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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 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2011

TESTING A SCALE-INDEPENDENT METHOD TO MEASURE THE MASS OF BLACK HOLES

Estimating the black hole mass at the center of galaxies is a fundamental step not only for understanding the physics of accretion, but also for the cosmological evolution of galaxies. Recently, a new method, based solely on X-ray data, was successfully applied to determine the black hole mass in Galactic systems. Since X-rays are thought to be produced via Comptonization process both in stellar and supermassive black holes, in principle, the same method may be applied to estimate the mass in supermassive black holes. In this work we test this hypothesis by performing a systematic analysis of a sample of active galactic nuclei, whose black hole mass has been already determined via reverberation mapping and which possess high-quality XMM-Newton archival data. The good agreement obtained between the black hole masses derived with this novel scaling technique and the reverberation mapping values suggests that this method is robust and works equally well on stellar and supermassive black holes, making it a truly scale-independent technique for black hole determination.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

The Arizona Radio Observatory survey of molecular gas in nearby normal spiral galaxies I: The data

Using the ARO KP 12 m telescope, we have carried out a CO(1–0) and {sup 13}CO(1–0) survey of the central regions of 113 “normal” spiral galaxies (i.e., unperturbed and with little or no nuclear activity). Our sample spans the whole range of morphological types (T = 1–7), with distances up to 75 Mpc. The detection rates for the observed objects are 99.1% for CO(1–0) and 75.2% for {sup 13}CO(1–0), respectively. For three of the targets in our sample (i.e., NGC 0891, NGC 2903, and NGC 3521), we also carry out {sup 13}CO(1–0) mapping along their major axes, which, combined with data from the literature, reveal differences in their molecular gas properties. Analysis of the beam-matched line intensity ratios of CO(1–0)/{sup 13}CO(1–0) (hereafter R{sub 13}{sup 12}) indicates that for “normal” spiral galaxies the scatter in R{sub 13}{sup 12} is of ≈x3, and has an average value (including upper limits) of 10.4 ± 0.4 (in contrast with the values of 3–5 in typical giant molecular clouds and 13 ± 6 in Starburst Galaxies). No significant correlations (at the ≥2σ level) are found between R{sub 13}{sup 12} and the total far-infrared (FIR) luminosity, the FIR colors, and the fraction of area sampled in the disk of each galaxy. There is a tentative (1.4σ significance) correlation between R{sub 13}{sup 12} and morphological type along the Hubble sequence. The observed scatter in R{sub 13}{sup 12} can be explained by intrinsic variations among the CO conversion factors. The observations presented in this work, which include the most extensive {sup 13}CO(1–0) extragalactic survey published so far on “normal” spiral galaxies are ideally suited for use in recovering the “missing” flux of interferometers with elements of similar dish sizes.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Is the gamma-ray source 3FGL J2212.5+0703 a dark matter subhalo?

In a previous study, we pointed out that the gamma-ray source 3FGL J2212.5+0703 shows evidence of being spatially extended. If a gamma-ray source without detectable emission at other wavelengths were unambiguously determined to be spatially extended, it could not be explained by known astrophysics, and would constitute a smoking gun for dark matter particles annihilating in a nearby subhalo. With this prospect in mind, we scrutinize the gamma-ray emission from this source, finding that it prefers a spatially extended profile over that of a single point-like source with 5.1σ statistical significance. We also use a large sample of active galactic nuclei and other known gamma-rays sources as a control group, confirming, as expected, that statistically significant extension is rare among such objects. We argue that the most likely (non-dark matter) explanation for this apparent extension is a pair of bright gamma-ray sources that serendipitously lie very close to each other, and estimate that there is a chance probability of ~2% that such a pair would exist somewhere on the sky. In the case of 3FGL J2212.5+0703, we test an alternative model that includes a second gamma-ray point source at the position of the radio source BZQ J2212+0646, and find that the addition of this source alongside a point source at the position of 3FGL J2212.5+0703 yields a fit of comparable quality to that obtained for a single extended source. If 3FGL J2212.5+0703 is a dark matter subhalo, it would imply that dark matter particles have a mass of ~18–33 GeV and an annihilation cross section on the order of σv ~ 10 –26 cm(3)/s (for the representative case of annihilations to $b\bar{b}$), similar to the values required to generate the Galactic Center gamma-ray excess.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Machine Learning for the Zwicky Transient Facility

