Neutrino Beams & Fluxes
Overview of accelerator neutrino beams and neutrino fluxes. *Neutrinos & their sources • Accelerator Neutrino Beams • Beamline components • Neutrino flux • Why we care about flux uncertainties
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
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Results for “Accelerator components”
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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Strongback Validation in Compact Particle Accelerator
To achieve superconductivity, RF cavities must operate under cryogenic conditions. These low temperatures cause thermal shrinkage, posing a challenge in maintaining the position of the RF coupler, a vital component of the particle accelerator. The solution to this issue includes a passive design that minimizes heat transfer to the cavity while also withstanding loads encountered during transport. A mock-up was constructed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the solution in maintaining proper RF coupler alignment under thermal contraction. The results confirm the feasibility of the design for maintaining operational integrity during cryogenic conditions.
Jakopin, Alexander [Northern Illinois U.]↗
Configuration Management Plan
The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) is located at Technical Area 53 (TA-53) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in Los Alamos, New Mexico. LANSCE is driven by an 800 megaelectronvolt (MeV) proton accelerator that delivered its first beam in 1972. The LANSCE accelerator is unique in that it accelerates both H– (to full energy of 800 MeV) and H+ ions (up to 100 MeV currently but has accelerated high-power H+ beam to 800 MeV in the past) and supports five separate experimental areas that operate simultaneously, with each having different timing and beam current requirements. Many of the LANSCE accelerator front-end components date back to original commissioning in 1972, including the ion sources, Cockcroft-Walton (CW) generators, and the Drift Tube LINAC (DTL), which accelerates the beam up to 100 MeV.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Cluster Dynamics Modeling Needs for the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Program
This milestone report aims to identify and assess the cluster dynamics (CD) modeling requirements within the Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) program and to communicate these needs to the DOE-NE Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program. The goal is to ensure NEAMS is well-informed about the CD modeling requirements to support AMMT's mission of accelerating the development, qualification, demonstration, and deployment of advanced structural materials and manufacturing for nuclear energy applications. CD modeling is an essential tool for predicting the degradation of structural materials under irradiation, which is a key component of AMMT's accelerated qualification process. The AMMT program focuses on both additively manufactured and wrought structural alloys, such as laser powder-bed fusion 316H austenitic stainless steel, alloy 709, Haynes 244, and alloy 617. These materials require a generalized CD modeling framework to facilitate rapid model development and computational simulation. A flexible, generalized CD software, similar to the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) finite element framework, would enable modeling of various cluster types, including defect clusters, defect-solute clusters, and multicomponent clusters, incorporating thermodynamics and kinetics parameters. Radiation effects, microstructural feature evolution, and multi-dimensional modeling are critical considerations for the CD model. The usability of the CD code should allow for easy modification and coupling with MOOSE-based simulations. Additionally, the software should adhere to Nuclear Quality Assurance-1 standards, include a testing suite for verification and validation, and be version-controlled within a national laboratory-managed Git repository. Benchmark problems are needed to assess code predictions and performance.
11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
Process–Property–Performance Mapping of Additively Manufactured 316H Stainless Steel Components
The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Program is focused on accelerating the development of advanced materials and components fabricated via additive manufacturing, and is using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of 316H stainless steel as an initial case study. In the previous fiscal year, miniature high-throughput specimens were printed on multiple LPBF systems to provide initial processing windows to minimize porosity and limit epitaxial grain growth during prints. This fiscal year, scaled builds were completed on three different LPBF systems at ORNL: a GE Concept Laser M2, a Renishaw AM400, and an EOS M290. Builds on the Concept Laser were conducted on multiple powder lots and processing parameter ranges to provide microstructure effects on time-independent and time-dependent mechanical properties. Builds on the Renishaw were produced using Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)-optimized printing parameters and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)-optimized printing parameters to compare outcomes of parallel process optimization efforts at different national laboratories on the same LPBF system. Similarly, the build completed on the EOS M290 replicated the processing parameters of builds completed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction characterization was completed on all builds. In addition to the general round robin characterization, this work-package generated time-independent data, including tensile and fracture toughness test data on scaled Concept Laser builds as a function of processing parameters and post-build heat treatment. This analysis is complimentary to work in parallel work packages aiming to establish heat treatment and processing effects on time-dependent properties. It was found that although the stress-relief heat treatment provides the highest strength at lower-temperatures, tensile strength begins to converge at higher temperatures regardless of heat treatment condition. In addition, the more rigorous solution annealing and hot-isostatic pressing post-build heat treatments result in higher fracture toughness than the stress-relieved condition. The root-causes of the lower fracture toughness of the stress-relieved LPBF 316H material was informed via a stress-relief optimization study on a scaled concept laser print, where it was found that although dislocation recovery was largely complete after only a couple hours at 650°C, the extended hold of the current 24h heat treatment employed on scaled builds likely caused increased carbide volume fractions along the LPBF 316H grain boundaries, thereby deteriorating crack propagation resistance. This trend was seen to become more deleterious with additional increases of stress-relief temperature to 750°C or 850°C. These results have helped inform a new optimal stress-relief annealing condition for LPBF 316H for future campaign testing (650°C for 2h).
