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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Thermal loading analysis of the ring injection dump for the Spallation Neutron Source facility

The ring injection dump (RID) is the largest beam dump in the Spallation Neutron Source facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and accepts a fraction of the beam from the ring that is not captured in the ring during injection. Thermo-fluid modeling of the RID components was performed during the initial design by using the software ANSYS CFX to characterize the power rating for the RID. From the calculations, the power rating was lowered from 200 kW to 150 kW, at 1.3 GeV beam energy due to concerns regarding the heating of the concrete structure. The Proton Power Upgrade project scope included reevaluating the power limit to the RID in anticipation that increasing it would provide more operational flexibility. The focus was on the shielding because it was the limiting factor, and data collected from thermocouples installed on the structure were used to benchmark the analysis. A three-stage process was adopted in the latest study. First, the already existing steady-state calculations were validated and extended with the latest Monte Carlo N-Particle source term calculations. Second, transient calculations were conducted to capture the dynamic state of the system in response to the energy dumped to the RID during the following operational period of the beam from 2005–2019 (14 years), and sensitivity analyses of crucial parameters were performed to benchmark the model with reasonable accuracy. Finally, an idealized transient cycle analysis was conducted with realistic duty factors to predict the temperature distribution at higher beam powers. Overall, the results confirmed the accuracy of the original steady state model but allowed the development of a new validated transient model with higher accuracy for future analyses.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS2000

Innovative Research Program: Supershields for Gamma-Ray Astronomy

The supershield project evaluated the importance of novel shield configurations for suppressing neutron induced background in new classes of gamma-ray detectors such as CZT. The basic concept was to use a two-part shield. The outer shield material heavily moderates the incoming neutron spectrum. This moderated neutron beam is then more easily absorbed by the inner material, which is an efficient neutron absorber. This approach is, in principle, more efficient than that in previous attempts to make neutron shields. These previous attempts involved biatomic, monlithic shields (eg. LiH) in which the shield consisted of a single material but with two types of atoms - one for moderating and one for absorbing. The problem with this type of monolithic shield is that moderating neutrons, without the efficient absorption of them, leads to the leakage into the detector of neutrons with a low energy component (approx. 10-100 KeV). These energy neutrons are particularly problematic for many types of detectors. The project was roughly divided into phases. In the first phase we attempted to carefully define the neutron source function incident on any space instrument. This is essential since the design of any shield depends on the shape of the incident neutron spectrum. We found that approximations commonly used in gamma-ray astronomy for photon background is inadequate. In addition, we found that secondary neutrons produced in any passive shield, and dominated by inelastic neutron scattering, are far more important than background due to neutron activation. The second phase of our work involved design of supershield geometries (one and three dimensional) in order to compare different shield configurations and materials for their effectiveness as neutron shields. Moreover we wanted to compare these supershields with previous neutron shields to confirm the performance differences between the supershield (two material) and monolithic (one material) designs and to understand the physics origins of these differences more clearly. The third phase of the supershield program involved the benchmarking of the supershield designs through direct experimental verification. This required fabricating various supershields and exposing them to beams of neutrons to directly characterize their performance. With explicit verification that our modeling procedures can be used with confidence, we are now in a position to design shields for realistic space geometries. Using the supershield modeling capacity developed as part of this program we are attempting to evaluate their utility for a specific proposed mission--the Energetic X-ray Imaging Survey Telescope (EXIST). It is anticipated that this experiment, which is limited by internal background at high energies, might benefit from a neutron shield.

Hailey, Charles J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

IER 555: Godiva Benchmark Update CED-2 (Final Design Report)

The International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) evaluation of the Godiva IV critical assembly, HEU-MET-FAST-086: GODIVA-IV DELAYED-CRITICAL EXPERIMENTS (HMF-086), was completed by Russ Mosteller. Five critical experiment configurations performed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Technical Area (TA)-18 were evaluated as acceptable benchmark cases. The five cases consist of four delayed critical configurations which differ in control rod positions and one prompt critical configuration. All cases calculated a lower $k_{eff}$ than measured by experiment. This data is referred to as the TA-18 Godiva IV benchmark in this report. In 2005, Godiva IV was disassembled for relocation to the Nevada Test Site (NTS), now Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC). Following the disassembly and subsequent reassembly and startup of Godiva IV at NCERC, additional information about the Godiva IV components was obtained. An errata note was added to the HMF-086 evaluation in the ICSBEP handbook to provide this new information until a revision to the benchmark evaluation could be performed. In addition to those corrections, there are differences between the Godiva IV assembly at TA-18 and the Godiva IV assembly at NCERC. These differences include both assembly-specific differences (differences in the safety block gap, differences in the control rod positions, a new NCERC Top Hat and contamination shield) as well as environmental differences, such as the size and shape of the experimental building where the assembly is located. An additional model with similar cases, referred to as the NCERC Godiva IV benchmark in this report, will be added to the revised HMF-086 to capture these additional differences. This will provide the best benchmark model of Godiva for use by those performing experiments at NCERC. The IER 555 CED-2 report documents the information that will be updated in the HMF-086 revision, both the corrections to the TA-18 Godiva IV benchmark and the subsequent changes to create a NCERC Godiva IV benchmark. It describes the measurements that will be performed for cases similar to those performed at TA-18. It also describes measurements that will be included in the evaluation as additional data.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Comparison of Modeled to Measured Spectra using MCNP and GADRAS to Benchmark and Contrast Modeling Limitations

