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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 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

First experimental determination of the ⁴⁰Ar(𝑛, 2𝑛)³⁹Ar reaction cross section and ³⁹Ar production in Earth’s atmosphere

The cosmogenic ³⁹Ar(t1∕2 = 268 years) isotope of argon is used for geophysical dating and tracing of underground and ocean water, as well as ice owing to its appropriate half-life and chemical inertness as a noble gas; ³⁹Ar serves also in nuclear weapon test monitoring. We measured for the first time the total cross section of the main ³⁹Ar cosmogenic production reaction in the atmosphere, namely ⁴⁰Ar(𝑛, 2𝑛)39 Ar, using 14.8 ± 0.3 MeV neutrons. The neutrons, produced by a deuterium-tritium generator, impinged on a stainless steel sphere filled with Ar gas highly enriched in the ⁴⁰Ar isotope and were monitored by a stack of fast-neutron activation foils. The reaction yield was measured by atom counting of long-lived ³⁹Ar with noble gas accelerator mass spectrometry and, independently, by decay counting relative to atmospheric argon (³⁹Ar/Ar= 8.12 × 10−16 ). A total ⁴⁰Ar(𝑛, 2𝑛)39 Ar cross section of 610 ± 100 mb was determined at 14.8 ± 0.3 MeV incident neutron energy. This result serves as a benchmark for recent theoretical calculations and evaluations, found to reproduce well the experimental total cross section. We use these energy-dependent theoretical cross sections together with experimental spectra of cosmogenic neutrons at different altitudes to calculate the global average rate of neutron-induced ³⁹Ar atmospheric production, resulting in 770 ± 240 39 Ar atoms/cm²/day. The secular equilibrium between the ³⁹Ar calculated production rate and radioactive decay rate leads to a partial isotopic abundance ³⁹Ar/Ar = (5.9 ± 1.8) × 10−16 , showing that ≈73% of atmospheric ³⁹Ar is produced by cosmogenic neutrons, the remaining part believed to be induced by muons and high-energy 𝛾 rays. The ⁴⁰Ar(𝑛, 2𝑛)³⁹Ar cross section at 14 MeV is also a key parameter for quantifying the anthropogenic contribution to atmospheric 39 Ar produced during the thermonuclear tests of the 1960s. We estimate that anthropogenic ³⁹Ar accounts for roughly 20% of the present atmospheric inventory.

39 Ar atmospheric production↗
DOE OSTI2026

Tank 11H Low Temperature Aluminum Dissolution and Inhalation Dose Potential Analyses at Savannah River Site – 26018

Currently, there is approximately 34 million gallons of high-level radioactive tank waste in the Tank Farm at the Savannah River Site (SRS). The ultimate goal of operations at the Tank Farm is to remove the high level waste (HLW) from the tanks followed by stabilization of the waste through vitrification of the HLW into glass or grouting the decontaminated waste into saltstone. After bulk removal of the HLW consisting of sludge, saltcake, and supernatant, further efforts are made to reduce the residual waste present in the tank in order to declare preliminary cease waste removal (PCWR) signifying completion of HLW removal. These reduction efforts can include tank washing to remove soluble salts and radioisotopes and dissolution of solids including aluminum. Aluminum in the form of gibbsite and boehmite is relatively insoluble in water. Through addition of aqueous sodium hydroxide, the aluminum can be dissolved at mild temperatures. In order for the waste tank to meet closure mode requirements of the Concentration, Storage, and Transfer Facilities (CSTF), which includes the Tank Farm, Documented Safety Analysis (DSA), a component of the safety basis, the inhalation dose potential (IDP) and the radiolytic hydrogen generation rate of the stored waste must be demonstrated to be lower than their respective designated limits. These parameters are calculated from measured radiochemical analyses of isotopes that emit a high amount of radioactivity including Cs-137, Sr-90, Pu-238, Pu-239, Pu-240, Pu-241, Am-241, and Cm-244. Following the low temperature aluminum dissolution (LTAD) process, Tank 11H slurry samples were pulled from the tank and sent to Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) to measure the extent of aluminum dissolution, hydroxide concentration, densities of slurry and supernatant, weight percent solids analyses, and radionuclide activities. The analyses of the composite sample found that approximately 90% of the total aluminum in the slurry was dissolved, indicating successful reduction of the insoluble aluminum in the waste tank. Additionally, the weight percent insoluble solids (slurry basis) measurement of the composite sample was found to be approximately 1%, demonstrating that minimal solids still remain in the tank. Finally, the radiochemical analyses of the composite sample determined that the waste contents of the tank met the IDP and radiolytic hydrogen generation rate requirements of the CSTF DSA. These measurements have shown that the LTAD process in Tank 11H was successful in waste reduction efforts and a positive step towards declaring PCWR and tank closure at SRS.