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Process–Property–Performance Mapping of Additively Manufactured 316H Stainless Steel Components
The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Program is focused on accelerating the development of advanced materials and components fabricated via additive manufacturing, and is using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of 316H stainless steel as an initial case study. In the previous fiscal year, miniature high-throughput specimens were printed on multiple LPBF systems to provide initial processing windows to minimize porosity and limit epitaxial grain growth during prints. This fiscal year, scaled builds were completed on three different LPBF systems at ORNL: a GE Concept Laser M2, a Renishaw AM400, and an EOS M290. Builds on the Concept Laser were conducted on multiple powder lots and processing parameter ranges to provide microstructure effects on time-independent and time-dependent mechanical properties. Builds on the Renishaw were produced using Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)-optimized printing parameters and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)-optimized printing parameters to compare outcomes of parallel process optimization efforts at different national laboratories on the same LPBF system. Similarly, the build completed on the EOS M290 replicated the processing parameters of builds completed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction characterization was completed on all builds. In addition to the general round robin characterization, this work-package generated time-independent data, including tensile and fracture toughness test data on scaled Concept Laser builds as a function of processing parameters and post-build heat treatment. This analysis is complimentary to work in parallel work packages aiming to establish heat treatment and processing effects on time-dependent properties. It was found that although the stress-relief heat treatment provides the highest strength at lower-temperatures, tensile strength begins to converge at higher temperatures regardless of heat treatment condition. In addition, the more rigorous solution annealing and hot-isostatic pressing post-build heat treatments result in higher fracture toughness than the stress-relieved condition. The root-causes of the lower fracture toughness of the stress-relieved LPBF 316H material was informed via a stress-relief optimization study on a scaled concept laser print, where it was found that although dislocation recovery was largely complete after only a couple hours at 650°C, the extended hold of the current 24h heat treatment employed on scaled builds likely caused increased carbide volume fractions along the LPBF 316H grain boundaries, thereby deteriorating crack propagation resistance. This trend was seen to become more deleterious with additional increases of stress-relief temperature to 750°C or 850°C. These results have helped inform a new optimal stress-relief annealing condition for LPBF 316H for future campaign testing (650°C for 2h).
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Business Plan for a Domestic Supply of Superconducting Radiofrequency Cavities
Superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities are critical components of modern particle accelerators. The industrialization of SRF technology in the U.S. has a long history, with several companies becoming interested in the technology in the past 30 years. However, there is currently no U.S. manufacturer with the capability to produce fully assembled, ready-to-test SRF cavities. A majority of these companies have either left the field or shut their doors. As a result, government-sponsored SRF accelerator projects in the U.S. largely rely on European vendors for the cavity supply. This presents not only a supply chain risk for scientific use cases, but also severely limits the commercialization of accelerator-based technologies. SRF accelerators have a range of strategic applications, including environmental remediation, semiconductor lithography, medical isotope production, and irradiation/sterilization. The nurturing of a domestic SRF industry is critical to maintaining U.S. economic competitiveness.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Matrix-Free High-Performance Saddle-Point Solvers for High-Order Problems in \(\boldsymbol{H}(\operatorname{\textbf{div}})\)
Here, this work describes the development of matrix-free GPU-accelerated solvers for high-order finite element problems in H(div). The solvers are applicable to grad-div and Darcy problems in saddle-point formulation, and have applications in radiation diffusion and porous media flow problems, among others. Using the interpolation–histopolation basis, efficient matrix-free preconditioners can be constructed for the (1, 1)-block and Schur complement of the block system. With these approximations, block-preconditioned MINRES converges in a number of iterations that is independent of the mesh size and polynomial degree. The approximate Schur complement takes the form of an M-matrix graph Laplacian and therefore can be well-preconditioned by highly scalable algebraic multigrid methods. High-performance GPU-accelerated algorithms for all components of the solution algorithm are developed, discussed, and benchmarked. Numerical results are presented on a number of challenging test cases, including the “crooked pipe” grad-div problem, the SPE10 reservoir modeling benchmark problem, and a nonlinear radiation diffusion test case.
