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DOE OSTI2023

Controls at the Fermilab PIP-II Superconducting Linac

PIP-II is an 800 MeV superconducting RF linear accelerator under development at Fermilab. As the new first stage in our accelerator chain, it will deliver high-power beam to multiple experiments simultaneously and thus drive Fermilab's particle physics program for years to come. In a pivot for Fermilab, controls for PIP-II are based on EPICS instead of ACNET, the legacy control system for accelerators at the lab. This paper discusses the status of the EPICS controls work for PIP-II. We describe the EPICS tools selected for our system and the experience of operators new to EPICS. We introduce our continuous integration / continuous development environment. We also describe some efforts at cooperation between EPICS and ACNET, or efforts to move towards a unified interface that can apply to both control systems.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Convex Relaxation of OPF in Multiphase Radial Networks with Wye and Delta Connections

This panel presentation focuses on multiphase radial distribution networks with wye and delta connections, and proposes a semidefinite relaxation of the AC optimal power flow (OPF) problem. Two multiphase power flow models are developed to facilitate the integration of delta-connected loads or generation resources in the OPF problem. The first model is referred to as the extended branch flow model (EBFM). The second model leverages a linear relationship between phase-to-ground power injections and delta connections that holds under a balanced voltage approximation (BVA). Based on these models, pertinent OPF problems are formulated and relaxed to semidefinite programs (SDPs). Numerical studies on IEEE test feeders show that the proposed SDP relaxations can be solved efficiently by a generic optimization solver. Numerical evidence also indicates that solving the resultant SDP under BVA is faster than under EBFM. Moreover, both SDP solutions are numerically exact with respect to voltages and branch flows. It is further shown that the SDP solution under BVA has a small optimality gap, and the BVA model is accurate in the sense that it reproduces actual system voltages.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2014

Modeling and optimizing of the random atomic spin gyroscope drift based on the atomic spin gyroscope

In order to improve the atom spin gyroscope's operational accuracy and compensate the random error caused by the nonlinear and weak-stability characteristic of the random atomic spin gyroscope (ASG) drift, the hybrid random drift error model based on autoregressive (AR) and genetic programming (GP) + genetic algorithm (GA) technique is established. The time series of random ASG drift is taken as the study object. The time series of random ASG drift is acquired by analyzing and preprocessing the measured data of ASG. The linear section model is established based on AR technique. After that, the nonlinear section model is built based on GP technique and GA is used to optimize the coefficients of the mathematic expression acquired by GP in order to obtain a more accurate model. The simulation result indicates that this hybrid model can effectively reflect the characteristics of the ASG's random drift. The square error of the ASG's random drift is reduced by 92.40%. Comparing with the AR technique and the GP + GA technique, the random drift is reduced by 9.34% and 5.06%, respectively. The hybrid modeling method can effectively compensate the ASG's random drift and improve the stability of the system.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2018

FemtoMAX – an X-ray beamline for structural dynamics at the short-pulse facility of MAX IV

The FemtoMAX beamline facilitates studies of the structural dynamics of materials. Such studies are of fundamental importance for key scientific problems related to programming materials using light, enabling new storage media and new manufacturing techniques, obtaining sustainable energy by mimicking photosynthesis, and gleaning insights into chemical and biological functional dynamics. The FemtoMAX beamline utilizes the MAX IV linear accelerator as an electron source. The photon bursts have a pulse length of 100 fs, which is on the timescale of molecular vibrations, and have wavelengths matching interatomic distances (Å). The uniqueness of the beamline has called for special beamline components. This paper presents the beamline design including ultrasensitive X-ray beam-position monitors based on thin Ce:YAG screens, efficient harmonic separators and novel timing tools.

laser↗
DOE OSTI2023

Mo-99 Concentration and processing by Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange

