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At least 37 records · Page 2

First observation of the production of three massive vector bosons and search for long-lived particles using delayed photons in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13\text{ TeV}$

This thesis presents the first observation of the production of three massive vector bosons (VVV with V = W, Z) in proton-proton collisions at the LHC at $\sqrt{s}=13\text{ TeV}$. The search was performed in final states with two same-sign charged leptons (electrons or muons) plus one or two jets, and three, four, five, or six leptons from WWW, WWZ, WZZ and ZZZ decays, with a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137 fb -1 collected by the CMS experiment during 2016-2018. The observed (expected) significance of the combined VVV production is 5.7 (5.9) standard deviations, and the production cross section is measured to be 1010$^{+210}_{-200}$(stat) $^{+150}_{-120}$(syst) fb, corresponding to a signal strength of 1.02$^{+0.26}_{-0.23}$. We also found evidence for WWW and for WWZ production, with observed significances of 3.3 and 3.4 standard deviations, respectively. The measured production cross sections for individual VVV processes are also reported. The establishment of VVV production opens a new program of many standard model studies (such as gauge-gauge and Higgs-gauge couplings), and provides a new tool for many new physics searches (such as anomalous gauge coupling searches, new resonance searches). This thesis also reports a search for long-lived supersymmetry particles decaying to photons in proton-proton collisions at the LHC at $\sqrt{s} = 13 TeV$, with a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 77.4 fb -1 collected by CMS during 2016-2017. Results are interpreted with a gauge-mediated supersymmetry breaking model, where the long-lived particle is a neutralino and the lightest supersymmetry particle is a gravitino. For neutralino proper decay lengths of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 m, masses up to 320, 525, 360, and 215 GeV are excluded at 95% confidence level, respectively. This result extends the limits from previous searches by one order of magnitude for the neutralino proper decay length and up to 100 GeV more for the neutralino mass. Motivated by the need for precision timing measurements for long-lived particle searches, as well as for improvements in general object reconstruction performance, the timing performance of two types of sensors are studied in this thesis: one with a Cerium doped Lutetium Yttrium Orthosilicate (LYSO:Ce) crystal as the scintillator and a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) as the photodetector, another with a Cadmium-Telluride sensor as the active material for a sampling calorimeter. Both setups have been demonstrated with test beams to be able to provide timing measurements of particles with a resolution below 30 ps.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Fusion Blanket and Fuel Cycle Research at PNNL: FY22 Year-end Report

During the reporting period, research at PNNL focused on two tasks within the DOE Fusion Blanket and Fuel Cycle Program. Research on Task 1, Tritium Extraction from Pb-Li and He Using a Vacuum Permeator, focused on atomistic modeling to better understand tritium transport in Pd-coated V vacuum permeators. As a lower cost alternative to Pd permeators, thin coatings of Pd (or other noble metals) can be deposited over a substrate like V. However, the permeation performance of composite metal membranes degrades over time, due to the formation of intermetallics at the coating-substrate interface. Computational studies were performed to better understand tritium transport through these Pd-V intermetallics. The results of the FY22 Pd-V modeling study were recently submitted for publication in Computational Materials Science and presented at the Technology of Fusion Energy conference. Future work in this area will focus on interdiffusion barriers to prevent intermetallic formation that is deleterious to tritium transport. There are opportunities for collaboration with researchers at the Colorado School of Mines, who are manufacturing and testing candidate interdiffusion barriers. Research on Task 3, Solid Breeder Materials, included ion irradiation and post-irradiation characterization of lithium orthosilicate (Li 4 SiO 4 ) and lithium metasilicate (Li 2 SiO 3 ) to improve fundamental understanding of irradiation effects, in combination with atomistic modeling focused on the energetics of He clustering in these two ceramic phases. The results of the study suggested that the Li 4 SiO 4 phase, which is more desirable as a solid breeder due to its higher Li density, was amorphized during ion irradiation while the Li 2 SiO 3 phase appeared to be more resistant to irradiation damage. It is possible that Li loss contributed to the poor irradiation performance of the Li 4 SiO 4 , and some thoughts are provided regarding coatings that could be applied to solid breeders like this to prevent Li loss at elevated temperature while not hindering tritium diffusion. The results of the FY22 ion irradiation study were recently submitted for publication in Journal of Nuclear Materials and presented at the 22nd International Conference on Ion Beam Modification of Materials. Future work in this area will focus on Li-rich ceramics such as Li 5 AlO 4 and Li 8 ZrO 6 that have high Li density and should provide rapid tritium release based on previous work with less Li-rich ceramics.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Tile densification with TEOS