97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
Effects of electron beam irradiation on CrMnV and CrMnTiV high entropy alloys: Nano-mechanical, structural, and thermodynamic perspectives
Beam exit windows are crucial components of any particle accelerator as they provide an interface between the beamline vacuum and target material at atmospheric media. For high beam power machines, special materials and designs are required to withstand high radiation and mechanical loads, while minimizing energy loss during transition and maximizing window lifetime. This research investigates the impact of electron beam exposure to bulk CrMnV and CrMnTiV high entropy alloys (HEAs) with the primary goal of identifying suitable candidate materials for the design of robust and durable exit window settings. The selection criteria include intrinsic characteristics, power dissipation, and mechanical responses. According to the thermodynamic calculations, both equiatomic CrMnV and the addition of 7% of Ti with equiatomic CrMnV yield solid-solutions phases. The structural and mechanical properties of CrMnV and CrMnTiV samples were tested using field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microcopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and nanoindentation before and after exposure to a dose of ~66 kGy from a 10 MeV e-beam accelerator. Despite exhibiting beam transmission characteristics comparable to Cr and V, the indentation hardness of HEAs exceeded that of the Cr and V samples by five to six times. The examination of the CrMnTiV irradiated samples revealed organized deformation patterns depicting new features, which we suspect twinning and twin boundaries due to the addition of Ti to CrMnV. Ti, a hexagonal-close-packed crystal structure, is commonly known for deformation twinning behavior.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Secondary electron emission for reticulated carbon foam surfaces using direct measurements and spectroscopic analysis
This study investigates secondary electron emission (SEE) characteristics of reticulated foams using direct measurements and analytical modeling. Total SEE was quantified, revealing suppression of up to 44% in carbon foam structures compared to planar graphite surfaces. An optimal geometric configuration was identified and supported by analytical models. SEE angular dependence experiments showed diverse behaviors: fiber-like behavior and directional dependence for pore and ligaments on the mm scale, with fuzz-like characteristics when the foam features are between 10–100 µm. Electron energy analyzer measurements showed that carbon foams preferentially suppress inelastic backscattered electrons (BSEs) more so than true secondary electrons (SEs). The analysis indicated a larger fraction of low-energy SE generation in foams compared to flat surfaces due to increased emission from curved fiber ligaments and tertiary SEs from high-energy BSEs. These findings have implications for design and optimization of materials with tailored electron emission properties for applications like plasma-facing components, spacecraft materials, and accelerator surfaces.
Auger↗
Superconducting Material Growth for Radio-Frequency (RF) Cavities
Superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities, usually manufactured from Niobium (Nb), are vital components of modern particle accelerators because of their ability to achieve high acceleration gradients with little power dissipation. Naturally forming Nb surface oxides significantly alter cavity performance by changing surface resistance. A nondestructive characterization of oxide thickness is helpful for relating surface processing treatments to cavity performance. This work develops a protocol to measure Nb oxide thickness using Angle-Resolved X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (ARXPS) while correcting instrumental errors. Using uniform bulk standard samples (Silver, Aluminum oxide, and Germanium), we determined a baseline correction factor to account for analyzer-related intensity evolution as the measurement angle increases. The correction factor was then applied to Nb 3d ARXPS data. Applying the Strohmeier equation to the corrected data yielded a Nb2O5 thickness of 6.04 nm, closely matching the 5.5 (±.05) nm value obtained from cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. Our approach will bring a method to incorporate inherent errors in the thickness measurements using ARXPS and can be broadly applied to improve the accuracy of thickness measurements in a wide range of heterostructures.