The Zwicky Transient Facility is a large optical survey in multiple filters producing hundreds of thousands of transient alerts per night. We describe here various machine learning (ML) implementations and plans to make the maximal use of the large data set by taking advantage of the temporal nature of the data, and further combining it with other data sets. We start with the initial steps of separating bogus candidates from real ones, separating stars and galaxies, and go on to the classification of real objects into various classes. Besides the usual methods (e.g., based on features extracted from light curves) we also describe early plans for alternate methods including the use of domain adaptation, and deep learning. In a similar fashion we describe efforts to detect fast moving asteroids. We also describe the use of the Zooniverse platform for helping with classifications through the creation of training samples, and active learning. Finally we mention the synergistic aspects of ZTF and LSST from the ML perspective.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

L{alpha}, L{beta}, and L{gamma} x-ray production cross sections of Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Au, Pb, and Bi by electron impact: Comparison of distorted-wave calculations with experiment

We study the emission of L{alpha}, L{beta}, and L{gamma} characteristic x rays by the impact of electrons on Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Au, Pb, and Bi atoms. To this end, ionization cross sections of the L{sub 1}, L{sub 2}, and L{sub 3} subshells of these atoms are calculated within the distorted-wave Born approximation. The considered energy interval spans from the ionization threshold up to 50 keV. Atomic relaxation parameters (i.e., Coster-Kronig and radiative transition probabilities, fluorescence yields, and emission rates) taken from the literature are then used to evaluate x-ray production cross sections. The theoretical predictions are compared with published experimental information. Good agreement is found for Ta, W, Os, Au, Pb, and Bi. In the case of Hf and Re, the measured cross sections are lower than the theoretical estimates by around 30%. The observed discrepancies might be attributed to the methods employed to correct the raw experimental data for the excess of detected characteristic x rays caused by the finite thickness of the sample's active layer and the presence of the thick substrate.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Integral cross section measurement of the 235 U(n,n') 235m U reaction in a pulsed reactor

The integral measurement of the neutron inelastic cross section leading to the 26-minute half-life 235m U isomer in a fission-like neutron spectrum is presented. The experiment has been performed at a pulsed reactor, where the internal conversion decay of the isomer was measured using a dedicated electron detector after activation. The sample preparation, efficiency measurement, irradiation, radiochemistry purification, and isomer decay measurement will be presented. We determined the integral cross section for the 235 U(n,n') 235m U reaction to be 1.00 ± 0.13b. Furthermore, this result supports an evaluation performed with talys-1.4 code with respect to the isomer excitation as well as the total neutron inelastic scattering cross section.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Mixed deformation styles observed on a shallow subduction thrust, Hikurangi margin, New Zealand

Geophysical observations show spatial and temporal variations in fault slip style on shallow subduction thrust faults, but geological signatures and underlying deformation processes remain poorly understood. International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expeditions 372 and 375 investigated New Zealand’s Hikurangi margin in a region that has experienced both tsunami earthquakes and repeated slow-slip events. We report direct observations from cores that sampled the active Papaku splay fault at 304 m below the seafloor. This fault roots into the plate interface and comprises an 18-m-thick main fault underlain by ~30 m of less intensely deformed footwall and an ~10-m-thick subsidiary fault above undeformed footwall. Fault zone structures include breccias, folds, and asymmetric clasts within transposed and/or dismembered, relatively homogeneous, silty hemipelagic sediments. The data demonstrate that the fault has experienced both ductile and brittle deformation. As a result, this structural variation indicates that a range of local slip speeds can occur along shallow faults, and they are controlled by temporal, potentially far-field, changes in strain rate or effective stress.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

Optimization of Hydroacoustic Equipment Deployment at Foster Dam (2013)

The goal of the study was to optimize performance of the fixed-location hydroacoustic systems at Foster Dam (FOS) by determining deployment and data acquisition methods that minimized structural, electrical, and acoustic interference. Optimization of the hydroacoustic systems will establish methodology for sampling by active acoustic methods during this year-long evaluation of juvenile salmonid passage at FOS.

