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At least 1,783 records · Page 99

Vertical Lunar Regolith Conveying as a Flight Experiment in Simulated Lunar-Gravity

Regolith conveying will be an essential task for supplying regolith feedstock to In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) reactor systems for regolith processing on the Moon and Mars. The Vertical Lunar Regolith Conveyor (VLRC) is a technology being developed at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) as a regolith transport task for the GCD ISRU FLEET project led by NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). Single test loop versions of the VLRC are being developed at NASA KSC as a technology demonstration for a flight experiment. The NASA Flight Opportunities program selected the VLRC for a technology demonstration opportunity on a future Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital launch vehicle to study regolith transport physics in a relevant environment in a vacuum chamber under simulated lunar gravity conditions in order to advance its technology readiness level (TRL) for future space applications. The VLRC system includes four primary subsystems to achieve the objectives of the lunar gravity (Lunar-G) flight experiment. (1) An eccentric vibratory conveyor stack to convey regolith particles consisting of three single-loop helical surface conveyors with each actuated by two vibratory motors that vibrate in unison. One of the three single-loops contains a 0.8°-3.1° inclined helical path and the other two contain a 1.6°-6.2° incline. (2) A stick-slip conveyor stack to convey regolith particles consisting of three single-loop helical surface conveyors with each actuated by the same motor to move in unison in a stick-slip motion. One of the three single-loops contains a 0.8°-3.1° inclined helical path and the other two contain a 1.6°-6.2° incline. (3) A regolith containment system to contain the regolith in each single-loop track during launch before the start of the experiment using containment caps that will be lifted in unison at the start of Lunar-G. (4) COTS cameras will record the motion of regolith and tracer particles. Post-flight analysis of the videos will be used to determine convey speeds and flow rates. The VLRC experiment will use the well-known technique of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) image analysis to determine the velocity of tracer particles entrained in the regolith flow. This velocity will be used to calculate the mass flow rate of the regolith being conveyed.

ISRU↗

Status and Prospects of eV Sterile Neutrino Searches

In this talk, we present the results of the global analysis [1] on the 3 + 1neutrino scenario. After a brief discussion of the neutrino oscillationprobabilities in the presence of a sterile neutrino, we describe the mainexperimental results. We pay particular attention to the anomalies in thereactor neutrino experiments and the νe excess in the appearance channeloscillation channel. The combined analysis of the data shows some tensionsbetween the disappearance and the appearance oscillation results.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Sensitivity Coefficients Calculated for the Prompt Neutron Decay Constant At or Near Delayed Critical

The derivation of a non-invasive prompt neutron decay constant sensitivity coefficient is provided in this work. The computation of the sensitivity coefficient derived in this work does not require modification of Monte Carlo source code and is based on capabilities available in Monte Carlo N-Particle R© Code Version 6.2. The prompt neutron decay constant sensitivity coefficients are calculated for 44-group and 252-group energy structures for specific nuclide-reaction pairs in the Jezebel benchmark experiment. The nuclide-reaction pairs investigated in this work include Pu- 239(n,f), Pu-240(n,f), and Pu-241(n,f). Physical explanations of the sensitivity profiles exhibited by the 252-group energy structure are investigated for the prompt neutron multiplication factor, mean neutron lifetime, and prompt neutron decay constant. The prompt neutron decay constant sensitivity coefficients calculated for the 44-group and 252-group energy structure of Pu-239(n,f) are compared. Lastly, the 44-group energy structure sensitivity coefficients calculated are used for nuclear-data induced uncertainty quantification of the neutron multiplication factor. This work shows that a reduction in the nuclear data-induced uncertainty of the neutron multiplication factor is possible for all nuclide-reaction pairs investigated when prompt neutron decay constant sensitivity coefficients are utilized. This is important for new critical experiment design optimization studies of measurement configurations. This work provides a basis for more detailed sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification of nuclide, reaction, and energy-specific cross section data.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

