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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1999

Tholins: Can They Provide a Substrate, Carbon and Nitrogen for Plant Production?

Tholin is a word coined to describe the entire class of complex organic solids produced in laboratory experiments where pre-biotic gaseous chemicals are subject to bombardment by high energy. The atomic composition of Titan tholin produced from 10 percent CH4 and 90 percent N2 in a simulation of Titan atmosphere irradiated by charged particles trapped in the magnetosphere of Saturn gave 67 percent C and 33 percent N. Hydrolysis of Titan tholin with 6N HCl produced a racemic mixture of biological and non-biological amino acids that was confirmed by GC/MS. Other tholins, that revealed the presence of amino acids, were UV tholin produced under possible primitive Earth conditions by irradiation of a mixture of gases (CH4, C2H6, NH3, H2S and liquid H2O) with long-wavelength ultraviolet light, representing the most abundant useful energy source for prebiological organic synthesis; Spark tholin in a crude simulation of Jupiter atmosphere using electrical discharge through a mixture of CH4, NH3, and H2O vapor. Pyrolytic GC/MS of Titan tholin produced more than one hundred organic compounds including saturated and unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, substituted polycyclic aromatics, nitriles, amines, pyrroles, pyrazines, pyridines, pyrimidines, and the purine, adenine. Similar rich pyrolytic products were obtained with UV as well as Spark tholins. A range of two to four ring PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) in Spark as well as Titan tholins, some with one to four alkylation sites, were identified by two-step laser desorption/multiphoton ionization mass spectrometry and also confirmed by the synchronous fluorescence technique. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential for use of tholins as a source of carbon and energy by microbes. This paper describes studies that evaluate the potential for using different types of tholins as (a) a substrate for growing plants and (b) a source of carbon and nitrogen for plants. The data are interpreted in terms of the potential for using such tholins to grow plants for food in extraterrestrial habitats and also to speculate on the possibilities of abiotic evolution of plants.

Wignarajah, Kanapathipillai↗
DOE OSTI2022

FREQUENCY REGULATION WITH CONNECTED LIGHTING SYSTEMS

The management of end-use energy resources, e.g., commercial buildings, has been investigated as a promising source of services for the electric power grid. Lighting consumes about 17% electricity of U.S. commercial buildings; however, it may contribute significantly to services that improve the reliability and resilience of the grid due to its rapid speed of response. Connected lighting systems (CLS), which build upon solid-state lamp technology, can change their power demand more quickly than most other building electricity end uses. But the potential of CLS to provide grid services has not been considerably investigated. In this paper, we describe initial research to evaluate the potential of CLS for the grid service of frequency regulation. Frequency regulation is a reliability product that corrects in a matter of seconds for short-term changes in the balance between supply and demand in the balancing area that might affect the stability of the power system. Frequency regulation signals for a medium office building are generated from the normalized test signals for the PJM Interconnection Reg-A and Reg-D regulations services. Control of the CLS locally to follow the Reg-A or Reg-D signal is used to provide contributions to the corresponding frequency regulation service. The performance of CLS for frequency regulation is evaluated using the PJM 40-Minute Performance Score Template. The performance scores obtained for all CLS categories for both Reg-A and Reg-D signals far exceed the minimum score for the qualification, a very promising result for CLS to provide frequency regulation service.