Densification process uses brushed or sprayed coating of tetraethyl orthosilicate. Liquid is applied and cured in three steps; tile weight increase averages 0.15 g per square centimeter. TEOS liquid is prepared by mixing TEOS with hydrochloric acid and adding marking dye. TEOS application provides variable stiffness, strength, and penetration. Surface of tile shows no buidup and is more durable for additional coatings.

Ecord, G. M.↗

Repairing high-temperature glazed tiles

Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) mixture fills chips and cracks in glazed tile surface. Filler is made by mixing hydrolyzed TEOS, silicon tetraboride powder, and pulverized tile material. Repaired tiles survived testing by intense acoustic emissions, arc jets, and intense heat radiation. Repair is reliable and rapid, performed in 1-1 1/2 hours with tile in any or orientation.

Ecord, G. M.↗

Mass loss of a TEOS-coated, reinforced carbon-carbon composite subjected to a simulted shuttle entry environment

Coated, reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) is used for the leading edges of the space shuttle. The mass loss characteristics of RCC specimens coated with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) were determine for conditions which simulated the environment expected at the lug attachment area of the leading edge. Mission simulation included simultaneous application of load, temperature, and oxygen partial pressure. Maximum specimen temperature was 900 K (1160 F). Specimens were exposed for up to 80 simulated missions. Stress levels up to 6.8 MPa (980 psi) did not significantly affect the mass loss characteristics of the TEOS-coated RCC material. Mass loss was correlated with the bulk density of the specimens.

Stroud, C. W.↗

Comparative evaluation of insulating properties of plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings

A simple method for evaluating the thermal insulating capability of ceramic coatings was devised. It is based on monitoring the temperature of the uncoated back surface of a thin superalloy disk while its front surface, coated with the ceramic material, is exposed to the high-temperature environment of an electric muffle furnace. The results obtained indicate that zirconia containing 8 wt% Y2O3 is a better thermal insulator than barium zirconate or calcium orthosilicate.

Zaplatynsky, I.↗

Phase transformations in xerogels of mullite composition

Monophasic and diphasic xerogels have been prepared as precursors for mullite (3Al2O3-2SiO2). Monophasic xerogel was synthesized from tetraethyl orthosilicate and aluminum nitrate nanohydrate and the diphasic xerogel from colloidal suspension of silica and boehmite. The chemical and structural evolutions, as a function of thermal treatment, in these two types of sol-gel derived mullite precursor powders have been characterized by DTA, TGA, X-ray diffraction, SEM and infrared spectroscopy. Monophasic xerogel transforms to an Al-Si spinel from an amorphous structure at approximately 980 C. The spinel then changes into mullite on further heating. Diphasic xerogel forms mullite at approximately 1360 C. The components of the diphasic powder react independently up to the point of mullite formation. The transformation in the monophasic powder occurs rapidly and yields strongly crystalline mullite with no other phases present. The diphasic powder, however, transforms rather slowly and contains remnants of the starting materials (alpha-Al2O3, cristobalite) even after heating at high temperatures for long times (1600 C, 6 hr). The diphasic powder could be sintered to high density but not the monophasic powder in spite of its molecular level homogeneity.