SERAPH: Wavelike Dark Matter Searches with SRF Cavities

Haloscopes consisting of a microwave cavity with a high quality factor (Q) connected to low-noise electronics have been deployed to detect wavelike axions and dark photons. But the dark matter mass is unknown, so haloscopes must be tunable to search through the photon coupling vs. mass parameter space. Therefore, the scan rate for haloscope experiments is a crucial figure of merit and is proportional to the cavity’s quality factor. State-of-the-art experiments like ADMX currently use copper cavities with 𝑄∼80000. However, implementing superconducting cavities with 𝑄∼1010 can increase the instantaneous scan rate by possibly a factor of 105.This presentation will report progress on the SERAPH experiment, a family of superconducting haloscopes being developed by the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center. In this presentation, I will first discuss the principles behind operating a haloscope whose bandwidth is much narrower than the dark matter halo energy distribution. I will then describe the first SERAPH experiments implementing a 1.3 GHz Niobium cavity with an ultra-high quality factor (Q~1010) that has achieved the best sensitivity and deepest exclusion to wavelike dark photon dark matter by almost an order of magnitude. Next, I will discuss progress on the next phase of SERAPH, which will search dark photon dark matter using a widely-tunable SRF cavity (4-7 GHz). I will finally describe plans for subsequent SERAPH experiments to search for dark photons and axions with tunable SRF cavities tolerant to multi-Tesla magnetic fields and quantum sensors that subvert the Standard Quantum Limit.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DarkNESS: Characterization of Space Multi-Chip Module Skipper-CCDs and Readout Electronics

The DarkNESS mission has the goal of deploying a 6U CubeSat fitted with an array of skipper-CCDs in Low Earth Orbit (~400 km). The new instrument will take measurements of diffuse x-rays and look for signatures of dark matter decay in the spectrum. DarkNESS will also perform a direct search for strongly interacting sub-GeV dark matter in regions of the parameter space not accessible to ground based experiments [1]. Skipper-CCDs allow for low-noise astronomical observations which can extend the discovery reach for direct dark matter search experiments. This paper will discuss the laboratory characterization of the two key components of the scientific payload: the space Multi-Chip Module (sMCM), and their readout electronics.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Electromagnetic shower separation in LArTPCs: study of the calorimetric method at LArIAT

This thesis reports a study of the prospects of using calorimetry for separating photon- from electron-initiated electromagnetic (EM) showers in liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs), a prevalent need for neutrino oscillation experiments based on the LArTPC technology as $\gamma$-initiated showers are a significant background to electron neutrino ($\nu_e$) events, whose signature is electron showers. From events simulated in the LArIAT (Liquid Argon In A Testbeam) experiment's detector, we quantitatively evaluated the dependence of the calorimetric separation on the initial momentum and position (along the beamline) of the primary particle. We could conclude that the separation is more efficient if the primary particle is created inside the chamber, whereas the impact of the momentum is not as significant. Furthermore, a first step was taken towards applying the calorimetric method to the showers measured in LArIAT. A convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on simulation was deployed to find EM showers among the events collected by the experiment. The charge deposition at the beginning of the showers found is centered at a plausible value, although the width of the distribution demands further inquiry.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Assessment of velocity/trajectory measurement technologies during a particle capture event

Since the early 1960s, the means to measure the time of flight (TOF) of dust grain within a mechanical detection array has existed, first in the laboratory and then in space experiments. Laboratory hypervelocity dust particle accelerators have used electrostatic detection of charge on accelerated particles for TOF and particle mass detections. These laboratory studies have led to the development of ultra-thin-film sensors that have been used for TOF measurements in dust particle space experiments. The prototypes for such devices were ultra-thin-film capacitors that were used in the OGO series of satellites. The main goal of the experimental work to be described is the development of the capability to determine the velocity vector or trajectory of a dust grain traversing an integrated dust detection array. The results of these studies have shown that the capability of detecting the charge liberated by hypervelocity dust grains with diameters in the micrometer range can be detected. Based on these results, detection systems have been designed to provide a precise analysis of the physical and dynamic properties of micrometer and submicrometer dust grains, namely the design verification unit (DVU). Through unique combinations of in situ detection systems, direct measurements of particle surface charge, velocity, momentum, kinetic energy, and trajectory have been achieved. From these measurements, the remaining physical parameters of mass, size, and density can be determined.