Wang, Peng↗
DOE OSTI2022

Separation of CO 2 from Flue Gas and Potential for Geologic Sequestration

The objectives of this study were to review various methods reported in the literature for the separation and geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide and evaluate the potential of TVA fossil fuel-burning plant locations for onsite geologic sequestration of CO 2 from stack emissions. Several conventional and nonconventional technologies for the separation of CO 2 from flue gas, including absorption, adsorption, cryogenic distillation, membranes, hydrate formation and dissociation, and ammonia carbonation, have been reviewed in terms of separation mechanisms, flow diagrams, and costs. Most of the technologies that have been reviewed are still at the research and development stage. Critical information needed to assess and compare these technologies is still lacking. In addition, information on some of the technologies that have been tested at a pilot or industrial scale has not been fully disclosed in the open literature. Because of this lack of data, it is difficult to make a critical assessment of each of the separation technologies. Based on limited information, it was concluded that the most promising methods are membrane separation and the Mitsubishi process for chemical absorption. Both processes involve separating CO 2 at high temperature, minimizing the cost for cooling prior to separation. Physical and chemical geologic formations of CO 2 were also reviewed. It was concluded that due to the geologic time scale of CO 2 sequestration periods, relatively safe conditions, general proximity to CO 2 sources, and extensive knowledge of underground conditions, sequestration of CO 2 in underground aquifers and coal beds is a very promising method of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The cost is predicted to be relatively low and the suitable sites are numerous for this application, with many of these sites located close to the plants.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Radiation Dose–Dependent Hippocampal Atrophy Detected With Longitudinal Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose: After radiation therapy (RT) to the brain, patients often experience memory impairment, which may be partially mediated by damage to the hippocampus. Hippocampal sparing in RT planning is the subject of recent and ongoing clinical trials. Calculating appropriate hippocampal dose constraints would be improved by efficient in vivo measurements of hippocampal damage. In this study we sought to determine whether brain RT was associated with dose-dependent hippocampal atrophy. Methods and Materials: Hippocampal volume was measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 52 patients who underwent fractionated, partial brain RT for primary brain tumors. Study patients had high-resolution, 3-dimensional volumetric MRI before and 1 year after RT. Images were processed using software with clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration and Conformité Européene marking for automated measurement of hippocampal volume. Automated results were inspected visually for accuracy. Tumor and surgical changes were censored. Mean hippocampal dose was tested for correlation with hippocampal atrophy 1 year after RT. Average hippocampal volume change was also calculated for hippocampi receiving high (>40 Gy) or low (<10 Gy) mean RT dose. A multivariate analysis was conducted with linear mixed-effects modeling to evaluate other potential predictors of hippocampal volume change, including patient (random effect), age, hemisphere, sex, seizure history, and baseline volume. Statistical significance was evaluated at α = 0.05. Results: Mean hippocampal dose was significantly correlated with hippocampal volume loss (r=−0.24, P=.03). Mean hippocampal volume was significantly reduced 1 year after high-dose RT (mean −6%, P=.009) but not after low-dose RT. In multivariate analysis, both RT dose and patient age were significant predictors of hippocampal atrophy (P<.01). Conclusions: The hippocampus demonstrates radiation dose–dependent atrophy after treatment for brain tumors. Quantitative MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique capable of measuring radiation effects on intracranial structures. This technique could be investigated as a potential biomarker for development of reliable dose constraints for improved cognitive outcomes.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
NASA NTRS1990

Terrain interaction with the quarter scale beam walker

Frame walkers are a class of mobile robots that are robust and capable mobility platforms. Variations of the frame walker robot are in commercial use today. Komatsu Ltd. of Japan developed the Remotely Controlled Underwater Surveyor (ReCUS) and Normed Shipyards of France developed the Marine Robot (RM3). Both applications of the frame walker concept satisfied robotic mobility requirements that could not be met by a wheeled or tracked design. One vehicle design concept that falls within this class of mobile robots is the walking beam. A one-quarter scale prototype of the walking beam was built by Martin Marietta to evaluate the potential merits of utilizing the vehicle as a planetary rover. The initial phase of prototype rover testing was structured to evaluate the mobility performance aspects of the vehicle. Performance parameters such as vehicle power, speed, and attitude control were evaluated as a function of the environment in which the prototype vehicle was tested. Subsequent testing phases will address the integrated performance of the vehicle and a local navigation system.

Chun, Wendell H.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Characterization of Connected Lighting System Potential for Grid Services Under Real-Time Pricing

Increasingly over the last decade, the management of end-use electricity demand has been examined as a potential source of services for the electric power grid beyond contracts with large commercial and industrial customers. Lighting represents about 17\% of U.S. commercial building annual electricity consumption; however, its potential rapid speed of response may position it to uniquely contribute to services that improve the reliability and resilience of the grid. Connected lighting systems (CLS), which build upon solid-state lamp technology, can change state by adjusting power demand more quickly than most other building electricity end uses and could be used as a platform to monitor lighting electricity use and space conditions. But the potential of CLS to provide grid services has not been extensively studied. In this paper, we describe initial research to evaluate the potential of CLS for grid services. We develop a model for CLS using a set of parameters to represent operation behaviors and constraints: maximal power, minimal power, nominal power, ramp rate, and time delay. Parameter values are generated for representative building types. CLS demand curves are constructed, indirectly capturing building occupant preferences for lighting as functions of electricity price. The CLS model and the demand curves are incorporated into a Transactive Control and Coordination (TCC) Platform to simulate CLS providing grid services. Previous research has shown TCC to be a powerful tool to enable end uses to provide grid services through a hybrid economic-control approach. Initial quantitative results will be provided for CLS grid services potential.