Hyatt, Mark J.↗

Phase transformations in xerogels of mullite composition

Monophasic and diphasic xerogels have been prepared as precursors for mullite (3Al203-2Si02). Monophasic xerogel was synthesized from tetraethyl orthosilicate and aluminum nitrate nanohydrate and the diphasic xerogel from colloidal suspension of silica and boehmite. The chemical and structural evolutions, as a function of thermal treatment, in these two types of sol-gel derived mullite precursor powders have been characterized by DTA, TGA, X-ray diffraction, SEM and infrared spectroscopy. Monophasic xerogel transforms to an Al-Si spinel from an amorphous structure at approximately 980 C. The spinel then changes into mullite on further heating. Diphasic xerogel forms mullite at approximately 1360 C. The components of the diphasic powder react independently up to the point of mullite formation. The transformation in the monophasic powder occurs rapidly and yields strongly crystalline mullite with no other phases present. The diphasic powder, however, transforms rather slowly and contains remnants of the starting materials (alpha-Al203, cristobalite) even after heating at high temperatures for long times (1600 C, 6 hr). The diphasic powder could be sintered to high density but not the monophasic powder in spite of its molecular level homogeneity.

Hyatt, Mark J.↗

Low temperature synthesis of CaO-SiO2 glasses having stable liquid-liquid immiscibility by sol-gel process

Calcium silicate glass compositions lying within the liquid-liquid immiscibility dome of the phase diagram, which could not have been prepared by the conventional melting method, were synthesized by the sol-gel process. Hydrolysis and polycondensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) solutions containing up to 20 mol percent calcium nitrate resulted in the formation of clear and transparent gels. The gel formation time decreased with increase in water:TEOS mole ratio, calcium content, and the reaction temperature. Smaller values of gel times in the presence of calcium nitrate are probably caused by lowering of the ionic charge on the sol particles by the salt present. The gelation activation energy, E(sub gel), was evaluated from temperature dependence of the gel time. Presence of Ca(2+) ions or the water:TEOS mole ratio did not have an appreciable effect on the value of E(sub gel). Presence of glycerol in the solution helped in the formation of crack-free monolithic gel specimens. Chemical and structural changes occurring in the gels, as a function of the heat treatments, have been monitored using DTA, TGA, IR-spectroscopy, x ray diffraction, surface area and pore size distribution measurements.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

Low temperature synthesis of CaO-SiO2 glasses having stable liquid-liquid immiscibility by the sol-gel process

Calcium silicate glass compositions lying within the liquid-liquid immiscibility dome of the phase diagram, which could not have been prepared by the conventional melting method, were synthesized by the sol-gel process. Hydrolysis and polycondensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) solutions containing up to 20 mol percent calcium nitrate resulted in the formation of clear and transparent gels. The gel formation time decreased with increase in water: TEOS mole ratio, calcium content, and the reaction temperature. Smaller values of gel times in the presence of calcium nitrate are probably caused by lowering of the ionic charge on the sol particles by the salt present. The gelation activation energy, E(sub gel), was evaluated from temperature dependence of the gel time. Presence of Ca(2+) ions or the water:TEOS mole ratio did not have an appreciable effect on the value of E(sub gel). Presence of glycerol in the solution helped in the formation of crack-free monolithic gel specimens. Chemical and structural changes occurring in the gels, as a function of the heat treatments, have been monitored using DTA, TGA, IR-spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, surface area and pore size distribution measurements.

Bansal, N. P.↗

Compilation of reinforced carbon-carbon transatlantic abort landing arc jet test results

This document consists of the entire test database generated to support the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon Transatlantic Abort Landing Study. RCC components used for orbiter nose cap and wing leading edge thermal protection were originally designed to have a multi-mission entry capability of 2800 F. Increased orbiter range capability required a predicted increase in excess of 3300 F. Three test series were conducted. Test series #1 used ENKA-based RCC specimens coated with silicon carbide, treated with tetraethyl orthosilicate, sealed with Type A surface enhancement, and tested at 3000-3400 F with surface pressure of 60-101 psf. Series #2 used ENKA- or AVTEX-based RCC, with and without silicon carbide, Type A or double Type AA surface enhancement, all impregnated with TEOS, and at temperatures from 1440-3350 F with pressures from 100-350 psf. Series #3 tested ENKA-based RCC, with and without silicon carbide coating. No specimens were treated with TEOS or sealed with Type A. Surface temperatures ranged from 2690-3440 F and pressures ranged from 313-400 psf. These combined test results provided the database for establishing RCC material single-mission-limit temperature and developing surface recession correlations used to predict mass loss for abort conditions.

