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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 811 records · Page 45

TU-H-BRA-06: Characterization of a Linear Accelerator Operating in a Compact MRIGuided Radiation Therapy System

Purpose: To describe the performance of a linear accelerator operating in a compact MRI-guided radiation therapy system. Methods: A commercial linear accelerator was placed in an MRI unit that is employed in a commercial MR-based image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) system. The linear accelerator components were placed within magnetic field-reducing hardware that provided magnetic fields of less than 40 G for the magnetron, gun driver, and port circulator, with 1 G for the linear accelerator. The system did not employ a flattening filter. The test linear accelerator was an industrial 4 MV model that was employed to test the ability to run an accelerator in the MR environment. An MR-compatible diode detector array was used to measure the beam profiles with the accelerator outside and inside the MR field and with the gradient coils on and off to examine if there was any effect on the delivered dose distribution. The beam profiles and time characteristics of the beam were measured. Results: The beam profiles exhibited characteristic unflattened Bremsstrahlung features with less than ±1.5% differences in the profile magnitude when the system was outside and inside the magnet and less than 1% differences with the gradient coils on and off. The central axis dose rate fluctuated by less than 1% over a 30 second period when outside and inside the MRI. Conclusion: A linaccompatible MR design has been shown to be effective in not perturbing the operation of a commercial linear accelerator. While the accelerator used in the tests was 4MV, there is nothing fundamentally different with the operation of a 6MV unit, implying that the design will enable operation of the proposed clinical unit. Research funding provided by ViewRay, Inc.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Frontiers in Magnetic Materials

Magnetism is crucial to many modern technologies, a driver for condensed matter physics research and one of the most remarkable and diverse properties of matter. We propose to develop understanding of novel magnetism and magnetic related behavior in materials and use this to accelerate the discovery of forefront magnetic materials. The approach is via the connection of magnetic properties to specific structures and materials. Topics that will be addressed are (1) Metallic magnetic materials with unusually low carrier concentrations and/or moments (2) Magnetism arising from unusual chemistry including 4d and 5d magnetism and (3) Materials with strong spin-fluctuations, which can lead to quantum criticality, spin-fluctuation induced superconductivity and other novel quantum behavior. These topics overlap, for example, the 4d ruthenates include ferromagnets (perovskite SrRuO 3 ), extremely high ordering temperature antiferromagnets (honeycomb lattice SrRu 2 O 6 ) and well as quantum materials with strong spin fluctuations (layered perovskite Sr 2 RuO 4 and Sr 3 Ru 2 O 7 ). We will use of density calculations to connect magnetic properties with chemistry and structure and employ phenomenological theories to extend these results to properties that are not directly given by direct first principles methods and we will conduct tests to explore the limitations of density functional approximations and new functionals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A sufficient condition for the stability of atmospheres with magnetic fields

Using the MHD energy principle, it is shown that P + B sq/8 x pi = constant is a sufficient condition for the stability of magnetized fluid systems with the following properties: the gravitational acceleration g is uniform, the magnetic field lines lie in parallel planes aligned with g, and all quantities are uniform in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the field lines. An example of a stable system is given, consisting of a vertical sheet of plasma supported against gravity by bowed field lines.

Zweibel, E. G.↗

New Understanding of Mercury's Magnetosphere from MESSENGER'S First Flyby

Observations by the MESSENGER spacecraft on 14 January 2008 have revealed new features of the solar system's smallest planetary magnetosphere. The interplanetary magnetic field orientation was unfavorable for large inputs of energy from the solar wind and no evidence of magnetic substorms, internal magnetic reconnection, or energetic particle acceleration was detected. Large-scale rotations of the magnetic field were measured along the dusk flank of the magnetosphere and ultra-tow frequency waves were frequently observed beginning near closest approach. Outbound the spacecraft encountered two current-sheet boundaries across which the magnetic field intensity decreased in a step-like manner. The outer current sheet is the magnetopause boundary. The inner current sheet is similar in structure, but weaker and -1000 km closer to the planet. Between these two current sheets the magnetic field intensity is depressed by the diamagnetic effect of planetary ions created by the photo-ionization of Mercury's exosphere.

Slavin, James A.↗

CME-Associated Radio Bursts from Satellite Observations

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are closely associated with various types of radio bursts from the Sun. All radio bursts are due to nonthermal electrons, which are accelerated during the eruption of CMEs. Radio bursts at frequencies below about 15 MHz are of particular interest because they are associated with energetic CMEs that contribute to severe space weather. The low-frequency bursts need to be observed primarily from space because of the ionospheric cutoff. The main CME-related radio bursts are associated are: type III bursts due to accelerated electrons propagating along open magnetic field lines, type II bursts due to electrons accelerated in shocks, and type IV bursts due to electrons trapped in post-eruption arcades behind CMEs. This paper presents a summary of results obtained during solar cycle 23 primarily using the white-light coronagraphic observations from the Solar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and the WAVES experiment on board Wind. Particular emphasis will be placed on what we can learn about particle acceleration in the coronal and interplanetary medium by analyzing the CMEs and the associated radio bursts.

