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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 OSTI2024

New insights into supradense matter from dissecting scaled stellar structure equations

The strong-field gravity in general relativity (GR) realized in neutron stars (NSs) renders the equation of state (EOS) P(ε) of supradense neutron star matter to be essentially nonlinear and refines the upper bound for Φ ≡ P/ε to be much smaller than the special relativity (SR) requirement with linear EOSs, where P and ε are respectively the pressure and energy density of the system considered. Specifically, a tight bound Φ ≲ 0.374 is obtained by perturbatively anatomizing the intrinsic structures of the scaled Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equations without using any input nuclear EOS. New insights gained from this novel analysis provide EOS-model-independent constraints on the properties (e.g., density profiles of the sound speed squared s 2 = dP/dε and trace anomaly Δ = 1/3 – Φ) of cold supradense matter in NS cores. Using the gravity-matter duality in theories describing NSs, we investigate the impact of gravity on supradense matter EOS in NSs. In particular, we show that the NS mass M NS , radius R, and compactness ξ ≡ M NS /R scale with certain combinations of its central pressure and energy density (encapsulating its central EOS). Thus, observational data on these properties of NSs can straightforwardly constrain NS central EOSs without relying on any specific nuclear EOS model.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1994

From neural-based object recognition toward microelectronic eyes

Engineering neural network systems are best known for their abilities to adapt to the changing characteristics of the surrounding environment by adjusting system parameter values during the learning process. Rapid advances in analog current-mode design techniques have made possible the implementation of major neural network functions in custom VLSI chips. An electrically programmable analog synapse cell with large dynamic range can be realized in a compact silicon area. New designs of the synapse cells, neurons, and analog processor are presented. A synapse cell based on Gilbert multiplier structure can perform the linear multiplication for back-propagation networks. A double differential-pair synapse cell can perform the Gaussian function for radial-basis network. The synapse cells can be biased in the strong inversion region for high-speed operation or biased in the subthreshold region for low-power operation. The voltage gain of the sigmoid-function neurons is externally adjustable which greatly facilitates the search of optimal solutions in certain networks. Various building blocks can be intelligently connected to form useful industrial applications. Efficient data communication is a key system-level design issue for large-scale networks. We also present analog neural processors based on perceptron architecture and Hopfield network for communication applications. Biologically inspired neural networks have played an important role towards the creation of powerful intelligent machines. Accuracy, limitations, and prospects of analog current-mode design of the biologically inspired vision processing chips and cellular neural network chips are key design issues.

Sheu, Bing J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Parameter extraction approaches for compact modeling of thermoelectric modules

Thermoelectric (TE) cooling has experienced rapid advancements with the foundational understanding of TE materials. TE modules, compact and lightweight devices, have become the prevalent approach for implementing TE technologies. Accurately quantifying TE physical parameters (Seebeck coefficient α, thermal conductivity κ, and thermal resistance ρ) is challenging due to the dynamic temperature changes in operation. Furthermore, extracting lumped property parameters is crucial for designing energy systems using TE modules. Existing research has several limitations, such as lack of comparative analysis between prevalent formulae, reliance on potentially inaccurate vendor-supplied data, disregard for fundamental assumptions, and absence of empirical measurements. Further, this study addresses these gaps by conducting TE material characterization, comparing three existing formulae using vendor datasheets, designing a laboratory test facility for model validation and refinement, and outlining a structured data extraction procedure. The study's novelty lies in multiple key contributions: (1) a detailed comparative analysis of existing formulae for extracting TE property parameter; (2) executing experimental work in a laboratory setting to validate the model and elucidate its limitations; (3) highlighting potential risks; (4) clarifying possible assumptions from both material and engineering perspectives; and (5) considering temperature differential impacts. This comprehensive approach addresses the current research gaps and provides valuable insights into the design and application of TE modules in various energy systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

A Web-based application for the collection, management and release of Alignment and Calibration configurations used in data processing at the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment

