultaneously. Using an unusual optical layout, DIAD has two independent beams originating from one source that operate in the medium energy range (7–38 keV) and are combined at one sample position. Here, either radiography or tomography can be performed using monochromatic or pink beam, with a 1.4 mm × 1.2 mm field of view and a feature resolution of 1.2 µm. Micro-diffraction is possible with a variable beam size between 13 µm × 4 µm and 50 µm × 50 µm. One key functionality of the beamline is image-guided diffraction, a setup in which the micro-diffraction beam can be scanned over the complete area of the imaging field-of-view. This moving beam setup enables the collection of location-specific information about the phase composition and/or strains at any given position within the image/tomography field of view. The dual beam design allows fast switching between imaging and diffraction mode without the need of complicated and time-consuming mode switches. Real-time selection of areas of interest for diffraction measurements as well as the simultaneous collection of both imaging and diffraction data of (irreversible) in situ and in operando experiments are possible.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Irradiation of an enriched uranium (NaCl-UCl 3 ) fuel salt capsule, summary of nondestructive post-irradiation examinations, and solidification modeling

Molten salt reactors (MSRs) are gaining attention due to their potential for safe, carbon-free nuclear energy with reduced waste. However, licensing these reactors is hindered by limited experimental data on fueled salts, both pre- and post-irradiation. Here, the novel Molten-salt Research Temperature-controlled Irradiation (MRTI) vehicle was designed to address knowledge gaps in irradiating enriched‑uranium-bearing salts. The MRTI experiment irradiated 13 cm 3 of UCl₃-NaCl (93 % U-235) salt in the Neutron Radiography (NRAD) Reactor, achieving a burnup of 0.196 GWd/MTU over 390 h. Despite a heater failure, the thermocouple data suggested fission heat kept the salt molten. The MRTI assembly was remotely disassembled for nondestructive post-irradiation examination (PIE), which included precision gamma-ray scanning (PGS) and neutron radiography. Radiograph images showed the location of the salt and the solidification pattern. PGS results provided an early indication that activated materials of construction did not increase in relative intensity in the region of the capsule where the salt was in contact with the material of construction. Additionally, PGS data showed the presence of several gamma emitting fission products, such as Nb-95, Zr-95, Ru-103, Ce-141, and La-140, where Ru-103 had the highest counts at the bottom of the capsule. Computational fluid dynamics modeling supported observations of salt solidification patterns and proved to be a valuable tool to inform PIE activities. The MRTI experiment has thus far provided critical data and lessons learned for fuel salt PIE activities, essential for advancing the technical readiness of MSRs.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Learning robust parameter inference and density reconstruction in flyer plate impact experiments

Estimating physical parameters or material properties from experimental observations is a common objective in many areas of physics and material science. In many experiments, especially in shock physics, radiography is the primary means of observing the system of interest. However, radiography does not provide direct access to key state variables, such as density, which prevents the application of traditional parameter estimation approaches. Here we focus on flyer plate impact experiments on porous materials, and resolving the underlying parameterized equation of state (EoS) and crush porosity model parameters given radiographic observation(s). We use machine learning as a tool to demonstrate with high confidence that using only high impact velocity data does not provide sufficient information to accurately infer both EoS and crush model parameters, even with fully resolved density fields or a dynamic sequence of images. We thus propose an observable data set consisting of low and high impact velocity experiments/simulations that capture different regimes of compaction and shock propagation, and proceed to introduce a generative machine learning approach which produces a posterior distribution of physical parameters directly from radiographs. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach in estimating parameters from simulated flyer plate impact experiments, and show that the obtained estimates of EoS and crush model parameters can then be used in hydrodynamic simulations to obtain accurate and physically admissible density reconstructions. Finally, we examine the robustness of the approach to model mismatches, and find that the learned approach can provide useful parameter estimates in the presence of out-of-distribution radiographic noise and previously unseen physics, thereby promoting a potential breakthrough in estimating material properties from experimental radiographic images.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

A comprehensive numerical investigation on spray models for Direct-Injection Spark-Ignition engines

Gasoline direct-injection spark-ignition (DISI) engines generate a large portion of their unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) and soot emissions during the cold-start phase. A predictive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling framework can be used to understand the physical processes that characterize fuel spray evolution and fuel-film formation at cold start conditions, which can help to reduce engine-out particulate emissions. This study systematically evaluated spray submodels and developed a set of simulation best practices for physical-numerical submodels with the goal of enabling accurate simulations of liquid spray behavior in a DISI engine. Three comprehensive experimental datasets containing free-spray projected liquid volume (PLV), liquid volume fraction (LVF), and near-field X-ray radiography data were used to validate the simulation results and evaluate the spray submodels. Systematic analysis delved into injected parcel distribution, droplet collision, spray breakup, and evaporation via a detailed assessment of the relevant spray submodels. Moreover, the effects of turbulence models and the initial turbulent flow properties on the liquid spray evolution were examined. Based on extensive calibration efforts, a set of simulation best practices for the free spray was developed and validated against the PLV/LVF data. Simulation results indicated that the uniform distribution for parcel initialization, coupled with appropriate droplet collision submodels, provides an improved spray morphology compared to the cluster distribution. The findings also underscored the importance of calibrating the Kelvin-Helmholtz Rayleigh-Taylor (KH-RT) breakup model constants and droplet heat transfer coefficient scaling factor to achieve favorable agreement regarding measured liquid penetration and spray widths. In conclusion, this study marks a substantial stride towards accurately predicting fuel film evolution and soot formation within DISI engine performance.

