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At least 1,477 records · Page 82

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-I-64: Transverse Relaxation Time in Methylene Protons of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Rats

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate transverse relaxation time of methylene resonance compared to other lipid resonances. Methods: The examinations were performed using a 3.0 T scanner with a point — resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence. Lipid relaxation time in a lipid phantom filled with canola oil was estimated considering repetition time (TR) as 6000 msec and echo time (TE) as 40 — 550 msec. For in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ({sup 1}H — MRS), eight male Sprague — Dawley rats were given free access to a normal - chow (NC) and eight other male Sprague-Dawley rats were given free access to a high — fat (HF) diet. Both groups drank water ad libitum. T{sub 2} measurements in the rats’ livers were conducted at a fixed TR of 6000 msec and TE of 40 – 220 msec. Exponential curve fitting quality was calculated through the coefficients of determination (R{sup 2}). Results: A chemical analysis of phantom and liver was not performed but a T{sub 2} decay curve was acquired. The T{sub 2} relaxation time of methylene resonance was estimated as follows: NC rats, 37.07 ± 4.32 msec; HF rats, 31.43 ± 1.81 msec (p < 0.05). The extrapolated M0 values were higher in HF rats than in NC rats (p < 0.005). Conclusion: This study of {sup 1}H-MRS led to sufficient spectral resolution and signal — to — noise ratio differences to characterize all observable resonances for yielding T{sub 2} relaxation times of methylene resonance. {sup 1}H — MRS relaxation times may be useful for quantitative characterization of various liver diseases, including fatty liver disease. This study was supported by grant (2012-007883 and 2014R1A2A1A10050270) from the Mid-career Researcher Program through the NRF funded by Ministry of Science. In addition, this study was supported by the Industrial R&D of MOTIE/KEIT (10048997, Development of the core technology for integrated therapy devices based on real-time MRI-guided tumor tracking)

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2018

Producing Desired Properties From a Broader Spectrum of Compositions - 18167

The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of River Protection has an extensive research program to develop low-activity waste and high-level waste glass compositions for the balance of mission of the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP). The fundamental data stemming from this program will support development of advanced glass formulations, key process control models, and processing strategies to ensure safe and successful operations for both the Low-Activity Waste and High-Level Waste facilities with an appreciation toward reducing overall mission life. (author)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2015

Andra's strategy and approach for long-term memory preservation of a deep geological repository - 15174

Andra's approach for memory preservation on the long term is based first on a reference solution, which has been developed and implemented for the Manche disposal facility, the 'Centre de la Manche' (CSM). The reference solution is based on three sets of documents ('passive memory' provisions) and on activities involving the public, the local stakeholders and/or experts ('active memory' provisions). The reference solution is perennial for 6 to 10 centuries. Andra has decided to set a target of keeping the memory of the disposal facility for as long as possible. So, a research program to develop memory provisions for several millennia was launched in 2010. The most important and most promising studies come from scientific realms such as linguistics and semiotics, geology and archaeology, and feedback from surveys on transmission medium and preservation. Other studies are available in different areas, where social sciences and humanities play a prominent role. (authors)

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DOE OSTI2015

Properties of selected non-pertechnetate species relevant to Hanford Tank Waste - 15019

Among radioactive constituents present in the Hanford tank waste technetium-99 (Tc) poses a multitude of problems associated with its radiotoxicity, unique and relatively poorly understood chemistry, and high mobility in the environment. Technetium is one of the most difficult contaminants to be addressed at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Hanford Site because of its complex chemical behavior in tank waste and limited incorporation in the glass waste forms during mid- to high-temperature immobilization processes. The majority of Tc exists in the supernatant and salt cake fractions of both single- and double-shell tanks as pertechnetate TcO{sub 4}{sup -} (oxidation state +7) and in the reduced forms (oxidation state < +7) collectively known as non-pertechnetate (non-TcO{sub 4}{sup -}) species. Our research program is aimed at gaining understanding of the behavior of non-pertechnetate species in various oxidation states including such phenomena as redox speciation, hydrolysis, oligomerization, coordination of small organic ligands present in the tank supernatant, and solubility of the complex species. This paper describes our current results on the characterization and properties of the non-pertechnetate species. (authors)

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DOE OSTI2017

Thermonuclear Power Engineering: 60 Years of Research. What Comes Next?