The desire to improve nuclear material detection through portal monitors and other low resolution detectors has led to interest in benchmarking the performance of radiation transport codes. These codes can be used to generate a variety and quantity of spectra that may be cost prohibitive to measure directly. Particular characteristics of typical detection scenarios were isolated to compare the performance of radiation transport codes to laboratory experiments. These benchmark experiments were performed to validate simulations in a number of key areas. These experiments included high areal density configurations in both one- and three-dimensional configurations. In addition, off-angle measurements were conducted to investigate the impact of detector response assumptions on complex geometries, for example where an unknown source is not physically collocated with an apparent hot spot. Furthermore, by examining both simple shielding and backscatter configurations, isolation of the scatter emanating from the object and environmental background scatter contributions to the spectra could be elucidated. A series of experiments were performed in which the order of shielding layers and the thickness were evaluated to examine the ability of the simulations to address these variables. Experiments with increasing thickness of polyethylene around a neutron source also allows for examinations of the ability of the transport simulations to properly model n,γ reactions. Finally, depleted uranium (DU) measurements have more complicated spectra than the cobalt-60 and consequently allow for investigations into the ability of transport simulations to model self-shielding. In each case, the results of the experiments were compared to MCNP simulations to judge the performance of the code, as was done previously with GADRAS 18.7.9 simulations [7]. All of the benchmark measurements were taken with a liquid nitrogen cooled 140% high purity germanium (HPGe) detector with a bismuth collimator that had the front tin filter removed. The measurement location and detector configuration were subsequently used for all experimental configurations. The remainder of this report details the experimental measurements, Section 2 and the MCNP model, Section 3. Comparisons between the experimental results and MCNP-generated spectra are performed, Section 4. Section 5 compares the results obtained with MCNP with the previously reported results obtained with GADRAS [2]. Finally, Section 6 presents the conclusions.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
NASA NTRS2006

Deep Space Test Bed for Radiation Studies

A key factor affecting the technical feasibility and cost of missions to Mars or the Moon is the need to protect the crew from ionizing radiation in space. Some analyses indicate that large amounts of spacecraft shielding may be necessary for crew safety. The shielding requirements are driven by the need to protect the crew from Galactic cosmic rays (GCR). Recent research activities aimed at enabling manned exploration have included shielding materials studies. A major goal of this research is to develop accurate radiation transport codes to calculate the shielding effectiveness of materials and to develop effective shielding strategies for spacecraft design. Validation of these models and calculations must be addressed in a relevant radiation environment to assure their technical readiness and accuracy. Test data obtained in the deep space radiation environment can provide definitive benchmarks and yield uncertainty estimates of the radiation transport codes. The two approaches presently used for code validation are ground based testing at particle accelerators and flight tests in high-inclination low-earth orbits provided by the shuttle, free-flyer platforms, or polar-orbiting satellites. These approaches have limitations in addressing all the radiation-shielding issues of deep space missions in both technical and practical areas. An approach based on long duration high altitude polar balloon flights provides exposure to the galactic cosmic ray composition and spectra encountered in deep space at a lower cost and with easier and more frequent access than afforded with spaceflight opportunities. This approach also results in shorter development times than spaceflight experiments, which is important for addressing changing program goals and requirements.

Adams, James H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Entry into outer planet environments. II - Performance of volume reflecting hyperpure silica heat shields

The performance of hyperpure silica heat shields that backscatter incident radiation in the depths of the material, i.e., a volume reflecting heat shield, is mapped for probes entering the atmospheres of Saturn and Uranus. Three models of each atmosphere are considered; the warm, nominal, and cool models. The most recent thermophysical and optical properties of hyperpure silica are employed. Detailed incident radiative spectra and the effects of ablation on radiative and convective heating obtained from benchmark flowfield solutions are used. In-depth material response is examined and results are presented in terms of the peak rear-face temperature as a function of initial thickness for each atmosphere. Results are compared with carbon phenolic heat-shield requirements.