Gopalswamy, Nat↗

Solar Radio Bursts and Space Weather

Radio bursts from the Sun are produced by electron accelerated to relativistic energies by physical processes on the Sun such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The radio bursts are thus good indicators of solar eruptions. Three types of nonthermal radio bursts are generally associated with CMEs. Type III bursts due to accelerated electrons propagating along open magnetic field lines. The electrons are thought to be accelerated at the reconnection region beneath the erupting CME, although there is another view that the electrons may be accelerated at the CME-driven shock. Type II bursts are due to electrons accelerated at the shock front. Type II bursts are also excellent indicators of solar energetic particle (SEP) events because the same shock is supposed accelerate electrons and ions. There is a hierarchical relationship between the wavelength range of type /I bursts and the CME kinetic energy. Finally, Type IV bursts are due to electrons trapped in moving or stationary structures. The low frequency stationary type IV bursts are observed occasionally in association with very fast CMEs. These bursts originate from flare loops behind the erupting CME and hence indicate tall loops. This paper presents a summary of radio bursts and their relation to CMEs and how they can be useful for space weather predictions.

Gopalswamy, Natchimuthuk,↗

Progress on the Development of the Nb 3 Sn 11T Dipole for the High Luminosity Upgrade of LHC

The high-luminosity large hadron collider (LHC) project at CERN entered into the production phase in October 2015 after the completion of the design study phase. In the meantime, the development of the 11 T dipole needed for the upgrade of the collimation system of the machine made significant progress with very good performance of the first two-in-one magnet model of 2-m length made at CERN. The 11 T dipole, which is more powerful than the current main dipoles of LHC, can be made shorter with an equivalent integrated field. This will allow creating space for the installation of additional collimators in specific locations of the dispersion suppressor regions. Following tests carried out during heavy ions runs of LHC in the end of 2015, and a more recent review of the project budget, the installation plan for the 11 T dipole was revised. Consequently, one 11 T dipole full assembly containing two 11 T dipoles of 5.5-m length will be installed on either side of interaction point 7. These two units shall be installed during the long shutdown 2 in years 2019-2020. After a brief reminder on the design features of the magnet, this paper describes the current status of the development activities, in particular the short model programme and the construction of the first full scale prototype at CERN. Finally, critical operations such as the reaction treatment and the coil impregnation are discussed, the quench performance tests results of the two-in-one model are reviewed and finally, the plan toward the production for the long shut down 2 is described.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Fabrication and test of model superconducting inflector for g-2 at FNAL

The new FNAL g-2 experiment is based on the muon storage ring previously used at BNL. The 1.45 T dipole magnetic field in the storage ring is required to have very high (1 ppm) homogeneity. The muon beam injected into the ring must be transported through the magnet yoke and the main superconducting coil cryostat with minimal distortions. The old inflector magnet shielded the main dipole fringe field inside the muon transport beam pipe, with an outer NbTi superconducting screen, and did not disturb the field in the area of circulating beam. Nevertheless, this magnet had coils with closed ends in which a large fraction of muon beam particles were lost. A new magnet is envisioned utilizing the same cross section as the original with open ends for improved beam transport. A model magnet has been wound utilizing 3d printed parts to verify the magnetic behavior of the magnet at room temperature and validate winding of the complicated geometry required for the magnet ends. Finally, room temperature magnetic measurements have been performed and confirm the magnetic design

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Design and Manufacture of Tunable Permanent Magnet Based Quadrupole for Next Generation Electron-Ion Colliders [Slides]