This paper summarizes results of more than half a century of research of high-temperature plasmas heated to a temperature of more than 100 million degrees (10{sup 4} eV) and magnetically insulated from the walls. The energy of light-element fusion сan be used for electric power generation or as a source of fissionable fuel production (development of a fusion neutron source—FNS). The main results of studies of tokamak plasmas which were obtained in the Soviet Union with the greatest degree of thermal plasma isolation among all other types of devices are presented. As a result, research programs of other countries were redirected to tokamaks. Later, on the basis of the analysis of numerous experiments, the international fusion community gradually came to an opinion that it is possible to build a tokamak (ITER) with Q > 1 (where Q is the ratio of the fusion power to the external power injected into the plasma). The ITER program objective is to achieve Q = 1–10 for a discharge time of up to 1000 s. The implementation of this goal does not solve the problem of a steadystate operation. The solution to this problem is a reliable first wall and current generation. This is a task of the next fusion power plant construction stage, called DEMO. Comparison of DEMO and FNS parameters shows that, at this development stage, the operating parameters and conditions of these devices are identical.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2016

Overview of the multifaceted activities towards development and deployment of nuclear-grade FeCrAl alloys

A large effort is underway under the leadership of US DOE Fuel Cycle Research program to develop advanced FeCrAl alloys as accident tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding to replace Zr-based alloys in light water reactors. The primary motivation is the excellent oxidation resistance of these alloys in high-temperature steam environments right up to their melting point (roughly three orders of magnitude slower oxidation kinetics than zirconium). A multifaceted effort is ongoing to rapidly advance FeCrAl alloys as a mature ATF concept. The activities span the broad spectrum of alloy development, environmental testing (high-temperature high-pressure water and elevated temperature steam), detailed mechanical characterization, material property database development, neutron irradiation, thin tube production, and multiple integral fuel test campaigns. Instead of off-the-shelf commercial alloys that might not prove optimal for the LWR fuel cladding application, a large amount of effort has been placed on the alloy development to identify the most optimum composition and microstructure for this application. The development program is targeting a cladding that offers performance comparable to or better than modern Zr-based alloys under normal operating and off-normal conditions. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the systematic effort to advance nuclear-grade FeCrAl alloys as an ATF cladding in commercial LWRs. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Emergency Management of Tomorrow: Emerging Technologies and Concepts

This article for the Domestic Preparedness Journal introduces the Emergency Management of Tomorrow Research Program and its role exploring artificial intelligence for emergency management and emergency operation centers in the future.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2018

TAIGA Gamma Observatory: Status and Prospects

Over the past few years, the TAIGA (Tunka Advanced Instrument for cosmic ray physics and Gamma-ray Astronomy) observatory has been being deployed in the Tunka Valley, Republic of Buryatia. It is designed for studying gamma rays of energy above 30 TeV and performing searches for sources of galactic cosmic rays with energies in the vicinity of 1 PeV, which is an energy region around the classic knee in the cosmic-ray energy spectrum. The first phase of the observatory will be situated at a distance of about 50 km from Lake Baikal at the site of the Tunka-133 array. The TAIGA gamma observatory will include a network of 500 wide-angle (0.6 sr) Cherenkov detectors (TAIGA-HiSCORE array) and up to 16 atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (ACT) designed for analyzing the EAS images (imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes, or IACT) and positioned within an area of 5 km{sup 2}. The observatory will also include muon detectors of total area 2000 m{sup 2} distributed over an area of 1 km{sup 2}. Within the next three years, it is planned to enhance the area of the TAIGA-HiSCORE array by a factor of four—from 0.25 km{sup 2} to 1 km{sup 2}; to supplement the existing IACT with two new ones; and to deploy new muon detectors with a total coverage of 200 m{sup 2}. The structure of the new observatory is described along with the data analysis techniques used. The most interesting physical results are presented, and the research program for the future is discussed.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2014

Understanding Fundamental Material Degradation Processes in High Temperature Aggressive Chemomechanical Environments

The objective of this project is to develop a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that limit materials durability for very high-temperature applications. Current design limitations are based on material strength and corrosion resistance. This project will characterize the interactions of high-temperature creep, fatigue, and environmental attack in structural metallic alloys of interest for the very high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (VHTR) or Next–Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) and for the associated thermo-chemical processing systems for hydrogen generation. Each of these degradation processes presents a major materials design challenge on its own, but in combination, they can act synergistically to rapidly degrade materials and limit component lives. This research and development effort will provide experimental results to characterize creep-fatigue-environment interactions and develop predictive models to define operation limits for high-temperature structural material applications. Researchers will study individually and in combination creep-fatigue-environmental attack processes in Alloys 617, 230, and 800H, as well as in an advanced Ni-Cr oxide dispersion strengthened steel (ODS) system. For comparison, the study will also examine basic degradation processes in nichrome (Ni-20Cr), which is a basis for most high-temperature structural materials, as well as many of the superalloys. These materials are selected to represent primary candidate alloys, one advanced developmental alloy that may have superior high-temperature durability, and one model system on which basic performance and modeling efforts can be based. The research program is presented in four parts, which all complement each other. The first three are primarily experimental in nature, and the last will tie the work together in a coordinated modeling effort. The sections are (1) dynamic creep-fatigue-environment process, (2) subcritical crack processes, (3) dynamic corrosion – crack initiation processes, and (4) modeling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2015