The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment makes a vast use of alignment and calibration measurements in several data processing workflows: in the High Level Trigger, in the processing of the recorded collisions and in the production of simulated events for data analysis and studies of detector upgrades. A complete alignment and calibration scenario is factored in approximately three-hundred records, which are updated independently and can have a time-dependent content, to reflect the evolution of the detector and data taking conditions. Given the complexity of the CMS condition scenarios and the large number (50) of experts who actively measure and release calibration data, in 2015 a novel web-based service has been developed to structure and streamline their management. The cmsDbBrowser provides an intuitive and easily accessible entry point for the navigation of existing conditions by any CMS member, for the bookkeeping of record updates and for the actual composition of complete calibration scenarios. This paper describes the design, choice of technologies and the first year of usage in production of the cmsDbBrowser.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS1988

Unusual radio source MG1131+0456 - A possible Einstein ring

The discovery of extremely unusual structure in the radio source MG1131+0456 is reported. In a radio map with subsarcsecond resolution the object appears as an elliptical ring of emission accompanied by a pair of more compact sources, nearly diametrically opposed and offset by about 0.3 arcsec to the southwest of the ring. There is a faint, slightly extended, optical counterpart. A continuum but no emission lines is detected in its spectrum; therefore, the redshift of the counterpart is unknown. The radio morphology suggests that this source may be an example of an 'Einstein ring', a highly symmetric case of gravitational lensing in which the source is imaged into a ring. Other explanations are considered and excluded by the data. Another possibility is that MG1131+04565 represents a new type of astronomical object.

Hewitt, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Unsteady, three-dimensional, Navier-Stokes simulations of multistage turbomachinery flows

Hub corner stall regions, endwall boundary layers, tip leakage flows and airfoil wakes combine to form the 3D flowfields found in axial turbomachines. Turbomachinery flow fields are also inherently unsteady because of the relative motion between rotor and stator airfoils. This relative motion causes complex time-varying aerodynamic interactions to occur between the different aerodynamic structures and the rotor and stator airfoils. It is necessary to understand the 3D unsteady aerodynamics associated with these interactions in order to design turbomachines that are both lightweight and compact as well as reliable and efficient. The current study uses a time-accurate 3D thin-layer Navier-Stokes zonal approach to investigate the unsteady aerodynamics of multistage turbines and compressors. Relative motion between rotor and stator airfoils is accounted for by the use of systems of patched and overlaid grids. Time-averaged surface pressures, surface flow visualizations, and time-averaged flow field contours have been computed for a 1 1/2-stage turbine and are in good agreement with experimental data. This favorable comparison represents an initial validation of the current method for unsteady computations of multistage turbomachinery flows.

Gundy-Burlet, Karen L.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Assessing I 2 S-LWR economic competitiveness using systematic differential capital cost evaluation methodology