Dekarske, John [Savannah River National Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2021

Radioactive Thoron 220 Rn Exhalation From Unfired Mud Building Material Into Room Air of Earthen Dwellings

Thoron ( 220 Rn), an isotope of radon with a strong α-decay energy, and its short-lived metallic progeny can pose an elevated lung cancer hazard in room air when unfired-soil derived building materials are used in earthen dwellings. Changes in moisture content and density influencing the thoron exhalation rate from earthen materials into room air were studied in the laboratory with terra rossa from a village on the Ðòng Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Viêt Nam, where ethnic minorities construct traditional dwellings with unfired terra rossa walls and floors. Our results show that the thoron exhalation rate from mud surfaces depends on (i) the content of radioactive parental nuclides in mineral components; (ii) the moisture content of mud where ~5–10 weight % water maximizes the 220 Rn exhalation rate; and (iii) the density of dry mud as primarily controlled by internal macroscopic voids, fractures, and porosity. Additional time-series of 220 Rn exhalation data from an interior mud wall of a terra rossa-built house under different seasonal and weather conditions show that the temperature is influencing thoron exhalation via the water vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in air and the associated amount of atmospheric moisture adsorbed onto indoor mud surfaces. Our data suggest that occupants of “mud house” earthen dwellings in northern Viêt Nam are exposed to an increased thoron geohazard during cooler weather, low VPD, and high relative humidity in air. Detailed studies are needed to evaluate the thoron geohazard for inhabitants of mud-built dwellings in other climates and geological terrains.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Decay studies of the 𝛽-delayed neutron emitters 87 Br and 88 Br measured by means of the Modular Total Absorption Spectrometer at ORNL HRIBF

The β decays of 87 Br, 88 Br, and 87 Kr were measured with the Modular Total Absorption Spectrometer (MTAS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (HRIBF). Both bromine isotopes are β-delayed neutron emitters that have large cumulative fission yields and were identified as top-priority cases for total absorption study by the Nuclear Energy Agency in 2007. Our investigations corroborate that the decay schemes of 87 Br and 88 Br suffer from the so-called pandemonium effect. Unique MTAS properties enable direct neutron measurements. Here, we present MTAS-derived β-delayed neutron spectra, β-delayed neutron emission probabilities of P n ( 87 Br) = 2.36(24)%, and P n ( 88 Br) = 6.4(6)%, and the β-delayed neutron transitions intensity of 4(2)% to the first excited 87 Kr state, populated in the β-neutron decay of 88Br. Incorporating new data into calculations of the electromagnetic decay heat component emitted during thermal neutron fission of 235 U and 239 Pu improves agreement with experimental data up to approximately 80 s after fission. The estimation of the nuclear reactor $\bar{ν}_e$ flux results in changes of up to 1% in the expected $\bar{ν}_e$ interactions with the detector material for 235 U, 238 U, 239Pu, and 241 Pu.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1972

Gas analysis of Apollo 12, 14, and 15 samples by laser-probe mass spectrometry

Solar wind gases, cosmogenic gases from high energy spallation reactions from soxmic rays, and radiogenic gases from decay of radioactive potassium and from uranium and thorium isotopes were analyzed in lunar materials. Details are presented on two aspects of the studies: (1) The spatial distribution of Ar-40/Ar-38 ages in lunar breccia 14301 was determined. The ages of clasts within this breccia are 3.68 + or - 0.09 and 2.9 + or - 0.3 x 10 to the 9th power years. Parentless radiogenic Ar-40 exists within the fine-grained matrix. (2) The distribution of helium, neon, and argon isotopes within Apollo 15 samples results primarily from fractionated solar wind gases, accompanied by small quantities of cosmogenic gases. Comparison of this Apollo 15 data with Kapoeta and Fayetteville meteorite and Apollo 12 and 14 data indicates that solar wind implantation followed by fractionation of the gases was primarily responsible for incorporation of original gas phase within solid bodies of the solar system.

Imegrue, G. H.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Skylab Experiment M552: Exothermic Brazing

The M552 Skylab experiment reveals that brazing in space is feasible. It successfully demonstrated the ability to retain molten metal within a braze tube joint system. Surface energy was the dominant operative force system controlling liquid metal for this experiment. The zero gravity environment for brazing resulted in several differences; increased solubility, increased liquid spreading, more uniform menisci (liquid/vapor interface) and a reduction of braze alloy shrinkage defects. The residual radioactive intensity and location of the redistributed isotope was interpreted to provide a sequential history of braze alloy movement during the melt-flow-solidification stages of the process. Convection theory applied to M552 was validated but some results were not explainable by it, i.e., increased nickel transport and the radial mixing of the silver isotope on samples SLN-2 and SLN-4. All characteristics of thermal analysis appeared to react as expected but heat conduction rates increased because of increased extent, rate and uniformity of braze alloy spreading.