Tanner, William G.↗

Regolith-structure modeling

Early lunar missions have provided a basic understanding of the physical and strength properties of lunar regolith, which have been shown to differ from those of dry terrestrial granular soils. Lunar regolith is predominantly a fine sand of which nearly 40 percent can be characterized as silt with a particle size smaller than 100 micrometers. The top 10 to 20 cm of the regolith can be characterized as being in a loose to medium-loose state. The density of the regolith, however, rapidly increases below a depth of 20 cm. The highly irregular and angular shapes of the regolith particles tend to interlock and create relatively strong mechanical bonds that give the particulate mass substantial cohesive properties and smaller amounts of tensile strength properties. In addition, the friction angle of lunar regolith at medium to high densities is quite high and often exceeds 55 degrees. These known properties of lunar regolith have been matched in a terrestrially-manufactured analog known as Minnesota Lunar Simulant. A variety of experiments were conducted using this simulant to both verify existing information and generate new information on the physical and constitutive properties of lunar regolith. These experiments include maximum and minimum density determinations, specific mass of solids, grain-size distribution, conventional triaxial compression and extension, isotropic compression, one-dimensional compression, direct shear, and direct tension. Direct shear experiments were conducted under atmospheric and vacuum conditions. Results of the physical and strength experiments compare closely to results obtained from lunar missions. Results of simulant strength experiments performed in vacuum indicated no observable difference from results obtained in air. A test bed currently under study is one involving a regolith shield covering a first-generation human habitat module. It is understood that regolith in depths ranging from 3 to 5 meters is required for radiation shielding for habitation and workspace. The habitat module is treated as a rigid cylindrical tube with a smooth exterior. By making the cylinder rigid, a complex interaction problem is reduced to a situation where we can consider the support regolith and the shielding regolith as behaving independently of the structural properties of the cylindrical structure. Medium-dense lunar simulant was placed around a scaled model of the habitat module to provide a radiation shield. This embankment-type shield was constructed in relatively thin but fine layers by compacting, by mechanical vibratory means, layer upon layer of simulant placed adjacent to the horizontally-aligned cylinder. The slope angles were constructed at 55 degrees. The model described above was studied in a geotechnical centrifuge, which allows for the scaling of model dimensions to prototype dimensions by increasing the acceleration of gravity on the model. The deformation response can be scaled up to prototype dimensions to provide an assessment of the deformation patterns of the lunar structure. The actual process of local and/or global growth of instabilities or skip planes can also be observed.

Ko, Hon-Yim↗

A Novel Spatio-Temporal Regime Tracking Method for Impact Simulations

In this proposal, we present a novel method of tracking the rheological regimes activated during impact cratering events that will allow researchers to gain new insights into cratering mechanics. Rheology describes the stress-strain response of rocks to different conditions. Planetary impact cratering events often occur on too large of a scale to be feasibly captured in controlled experiments. Instead, these dynamic events are primarily studied using multi-physics codes equipped with complex material models that enable calculations of the impact event at scale. However, determining which physical processes are required for the problem of interest is challenging. Because the dominant rheological regimes change with space and time during crater formation, it is difficult to link numerical simulations with observable features of craters at the end of the event. The basis of this work is the implementation of numerical flags that track the activation of each rheological regime throughout impact simulations. We demonstrate this with the ‘Rock Model’ implemented in the CTH shock-physics code. We will use this rheology tracking method to ’zoom in’ on a specific region within an event and track the conditions the rock experiences over time. This work will develop community benchmarks to validate and distribute our implemented rheological models. We will focus on improving the melt models used by the planetary impact modeling community by developing an EOS-aware rheological transition from solid to melt. Through analysis of cell and tracer-particle based tracking data, we will study the effects of different rheologies on modeled outcomes, particularly on the volume and distributions of impacts melts. We will also use this method to link observable features with the rheological mechanisms responsible for them. The deliverables (peer-reviewed papers) from the proposed work are (i) tests of the implemented rheologic processes and demonstrations of the tracking flags; (ii) the first calculations of the spatio-temporal evolution of the dominant rheologies during impact cratering events; and (iii) application to delivery of impactor iron during basin-scale impacts.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Selection of charged-current neutrino-induced $K^+$ production interactions in MicroBooNE