One of the major factors impeding nuclear power plant (NPP) construction is their economics. In this study, a systematic differential economics evaluation approach was developed through the use of the Code of Accounts guidelines to assess the costs of nuclear power plants. The methodology, entirely based on publicly available data, may serve as a template to evaluate direct costs for reactors of any size and design at any stage of developments. In particular, this approach was used to assess the costs of the Integral Inherently Safe Light Water Reactor (I 2 S-LWR). The I 2 S-LWR is a design concept of a large (~1000 MWe) light water reactor. One of its key design features promoting inherent safety is implementation of an integral primary circuit configuration, which however necessitates a compact design of the core and primary circuit components. Through the methodology here presented, a representative loop PWR design was taken as a reference and the differential cost was estimated for each individual account based on the design difference, or similarity. Cost scaling techniques were applied to the accounts representing systems that differ from the ones of the reference PWR. Cost estimating techniques were used to evaluate cost of innovative components that are not part of standard PWR designs. By evaluating the cost difference of the I 2 S-LWR from the standard PWR, rather than the absolute cost, the uncertainty in the estimate is reduced. A similar approach was used by ORNL to estimate the cost of a Fluoride-salt High-temperature Reactor (FHR). A traditional four-loop PWR plant with a core thermal power of 3417 MWth (1144 MWe) was selected as the reference. Costs for that plant were prepared in 1978 by the Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Economics Data Base (EEDB), averaging actual cost incurred in the construction of several nuclear power plants (NPP), itemized with a great level of detail according to the Code of Accounts. This best estimate costs are denoted PWR12-BE. For each account, the cost of equipment, site labor and site material is provided. Industry experts at Westinghouse Electric Company performed a “sanity check” of the cost items, adjusting the cost of several items to match the current market and supply chain data. The detailed cost assessment of I 2 S-LWR was performed, systematically analyzing cost for each account, and applying the differential economics approach. First, Relative importance of each account, i.e., its contribution to the total cost was established, to help focus analysis on the most significant contributors. Moreover, the accounts describing components that are different than that of the PWR12-BE were identified. The integral configuration of the reactor has important implications on the cost of the reactor plant equipment (accounts 22x). Turbine generator equipment (Accounts 23x) is not believed to be much different than that of the reference design. I 2 S-LWR structures (Accounts 21x) mainly differ from that of a standard LWR as several buildings (containment building, shield building, annex building, waste processing building, fuel storage building) are integrated into a single building (nuclear island). Yardwork has a higher cost for the I 2 S-LWR, as the NI is partially below grade. On the other hand, due to its compact Nuclear Island footprint, I 2 S-LWR facilitates (and includes in its reference version) the use of seismic isolators, which contribute to reducing the direct cost. The total capital investment cost (TCIC), on the $/kW basis, of I 2 S-LWR is 5.84% lower than that of PWR12-BE, in spite of the lower power output of I 2 S-LWR. However, for the Western US (0.7 g), benefits of the seismic isolation are more pronounced, and the I 2 S-LWR total capital investment cost is 13.02% lower than that of PWR12-BE. If the I 2 S-LWR is compared to a PWR10-BE (traditional loop design, but scaled to the same power level as I 2 S-LWR), the savings are even higher, in the range 11.12%–17.89%. The analysis indicates that I 2 S-LWR has potential to offer an economically attractive design, with TCIC lower than that of a nuclear power plant based on a traditional loop PWR design. In other words, I 2 S-LWR design offers significantly enhanced safety, while at the same time improving economics. The differential economics approach developed in this paper can be used in identifying changes in cost of key components in order to improve the economics of a nuclear reactor design. The method can also help compare the economics of advanced Generation IV reactors and innovative water-cooled SMR (Small Modular Reactors) with respect to standard LWR technologies. In summary, the differential economics approach and can be used as a tool capable of helping stakeholder decisions.

Economic↗
NASA NTRS1994

A radio/optical reference frame. 5: Additional source positions in the mid-latitude southern hemisphere

We report new accurate radio position measurements for 30 sources, preliminary positions for two sources, improved radio postions for nine additional sources which had limited previous observations, and optical positions and optical-radio differences for six of the radio sources. The Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations are part of the continuing effort to establish a global radio reference frame of about 400 compact, flat spectrum sources, which are evenly distributed across the sky. The observations were made using Mark III data format in four separate sessions in 1988-89 with radio telescopes at Tidbinbilla, Australia, Kauai, USA, and Kashima, Japan. We observed a total of 54 sources, including ten calibrators and three which were undetected. The 32 new source positions bring the total number in the radio reference frame catalog to 319 (172 northern and 147 southern) and fill in the zone -25 deg greater than delta greater than -45 deg which, prior to this list, had the lowest source density. The VLBI positions have an average formal precision of less than 1 mas, although unknown radio structure effects of about 1-2 mas may be present. The six new optical postion measurements are part of the program to obtain positions of the optical counterparts of the radio reference frame source and to map accurately the optical on to the radio reference frames. The optical measurements were obtained from United States Naval Observatory (USNO) Black Birch astrograph plates and source plates from the AAT, and Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) 4 m, and the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Schmidt. The optical positions have an average precision of 0.07 sec, mostly due to the zero point error when adjusted to the FK5 optical frame using the IRS catalog. To date we have measured optical positions for 46 sources.

