Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Fan, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Fan, C..

Scintillation light in SBND: simulation, reconstruction, and expected performance of the photon detection system

SBND is the near detector of the Short-Baseline Neutrino program at Fermilab. Its location near to the Booster Neutrino Beam source and relatively large mass will allow the study of neutrino interactions on argon with unprecedented statistics. This paper describes the expected performance of the SBND photon detection system, using a simulated sample of beam neutrinos and cosmogenic particles. Its design is a dual readout concept combining a system of 120 photomultiplier tubes, used for triggering, with a system of 192 X-ARAPUCA devices, located behind the anode wire planes. Furthermore, covering the cathode plane with highly-reflective panels coated with a wavelength-shifting compound recovers part of the light emitted towards the cathode, where no optical detectors exist. We show how this new design provides a high light yield and a more uniform detection efficiency, an excellent timing resolution and an independent 3D-position reconstruction using only the scintillation light. Finally, the whole reconstruction chain is applied to recover the temporal structure of the beam spill, which is resolved with a resolution on the order of nanoseconds.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Unraveling the size fluctuation and shrinkage of nanovoids during in situ radiation of Cu by automatic pattern recognition and phase field simulation

Void formation is an important aspect of irradiation response of metals. In situ transmission electron microscopy observation for void evolution during irradiation is an effective technique for studying void evolution. However, the amount of data collected during in situ studies drastically overwhelm the current capability for manual data analyses. Here, we used a data-driven approach where a convolutional neural network combined with greedy matching to detect and track nanovoid evolutions and migrations. This approach was able to discover the surprising phenomena of void size fluctuation and shrinkage during irradiation of Cu with pre-existing nanovoids. Phase–field simulations revealed the fundamental mechanism behind this in situ observed phenomenon of void size fluctuation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Recent Studies on Void Shrinkage in Metallic Materials Subjected to In Situ Heavy Ion Irradiations

The continuous formation and growth of voids induced by radiations in metallic materials may lead to significant microstructure damage and degradation of mechanical properties. In sharp contrast to the void swelling commonly observed in irradiated metallic materials, nanovoids in nanoporous metallic materials are found to shrink during radiation and thus nanovoids enhance the radiation tolerance of metallic materials. This article reviews recent studies on size-dependent void shrinkage in metallic materials subject to in situ heavy ion irradiation. Furthermore, we demonstrate the capability of machine learning in identifying and tracking the evolution of nanovoids. Finally, the physical mechanisms of radiation induced void shrinkage revealed by simulation studies are briefly summarized.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thermal acoustic oscillations, volume 2

A number of thermal acoustic oscillation phenomena and their effects on cryogenic systems were studied. The conditions which cause or suppress oscillations, the frequency, amplitude and intensity of oscillations when they exist, and the heat loss they induce are discussed. Methods of numerical analysis utilizing the digital computer were developed for use in cryogenic systems design. In addition, an experimental verification program was conducted to study oscillation wave characteristics and boiloff rate. The data were then reduced and compared with the analytical predictions.

Spradley, L. W.↗

Beading and spiking phenomena in the M551 metals melting experiment

A study was made regarding the beading and spiking phenomena observed in the M551 metals melting experiment conducted during the Skylab I mission in June 1973. An analysis was made of the beading phenomenon based on the Karman vortex shedding theory. The results tend to support the hypothesis that beading which occurred in the stainless and tantalum samples was a Karman vortex street formation. A dynamic model of cavity oscillation is discussed to explain the spiking phenomenon which was observed in the stainless steel and tantalum samples. Calculations of spiking frequency indicate that the intensity of spiking depends primarily on the vapor pressure and surface tension properties of the material, and is only slightly affected by the level of gravitation acceleration.

Fan, C.↗

A numerical solution for thermoacoustic convection of fluids in low gravity

A finite difference numerical technique for solving the differential equations which describe thermal convection of compressible fluids in low gravity are reported. Results of one-dimensional calculations are presented, and comparisons are made to previous solutions. The primary result presented is a one-dimensional radial model of the Apollo 14 heat flow and convection demonstration flight experiment. The numerical calculations show that thermally induced convective motion in a confined fluid can have significant effects on heat transfer in a low gravity environment.

Spradley, L. W.↗

Heat transfer and forces on concave surfaces in free molecule flow.

A Monte Carlo modeling technique is described for mathematically simulating free molecular flows over a concave spherical surface and a concave cylindrical surface of finite length. The half-angle of the surfaces may vary from 0 to 90 degrees, and the incident flow may have an arbitrary speed ratio and an arbitrary angle of attack. Partial diffuse reflection and imperfect energy accommodation for molecules colliding with the surfaces are also considered. Results of heat transfer, drag and lift coefficients are presented for a variety of flow conditions. The present Monte Carlo results are shown to be in very good agreement with certain available theoretical solutions.

Fan, C.↗