Normally derived from its transient-equilibrium parent molybdenum-99 ( 99 Mo) (t½ = 66 h), the short-lived isotope technetium-99m ( 99m Tc) (t ½ = 6.0 h) is the most widely used medical isotope in diagnostic imaging today. The National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA’s) Material Management and Minimization (M3) program—established under the auspices of the American Medical Isotope Production Act—has been tasked with facilitating the work of domestic 99 Mo suppliers that do not use highly enriched uranium (HEU). Superconducting electron linear accelerators that employ high-Z converter targets can generate bremsstrahlung photons and neutron fluxes that can induce photonuclear reactions and uranium (U) fission. Argonne, in collaboration with industrial partners, has been developing the process chemistry for superconducting linear accelerator (LINAC)-irradiated triuranium octoxide (U 3 O 8 ) targets to produce 99 Mo. In short, the process involves dissolving the irradiated targets in nitric acid, which simultaneously releases valuable fission products (xenon and iodine). After adjusting the acid concentration, producers process the feed using tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP), then mix the raffinate derived from this extraction cycle with a phosphinic acid such as Cyanex 272 or di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP), which is selective for Mo (molybdenum liquid liquid extraction [MoLLE]). In the next step, a concentration column comprising an anion exchange platform is used to decontaminate the remaining fission products, generating a pure 99 Mo stream in sodium hydroxide (NaOH)/sodium chloride (NaCl).

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Parameter-masked Mock Data Challenge for Beyond-two-point Galaxy Clustering Statistics

The past few years have seen the emergence of a wide array of novel techniques for analyzing high-precision data from upcoming galaxy surveys, which aim to extend the statistical analysis of galaxy clustering data beyond the linear regime and the canonical two-point (2pt) statistics. We test and benchmark some of these new techniques in a community data challenge named “Beyond-2pt,” initiated during the Aspen 2022 Summer Program “Large-Scale Structure Cosmology beyond 2-Point Statistics,” whose first round of results we present here. The challenge data set consists of high-precision mock galaxy catalogs for clustering in real space, in redshift space, and on a light cone. Participants in the challenge have developed end-to-end pipelines to analyze mock catalogs and extract unknown (“masked”) cosmological parameters of the underlying ΛCDM models with their methods. The methods represented are density-split clustering, nearest neighbor statistics, BACCO power spectrum emulator, void statistics, LEFTfield field-level inference using effective field theory (EFT), and joint power spectrum and bispectrum analyses using both EFT and simulation-based inference. In this work, we review the results of the challenge, focusing on problems solved, lessons learned, and future research needed to perfect the emerging beyond-2pt approaches. The unbiased parameter recovery demonstrated in this challenge by multiple statistics and the associated modeling and inference frameworks supports the credibility of cosmology constraints from these methods. The challenge data set is publicly available, and we welcome future submissions from methods that are not yet represented.

Krause, Elisabeth [Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (U↗
DOE OSTI2024

Challenges in Tracking Waste Reduction Performance Improvement in Manufacturing Plants

The recently released Circularity Gap Report 2023 by Circle Economy Foundation found that the circularity score for the global economy is declining. This indicates that material extraction from virgin sources is climbing over earlier years. As per data released by US Geological Survey, material use in the US economy has increased exponentially with the expanding US economy over last century. EPA tracked municipal solid waste from 1960 to 2018 and found that 50% of the waste is destined for landfills. EPA estimates that US industry is responsible for 2.7 billion ton of solid non-hazardous waste annually in our mostly linear economy model. The circular economy framework aims at decoupling economic value generation from virgin materials extraction from nature. The linear model of material extraction and disposal at end of life is highly unsustainable. Manufacturing companies have realized this and in their commitments to sustainability are adopting ambitious waste reduction targets. Through Better Plants program US Department of Energy has established Waste Reduction Network where it is offering technical assistance to partners to achieve these ambitious waste reduction goals. Basic requirements of establishing a target include identifying a baseline, quantifying waste performance, and measuring progress over time. One problem faced by industry is the unstandardized metrics to quantify waste performance that may not be well suited to demonstrate progress. In this paper, we research methods traditionally used to measure waste performance and highlight advantages, gaps and limitations of each method. Suitability of the methods applicable to different manufacturing circumstances are also examined. Finally, we present a case study of a large manufacturer that faced inconsistencies in their tracked measurement metric. A solution was proposed to alter the methodology to enable more accurate waste performance tracking against a baseline.