Wang, Peng↗
NASA NTRS1980

Preliminary study on the potential usefulness of array processor techniques for structural synthesis

The effects of the use of array processor techniques within the structural analyzer program, SPAR, are simulated in order to evaluate the potential analysis speedups which may result. In particular the connection of a Floating Point System AP120 processor to the PRIME computer is discussed. Measurements of execution, input/output, and data transfer times are given. Using these data estimates are made as to the relative speedups that can be executed in a more complete implementation on an array processor maxi-mini computer system.

Feeser, L. J.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Effects of Revegetation on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Solar Photovoltaic Infrastructure

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is being deployed at an unprecedented rate. However, utility-scale solar energy development is land intensive and its large-scale installation can have negative impacts on the environment. In particular, solar energy infrastructure can require extensive landscape modification that transforms soil ecological functions, thereby impacting hydrologic, vegetative, and carbon dynamics. However, reintroducing native vegetation to solar PV sites may be a means of restoring their soils. To this end, we investigated critical soil physical and chemical parameters at a revegetated photovoltaic array and an adjacent reference grassland in Colorado, United States. Seven years after revegetation, we found that carbon and nitrogen remained lower in the PV soil than in the reference soil and contained a greater fraction of coarse particles. We also found that the PV modules introduced heterogeneity in the soil moisture distribution, with precipitation accumulating along the lower edges of panels. The redistribution of soil moisture by panel arrays could potentially be used in concert with planting strategies to maximize plant growth or minimize soil erosion, and should be considered when evaluating the potential to co-locate vegetation with solar infrastructure.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1991

Low-density, high-strength intermetallic matrix composites by XD (trademark) synthesis

A feasibility study was conducted to evaluate the potential of particulate composites based on low-density, L1(sub 2) trialuminide matrices for high-temperature applications. The compounds evaluated included Al22Fe3Ti8 (as a multiphase matrix), Al67Ti25Cr8, and Al66Ti25Mn9. The reinforcement consisted of TiB2 particulates. The TiB2 composites were processed by ingot and powder metallurgy techniques. Microstructural characterization and mechanical testing were performed in the hot-pressed and hot-isostatic-pressed condition. The casting were sectioned and isothermally forged into pancakes. All the materials were tested in compression as a function of temperature, and at high temperatures as a function of strain rate. The test results are discussed.

Kumar, K. S.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Oxygen potential measurement and point defect chemistry of UO{sub 2}

Many studies on the oxygen potential of UO{sub 2} have been carried out so far. However, the oxygen potential data for UO{sub 2} near the stoichiometric composition in the high temperature region (1673-1873 K) are limited. Recently, Kato's group had investigated oxygen potential of (U, Pu)O{sub 2} as functions of Pu content, oxygen-to-metal (O/M) ratio and temperature. They evaluated the data based on defect chemistry. The UO{sub 2} data are fundamental to evaluate oxygen potential in UO{sub 2}-PuO{sub 2} solid solution. In this work, the oxygen potential data of UO{sub 2+x} were extended to the high temperature range of 1673-1873 K by gas equilibrium method. The measured data were analyzed based on a defect chemistry model. Kroeger-Vink's diagram were obtained in UO{sub 2+x}. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Differential Seismic Phase Detection Probability as a Potential Discriminant of Explosions and Earthquakes

Deep learning models trained to estimate the probability of seismic P and S phases are rapidly expanding the scale of local event detections. Here, we evaluate the potential for deep learning model output phase detection probabilities to contribute to event‐type classification, particularly discrimination of single‐fired borehole explosions and earthquakes at local distances (<300 km). Motivated by the empirical success of P/S amplitude ratios, we consider the difference between P and S pick probability output from previously developed phase detection models, P prob −S prob ⁠, as a discriminant. Test data include M L ∼1–4 earthquakes and explosions observed by common seismographs in ten geologically diverse localities. Depending on the picking model and training data, binary classification using P prob −S prob with at least three stations can achieve approximately equivalent classification accuracy as P/S amplitude ratios without requiring any customization. Joint classification with P/S and P prob −S prob improves accuracy for most quality control scenarios. Pick probabilities are an efficient attribute to consider in explosion discrimination because they can be automated byproducts of event detection. They avoid the binary choice of picking or not picking weakly visible S waves common to explosions.