Hughes, James S.↗
DOE OSTI2013

Uranium Adsorption on Granular Activated Carbon – Batch Testing

The uranium adsorption performance of two activated carbon samples (Tusaar Lot B-64, Tusaar ER2-189A) was tested using unadjusted source water from well 299-W19-36. These batch tests support ongoing performance optimization efforts to use the best material for uranium treatment in the Hanford Site 200 West Area groundwater pump-and-treat system. A linear response of uranium loading as a function of the solution-to-solid ratio was observed for both materials. Kd values ranged from ~380,000 to >1,900,000 ml/g for the B-64 material and ~200,000 to >1,900,000 ml/g for the ER2-189A material. Uranium loading values ranged from 10.4 to 41.6 μg/g for the two Tusaar materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Precision γ-ray branching ratio measurements for long-lived fission products of importance to nuclear-security applications (TAMU Annual Report 2020)

Continuing with our effort of precisely measuring the branching ratios for long-lived fission products we have collected and measured two radiopure ¹⁵⁶Eu samples. The samples were collected on thin (40 μg/cm²) carbon-foil backings using a low-energy mass-separated beam of A = 156 fission products from CARIBU at Argonne National Laboratory. During collection, a HPGe detector was used to continuously monitor the implantation rate by detecting the characteristic γ rays emitted following the β decay of the shorter-lived fission products. The first sample had measured activity of 375 Bq while the second one had an activity of 700 Bq. The implanted samples were then shipped to Texas A&M University for measurement of the subsequent decay.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Initial Testing of an In Situ Load Retention Aging Vessel

A thermal aging vessel instrumented with load cells was fabricated. The primary function of the vessel is to continuously monitor the in situ load retention of up to three compressed polymer coupons undergoing thermally accelerated aging under nitrogen. A secondary function is to enable gas sampling of the vessel headspace during thermal aging. Heating of the vessel is achieved using a custom heater jacket. To improve upon our conventional aging study methods which require periodic interruption of aging to perform load testing in an Instron machine at room temperature, this technology aims to automate/facilitate data acquisition/analysis, improve data quality, and enable uninterrupted compression of the polymer which represents the service condition. As an example case to assess functionality of the in situ vessel, the load retention of a siloxane elastomer material additively manufactured by direct-ink-writing (DIW) was measured at three different isothermal aging temperatures for ~1 month. Initial compression of the coupons while near the aging temperature was achieved by temporarily opening the heated vessel to access the interior chamber and manually tightening four nuts to drive the heated compression plate down onto the heated coupons. Initial testing demonstrated achievement of the primary load retention monitoring function. Unfortunately, the vessel leaked which prevented gas sampling; an active purge was used to maintain a nitrogen atmosphere. Welded or otherwise sealed joints, which could be implemented in a future design, would likely eliminate leak paths. To apply time-temperature superposition (TTS), a technique used to provide long-term prediction of the load retention from short-term isothermal data, the load retention needed to be calculated relative to the load at an estimated “equilibrium” time, after most of the transient viscoelastic physical relaxation occurred. The peak load immediately after compression could not be used as the load retention basis for two reasons: (1) age-related changes must be isolated from non-age-related physical relaxation before applying TTS and (2) the manual mechanism used to compress the specimens at the aging temperature was neither smooth nor repeatable which affected the peak load value. To better understand the effect of the mode of initial compression on the measured load, and possibly better estimate “equilibrium” physical relaxation times, systematic stress relaxation experiments were performed using an Instron machine with a thermal chamber. At a given temperature, the DIW polymer was compressed to a fixed strain in either a stepped or continuous manner at two different rates, then held at that strain for 24 hrs. The results indicated that, at a given temperature, the different stress relaxation curves appeared to converge to the same curve at some “equilibrium” time when the non-age-related physical relaxation was mostly complete. Though this observation suggests that the discontinuous manual compression employed by the vessel is feasible, a compression mechanism that is rapid, smooth, and repeatable would enhance its use.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

High-quality Extragalactic Legacy-field Monitoring (HELM) with DECam

High-quality Extragalactic Legacy-field Monitoring (HELM) is a long-term observing program that photometrically monitors several well-studied extragalactic legacy fields with the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) imager on the CTIO 4m Blanco telescope. Since Feb 2019, HELM has been monitoring regions within COSMOS, XMM-LSS, CDF-S, S-CVZ, ELAIS-S1, and SDSS Stripe 82 with few-day cadences in the $(u)gri(z)$ bands, over a collective sky area of $\sim 38$ deg${\rm ^2}$. The main science goal of HELM is to provide high-quality optical light curves for a large sample of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and to build decades-long time baselines when combining past and future optical light curves in these legacy fields. These optical images and light curves will facilitate the measurements of AGN reverberation mapping lags, as well as studies of AGN variability and its dependences on accretion properties. In addition, the time-resolved and coadded DECam photometry will enable a broad range of science applications from galaxy evolution to time-domain science. We describe the design and implementation of the program and present the first data release that includes source catalogs and the first $\sim 3.5$ years of light curves during 2019A--2022A.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