Chaudhari, Subodh↗
DOE OSTI2016

MO-FG-BRA-01: 4D Monte Carlo Simulations for Verification of Dose Delivered to a Moving Anatomy

Purpose: To validate 4D Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of dose delivery by an Elekta Agility linear accelerator to a moving phantom. Methods: Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the 4DdefDOSXYZnrc/EGSnrc user code which samples a new geometry for each incident particle and calculates the dose in a continuously moving anatomy. A Quasar respiratory motion phantom with a lung insert containing a 3 cm diameter tumor was used for dose measurements on an Elekta Agility linac with the phantom in stationary and moving states. Dose to the center of tumor was measured using calibrated EBT3 film and the RADPOS 4D dosimetry system. A VMAT plan covering the tumor was created on the static CT scan of the phantom using Monaco V.5.10.02. A validated BEAMnrc model of our Elekta Agility linac was used for Monte Carlo simulations on stationary and moving anatomies. To compare the planned and delivered doses, linac log files recorded during measurements were used for the simulations. For 4D simulations, deformation vectors that modeled the rigid translation of the lung insert were generated as input to the 4DdefDOSXYZnrc code as well as the phantom motion trace recorded with RADPOS during the measurements. Results: Monte Carlo simulations and film measurements were found to agree within 2mm/2% for 97.7% of points in the film in the static phantom and 95.5% in the moving phantom. Dose values based on film and RADPOS measurements are within 2% of each other and within 2σ of experimental uncertainties with respect to simulations. Conclusion: Our 4D Monte Carlo simulation using the defDOSXYZnrc code accurately calculates dose delivered to a moving anatomy. Future work will focus on more investigation of VMAT delivery on a moving phantom to improve the agreement between simulation and measurements, as well as establishing the accuracy of our method in a deforming anatomy. This work was supported by the Ontario Consortium of Adaptive Interventions in Radiation Oncology (OCAIRO), funded by the Ontario Research Fund Research Excellence program.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Comfort Model Simplification for Tight Integration with Grid Service Optimizations

Localized generation, storage, and intelligent power electronics are increasingly being integrated into building. The excess storage, thermal, and generation capacity can be used to develop new markets for ancillary services such as peak reduction, voltage and frequency support, or load flattening. Widespread participation in these markets will make the power grid more resilient. However, widespread participation in these markets will require a simple and intuitive control over the excess capacity by the building occupants. Most importantly for adopting these technologies, participation in these markets should not require sacrificing occupant comfort. Many of the proposed control and optimization technologies for supplying the ancillary services do not explicitly incorporate occupant comfort into their models and when they do, generally utilize a rigid constraint on the indoor air temperature set a priori. This reduces flexibility in using excess thermal capacity. It also cannot take into account uncertainties in local factors that affect thermal comfort such as clothing insulation or relative humidity. In this paper we present and justify some assumptions that simplify the standard predictors of thermal comfort. We also develop a regression model of the thermal comfort that is linear with respect to the indoor air temperature. Next we develop the concept of thermal comfort variation that eliminates the dependence of the thermal comfort on uncertain thermal comfort factors. Then, we present a quadratic program utilizing the thermal comfort variation in both the objective function and as a constraint. Finally, we show the results of a time-of-use cost optimization that utilizes the simplified thermal comfort model.

Melin, Alexander↗
DOE OSTI2014

A quality assurance framework for the fully automated and objective evaluation of image quality in cone-beam computed tomography