Russell, J. L.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Progressive Tree-Based Compression of Large-Scale Particle Data

Scientific simulations and observations using particles have been creating large datasets that require effective and efficient data reduction to store, transfer, and analyze. However, current approaches either compress only small data well while being inefficient for large data, or handle large data but with insufficient compression. Toward effective and scalable compression/decompression of particle positions, we introduce new kinds of particle hierarchies and corresponding traversal orders that quickly reduce reconstruction error while being fast and low in memory footprint. Our solution to compression of large-scale particle data is a flexible block-based hierarchy that supports progressive, random-access, and error-driven decoding, where error estimation heuristics can be supplied by the user. For low-level node encoding, we introduce new schemes that effectively compress both uniform and densely structured particle distributions. Our proposed methods thus target all three phases of a tree-based particle compression pipeline, namely tree construction, tree traversal, and node encoding. In conclusion, the improved efficacy and flexibility of these methods over existing compressors are demonstrated through extensive experimentation, using a wide range of scientific particle datasets.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS2009

Development and Airborne Operation of a Compact Water Isotope Ratio Infrared Spectrometer

A sensitive laser spectrometer, named IRIS (water isotope ratio infrared spectrometer), was developed for the in situ detection of the isotopic composition of water vapour in the upper troposphere and the lower stratosphere. Isotope ratio measurements can be used to quantify troposphere stratosphere exchange, and to study the water chemistry in the stratosphere. IRIS is based on the technique of optical feedback cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy. It uses a room temperature near-infrared laser, and does not require cryogenic cooling of laser or detectors. The instrument weighs 51 kg including its support structure. Airborne operation was demonstrated during three flights aboard the European M55-Geophysica stratospheric research aircraft, as part of the AMMA/SCOUT-03 (African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis/Stratospheric Climate links with emphasis on the Upper Troposphere and lower stratosphere) campaign in Burkina Faso in August 2006. The data are discussed with reference to a Rayleigh distillation model. As expected, there is no indication of non-mass-dependent fractionation (also known as mass-independent fractionation) in the troposphere. Furthermore, improvements to the thermal management system and a move to a (cryogen-free) longer-wavelength laser source are discussed, which together should result in approximately two orders of magnitude improvement of the sensitivity

Iannone, Rosario Q.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Non-unimodal and non-concave relationships in the network Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram caused by hierarchical streets

Unimodal, concave relationships between average network productivity and accumulation or density aggregated across spatially compact regions of urban networks—so called network Macroscopic Fundamental Diagrams (MFDs)—have recently been shown to exist on homogeneous street networks. When present, MFD relationships facilitate the modeling of traffic congestion at a regional level and have led to the development of various regional traffic control strategies. However, real street networks are not homogeneous—they generally have a hierarchical structure where some streets (e.g., arterials) promote higher mobility than others (e.g., local roads). Here, this paper examines how the presence of hierarchical roadway structures may potentially cause non-unimodal patterns in a network's MFD. These are observed using three types of tools: analytical models of simple network structures, simulations of various idealized roadway networks, and empirical data. The impacts of street hierarchy depend on how vehicles use different roadway types to move within the network; i.e., their routing strategy. The findings suggest that the presence of roadway hierarchies may lead to MFDs that have non-unimodal or non-concave patterns on the free-flow branch when vehicles route themselves according to user equilibrium principles, which is closest to what would be observed in realistic situations. Such patterns are contrary to what is traditionally assumed in most MFD-based modeling frameworks. However, the unimodal and concave MFD should be expected under system optimal routing conditions that maximize network productivity for a given traffic state.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Cosmic Ultraviolet Baryon Survey (CUBS) – III. Physical properties and elemental abundances of Lyman-limit systems at z < 1