Milhoan, James D.↗

Orbiter Reinforced Carbon-Carbon Advanced Sealant Systems: Screening Tests

Oxidation protection for the Orbiter reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC consists of three components: silicon carbide coating, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) impregnated into the carbon substrate and a silicon based surface sealant (designated Type A). The Orbiter Type A sealant is being consumed each mission, which results in increased carbon-carbon substrate mass loss, which adversely impacts the mission life of the RCC components. In addition, the sealant loss in combination with launch pad contamination (salt deposit and zinc oxide) results in RCC pinholes. A sealant refurbishment schedule to maintain mission life and minimize affects of pin hole formation has been implemented in the Orbiter maintenance schedule. The objective of this investigation is to develop an advanced sealant system for the RCC that extends the refurbishment schedule by reducing sealant loss/pin hole formation and that can be applied to existing Orbiter RCC components. This paper presents the results of arc jet screening tests conducted on several sealants that are being considered for application to the Orbiter RCC.

Curry, Donald M.↗

Phosphorus Equilibria Among Mafic Silicate Phases

Phosphorus incorporation in major rock-forming silicate minerals has the following implications: (1) Reactions between phosphorus-hosting major silicates and accessory phosphates, which are also major trace element carriers, may control the stability of the latter and thus may affect the amount of phosphorus and other trace elements released to the coexisting melt or fluid phase. (2) Less of a phosphate mineral is needed to account for the bulk phosphorus of planetaty mantles. (3) During partial melting of mantle mineral assemblages or equilibrium fractional crystallization of basaltic magmas, and in the absence or prior to saturation with a phosphate mineral, silicate melts may become enriched in phosphorus, especially in the geochemically important low melt fraction regime, Although the small differences in the ionic radii of IVp5+, IVSi4+, and IV Al3+ makes phosphoms incorporation into crystalline silicates perhaps unsurprising, isostructural silicate and phosphate crystalline solids do not readily form solutions, e.g., (Fe, Mg)2SiO4 vs. LiMgPO4, SiO)2 VS. AlPO4. Nonetheless, there are reports of, poorly characterized silico-phosphate phases in angrites , 2-4 wt% P2O5 in olivine and pyroxene grains in pallasites and reduced terestrial basalts which are little understood but potentially useful, and up to 17 wt% P2O5 in olivine from ancient slags. However, such enrichments are rare and only underscore the likelihood of phosphoms incorporation in silicate minerals. The mechanisms that allow phosphorus to enter major rock-forming silicate minerals (e.g., Oliv, Px, Gt) remain little understood and the relevant data base is limited. Nonetheless, old and new high-pressure (5-10 GPa) experimental data suggest that P2O5 wt% decreases from silica-poor to silica-rich compositions or from orthosilicate to chain silicate structures (garnet > olivine > orthopyroxene) which implies that phosphorus incorporation in silicates is perhaps more structure-than site-specific. The data also indicate that DXVliQP2O5 decrease in the same order, but DOVLiQP2O5 and DOpx/LiQP205 are likely constant, respectively equal to 0.08(3) and 0.007(4), in contrast, DG1ILiQP205 increases from 0.15(3) to 0.36(10) as garnet becomes majoritic, thus silica-enriched, and may also depend on liquid composition (SiO2, P2O5 and Na2O wt%).