MicroBooNE is an 85-ton active mass liquid-argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) neutrino detector exposed to the Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB) at Fermilab. MicroBooNE’s physics goals is the precision measurement of neutrino interactions on argon in the 1 GeV energy regime. The study of neutrino interactions producing a $K^+$ in the final-state can improve the background estimates for future proton-decay experiments looking for the $p → K^+$$_ν$ channel on argon such as DUNE. In this document we present a simulation study for a selection of events with a $K^+$ that is produced in a charged-current neutrino interaction and decays into a $µ^+$ and a $ν_µ$ in the MicroBooNE detector. It will focus on how we use the particle identification techniques developed by MicroBooNE to achieve a sample with a 7% efficiency and 66.7% purity. This is the first step toward a charged-current kaon production cross section measurement in argon.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Extracting transition generalized parton distributions from hard exclusive pion-nucleon scattering

We study the extraction of transition generalized parton distributions (GPDs) from production of two back-to-back high transverse momentum photons ( γ γ ) and a massive pair of leptons ( ℓ + ℓ − ) in hard exclusive pion-nucleon scattering. We argue that the exclusive scattering amplitude of both processes could be factorized into nonperturbative pion distribution amplitude and nucleon transition GPDs that are convoluted with perturbatively calculable short-distance matching coefficients. We demonstrate that the exclusive diphoton production not only is complementary to the Drell-Yan-type dilepton production for extracting the GPDs but also provides enhanced sensitivities for extracting the parton momentum fraction x dependence of the GPDs. We show that both exclusive observables are physically measurable at the J-PARC and AMBER experiment energies. If the target nucleon can be polarized, corresponding spin asymmetries can offer additional sensitivities for extracting transition GPDs. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

X 17 boson and the H 3 ( p , e + e – ) He 4 and He 3 ( n , e + e – ) He 4 processes: A theoretical analysis

The present work deals with e + – e – pair production in the four-nucleon system. We first analyze the process as a purely electromagnetic one in the context of a state-of-the-art approach to nuclear strong-interaction dynamics and nuclear electromagnetic currents, derived from chiral effective field theory ( χ EFT ) . Next, we examine how the exchange of a hypothetical low-mass boson would impact the cross section for such a process. We consider several possibilities, that this boson is either a scalar, pseudoscalar, vector, or axial particle. The ab initio calculations use exact hyperspherical-harmonics methods to describe the bound state and low-energy spectrum of the A = 4 continuum, and they fully account for initial state interaction effects in the 3 + 1 clusters. While electromagnetic interactions are treated to high orders in the chiral expansion, the interactions of the hypothetical boson with nucleons are modeled in leading-order χ EFT (albeit, in some instances, selected subleading contributions are also accounted for). We also provide an overview of possible future experiments probing pair production in the A = 4 system at a number of candidate facilities.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Cumulative short-lived photofission product yields for nuclear forensic application