ABSTRACT We present a systematic investigation of physical conditions and elemental abundances in four optically thick Lyman-limit systems (LLSs) at z = 0.36–0.6 discovered within the Cosmic Ultraviolet Baryon Survey (CUBS). Because intervening LLSs at z < 1 suppress far-UV (ultraviolet) light from background QSOs, an unbiased search of these absorbers requires a near-UV-selected QSO sample, as achieved by CUBS. CUBS LLSs exhibit multicomponent kinematic structure and a complex mix of multiphase gas, with associated metal transitions from multiple ionization states such as C ii, C iii, N iii, Mg ii, Si ii, Si iii, O ii, O iii, O vi, and Fe ii absorption that span several hundred km s−1 in line-of-sight velocity. Specifically, higher column density components (log N(H i)/cm−2≳ 16) in all four absorbers comprise dynamically cool gas with $\langle T \rangle =(2\pm 1) \times 10^4\,$K and modest non-thermal broadening of $\langle b_\mathrm{nt} \rangle =5\pm 3\,$km s−1. The high quality of the QSO absorption spectra allows us to infer the physical conditions of the gas, using a detailed ionization modelling that takes into account the resolved component structures of H i and metal transitions. The range of inferred gas densities indicates that these absorbers consist of spatially compact clouds with a median line-of-sight thickness of $160^{+140}_{-50}$ pc. While obtaining robust metallicity constraints for the low density, highly ionized phase remains challenging due to the uncertain $N\mathrm{(H\, {\small I})}$, we demonstrate that the cool-phase gas in LLSs has a median metallicity of $\mathrm{[\alpha /H]_{1/2}}=-0.7^{+0.1}_{-0.2}$, with a 16–84 percentile range of [α/H] = (−1.3, −0.1). Furthermore, the wide range of inferred elemental abundance ratios ([C/α], [N/α], and [Fe/α]) indicate a diversity of chemical enrichment histories. Combining the absorption data with deep galaxy survey data characterizing the galaxy environment of these absorbers, we discuss the physical connection between star-forming regions in galaxies and diffuse gas associated with optically thick absorption systems in the z < 1 circumgalactic medium.

Zahedy, Fakhri S. (ORCID:0000000178692551)↗
DOE OSTI2023

Six More Ultra-faint Milky Way Companions Discovered in the DECam Local Volume Exploration Survey

We report the discovery of six ultra-faint Milky Way satellites identified through matched-filter searches conducted using Dark Energy Camera (DECam) data processed as part of the second data release of the DECam Local Volume Exploration (DELVE) survey. Leveraging deep Gemini/GMOS-N imaging (for four candidates) as well as follow-up DECam imaging (for two candidates), we characterize the morphologies and stellar populations of these systems. We find that these candidates all share faint absolute magnitudes (M$_{V}$ ≥ −3.2 mag) and old, metal-poor stellar populations (τ > 10 Gyr, [Fe/H] < −1.4 dex). Three of these systems are more extended (r$_{1/2}$ > 15 pc), while the other three are compact (r$_{1/2}$ < 10 pc). From these properties, we infer that the former three systems (Boötes V, Leo Minor I, and Virgo II) are consistent with ultra-faint dwarf galaxy classifications, whereas the latter three (DELVE 3, DELVE 4, and DELVE 5) are likely ultra-faint star clusters. Using data from the Gaia satellite, we confidently measure the proper motion of Boötes V, Leo Minor I, and DELVE 4, and tentatively detect a proper-motion signal from DELVE 3 and DELVE 5; no signal is detected for Virgo II. We use these measurements to explore possible associations between the newly discovered systems and the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal, the Magellanic Clouds, and the Vast Polar Structure, finding several plausible associations. Our results offer a preview of the numerous ultra-faint stellar systems that will soon be discovered by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and highlight the challenges of classifying the faintest stellar systems.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Hierarchical Modeling and Statistical Calibration for Photometric Redshifts