J R Williams↗
NASA NTRS1975

Response of local vascular volumes to lower body negative pressure stress

The present study involved an intravenous injection of radioactive iodinated serum albumin, equilibration of this isotope within the vascular space, and the continuous measurement of isotope activity over selected anatomical areas before, during and following multiple human LBNP tests. Both rate and magnitude of vascular pooling were distinctly different within each of five selected lower body anatomical areas. In the upper body, all areas except the abdomen showed depletions from their resting vascular volumes during LBNP. The presence of uniquely different pooling patterns in the lower body, the apparent stability of abdominal vascular volumes, and a possible decrease in cerebral blood volume during LBNP represent the major findings of this study.

Wolthuis, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Clues in the rare gas isotopes to early solar system history

The results of the radioactive dating and the discovery of gas-rich meteorites on the Moon surface are reviewed. Special attention is paid to the extinct radioactivity iodine-129. This radioactivity is produced by r-process of nucleosynthesis and it decays with a half-life of 17 m.y. It provides a clock sensitive to small changes in the early years of the solar system.

Reynolds, J. H.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Exploring isospin symmetry breaking in exotic nuclei: High-precision mass measurement of 23 Si and shell-model calculations of 𝑇 = 5/2 nuclei

Here, we present a high-precision mass measurement of the proton-rich nucleus 23 Si, performed with the LEBIT Penning trap at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) utilizing the time-of-flight ion cyclotron resonance (TOF-ICR) technique. We determined a mass excess of 23362.9(5.8) keV, which agrees with a recent storage-ring measurement from the experimental Cooler-Storage Ring (CSRe) in Lanzhou but has a factor of 20 improved precision 23 Si is hence the nucleus with the most precisely known mass among all nuclei with an isospin projection of 𝑇 𝑧 = −5/2. We performed shell-model calculations with the USDC and USDCm Hamiltonians to study binding energy differences and Thomas-Ehrmann shifts in mirror systems with an isospin up to 𝑇 = 5/2. Our experimental result and other recently reported masses of neutron-deficient sd-shell nuclei agree well with the theoretical predictions, demonstrating that isospin symmetry breaking in sd-shell nuclei—even at high isospin values—is well described by modern shell-model calculations.

20 ≤ A ≤ 38↗
NASA NTRS1999

Anomalous Xenon in the Precambrian Nuclear Reactor in Okelobondo (Gabon): A Possible Connection to the Fission Component in the Terrestrial Atmosphere

Some CFF-Xe (Chemically Fractionated Fission Xenon), whose isotopic composition is established by simultaneous decay and migration of radioactive fission products, is probably present in the Earth's lithosphere, a conclusion based on available Xe data from various crustal and mantle rocks . Our recent isotopic analysis of Xe in alumophosphate from zone 13 of Okelobondo (southern extension of Oklo), along with the independent estimation of the isotopic composition of atmospheric fission Xe , supports the hypothesis that CFF-Xe was produced on a planetary scale. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Meshik, A. P.↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-precision mass measurement of 103 Sn restores smoothness of the mass surface

As a step towards the ultimate goal of a high-precision mass measurement of doubly magic 100 Sn, the mass of 103 Sn was measured at the Low Energy Beam and Ion Trap (LEBIT) located at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). Utilizing the time-of-flight ion cyclotron resonance technique, a mass uncertainty of 3.7 keV was achieved, an improvement by more than an order of magnitude compared to a recent measurement performed in 2023 at the Cooler Storage Ring (CSRe) in Lanzhou. Although the LEBIT and CSRe mass measurements of 103 Sn are in agreement, they diverge from the experimental mass value reported in the 2016 version of the Atomic Mass Evaluation (AME2016), which was derived from the measured 𝑄 𝛽 + value and the mass of 103 In. In AME2020, this indirectly measured 103 Sn mass was classified as a “seriously irregular mass” and replaced with an extrapolated value, which aligns with the most recent measured values from CSRe and LEBIT. As such, the smoothness of the mass surface is confidently reestablished for 103 Sn. Here, LEBIT's mass measurement of 103 Sn enabled a significant reduction in the mass uncertainties of five parent isotopes which are now dominated by uncertainties in their respective 𝑄 values.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Simulation to a Newborn Supernova Remnant from a Low-mass Iron Core Star