ECN Spray G↗
DOE OSTI2025

Resistive Wall Simulations for the DARHT Multi-Pulse Test Line

The multi-pulse test line (MPTL) presently under T development at the Dual Axis Radiography Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) facility may have several meters of drifting beam transport without external magnetic focusing field. The absence of external magnetic focusing is the worst case for growth of the resistive-wall instability. This instability is usually considered to be strictly a long-pulse (low-frequency) problem, but has been theoretically shown to couple the multiple pulses in a long pulse train, such as are expected to be the subject of experimentation on the MPTL. In this note, we explore the resistive wall instability in the MPTL parameter range using our LAMDA beam dynamics code. (LAMDA stands for Linear Accelerator Model for DARHT)

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Analyzer-based X-ray phase contrast imaging using the forward-diffracted o-beam in a few-millimetre-thick Bragg-case asymmetrically cut crystal

An analyzer-based X-ray phase contrast imaging experiment employing the forward-diffracted o-beam in a few-millimetre-thick Bragg-case asymmetrically cut analyzer crystal has been implemented and tested in a geometry similar to that used in conventional radiography. The high angular stability requirements were overcome using specially designed crystals and a closed-loop feedback intensity system, monitoring the intensity of the diffracted h-beam. Analyzer-based images (ABis) taken at different angular positions on the forward-diffracted o-beam rocking curve show different contrasts, as expected. However, the ABis did not show sharp borders. This was closely investigated by X-ray topography and Δ d / d mapping and was attributed to the stresses caused by the analyzer crystal's own weight in the bulk. Further investigation of the crystal design using finite element analysis coupled with dynamical theory of X-ray diffraction is envisaged.

Honnicke, Marcelo Goncalves (ORCID:000000033276432↗
DOE OSTI2020

Relativistic plasma physics in supercritical fields

Since the invention of chirped pulse amplification, which was recognized by a Nobel Prize in physics in 2018, there has been a continuing increase in available laser intensity. Combined with advances in our understanding of the kinetics of relativistic plasma, studies of laser-plasma interactions are entering a new regime where the physics of relativistic plasmas is strongly affected by strong-field quantum electrodynamics (QED) processes, including hard photon emission and electron-positron (e⁻-e⁺) pair production. Additionally, this coupling of quantum emission processes and relativistic collective particle dynamics can result in dramatically new plasma physics phenomena, such as the generation of dense e⁻-e⁺ pair plasma from near vacuum, complete laser energy absorption by QED processes, or the stopping of an ultra-relativistic electron beam, which could penetrate a cm of lead, by a hair's breadth of laser light. In addition to being of fundamental interest, it is crucial to study this new regime to understand the next generation of ultra-high intensity laser-matter experiments and their resulting applications, such as high energy ion, electron, positron, and photon sources for fundamental physics studies, medical radiotherapy, and next generation radiography for homeland security and industry.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Proof-of-Principle Experiment on the Dynamic Shell Formation for Inertial Confinement Fusion

In the dynamic-shell (DS) concept [Goncharov et al., Phys Rev. Lett. 125, 065001 (2020)] for laser-driven inertial confinement fusion the deuterium-tritium fuel is initially in the form of a homogeneous liquid inside a wetted-foam spherical shell. This fuel is ignited using a conventional implosion, which is preceded by a initial compression of the fuel followed by its expansion and dynamic formation of a high-density fuel shell with a low-density interior. This letter reports on a scaled-down, proof-of-principle experiment on the OMEGA laser demonstrating, for the first time, the feasibility of DS formation. A shell is formed by convergent shocks launched by laser pulses at the edge of a plasma sphere, with the plasma itself formed as a result of laser-driven compression and relaxation of a surrogate plastic-foam ball target. Three x-ray diagnostics, namely, 1-D spatially resolved self-emission streaked imaging, 2-D self-emission framed imaging, and backlighting radiography, have shown good agreement with the predicted evolution of the DS and its stability to low Legendre mode perturbations introduced by laser irradiation and target asymmetries.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Integrated simulations of premagnetized and self-magnetizing dynamic screw pinch-driven MagLIF

Magnetically driven implosions such as in magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) on the Z accelerator suffer from magneto-Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities (MRTI) that dynamically redistribute liner mass during implosion, limiting fusion fuel compression and confinement, which ultimately degrades performance. Driving the implosion with an initially helical drive field that dynamically shifts the direction of the magnetic field surrounding the liner (i.e., a dynamic screw pinch, DSP) is a method proposed to mitigate MRTI in-flight and improve target performance. In DSPs, the axial drive magnetic field component implodes the liner and diffuses through the shocked, melted liner material into the fuel throughout the implosion. Liners can be designed to enable enough axial magnetic flux to diffuse through the liner material to effectively magnetize the fuel region without the need of an initial axial magnetic field (i.e., from external field coils). We present results from three-dimensional radiation-magnetohydrodynamic simulations of MagLIF implosions employing drive magnetic fields composed of axial and azimuthal components (a helical drive field). These simulated DSP-driven MagLIF targets demonstrate improved fuel conditions and thermonuclear yield compared to a traditional MagLIF target implosion. Synthetic x-ray radiography of the imploding liner material and x-ray emission images of the fuel region at the time of peak neutron yield rate indicate superior implosion morphology for DSP-MagLIF implosions.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

New Design Yields Robust Large-Area Framing Camera

Framing cameras provide a discrete series of images over a short period of time in a manner that mimics a high-speed movie camera, but with individual shutter times that must be extremely short in order to capture freeze-frame images of rapidly evolving phenomena such as high-explosive shock-driven ejecta, dynamic compression of metals, and high-velocity fluid flow. The NNSS has designed and fielded a new, large-area, gated framing camera called Kraken. The camera design emphasized manufacturability and flexibility by improving imager yield and creating a camera architecture to shorten design cycles. Design strategies and field data are presented.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