IAEA Coordinated Research Project on HTGR Reactor Physics, Thermal-hydraulics and Depletion Uncertainty Analysis

The continued development of High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) requires verification of HTGR design and safety features with reliable high fidelity physics models and robust, efficient, and accurate codes. The predictive capability of coupled neutronics/thermal-hydraulics and depletion simulations for reactor design and safety analysis can be assessed with sensitivity analysis (SA) and uncertainty analysis (UA) methods. Uncertainty originates from errors in physical data, manufacturing uncertainties, modelling and computational algorithms. (The interested reader is referred to the large body of published SA and UA literature for a more complete overview of the various types of uncertainties, methodologies and results obtained). SA is helpful for ranking the various sources of uncertainty and error in the results of core analyses. SA and UA are required to address cost, safety, and licensing needs and should be applied to all aspects of reactor multi-physics simulation. SA and UA can guide experimental, modelling, and algorithm research and development. Current SA and UA rely either on derivative-based methods such as stochastic sampling methods or on generalized perturbation theory to obtain sensitivity coefficients. Neither approach addresses all needs. In order to benefit from recent advances in modelling and simulation and the availability of new covariance data (nuclear data uncertainties) extensive sensitivity and uncertainty studies are needed for quantification of the impact of different sources of uncertainties on the design and safety parameters of HTGRs. Only a parallel effort in advanced simulation and in nuclear data improvement will be able to provide designers with more robust and well validated calculation tools to meet design target accuracies. In February 2009, the Technical Working Group on Gas-Cooled Reactors (TWG-GCR) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommended that the proposed Coordinated Research Program (CRP) on the HTGR Uncertainty Analysis in Modelling (UAM) be implemented. This CRP is a continuation of the previous IAEA and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)/Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) international activities on Verification and Validation (V&V) of available analytical capabilities for HTGR simulation for design and safety evaluations. Within the framework of these activities different numerical and experimental benchmark problems were performed and insight was gained about specific physics phenomena and the adequacy of analysis methods.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2018

Participation of JINR in the CDF Experiment

Participation of a Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) team in the research program at the Tevatron at Fermilab is described. In their work on the upgraded CDF Run II detector, the emphasis was placed on top quark physics. The JINR team was fully engaged in the data analysis of the CDF experiment, particularly, in measuring the top quark mass in the dilepton and lepton-jet modes, in measuring the top quark charge, and in searching for the Higgs boson. The JINR team made a decisive contribution to the operation of the scintillation counter subsystem of the CDF muon trigger, to the trigger based on the vertex silicon detector for selection of events with secondary vertices and to the preshower detector of the electromagnetic calorimeter. The team was involved in the construction, upgrading, and operation of the system of scintillation counters and developed a system for the online monitoring of their parameters to ensure their effective operation in Run II. The work of the JINR researchers was highly appreciated by the international CDF collaboration.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2013

Status and perspectives of ALICE at the LHC

ALICE is one of the four large experiments at the LHC. It focuses on the study of ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions. Its main goal is to study in great detail the properties of matter under extreme energy densities. We discuss some aspects of the ALICE research program, the experiment future plans as well as some general items of the ALICE upgrade. The present detector allows to study diffractive physics and photon induced processes. A proposal to install detectors in the forward region is presented here. These detectors would allow to study processes with rapidity gaps larger than those presently covered.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2018

LIBS Measurement in Vitrification of HLW Process: Towards a Development of Online Chemical Analyses - 18290

Research programs are currently underway in the Joint CEA-AREVA Vitrification Laboratory (LCV) to develop and optimize Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for nuclear waste streams analyses. The laboratory has full scale prototypes with the advantage of working on simulated inactive solutions of fission products. LIBS is an elemental chemical analysis technology that uses a short laser pulse to create a micro-plasma on the sample surface. This analytical technique offers many advantages compared to other techniques. It includes a sample preparation-free measurement and an extremely fast measurement time, from a few seconds to a few minutes. This paper presents the LIBS technique available in the laboratory. The first LIBS analyzes results of liquid samples from the off-gas treatment unit integrated on the full scale vitrification process are also presented and discussed. These complex solutions contain suspended particles and up to 30 chemical elements. A vision of an online LIBS analysis cell is also proposed with the development and associated research steps. (authors)

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DOE OSTI2018

Optimization of LIBS Acquisition Parameters for Chemical Analysis on HLW Liquid Solution - 18291

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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Medical Database Accomplishments and Lessons Learned - 2021