Purpose: Thousands of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners for vascular, maxillofacial, neurological, and body imaging are in clinical use today, but there is no consensus on uniform acceptance and constancy testing for image quality (IQ) and dose yet. The authors developed a quality assurance (QA) framework for fully automated and time-efficient performance evaluation of these systems. In addition, the dependence of objective Fourier-based IQ metrics on direction and position in 3D volumes was investigated for CBCT. Methods: The authors designed a dedicated QA phantom 10 cm in length consisting of five compartments, each with a diameter of 10 cm, and an optional extension ring 16 cm in diameter. A homogeneous section of water-equivalent material allows measuring CT value accuracy, image noise and uniformity, and multidimensional global and local noise power spectra (NPS). For the quantitative determination of 3D high-contrast spatial resolution, the modulation transfer function (MTF) of centrally and peripherally positioned aluminum spheres was computed from edge profiles. Additional in-plane and axial resolution patterns were used to assess resolution qualitatively. The characterization of low-contrast detectability as well as CT value linearity and artifact behavior was tested by utilizing sections with soft-tissue-equivalent and metallic inserts. For an automated QA procedure, a phantom detection algorithm was implemented. All tests used in the dedicated QA program were initially verified in simulation studies and experimentally confirmed on a clinical dental CBCT system. Results: The automated IQ evaluation of volume data sets of the dental CBCT system was achieved with the proposed phantom requiring only one scan for the determination of all desired parameters. Typically, less than 5 min were needed for phantom set-up, scanning, and data analysis. Quantitative evaluation of system performance over time by comparison to previous examinations was also verified. The maximum percentage interscan variation of repeated measurements was less than 4% and 1.7% on average for all investigated quality criteria. The NPS-based image noise differed by less than 5% from the conventional standard deviation approach and spatially selective 10% MTF values were well comparable to subjective results obtained with 3D resolution pattern. Determining only transverse spatial resolution and global noise behavior in the central field of measurement turned out to be insufficient. Conclusions: The proposed framework transfers QA routines employed in conventional CT in an advanced version to CBCT for fully automated and time-efficient evaluation of technical equipment. With the modular phantom design, a routine as well as an expert version for assessing IQ is provided. The QA program can be used for arbitrary CT units to evaluate 3D imaging characteristics automatically.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-P-07: Evaluation of Productivity Systems for Radiation Therapy

Purpose: Health systems throughout the United States are under increased financial pressure to reduce operating cost. As a result, productivity models developed by third-party consultants are being used to optimize staff to treatment volumes. The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate productivity systems for radiation oncology. Methods: Staffing efficiency was evaluated using multiple productivity models. The first model evaluated staffing levels using equal weighting of procedure codes and hours worked. A second productivity model was developed using hours worked by job class and relative value units for each procedure code. A third model was developed using the measured procedure times extracted from the electronic medical record, which tracks the wait and treatment times for each patient for each treatment fraction. A MatLab program was developed to query and analyze the daily treatment data. A model was then created to determine any theoretical gains in treatment productivity. Results: Productivity was evaluated for six radiation therapy departments operating nine linear accelerators delivering over 40,000 treatment fractions per year. Third party productivity models that do not take into consideration the unique nature of radiation therapy can be counterproductive. For example, other outpatient departments can compress their daily schedule to decrease the worked hours. This approach was tested using the treatment schedule evaluation tool developed as part of this study. It was determined that the maximum possible savings for treatment schedule compression was $32,000 per year per linac. All annual cost savings would be lost if only two patients per year choose to be treated elsewhere because of limited or restricted appointment times. Conclusion: The use of productivity models in radiation therapy can easily result in a loss of treatment revenue that is greater than any potential cost savings in reduced hours worked by staff.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-G-IeP2-08: Investigation On Signal Detectability in Volumetric Cone Beam CT Images with Anatomical Background

Purpose: To investigate the slice direction dependent detectability in cone beam CT images with anatomical background. Methods: We generated 3D anatomical background images using breast anatomy model. To generate 3D breast anatomy, we filtered 3D Gaussian noise with a square root of 1/f{sup 3}, and then assigned the attenuation coefficient of glandular (0.8cm{sup −1}) and adipose (0.46 cm{sup −1}) tissues based on voxel values. Projections were acquired by forward projection, and quantum noise was added to the projection data. The projection data were reconstructed by FDK algorithm. We compared the detectability of a 3 mm spherical signal in the image reconstructed from four different backprojection Methods: Hanning weighted ramp filter with linear interpolation (RECON1), Hanning weighted ramp filter with Fourier interpolation (RECON2), ramp filter with linear interpolation (RECON3), and ramp filter with Fourier interpolation (RECON4), respectively. We computed task SNR of the spherical signal in transverse and longitudinal planes using channelized Hotelling observer with Laguerre-Gauss channels. Results: Transverse plane has similar task SNR values for different backprojection methods, while longitudinal plane has a maximum task SNR value in RECON1. For all backprojection methods, longitudinal plane has higher task SNR than transverse plane. Conclusion: In this work, we investigated detectability for different slice direction in cone beam CT images with anatomical background. Longitudinal plane has a higher task SNR than transverse plane, and backprojection with hanning weighted ramp filter with linear interpolation method (i.e., RECON1) produced the highest task SNR among four different backprojection methods. This research was supported by the MSIP (Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning), Korea, under the IT Consilience Creative Programs(IITP-2015-R0346-15-1008) supervised by the IITP (Institute for Information & Communications Technology Promotion), Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the MSIP (2015R1C1A1A01052268) and framework of international cooperation program managed by NRF (NRF-2015K2A1A2067635).