Lambert, Nathan [Fermilab]↗
Elevated-Temperature Tribo-Corrosion Response of Eutectic High-Entropy Alloy
The combination of elevated temperature and tribo-corrosion leads to the accelerated degradation of structural components used in many extreme environments. Recently developed high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with multiple principal elements have the potential for superior degradation resistance compared with presently used structural alloys. Here, we demonstrate the microstructural stability, pitting resistance, and superior tribo-corrosion degradation resistance of the AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 eutectic HEA in comparison with duplex stainless steel 2205 in deionized water (controlled low-ionic-strength electrolyte) at 25 °C, 50 °C and 100 °C. The AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 HEA showed excellent microstructural stability and tribo-corrosion resistance at all three temperatures, an order-of-magnitude lower wear rate, and a lower coefficient of friction compared with duplex 2205 steel. The lowest wear volume loss and wear rate for both AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 and duplex steel were recorded at 50 °C, which was attributed to temperature-assisted passivation and formation of a comparatively stable tribological surface condition. These results suggest superior performance of eutectic HEAs in tribo-corrosion applications compared with currently used dual-phase steels and motivate future evaluation in ion-containing industrial water chemistries.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Superconducting Material Growth for Radio-Frequency (RF) Cavities
Superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities, usually manufactured from Niobium (Nb), are vital components of modern particle accelerators because of their ability to achieve high acceleration gradients with little power dissipation. Naturally forming Nb surface oxides significantly alter cavity performance by changing surface resistance. A nondestructive characterization of oxide thickness is helpful for relating surface processing treatments to cavity performance. This work develops a protocol to measure Nb oxide thickness using Angle-Resolved X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (ARXPS) while correcting instrumental errors. Using uniform bulk standard samples (Silver, Aluminum oxide, and Germanium), we determined a baseline correction factor to account for analyzer-related intensity evolution as the measurement angle increases. The correction factor was then applied to Nb 3d ARXPS data. Applying the Strohmeier equation to the corrected data yielded a Nb2O5 thickness of 6.04 nm, closely matching the 5.5 (±.05) nm value obtained from cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. Our approach will bring a method to incorporate inherent errors in the thickness measurements using ARXPS and can be broadly applied to improve the accuracy of thickness measurements in a wide range of heterostructures.
Lambert, Nathan [Fermilab]↗
Benchmarking of hydrodynamic plasma waveguides for multi-GeV laser-driven electron acceleration
Hydrodynamic plasma waveguides initiated by optical field ionization have recently become a key component of multi-GeV laser wakefield accelerators. Here, we present the most complete and accurate experimental and simulation-based characterization to date, applicable to current multi-GeV experiments and future 100 GeV-scale laser plasma accelerators. Crucial to the simulations is the correct modeling of intense Bessel beam interaction with meter-scale gas targets, the results of which are used as initial conditions for hydrodynamic simulations. The simulations are in good agreement with our experiments measuring evolving plasma and neutral hydrogen density profiles using two-color short pulse interferometry, enabling realistic determination of the guided mode structure for application to laser-driven plasma accelerator design. Published by the American Physical Society 2024
Physics↗
Demonstration of a code coupling framework for modeling beam-collimator impacts in the advanced photon source
The high-brightness beams being produced in current and future accelerators present new machine protection concerns with the potential for high-energy-density (HED) conditions ( >100 J/mm 3 ) in beam-intercepting components. Simulating HED conditions in accelerators requires utilizing a suite of physics codes for particle dynamics, particle-matter interactions, and hydrodynamics. This paper describes a method of coupling the codes elegant, fluka, and flash to simulate the effects of a rapid beam loss in the advanced photon source storage ring and the resulting interaction of the beam and collimators. This paper expands previous work [J. Dooling et al., Collimator irradiation studies at the advanced photon source, in Proceedings of the IBIC-2023 (2023), pp. 245–249] by introducing a definition of the evolving geometry of the collimator surface as well as providing methods for simulating the absorption of synchrotron radiation and tracking shower particles produced during beam strikes. We demonstrate this framework by simulating machine conditions of the APS ring before and after its recent upgrade. Simulation results are compared with observed damage to collimators and test samples taken from the APS ring.
Accelerator/storage ring control systems↗
Role of Accelerated Burnup Irradiation Testing in Support of Accelerated Fuel Qualification
Accelerated fuel qualification has gained attention as a means to reduce the time needed to realize new nuclear fuel concepts and expand the operating windows of existing fuel forms. A key component of this approach is accelerated burnup irradiation testing. Although the concept of accelerated burnup has been familiar to the community for many decades, the specifics about how the increasing fission rate may be used as a qualification tool have not yet been elucidated. The present work provides a vision of how accelerated fission rate testing can enable accelerated fuel qualification. Technology readiness levels (TRLs) are reintroduced to demarcate the stages of traditional fuel qualification, and accelerated fuel qualification is presented in this context. The critical steps needed to achieve each TRL are reframed within the context of modern nuclear materials research and development, as revolutionary fuel concepts are more common than previous eras. The practical impacts of accelerated fuel qualification approaches as applied to contemporary fuel qualification efforts are illustrated. Examples are given to illustrate how accelerated burnup irradiations are being used currently and could be applied in the future to support qualification and licensure. Finally, outstanding challenges in the application of accelerated burnup methods to nuclear fuel qualification are summarized, with priority placed on understanding how fission rate impacts diffusion, microstructure evolution, and other critical mechanisms that dictate fuel performance.