Duan, Chenglong [Rice Univ., Houston, TX (United S↗
DOE OSTI2018

Advanced SOFC quality control and the role of manufacturing defects on stack reliability

Atrex Energy rolled out first commercial SOFC generator products in 2013. Following that we embarked on implementation of mass production in order to ramp up productivity and lower the costs in the meantime. To ensure the goal of mass production, an accurate, cost effective and consistent quality control methodology needs to be in place. The aim of this DOE funded project is to devise a machine and methodology for cell quality control using modern non-destructive testing methods and cell rejection criterion based on the empirical determination of the role of manufacturing flaws on stack degradation and reliability. The work scope encompasses two goals aimed at 1) developing automatable techniques for objective flaw detection and 2) developing an understanding of the ramifications of flaws on stack and cell reliability. By accomplishing these two goals it is likely that an advanced stage Quality Control (QC) device can be developed. This project scope encompasses: 1) Invention of a high speed automated instrument for spatial mapping of surface and sub-surface imperfections in production cells (ex situ) using modern imaging techniques. 2) Identification of rejection criteria upon which to screen cells from production by: a. Magnification of the effect of production defects on cell degradation through fabrication and testing of micro-cells which encompass these imperfections. b. The long term testing of full size production cells both as single cells and in small stacks, in order to correlate the (in situ) performance and degradation with the imperfection type (identified ex-situ) and hence be able to classify imperfections as actual defects. We first built a defect library with the cells containing imperfections classified and documented. The cells with various imperfections were tested to evaluate the imperfection potential impact on cell electrochemical performance. Evaluations were conducted on minicell, single cell and stack levels. On minicell level, pinhole, scratch, crack, contamination, and pop-out were investigated. We found: (1) none of the imperfections causes calamity type failure, (2) pinholes do not show measurable effect on minicell performance, (3) imperfection such as electrolyte abrasion, scratch, and pop out cause minicell potential to fluctuate by different degrees; the cells with such imperfections exhibit sensitivity of potential to high fuel utilization and “self healing” behavior. On single cell level we evaluated the effect of long crack and high population pinholes. The cell with a long crack does not show performance compromise at start. There is no potential fluctuation or sensitivity to high fuel utilization or catastrophic failure. The voltage degradation due to thermal cycle is slightly higher than normal cells. The cells with high population pinholes perform surprisingly as well as normal cells over a period of 3,500h. Even when subjected to cyclic load condition, the cells 4 show negligible degradation. Our cells appear to have “self immunization” feature which fends off the adversary effects of certain imperfections. Defects were also evaluated on stack level. Two stacks were made each with ten defect cells. The first stack was tested for 13,2000h under steady load condition while the second was tested for 9,000h under transient load conditions. We found: (1) voltage fluctuation and sensitivity to thermal cycle were not observed in contrast to minicell test, (2) of the various cracks examined, including longitudinal cracks, circumferential crack, crack near closed and open ends, none exhibited distinguishable impact on performance, (3) defect cells exhibited higher degradation rates on average under steady load condition; Individually some defect cells performed similarly or better than reference cells, (4) under steady load condition all the cells degrade monotonically with degradation rate increasing with time, (5) under cyclic (transient) load condition, both defect and reference cells exhibit complex dynamic behaviors, (6) fuel loss (leak) was measured occasionally for stack 1, the cells with crack showed the highest fuel loss increase, nevertheless, no correlation with performance degradation could be established with certainty, and (7) no catastrophic failure ever happened other than incremental degradation. Posttest inspection and microanalysis were carried out; the observations are summarized in what follows: (1) Electrolyte pinholes, some scratches and IC porosity became undetectable after testing. (2) The cathode covering the popout defects is intact without any cracking or delamination. (3) The scratch was covered by cathode in pristine state; Ni oxide or NiO-YSZ filled the space where electrolyte was missing. After >10,000h operation, the cathode that used to cover the scratch was missing but the size of the scratch remains unchanged; there is a fairly dense Ni oxide layer on top of the scratch. (4) All of the cracks remain their original dimensions. Current collector kept longitudinal cracks closed which mitigated the adversary effect of crack on cell performance/durability. (5) The crack at open end showed some deterioration manifested by a small oxidation zone in the vicinity of the crack. Wide spectrum of imaging techniques were surveyed and evaluated to detect tubular SOFC defects. Optical methods, with and without assistance of expression technique, were applied to detect all kinds of defects. Thermograph method in combination of CO2 leak, ultra-sound and electric potential was also extensively evaluated to detect surface and under-surface defects such as short circuit. Based on these works, laser camera has been selected to build the final QC machine vision inspection system. The Gocator laser profile sensor was setup to generate 2D surface intensity images of tubular SOFC surface which were analyzed with Sherlock machine vision software supplied by Teledyne Dalsa. The Gocator output was integrated with the Sherlock software and enabled live images to be imported by a Common Vision Blox driver. The Sherlock software was programmed to detect various surface defects from the surface intensity images generated by the Gocator. These measurements are subsequently used to make pass or fail decisions.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
NASA NTRS2002