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Proppant backflow: Mechanical and flow considerations

One of the concerns of using proppant in geothermal wells, and particularly in enhanced geothermal systems, is proppant flowback. Particulate proppant maintain post-closure conductivity in hydraulically opened fractures. If that proppant is displaced from the near-wellbore region, either due to overflushing during stimulation or flowback to the wellbore at any time, the reduced fracture width chokes the injection or production. Two intermediate-scale laboratory analogs of a propped hydraulic fracture were prepared, and fluid was flowed through a normally stressed, propped fracture into a central wellbore. The tests were conducted in a polyaxial load frame. Acoustic/microseismic activity was measured during the injection programs. In one scenario—radial flow through a transverse fracture to a wellbore—the results suggest the creation of flow channels and nominally intact propped zones around the channels, maintaining fracture aperture. In the other—linear flow through a longitudinal fracture into a wellbore—there was substantially more proppant removal. The measurements have shown a greater tendency for proppant flowback in a linear flow situation (proppant movement is kinematically more restricted for radial convergent flow). The pressure gradients causing flow are exceedingly small and restraining flowback will be difficult. Convergent flow relationships could be an issue for injector wells, which will experience fluid flowback during hard shutdowns.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development of high throughput light-sheet fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for 3D functional imaging of metabolic pathways in plant and microorganisms (Final Technical Report)

This research program will enable new biochemical contrast in the nanosecond lifetime domain through use of the recently demonstrated electro-optic fluorescence lifetime imaging technique (EO-FLIM) for wide-field lifetime imaging. The Stanford/Stanford Linear Accelerator Center multidisciplinary collaboration -- physics, applied physics, and structural biology -- will develop a light-sheet fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope for functional studies of microbial and plant metabolic pathways and dynamic interactions between plants and microorganisms in the rhizosphere. The proposed approach overcomes the imaging time bottleneck associated with existing fluorescence lifetime imaging methods. Initial demonstrations have shown a factor of 100,000 improvement in photon throughput compared to existing methods. High photon efficiency allowed the first wide-field fluorescence lifetime imaging of single molecules. Recent work has improved the technique’s repetition rate to enable compatibility with mode-locked lasers and demonstrated the combination of wide-field fluorescence lifetime imaging with super-resolution localization microscopy, observations of single molecule dynamics, and observation of donor lifetime quenching in single-molecule imaging. These results were achieved on standard camera sensors and would not have been possible with other wide-field approaches. The throughput and photon economy of the EO-FLIM method enables new BER-relevant imaging opportunities. In particular, scanned single- and two-photon light-sheet excitation will be used to achieve volumetric imaging with time-domain contrast.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Upgrading Fermilab’s accelerator control system with ACORN

The Fermilab Accelerator Complex is the largest national user facility in the Office of High Energy Physics (DOE/HEP) program and the only national user facility operating at Fermilab. Fermilab serves as the host to the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility/Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (LBNF/DUNE), the laboratory’s flagship project for neutrino science that is under construction. LBNF/DUNE will be powered by megawatt beams from an upgraded accelerator, the Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP-II) that will replace the laboratory’s aging linear accelerator with a new one based on superconducting radio-frequency cavities. The Accelerator Controls Operations Research Network (ACORN) Project will support LBNF/DUNE and PIP-II by modernizing the accelerator control system. The project is at the conceptual design phase and looking to achieve Critical Decision 1 (CD-1) later this year. The scope and structure of the project will be presented, along with an overview of how that has changed in the past year. Current design and technology choices will be shared. Specific challenges facing the project will be addressed, along with current thinking on solutions.