Accelerated fuel qualification↗
FENIX: Towards a Fully Integrated Multiphysics Framework for Plasma Facing Component Modeling
Computational tools have a crucial role to play in accelerating the deployment of fusion as a clean, reliable, abundant, and sustainable energy source. Multiphysics, high-fidelity simulation capabilities can help model, study, and predict intricate interactions between materials performance, plasma exposure, neutron irradiation, and engineering processes. As such, they can assist in the resolution of scientific and engineering challenges underpinning design, construction, and commission of fusion power plants. To address these needs, ongoing efforts are leveraging the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework and delivering new computational tools for the fusion community. These tools inherit crucial attributes from MOOSE. They are open-source, modular, integrated with nuclear industry-standard software quality assurance processes, and enable multiphysics, multi-fidelity, fully integrated, zero- to three-dimensional, and massively parallel simulations. After a short overview of these capabilities, we will present the development of Fusion ENergy Integrated multiphys-X (FENIX), a MOOSE-based application designed to enable plasma facing component design and performance evaluation. Throughout their lifetime, plasma facing components are exposed to extreme thermal loads, repeated thermal shocks, and irradiation by plasma ions, neutral particles, and high-energy neutrons. Consequently, designing a plasma facing component with acceptable lifetime degradation is extremely challenging. FENIX aims to model the multiphysics environment in which plasma facing components evolve to accelerate their design studies. To that end, FENIX couples existing MOOSE capabilities such as heat transfer, thermomechanics, and thermal hydraulics, with tritium transport via the MOOSE-based Tritium Migration Analysis Program, Version 8 (TMAP8), with neutronics via the MOOSE-based high-fidelity neutron-photon transport and fluid dynamics code Cardinal, and finally with Particle-in-Cell plasma simulation capabilities being developed in this project. In this study, we present the current FENIX capabilities and preliminary results of its application to model the Tritium Plasma Experiment set up at Idaho National Laboratory.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
Facilitating Data Collection of Maintenance Events to Populate the Hydrogen Component Reliability Database (HyCReD)
The Hydrogen Component Reliability Database (HyCReD) is a collaborative project between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the University of Maryland, and hydrogen stakeholders to improve safety and reliability for hydrogen facilities by implementing component reliability data taxonomies that support hydrogen infrastructure failure rate analysis. The project aims to quantify failure rates of hydrogen components through high-quality data collection and analysis on root causes and maintenance needed. HyCReD provides a common database for cataloging hydrogen component failures which exists for reliability research in many other mature industries [2]. The database fills a gap for the hydrogen community by providing a scientifically rigorous approach to quantitative risk assessment (QRA), prognostic health management (PHM), and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) analysis. High level results will be aggregated and anonymized to protect company sensitive information; detailed results will be used to help address issues of hydrogen components. These advanced analytics will support accelerated deployment of hydrogen infrastructure by enabling better: design and safety of projects (safety codes and standards development), infrastructure reliability and cost (component failure rates, maintenance protocols), and component R&D needs (robust supply chain). A key to a successful HyCReD implementation is facilitating the ease of reporting and data quality in the database that can be used for analysis. Maintenance data was a previously identified gap in initial efforts to populate and validate the database taxonomies [3]. Collection of maintenance data will be instrumental in identifying failure modes and rates, identifying incipient component failures or reduced performance, cataloging best practices for maintenance routines and methods for prognostic health management, and quantifying the risk and effect of different failure modes. Several key priorities are identified for streamlined data collection to achieve quality and detailed failure data: Applicability, Ease of Use, Accessibility, and Information Security. The HyCReD team has now begun deployment of the database to several companies and groups that have signed non-disclosure agreements to facilitate the data collection of failures in industry hydrogen refueling station infrastructure. This paper will provide an update into the process of HyCReD deployment including the development of a coding guide for facility personnel to reference and ensure data quality and consistency from one station to another as well as implementation of contextually dependent data fields of system taxonomy and formatted entries to provide ease of use. The goal is to communicate the lessons learned from the roll-out to technicians and engineers in the field, and the addition of need for high level of security to protect all stakeholders.
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