Experiments have long been carried out with linear accelerator (linac) produced bremsstrahlung X-rays to study high-energy photon-induced fission, known as “photofission”. One benefit of photofission, when compared with neutron-induced fission, is the ability to investigate fundamental physics of fission at excitation energies lower than what is possible with neutrons [1]. Absorption of an incident neutron results in a compound nucleus with an excitation energy at least equal to the neutron binding energy; thus, the lowest energy region of the fission barrier cannot be studied. Fission product yield distributions are dependent on the incident particle energy and the target nucleus mass. They are generally represented by a double-humped curve, with low and high mass “peaks” and an intermediate mass “valley”. As incident particle energy increases, the excitation energy of the nucleus increases, thereby increasing the overall yield of isotopes in the valley with respect to the two maxima or peaks of the fission product curve [3]. Photofission is most probable for incident photons around 14 MeV due to the giant dipole resonance. Induced photofission around this energy results in a fission product yield distribution that resembles 14 MeV DT neutron fission more than thermal or fast (500 keV) neutron fission. In post-detonation nuclear forensics, the peak-to-valley ratio of the fission product yield curve could be used for characterizing device type by providing an indication of the neutron energy spectrum that had induced fission (e.g., 500 keV vs. 14 MeV). The goal of this work is to improve nuclear data for isotopes of interest in nuclear forensics and special nuclear material (SNM) detection, specifically the fission product yield data via photofission experiments for the isotopes of 238U and 232Th. Photofission has been proposed as a less costly and more flexible production method for the valley isotopes that are representative of DT neutron fission product yield distributions, which would benefit nuclear forensics exercises in testing for analysis techniques. Natural uranium and thorium targets were irradiated with bremsstrahlung photons (nominal endpoint energies of 8, 14, and 20 MeV), generated via impingement of high-energy electrons on a tungsten electron-to-photon radiator. Gamma-ray spectroscopy was used to observe and identify the decay of the resulting fission products. The photofission yields of 102 fission products were measured for the set of the 238U and 232Th targets at the three bremsstrahlung X-ray endpoint energies 8, 14, and 20 MeV. These fragments included masses ranging from A=84 to A=144, with half-lives as short as 1.07 seconds.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Quantum field theory with the generalized uncertainty principle II: Quantum Electrodynamics

Highlights: • Relativistic Generalized Uncertainty Principle gives Frame independent minimum length. • Quantum Gravity modified Dirac equation from Modified Klein–Gordon Equations. • There exists a Quantum Gravity modified Lagrangian for a spinor field theory. • Feynman vertices contain 2 fermions & up to 5 gauge bosons are allowed. • Minimum length modifies the amplitude of Electrodynamic electron–muon scattering. Continuing our earlier work on the application of the Relativistic Generalized Uncertainty Principle (RGUP) to quantum field theories, in this paper we study Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) with minimum length. We obtain expressions for the Lagrangian, Feynman rules and scattering amplitudes of the theory, and discuss their consequences for current and future high energy physics experiments. We hope this will provide an improved window for testing Quantum Gravity effects in the laboratory.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Preparation of illite coated geomaterial microfluidic surfaces: Effect of salinity and heat treatment

Unique characteristics of clay (e.g., high surface area, deficiency in positive charges) make any clay abundant shales a good source of adsorbed gas. However, the presence of clay in porous media can also affect shale rock's producibility. The clay-water interaction can cause significant swelling and fines migration in the formation and impair the overall hydrocarbon recovery from shale. Geomaterial micromodels, developed by functionalizing traditional glass or PDMS surfaces with geomaterials (e.g., calcite, Quartz, clay), can represent the physicochemical properties of the natural porous media and have been used during the last few years to understand and evaluate the solid-fluid physicochemical interactions. Here, this study focuses on developing a clay-coated geomaterial surface and investigates the effect of base fluid's salinity on clay adsorption to the glass surface. Glass capillary tubes and straight channel borosilicate glass micromodels are coated with Illite clay to represent the pore-scale clay chemistry of Caney Shale, a Mississippian unconventional play in Southern Oklahoma, USA. 10 wt% of Illite clay slurries made with brines of four different salinities are used to coat the glass-capillary tubes to understand the effect of salinity in clay adsorption on the glass surface and overall coating quality. To achieve a stable coating and evaluate the impact of heat treatment on coating's stability, straight channel glass flow cells coated with Illite clay are heat-treated at low (25 °C) and high temperature (125 °C), and the results are compared with an untreated coated surface. Flooding tests were carried out with brines of different salinities on the coated surface to evaluate the stability of the coating. The experimental results indicated a strong relationship between the brine's salinity and the adsorption of clay particles on the glass surface. An increase in brine concentration resulted in improved adsorption of clay particles on the glass surface. Experiments involving heat treating the glass surface following the coating demonstrated significant improvement in the stability of the coating.

