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Marsh, R. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Marsh, R. A..

The 40 Ar(d,p) 41 Ar cross section between 3–7 MeV

To determine the safety of using argon as a deuteron beam stopping material, the 40 Ar(d,p) 41 Ar cross section was measured at average deuteron energies of 3.6 MeV, 5.5 MeV, and 7.0 MeV using an activation method. A 16-MeV deuteron beam produced by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s 88-Inch Cyclotron was degraded to each energy by nickel foils and the front wall of an aluminum gas chamber. The reduced-energy deuterons were used to activate a sample of nat Ar gas. After each irradiation, the gas chamber’s 41 Ar activation was measured with a high-purity germanium detector. The cross sections measured were larger than a previous measurement by ~40%.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Precision measurement of relative γ-ray intensities from the decay of 61Cu

A discrepancy, well outside reported uncertainties, has been observed between the accepted and measured values of the intensity ratio of the two strongest γ-ray following 61 Cu β + decay. This discrepancy has significant impact since the nat Ni(d,x) 61 Cu reaction has historically been one of only a few IAEA recommendations for use as a deuteron flux monitor and a considerable number of published cross sections measured in ratio to that beam monitor cross section may depend on the choice of either the first or second strongest ray in those calculations. To determine the magnitude of this error most precisely, over a hundred separate measurements of the 283 keV to 656 keV γ-ray emission ratio were collected from seven experiments and a variety of detectors and detection geometries. A weighted average of all these measurements indicates an error in the value listed in the Nuclear Data Sheets of 11% in either the primary or second-highest intensity γ-ray of 61 Cu, potentially introducing an 11% error in 61 Cu production cross section measurements, cross sections using nickel activation as a deuteron beam current monitor, or in dose rates when 61 Cu is used in nuclear medicine. General agreement with the Data Sheets with ten other intensity ratios suggests the most probable error is in the secondary (656 keV) emission, which accordingly should be updated from 10.8% to 9.69%.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Performance Characteristics of Lithium-Ion Prototype Batteries for Mars Surveyor Program 2001 Lander

A viewgraph presentation outlines the scientific payload, expected launch date and tasks, and an image of the Mars Surveyor 2001 Lander components. The Lander's battery specifications are given. The program objectives for the Li-ion cells for the Lander are listed, and results performance evaluation and cycle life performance tests are outlined for different temperatures. Cell charge characteristics are described, and test data is presented for charge capacity at varying temperatures. Capacity retention and storage characteristics tests are described and results are shown.

Smart, M. C.↗

Performance Characteristics of Lithium Ion Prototype Cells for 2003 Mars Sample Return Athena Rover

A viewgraph presentation outlines the mission objectives and power subsystem for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) Athena Rover. The NASA-DOD (depth of discharge) Interagency Li Ion program objectives are discussed. Evaluation tests performed at JPL are listed, and test results are shown for the Li-Ion cell initial capacity, charge/discharge capacity, voltage and ratio, specific energy, watt-hour efficiency, and cell voltage at various temperatures.

Ratnakumar, B. V.↗

Lithium-Ion Batteries for Aerospace Applications

This presentation reviews: (1) the goals and objectives, (2) the NASA and Airforce requirements, (3) the potential near term missions, (4) management approach, (5) the technical approach and (6) the program road map. The objectives of the program include: (1) develop high specific energy and long life lithium ion cells and smart batteries for aerospace and defense applications, (2) establish domestic production sources, and to demonstrate technological readiness for various missions. The management approach is to encourage the teaming of universities, R&D organizations, and battery manufacturing companies, to build on existing commercial and government technology, and to develop two sources for manufacturing cells and batteries. The technological approach includes: (1) develop advanced electrode materials and electrolytes to achieve improved low temperature performance and long cycle life, (2) optimize cell design to improve specific energy, cycle life and safety, (3) establish manufacturing processes to ensure predictable performance, (4) establish manufacturing processes to ensure predictable performance, (5) develop aerospace lithium ion cells in various AH sizes and voltages, (6) develop electronics for smart battery management, (7) develop a performance database required for various applications, and (8) demonstrate technology readiness for the various missions. Charts which review the requirements for the Li-ion battery development program are presented.

Surampudi, S.↗