An Investigation of Applications for Thermodynamic Work Potential Methods: Working Tables and Charts for Estimation of Thermodynamic Work Potential in Equilibrium Mixtures of Jet-A and Air

The objective of this report is to provide a tool to facilitate the application of thermodynamic work potential methods to aircraft and engine analysis. This starts with a discussion of the theoretical background underlying these methods, which is then used to derive various equations useful for thermodynamic analysis of aircraft engines. The work potential analysis method is implemented in the form of a set of working charts and tables that can be used to graphically evaluate work potential stored in high-enthalpy gas. The range of validity for these tables is 300 to 36,000 R, pressures between between 0.01 atm and 100 atm, and fuel-air ratios from zero to stoichiometric. The derivations and charts assume mixtures of Jet-A and air as the working fluid. The thermodynamic properties presented in these charts were calculated based upon standard thermodynamic curve fits.

Mavris, Dimitri↗
DOE OSTI2016

Evidence of Radiosensitizing Effects of GdPO{sub 4} Nanostructures

Developing new methods to improve the outcome of cancer treatment has been one of the main research areas in medicine. Many approaches that allow for tumor targeting and thus reduction of side effects are currently under investigation. Among those, the combination of radiation therapy with certain chemotherapeutic agents has shown significant advances in cancer treatment. Another option is the use of radiosensitizers along with radiation therapy. Radiosensitizers are materials intended to enhance the radiation dose received in the tumor while maintaining the damage to the normal tissue to a minimum. Hence, the development of radiosensitizers has been of interest in recent years in order to improve the survival rate and the quality of life of the patient while reducing the cost of treatment. In this area, nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely explored as radiosensitizers due to the fact that tumor targeting can be achieved and the concentration of NPs on tumor environments can be greatly enhanced through the modification of NPs' surface by addition of agents such as antibodies. More importantly, the chemical composition of the NPs can be adjusted based on the application of interest. In this context, NPs that contain heavy elements have great potential as radiosensitizers due to their mechanisms of interaction with X-rays. For instance, gold NPs have been recognized as radiosensitizers due to their large photoelectric absorption coefficient. Furthermore, lanthanide based NPs have also shown characteristics as radiosensitizers. Among the various lanthanide containing NPs, gadolinium-based nanomaterials (NMs) have shown great potential for multiple applications in medicine such as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additionally, the combination of gadolinium-based NPs and irradiation has evidenced a significant dose enhancement in in-vivo testing. Moreover, gadolinium-based ultra-small rigid platforms (USRPs) have shown theranostic properties for multimodal detection of lung cancers and radiosensitization effects. Among the various Gd based NPs, GdPO{sub 4} NMs are of increasing interest due to the multiple functions and applications that they may have. To illustrate, GdPO{sub 4} NPs have evidenced relaxitivities that are comparable to the contrast agents commonly used in MRI. Moreover, these NPs can be doped with different lanthanides ions allowing for the implementation of MRI and cellular luminescence for diagnostic purposes. Furthermore, gold-coated gadolinium-lanthanum phosphate NPs have evidenced their ability to encapsulate alpha-emitting radioisotopes of radiotherapeutic interest. This allows for targeted internal radiotherapy by functionalizing the NPs with specific molecules Moreover, low toxicity has been observed on dextran coated GdPO{sub 4} NPs regardless of the potential toxicity of free Gd{sup 3+}. Despite the various applications of GdPO{sub 4}, its response and interaction with X-ray evaluating their potential as radiosensitizers has not been explored. In this work, the radiosensitization of GdPO{sub 4} NMs is evidenced through the decomposition of a dye, methylene blue (MB), after X-ray radiation in the presence of NMs. GdPO{sub 4} was synthesized at moderate temperature following a hydrothermal method based on the precipitation reaction of a salt precursor and a surfactant. The crystalline structure and morphology of these NMs were characterized using Xray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Crystalline GdPO{sub 4} was obtained following the hydrothermal synthesis. Besides, it was observed that the addition of GdPO{sub 4} to the MB solution enhances the decomposition of this dye under X-ray radiation. Therefore, GdPO{sub 4} NMs prove to be promising as radiosensitizers in radiation therapy. Nevertheless, the effect of GdPO{sub 4} on MB decomposition under X-ray radiation requires further study to evaluate the effect of the morphology and concentration of GdPO{sub 4} and the dose effect. (authors)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Nano-chemotherapeutic efficacy of (−) -epigallocatechin 3-gallate mediating apoptosis in A549 cells: Involvement of reactive oxygen species mediated Nrf2/Keap1signaling