02 PETROLEUM↗

Molecular dynamics simulations of inelastic x-ray scattering from shocked copper

By taking the spatial and temporal Fourier transforms of the coordinates of the atoms in molecular dynamics simulations conducted using an embedded-atom-method potential, we calculate the inelastic scattering of x rays from copper single crystals shocked along [001] to pressures of up to 70 GPa. Above the Hugoniot elastic limit, we find that the copious stacking faults generated at the shock front introduce strong quasi-elastic scattering (QES) that competes with the inelastic scattering signal, which remains discernible within the first Brillouin zone; for specific directions in reciprocal space outside the first zone, the QES dominates the inelastic signal overwhelmingly. The synthetic scattering spectra we generate from our Fourier transforms suggest that energy resolutions of order 10 meV would be required to distinguish inelastic from quasi-elastic scattering within the first Brillouin zone of shock-loaded copper. We further note that high-resolution inelastic scattering also affords the possibility of directly measuring particle velocities via the Doppler shift. These simulations are of relevance to future planned inelastic scattering experiments at x-ray Free Electron Laser facilities.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Critical Unresolved Region Integral Experiment Execution

Integral Experiments are a key aspect of validating nuclear data behavior and simulation capabilities. Further, integral experiments are the earliest form of validation of equations and codes. They have been used extensively since the 1940s. Today, simulation and predictive capabilities have improved greatly from 75 years ago, but nonetheless, integral experiments are still needed. As simulation capabilities improve, their uncertainties get much smaller. The current focus of many new experiments is understanding the intermediate energy range. The intermediate energy range does not have a wide application space and it can be challenging to design experiments that are sensitive to neutron energies in this region. The Zeus experiments evaluated highly enriched uranium (HEU) in the intermediate energy region. Building on the success and knowledge gained from the Zeus experiments, the Critical Unresolved Region Integral Experiment (CURIE) experiments were designed to evaluate HEU in the narrower unresolved resonance region (URR). These experiments were executed during June and July 2020 at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC). The National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC), operated by Los Alamos National Laboratory, is the only general purpose critical experiments facility in the United States of America. NCERC regularly designs and executes critical experiments and other measurements useful to a wide variety of fields including nuclear criticality safety, commercial nuclear energy, nonproliferation, and nuclear data.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Investigation of the background in coherent $J/\psi$ production at the EIC

Understanding fundamental properties of nucleons and nuclei are among the most important scientific goals of the next-generation machine, the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). With the unprecedented versatility provided by the EIC, it will provide answers to many standing puzzles and open questions in modern nuclear physics. One of the golden measurements at the EIC is coherent vector meson production in electron-nucleus (eA) scattering in order to obtain the spatial gluon density distribution in heavy nuclei. This requires the experiment to overcome an overwhelmingly large background arising from the incoherent diffractive production, where the nucleus mostly breaks up into fragments of particles in the far-forward direction close to the hadron beam rapidity. In this report, we systematically study the rejection of incoherent J/\psi J / ψ production by vetoing products from the nuclear breakup - protons, neutrons, and photons, which is modeled with the BeAGLE event generator and the most up-to-date EIC Far-forward Interaction Region design.

Chang, Wan↗