Supernova remnant observations show a high degree of asymmetry, mixing, and inhomogeneity. These asymmetries are seeded during the early seconds of the explosion and are further enhanced and modified as the shock and ejecta move through the stellar progenitor and into the circumstellar medium. We present simulations of a 9.6 M⊙ zero-metallicity progenitor initialized after shock revival and evolved for several years when the ejecta is in the circumstellar medium. A suite of 1D and 2D simulations examines the effects of neutron-star wind and radioactive decay heating. In 1D, decay heating forms a low-density bubble that suppresses the reverse shock. While in 2D, the heating is localized to metal-rich pockets, inflating them and compressing the surrounding material into dense shells. In 3D, the neutron-star wind and decay heating modify the plume morphology, producing more large-scale structures. The extended plume morphology leads to an asymmetrical shock breakout. After breakout, the leading plumes cannot keep up with the shock front, resulting in deceleration and fragmentation by the reverse shock while retaining the large-scale asymmetry. The projected ejecta morphology and velocities are strongly viewing angle dependent. The relatively uniform metal-rich distribution does not resemble the strongly inhomogeneous ejecta structure of Cas A. The 160-isotope decay network shows that 24.4% of the radioactive heating comes from decay chains other than the canonical 56Ni chain. The low explosion energy, low 56Ni yield, and Ni/Fe ratio greater than unity suggest an observational signature similar to an electron capture supernova.

Neopane, Sudarshan [University of Tennessee (UT)]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Alpha Decay Chains as Thermal Power Sources: Analysis and Applications for RTGs

Radioactive sources can provide power in remote and environmentally harsh locations such as the arctic or space. The generators powered by such sources are rugged and can withstand extreme temperatures, lack of sunlight, and require no human intervention for multiple years. Radioisotopes are used in thermoelectric generators to provide power at remote sites and deep in space. Isotopes like Pu-238, Cm-244, and Am-241 are used in these generators by NASA for power in space probes and spacecrafts. These power sources deliver a steady supply of energy over extended periods of time. Alpha particles created during decay do not travel far in a material. Their kinetic energy is transferred to heat that we can then convert into energy. Unlike beta and gamma decay, the slower-moving alpha particles stop in the material, making their energy available for use. Energy from these natural decay processes provides a reliable source of power. Spontaneous fission is rare and unreliable, and unlike induced fission processes, alpha decay occurs naturally and does not require external management or ignition. The ideal properties of an isotope for use as a power source depend upon the intended use. For use in an Arctic research base over a period of several years, but less than a decade, an isotope that provides high power output over a shorter lifespan may be the most suitable option. Whereas, for deep space missions where a consistent power source for decades or perhaps more than 100 years is needed that would require a very different isotope. One with a much longer half-life that would provide consistent power throughout that time and survive in that state in for these extended periods of time. These examples represent two extreme sides in terms of time frames. By analyzing the power produced by different radioactive decay processes over time, we can evaluate the suitability of various isotope decay chains for specific uses. Some unstable isotopes undergo a series of radioactive decays, transforming into different isotopes at each step and resulting in a stable isotope. The lists of isotopes in these decay processes are known as decay chains. Some of these chains, illustrated in the figures below, are currently being investigated for use in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) designed for a range of operational durations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Lifetime measurements probing collectivity in the ground-state band of 32 Mg

The signatures of inversion between normal and intruder configurations of particle-hole excitations across the N = 20 shell gap in the neutron-rich isotope 32 Mg have long been of keen interest. Electromagnetic transition rates in the ground-state band are key quantities that provide insights into collective properties associated with the contributions of the 2p2h and 4p4h intruder configurations. The combination of TRIPLEX, GRETINA, and the S800 spectrograph enables model-independent lifetime measurements to determine electromagnetic transition rates in rare isotopes. The reduced E2 transition rates in 32 Mg between the 2$^{+}_{1}$ and 0$^{+}_{1}$ states and between the 4$^{+}_{1}$ and 2$^{+}_{1}$ states have been measured, the latter representing the first experimental B(E2) value for this transition. Here, the B(E2) strengths indicate large collectivity and strong contributions from the 2p2h and 4p4h intruder configurations that may change with spin in the ground-state band of 32 Mg.

20 ≤ A ≤ 38↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fast switching magnet for heavy ion beam separation

This paper presents the design for a switching magnet capable of deflecting 6.5 MeV/u heavy-ion beams with mass-to-charge ratio of 7 by 10 degrees. This magnet can produce variable flat-top pulses from 1 to 30 ms with rise and fall times of less than 0.5 ms at a variable duty cycle of 3–91% into a heavily inductive load. The magnet has a laminated, iron dominated, H-shaped core. Directly-cooled copper pancake coils energize the magnet. We present the magnet design considerations, including the results of extensive computer modeling. Finally, we also present the conceptual engineering design and the studies of magnet yoke fabrication.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