Berlin, Jana↗

Tailoring of Boehmite-Derived Aluminosilicate Aerogel Structure and Properties: Influence of Ti Addition

Aluminosilicate aerogels offer potential for extremely low thermal conductivities at temperatures greater than 900 C, beyond where silica aerogels reach their upper temperature limits. Aerogels have been synthesized at various Al:Si ratios, including mullite compositions, using Boehmite (AlOOH) as the Al source, and tetraethoxy orthosilicate as the Si precursor. The Boehmite-derived aerogels are found to form by a self-assembly process of AlOOH crystallites, with Si-O groups on the surface of an alumina skeleton. Morphology, surface area and pore size varies with the crystallite size of the starting Boehmite powder, as well as with synthesis parameters. Ternary systems, including Al-Si-Ti aerogels incorporating a soluble Ti precursor, are possible with careful control of pH. The addition of Ti influences sol viscosity, gelation time pore structure and pore size distribution, as well as phase formation on heat treatment.

Hurwitz, Frances I.↗

Process for Preparing Epoxy-Reinforced Silica Aerogels

One-pot reaction process for preparing epoxy-reinforced monolithic silica aerogels comprising the reaction of at least one silicon compound selected from the group consisting of alkoxysilanes, orthosilicates and combination thereof in any ratio with effective amounts of an epoxy monomer and an aminoalkoxy silane to obtain an epoxy monomer-silica sol in solution, subsequently preparing an epoxy-monomer silica gel from said silica sol solution followed by initiating polymerization of the epoxy monomer to obtain the epoxy-reinforced monolithic silica aerogel.

Meador, Mary Ann B↗

Topological Control of Polystyrene-Silica Core-Shell Microspheres

Controllable surface morphology is requisite across a gamut of processes, industries, and applications. The surface morphology of silica-coated polystyrene microspheres was controllably modified to enable generation of both smooth and bumpy, or raspberry-like, surfaces. Although smooth and raspberry-like silica shells on polystyrene templates have been demonstrated extensively, the method described here used readily available materials to produce radical changes in surface morphology from a single polystyrene template coated in silica through a facile sol-gel reaction processes. Silica shells were deposited via a sol-gel process (using tetraethyl orthosilicate as the silica precursor) onto 1 to 2 m diameter anionic polystyrene spheres, fabricated by emulsifier-free polymerization. By varying of the concentration of silica precursor and ammonium hydroxide catalyst and altering the electrostatic surface interactions via addition of a cationic polymeric brush, an array of surface topologies was generated. The resulting silica shells ranged from 100 to 200 nm in thickness, as measured by calcination of the polystyrene template. Empirical relations between reaction conditions and the resulting silica colloid diameter were utilized to understand the resultant silica shell topology. These results may serve as a guide to generate a versatile platform for research in the multitude of applications where polystyrene-silica core-shell particles are utilized.

Zane A. Grady↗

Post-Synthetic Modification of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Aerogels with Silica Coatings for Enhanced Thermal Stability

Maintaining high surface area and porosity at high temperatures is important when considering aerogels for use in thermal management systems. The mesoporous structure of aerogels results in extremely low thermal conductivity, making them lightweight, high performance insulating materials. Maintaining these properties requires innovative routes to suppress sintering and pore collapse as use temperatures rise. The current work aims to improve the pore structure stability of yttria-stabilized zirconia aerogels by the addition of a SiO 2 coating. The functionalization of surface hydroxyl groups by the addition of SiO 2 is hypothesized to mitigate condensation reactions, which are a driving force for shrinkage and pore structure collapse. Zirconia aerogels with 0, 10 and 30 mol% yttria (YO 1.5 ) additions were coated in a tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) solution and exposed to temperatures up to 1200°C. Crystal structure, pore structure, and aerogel morphology were investigated to understand changes in aerogel thermal stability. The SiO 2 coating exhibited a greater influence on pore stability over yttria concentration, with specific surface area of the coated aerogels being twice that of the uncoated aerogels up to 1000°C. However, the presence of the SiO 2 coating promoted rapid sintering and densification at 1200°C, establishing an upper use temperature for SiO 2 and a need to develop other coating chemistries.

aerogel↗