The cosmological exploitation of modern photometric galaxy surveys requires both accurate (unbiased) and precise (narrow) redshift probability distributions derived from broadband photometry. Existing methodologies do not meet these requirements. Standard template fitting delivers interpretable models and errors, but lacks the flexibility to learn inaccuracies in the observed photometry or spectral templates. Machine learning addresses those issues, but requires representative training data, and the resulting models and uncertainties cannot be interpreted in the context of a physical model or outside of the training data. We present a hierarchical modeling approach simultaneously addressing the issues of flexibility, interpretability, and generalization. It combines template fitting with flexible (machine-learning-like) models to correct the spectral templates, model their redshift distributions, and recalibrate the photometric observations. By optimizing the full posterior distribution of the model and solving for its (thousands of) parameters, one can perform a global statistical calibration of the data and the spectral energy distribution (SED) model. We apply this approach to the public Dark Energy Survey Science Verification data and show that it provides more accurate and compact redshift posterior distributions than existing methods, as well as insights into residual photometric and SED systematics. Here, the model is causal and makes predictions for future data (e.g., additional photometric bandpasses), and its internal parameters and components are interpretable. This approach does not formally require the training data to be complete or representative; in principle, it can even work in regimes in which few or no spectroscopic redshifts are available.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Compression behavior of microcrystalline cellulose spheres: Single particle compression and confined bulk compression across regimes

Particle characteristics can drastically influence the process-structure-property-performance aspects of granular materials in compression. In this study, we aim to computationally simulate the mechanical processes of stress redistribution in compacts including the kinematics of particle rearrangement during densification and particle deformation leading to fragmentation. Confined compression experiments are conducted with three sets of commercial microcrystalline cellulose particles nearly spherical in shape with different mean particle size. Experimentally measured compression curves from tall powder columns are fitted with the Kenkre et al. (J. of American Chemical Society, Vol. 79, No. 12) model. This model provides a basis to derive several common two-parameter literature models and as a framework to incorporate statistical representations of critical particle behaviors. We focus on the low-stress compression data and the model comparisons typically not discussed in the literature. Furthermore, additional single particle compressions report fracture strength with particle size for comparison to the apparent particle strength extracted from bulk compression data.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1979

A method of mapping compact structure in radio sources using VLBI observations

A two-part technique is described for determining the angular structure of the compact components of radio sources from VLBI observations. With this technique, the source structure is first approximated, using both amplitudes and closure phases, by a model consisting of circularly symmetric Gaussian components located on a grid of positions on the sky. The second part begins by employing this model to predict the visibility phase corresponding to each observed visibility amplitude; these estimated visibility phases are then adjusted to agree with the observed closure phases. The resulting estimates of the visibility phases and the observed visibility amplitudes are then combined in a direct Fourier transform to produce a 'dirty' source map that is deconvolved via the CLEAN procedure on the basis of the point-source response. Some examples based on data generated from test models are provided.

Cotton, W. D.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Spectral and Temporal Properties of Galactic Black Hole Systems