Chemotherapeutic drugs exert systemic toxicity in lung cancer cells and therefore novel treatment strategies are warranted. Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), though possessing beneficial effects in alleviating cancer, its effect has been limited due to ineffective systemic delivery, toxicity and bioavailability. To attain the maximum therapeutic response of EGCG, we have synthesized bovine serum albumin (BSA) encapsulated magnetite nanoparticle (MNPs) loaded with EGCG (nano EGCG). The synthesized nano EGCG was characterized using HR-TEM, XRD and FT-IR. Cytotoxicity analysis of BSA-MNP and nano EGCG using flow cytometry was evaluated in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The effect of native and nano EGCG modulating apoptosis and Nrf2/Keap1 signaling was analysed. Nano EGCG exhibited increased ROS/RNS levels and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, as evaluated by DCFH and JC1 staining, respectively. Expression of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, Bak, Bim and Puma) was evaluated. This study demonstrates that native and nano EGCG induces apoptosis through the involvement of ROS leading to loss in mitochondrial membrane potential. EGCG exhibited an increased expression of Nrf2 and Keap1 that could regulate apoptosis in A549 cells. This study, for the first time reveals the potential of BSA-MNPs loaded EGCG as drug target and renders better efficacy against lung cancer cells.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Characterization of SimulCam, a standoff Raman system for scientific support of SuperCam operations on Mars

During the development activities of SuperCam Calibration Target, target intended for one of the two first Raman instruments to be deployed on another planetary body, our group developed a laboratory instrument that could simulate to some extent the Raman capabilities of one of such instruments and could provide data with similar quality. The use of this kind of laboratory instruments has demonstrated its utility in the evaluation of potential calibration targets or anticipating the science outcome that an instrument could provide. The present work describes our laboratory setup to support SuperCam, evaluating similarities between both instruments, despite of differences in the hardware. Evaluation of data gathered by SuperCam on Mars and the availability of one replica of SuperCam’s Calibration Target allowed the comparison on the same set of targets, demonstrating how similar Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) could be achieved from both instruments. The higher energy per pulse on SimulCam is compensated by a greater analytical footprint and the use of smaller collection optics. The results show how spectra obtained at representative distances of SuperCam are comparable. Operational principles are also comparable in terms of time resolution, and close in terms of spectral resolution. This similarity has allowed different science support works using SimulCam data, as well as the support to Mars detections using our setup. We provide examples of this support that will be shared with the community in different papers, as well as examples of possible operations activities that could benefit from experiments performed with SimulCam. We show how this setup can complement the two laboratory replicas in Los Alamos and Toulouse in providing support data to different experiments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Innovative high-temperature ammonium bifluoride fusion and rapid analysis of elements with nuclear forensic value

High-temperature ammonium bifluoride (ABF) fusions were evaluated for potential use in rapid dissolution of post-detonation nuclear debris. The ABF fusion was carried out in a Pt crucible which allowed evaluation of higher fusion and evaporation temperatures. The high-temperature ABF fusion dissolution method was evaluated using geological reference materials: USGS QLO-1a Quartz Latite, USGS SDC-1 Mica Schist, and NIST 278 Obsidian Rock. The optimized dissolution method involved a 10 min fusion at 540 °C, a 5 min reflux in 8 M HNO 3 , an evaporation at 300 °C and final dilution into 45 mL of 2% (v/v) HNO3. The final solution was filtered after heating at 105 °C using a hotblock. This dissolution method was simple, requiring only a hotplate or hotblock, filtered samples were available for ICP-MS analysis or radiochemical separation within 150 min, and was found to have high (>90%) recovery for many isotopes of interest in nuclear forensics applications. U and Pu in the dissolved material was separated using TEVA and UTEVA extraction chromatography columns, a process which resulted in >90% recovery. An irradiated U tracer was spiked into the material prior to dissolution and analyzed for recovery of major fission products and 239Np. The monitored radionuclides had recoveries of greater than 90%, except for the volatile radioiodine isotopes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