The goal of this project is to design and construct of a prototype of quadrupole permanent magnet for the magnet transport lattice for an electron-ion collider. The technical objectives are not only to achieve the field gradient of 34.42T/m in the region of interest, at a radius 16.0mm, relative to the quadrupole axis (z-axis), but also lower the unwanted field harmonics below one unit out of 10,000, especially for Sextupole, Octupole, and Decapole components. The innovation is 1) modular design for cost saving, and 2) adjusting mechanism of each modular magnet for field tuning. The 300-mm long, quadrupole magnet assembly consists of 12 modules of 100-mm long magnet. The magnetic field tuning was implemented by two ways: first, adjusting mechanically the pole tip position for a majority of field tuning, and second, applying the passive shims for a fine field tuning. The magnetic design and optimization of the quadrupole magnet was performed using finite element analysis. The permanent magnet choice was EEC-N44SH grade with the minimum coercivity of 987kA/m (12.4kOe), which has enhanced resistance to demagnetization due to the radiation. The 3D computer-aided design of quadrupole magnet assembly was created based on the magnetic design results. The overall dimensions are 514x500x300mm and its weight is ~470kg (1,050lbs). The weight and volume were minimized through the optimization. Electron Energy Corporation’s vertically integrated manufacturing capability and over 48-years magnet production experience enabled us to implement a “fast prototyping” process and build two quadrupole magnets. Using wire EDM machines, the pole tip profile was precisely fabricated within ±25µm tolerance. The field gradient 34.22T/m was measured using the real time data acquisition system and a 3D Hall probe mounted on the precision XYZ station with the resolution of 1µm (0.00004”). The magnetic field harmonics were measured using a harmonic coil at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY. Faro® laser tracker was used to track the position of each quadrupole while adjusting the pole location mechanically. The normal harmonics were measured up to 20-poles. Overall the 2 nd magnet test data is better than the 1st magnet because of a better symmetry. The adjusting pole technique was proved effective to lower the Sextupole harmonics from -3.14 to -0.71 unit. The Octupole harmonics was improved from -5.67 to -3.45 unit, still not satisfactory. It is found that the proposed approach is not practical and efficient in terms of the mass production although the modular concept can save the manufacturing cost. Another finding is in reality it is hard to adjust mechanically due to the limit of laser tracker resolution .001” and tweak magnetically the field due to the limited harmonics data. Importantly the Brookhaven National Laboratory’s harmonics data doesn’t indicate where the strong/weak field position, which requires another field map test at each measurement. To resolve these, two alternative solutions are introduced; 1) electromagnet correcting coils and 2) 8-pieces quadrupole magnet.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

The Production of Jets From Magnetized Accretion Disks: Simulation of the Blandford-Payne Mechanism

We have used massively parallel supercomputer simulations to perform an extensive study of a plausible mechanism for producing the jets seen in extragalactic radio sources - acceleration and collimation by coronal magnetic fields in an accretion disk orbiting a central black hole. We find that such disks can propel jets for a wide range of coronal conditions. The terminal jet velocity is a strong function of the magnetic field equatorial component. Acceleration and collimation are produced by a tight azimuthal field coil generated in the corona, rather than by a stiff poloidal field extending to large distances. The jets are pressure-confined when the external medium pressure is high, but magnetically- confined when it is low.

Blandford-Payne Mechanism↗

Particle-in-cell simulations of electron energization in laser-driven magnetic reconnection

Electrons can be energized during laser-driven magnetic reconnection, and the energized electrons form three super-Alfvénic electron jets in the outflow region (Lu et al 2014 New J. Phys. 16 083021). In this paper, by performing two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, we find that the electrons can also be significantly energized before magnetic reconnection occurs. When two plasma bubbles with toroidal magnetic fields expand and squeeze each other, the electrons in the magnetic ribbons are energized through betatron acceleration due to the enhancement of the magnetic field, and an electron temperature anisotropy ${T}_{{\rm{e}}\perp }\gt {T}_{{\rm{e}}| | }$ develops. Meanwhile, some electrons are trapped and bounced repeatedly between the two expanding/approaching bubbles and get energized through a Fermi-like process. Furthermore, the energization before magnetic reconnection is more significant (or important) than that during magnetic reconnection.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Sharpening of the front of the current through a cylindrical foil liner

Results are presented from experiments on the electromagnetic implosion of aluminum foil liners at the MIG generator with a current rise time of ≈80 ns. Plasma with a density of 10{sup 17} cm{sup –3} was preliminarily injected into the liner region by using a set of radial plasma guns. The Lorentz force J × B causes plasma acceleration in the radial direction. Since the magnetic field pressure is inversely proportional to the radius squared, the plasma displacement is maximum near the liner surface. As a result, plasma motion becomes two-dimensional, a gap appears between the plasma and the liner, and the generator current is switched over to the liner. The plasma velocity at the liner surface is close to the local Alfvén velocity, while the time during which the current is switched over to the liner is nearly equal to the ratio of the liner length to the Alfvén velocity. The proposed scheme allows one to decrease the rise time of the current through the liner to several nano-seconds and, as a result, to reduce the initial liner radius and improve the stability of liner implosion.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Control Systems Design for STS Accelerator

The Second Target Station (STS) Project will expand the capabilities of the existing Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), with a suite of neutron instruments optimized for long wavelengths. A new accelerator transport line will be built to deliver one out of four SNS pulses to the new target station. The Integrated Control Systems (ICS) will provide remote control, monitoring, OPI, alarms, and archivers for the accelerator systems, such as magnets power supply, vacuum devices, and beam instrumentation. The ICS will upgrade the existing Linac LLRF controls to allow independent operation of the FTS and STS and support different power levels of the FTS and STS proton beam. The ICS accelerator controls are in the phase of preliminary design for the control systems of magnet power supply, vacuum, LLRF, Timing, Machine protection system (MPS), and computing and machine network. The accelerator control systems build upon the existing SNS Machine Control systems, use the SNS standard hardware and EPICS software, and take full advantage of the performance gains delivered by the PPU Project at SNS.

Yan, Jay↗