Kusunose, Mineshige & Yamada (1996; hereafter KMY) extended the model of Kusunose & Mineshige (1995) to the Galactic black hole candidates by considering nonthermal electron injection with gamma(EQ\0(,\s\up2(less than),\s\do-l(_))) 10. The effects of pair escape and advection on the disk structure and general relativistic effects on the emission spectrum were also examined. They found that the energy spectral index (alpha)(sub x) of the power law X-rays is about-0.8 and-2.0 when 1(sub soft)/1 = 0.2 and 2, respectively, where 1(sub soft)/1 is the ratio of the compactness of the injected soft photons to that of the gravitational energy. The power law index was found to be nearly independent of the mass accretion which is consistent with the observed luminosity independence. The model with small 1(sub soft)/1 (less than 1) shows promise for explaining the low state observed in Galactic black hole candidates. Model fits were provided for GX339-4 and Cyg X- 1 data from COMPTEL and OSSE on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. The difference in emission spectra between thermal disks and the model of KMY appears only in the energy range greater than 100 keV. Li, Kusunose and Liang (1996) studied stochastic particle acceleration to produce nonthermal particle distributions which then were used in the model of Kusunose & Mineshige (1995) to model the spectrum above 1 Mev from GBHC's. Under certain conditions, stochastic electron acceleration overcame Coulomb and Compton losses resulting in a suprathermal electron population. Good fits were obtained by COMPTEL and OSSE observations of Cyg X-1 and GRO J0422+23. Kusunose & Mineshige (1996a) examined the role of electron-positron pairs in advection-dominated disks. They found that the results for advection-dominated disks without pairs are not qualitatively changed by including pairs. Summaries of work sponsored by this grant are given in Wheeler, Kim, Moscoso, Kusunose & Mineshige (1996) and Kusunose (1996) Work was also done on developing a model for an e(+-) pair wind from the inner disk region of a black hole. The model consists of three zones: a pair production/annihilation zone at the base of the wind, a pair annihilation zone slightly further out from the disk and a wind zone extending to infinity where no annihilation occurs. The model assumes an input X-ray / gamma-ray power-law spectrum as a function of photon energy and angular distribution. Pairs are created in the pair production/annihilation zone via photon-photon, photonparticle and particle-particle collisions. The bulk velocity of the pairs is obtained from the momentum component perpendicular to the disk taking into account the radiation pressure acceleration of the pairs. Energy balance in the pair production/annihilation zone is calculated by assuming that the momentum component parallel to the disk is thermalized and by taking into account heating/cooling via anisotropic thermal Compton scattering along with the cooling processes of bremsstrahlung and synchrotron radiation. The pair density is also calculated. The outer boundary of the pair production/annihilation zone is where the optical depth for photon-photon pair produciton is unity. Beyond this point only pair annihilation will occur in the pair annihilation zone. When the pair density becomes small, pair annihilation will be negligible and the pairs will flow freely to infinity. In this model we have found that the X-ray power-law spectral index, alpha(sub x) is the primary parameter which determines the density, temperature and velocity of the pair production/annihilation zone (Moscoso, Kusunose & Wheeler 1996).

Wheeler, J. Craig↗
DOE OSTI2025

Phase-field modeling of diffusion bonding in 316H stainless steel: Impact of processing conditions on grain morphology and bonding quality

A novel multi-phase, multi-component phase‐field model is presented to study the diffusion bonding of 316H stainless steel. Combined with targeted experimental investigations, this model simulates the bond-growth process and predicts the bonding quality. Unlike previous models, our approach captures the simultaneous evolution of voids and grain structures, while quantifying bonding quality using defined bonding ratio. A comprehensive analysis of bond process control is performed by changing temperature, pressure and surface roughness observing the resulting bond structure, which is consistent with experimental observations and analytical predictions. Temperature is determined to be the dominant factor, with the transition from a flat to a robust bond occurring between 1000 °C and 1050 °C. At the ideal bonding temperature of 1050 °C, a surface roughness exceeding 0.6 μm or an applied stress below 4 MPa results in poor bonding quality. Beyond this, higher pressures and smoother surfaces reduce void size, accelerate void shrinkage, and lead to improved bond integrity. This diffuse-interface model can be extended to other material systems if supplied with appropriate thermodynamic and kinetic data. In conclusion, this makes it an effective modeling platform for optimizing high-temperature diffusion bonding and developing reliable bonded components such as compact heat exchangers.

Diffusion bonding↗