The Medical Database (MD) is a virtual repository consisting of two software components: the Medical Item Database (MedID) and the Evidence Library (EL). MedID consists of engineering data and associated information for specific medical resource items (e.g., pharmaceutical, medical devices, and supporting components), while the EL is a tool which provides all of the medical evidence necessary. The Medical Database will serve as the single “source of truth” for the Informing Mission Planning via Analysis of Complex Tradespaces (IMPACT) tool suite for both medical evidence and medical resource engineering data. It will be used in conjunction with the IMPACT tool suite to inform research prioritizations and perform systematic trade study evaluations using probabilistic risk assessment and simulated human spaceflight missions to aid stakeholders in making informed decisions during Pre-Phase-A planning of human spaceflight missions. The IMPACT project is conducted under the Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) element of the Human Research Program (HRP), within NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. Over the past year, the MedID software has been successfully merged with the Evidence Library into one cohesive Medical Database with two independent user interface experiences for modifying either clinical evidence or resource engineering data. As MD has evolved substantially over the past year, a number of challenges have been encountered and overcome along the way. A number of ‘lessons learned’ and practical/logistical realizations have emerged which will be detailed in the forthcoming Medical Database presentation.

Exploration Medical Capability↗

NASA NTRS1981

The CELSS program - An overview of its structure and use of computer modelling

NASA has initiated a research program, CELSS, directed at the acquisition of the knowledge and technology required for the development of an autonomous, regenerative life support system. The program is structured to promote effective, cooperative research in fundamental, applied and engineering science. The initial research thrusts involve investigations into problems of food production, waste processing and system control and integration. In the area of food production both conventional, higher plant-based processes as well as chemosynthetic food production technologies are being investigated. Alternative waste processing procedures, both biological and physicochemical, are being examined. Computer based modelling as an aid to design and analysis is an integral part of the approach to system control and management. A mass balance model depicting the flow of elemental mass in a conceptualized closed, regenerative life support system is described.

Averner, M. M.↗

DOE OSTI2017

Chaotic Advection and Unsteady Flow in Groundwater Remediation - 17237

This paper reviews an ongoing research program of numerical and laboratory studies on chaotic advection applied to groundwater remediation, including numerically simulated effects of sorption and heterogeneity, and experiments aimed at demonstrating chaotic advection in refractive index matched (i.e., transparent) porous media. Additionally, this paper outlines a proposed approach to test chaotic advection at an appropriate field site. If shown to be successful in a field application, chaotic advection offers the possibility of better hydraulic control of contaminant plumes, accelerated remediation, consequent reduction in cost, and improvement in environmental health. (authors)

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DOE OSTI2013

The National Center for Radioecology (NCoRE): A Network of Excellence for Environmental and Human Radiation Risk Reduction - 13365

Radioecology in the United States can be traced back to the early 1950's when small research programs were established to address the fate and effects of radionuclides released in the environment from activities at nuclear facilities. These programs focused primarily on local environmental effects, but global radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons testing and the potential for larger scale local releases of radioisotopes resulted in major concerns about the threat, not only to humans, but to other species and to ecosystems that support all life. These concerns were shared by other countries and it was quickly recognized that a multi-disciplinary approach would be required to address and understand the implications of anthropogenic radioactivity in the environment. The management, clean-up and long-term monitoring of legacy wastes at Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)-regulated facilities continues to be of concern as long as nuclear operations continue. Research conducted through radioecology programs provides the credible scientific data needed for decision-making purposes. The current status of radioecology programs in the United States are: fragmented with little coordination to identify national strategies and direct programs; suffering from a steadily decreasing funding base; soon to be hampered by closure of key infrastructure; hampered by aging and retiring workforce (loss of technical expertise); and in need of training of young scientists to ensure continuation of the science (no formal graduate education program in radioecology remaining in the U.S.). With these concerns in mind, the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) took the lead to establish the National Center for Radioecology (NCoRE) as a network of excellence of the remaining radioecology expertise in the United States. As part of the NCoRE mission, scientists at SRNL are working with six key partner universities to re-establish a graduate education training program for radioecology. Recently, NCoRE hosted a workshop to identify the immediate needs for science-driven discoveries, tool development and the generation of scientific data to support the legislative decision-making process for remediation strategies, long-term monitoring of radiologically- contaminated sites and protection of human health and the environment. Some of the immediate strategic research needs were identified in the fields of functional genomics for determining low-dose effects, improved low-level dosimetry, and mixed (radiological and chemical) contaminant studies. Longer term strategic research and tool development areas included development of radioecology case study sites, comprehensive decision-making tools, consequence response actions, and optimized scenario based ecosystem modeling. A summary of the NCoRE workshop findings related to waste management needs and priority areas will be presented in this paper. (authors)

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