Roehrig, Christian [Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quantum Computing Strategy 2026

Quantum computing (QC) is a rapidly maturing technology with the potential for revolutionary impacts on stockpile stewardship science and national security. Recent developments in fault-tolerant architectures have compressed vendor roadmaps, and predictions of a production-ready quantum computer by the mid-2030s are becoming increasingly credible. This strategy provides a roadmap for integrating QC into the Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) program by investing in four strategic focus areas: 1. Develop Capabilities in Mission-Relevant Quantum Applications: ASC will prioritize developing quantum-ready applications in mission areas that have shown significant promise for quantum advantage, including simulations of materials in extreme environments, nuclear dynamics, solving linear and nonlinear partial differential equations, and uncertainty quantification. These applications directly support stockpile stewardship science and modernization objectives. 2. Conduct R&D in Algorithms, Software, and Hardware: Sustained research into quantum algorithms, robust software tools, and quantum hardware is essential. ASC will develop efficient quantum algorithms; invest in quantum compilers, debuggers, and performance tools; and explore specialized quantum hardware tailored to NNSA’s unique requirements. 3. Engage with Vendors and Partners: Early and active collaboration with commercial quantum hardware vendors and academic partners is critical. Through testbeds, co-design agreements, and quantum demonstration facilities, ASC will influence hardware design, gain early access to emerging technologies, and ensure that quantum platforms evolve to meet mission needs. 4. Build Knowledge, Experience, and Workforce: Expanding and upskilling the quantum-trained workforce is essential to long-term success. This includes hiring, internal training, university outreach, and postdoctoral support to ensure ASC maintains the expertise required to operate, program, and integrate quantum systems as they become available. While quantum computing will never replace classical computing, it has the potential to solve certain problems with speed and accuracy that would be unachievable using any conceivable classical high-performance computing (HPC) system. By investing strategically in QC, ASC will help propel the emergent QC industry, maintain U.S. technological leadership, ensure mission readiness, and position itself to rapidly adopt quantum technologies as they mature.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hybrid programming-model strategies for GPU offloading of electronic structure calculation kernels

To address the challenge of performance portability and facilitate the implementation of electronic structure solvers, we developed the basic matrix library (BML) and Parallel, Rapid O(N), and Graph-based Recursive Electronic Structure Solver (PROGRESS) library. The BML implements linear algebra operations necessary for electronic structure kernels using a unified user interface for various matrix formats (dense and sparse) and architectures (CPUs and GPUs). Focusing on density functional theory and tight-binding models, PROGRESS implements several solvers for computing the single-particle density matrix and relies on BML. In this paper, we describe the general strategies used for these implementations on various computer architectures, using OpenMP target functionalities on GPUs, in conjunction with third-party libraries to handle performance critical numerical kernels. In this study, we demonstrate the portability of this approach and its performance in benchmark problems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

THERMAL ANNEALING OF IRRADIATED PREHYDRIDED ZIRCALOY-4 MATERIALS

Hydrogen-assisted irradiation growth is an important issue for reliability and performance of nuclear materials in nuclear fuel cladding and fuel assembly components. The mechanisms of irradiation growth are not entirely clear and the role of hydrogen and hydrides are less so. There is evidence that breakaway irradiation growth is strongly influenced by the formation and dynamics of dislocation loops that vary with alloy composition, heat treatment and hydrogen content. Thermal annealing of eight Zircaloy-4 specimens irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory as part of the joint EPRI Nuclear Fuels Industry Research (NFIR) and Fuel Reliability Program (FRP) AsTeR irradiation growth study were performed by hot-stage transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dilatometry via NSUF RTE 17-1093. Two fluence levels (6.7 and 12.3 dpa) and three hydrogen contents (~10, 40, 120 ppm) were investigated. TEM with a hot stage was used for the quantification of "a" and "c" dislocation loop population densities and size distributions at a range of temperatures from 25 to 800oC. DSC and dilatometry were performed by dynamically heating and cooling from 30 to 750ºC at rates of 5, 10, and 20 oC/min to determine the behavior of dislocation loop annealing. Dynamic temperature DSC tests were able to detect the temperature ranges and enthalpies of "a" and "c" loop annihilation, hydride dissolution and precipitation, secondary particle precipitation, and a?a + ß phase transformations upon heating and cooling. Dilatometry tests showed that all of the test showed initial linear expansion followed by a decrease in expansion rate from about 400 to 600 ºC associated with annihilation of "a" and "c" loops and showed evidence for the thermal stabilizing effect of hydrogen on dislocation loops. The results are discussed in the context of the larger AsTeR program that will include higher exposure (~20 dpa) and different alloys when they become available in 2021.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