Howe, J. T.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Radiation driven Hohlraum using 2 ω for ICF implosions at the NIF

Radiation flux symmetry in laser-irradiated Hohlraum environments is difficult to model and control and relies on the details of plasma evolution and laser energy deposition in the harsh plasma-filled Hohlraum over the duration of the laser pulse. This study presents a conceptual design and assesses the feasibility of using lasers to create a radiation drive where the implosion symmetry relies mainly on radiation transport. In this design, the ends of a capsule containing Hohlraum are irradiated by drive laser beams that are shielded from the view of the capsule. This configuration enables the use of frequency doubled light that has a higher power and energy threshold for the current capability of NIF, up to 670 TW and ∼3.5 MJ. We estimate, using VISRAD benchmarked against HYDRA calculations, that the same drive conditions that are currently being achieved in hybridE experiments at the NIF 270–290 at the equator can be reached in this new geometry and large 6.4 mm diameter Hohlraums. The radiation drive asymmetries in this design can be mitigated by shimming the capsule ablator thickness or through tailoring the shape of the shielding to the laser spots.

Kritcher, A. L. (ORCID:0000000296941088)↗
DOE OSTI2022

First Leptophobic Dark Matter Search from the Coherent–CAPTAIN-Mills Liquid Argon Detector

We report the first results of a search for leptophobic dark matter (DM) from the Coherent–CAPTAIN-Mills (CCM) liquid argon (LAr) detector. An engineering run with 120 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and 17.9 × 10 20 protons on target (POT) was performed in fall 2019 to study the characteristics of the CCM detector. The operation of this 10-ton detector was strictly light based with a threshold of 50 keV and used coherent elastic scattering off argon nuclei to detect DM. Despite only 1.5 months of accumulated luminosity, contaminated LAr, and nonoptimized shielding, CCM’s first engineering run has already achieved sensitivity to previously unexplored parameter space of light dark matter models with a baryonic vector portal. With an expected background of 115 005 events, we observe 115 005 + 16.5 events which is compatible with background expectations. For a benchmark mediator-to-DM mass ratio of m V B =m χ = 2.1, DM masses within the range 9 MeV ≲ m χ ≲ 50 MeV are excluded at 90% C. L. in the leptophobic model after applying the Feldman-Cousins test statistic. CCM’s upgraded run with 200 PMTs, filtered LAr, improved shielding, and 10 times more POT will be able to exclude the remaining thermal relic density parameter space of this model, as well as probe new parameter space of other leptophobic DM models.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

An Analytic Benchmark for Neutron Boltzmann Transport with Downscattering—Part I: Flux and Eigenvalue Solutions

Computing in the energy dimension is one of the greatest challenges confronting present-day deterministic neutron transport solvers. Accurately resolving the neutron flux as neutrons downscatter across resonances in the nuclear cross sections currently requires considerable computing power and suffers from approximation errors. Flux uncertainty resulting from the uncertainty of the resonance structure is the single-largest cause of reactivity uncertainty. Any additional reference solution for the critical neutron downscattering problem with resonance phenomena would be a boon to verification and validation of neutronics codes. This paper establishes a benchmark to verify the accuracy of neutron transport criticality solvers along the energy dimension. For the first time, the analytic solution of the flux amplitude is derived in the particular case of an infinite homogeneous medium with isotropic scattering in the center of mass and an arbitrary number of no-threshold, neutral particle reaction resonances (e.g., radiative capture, fission, and resonance scattering). Furthermore, original analytic expressions are established to quantify the discrepancy between the ψ k (E) and ψ α (E) flux amplitudes, respective solutions of the multiplication factor k, or the exponential time-evolution frequency α eigenproblems. The physical study of these relations led to analysis of their first-order relative difference near the criticality condition α=0. Finally, numerical solutions are provided to a benchmark problem constituted of the first resonance of 239 Pu, the 6.67-eV resonance of 238 U, and a scattering isotope with a flat cross section, allowing for the computational verification of the energy resolution of current neutron transport criticality codes. Through these novel results, this analytic benchmark can serve as a reference to verify the energy resolution and sensitivity analysis of neutron transport criticality calculations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Updated Numerical Analysis Benchmarks for Meteoroid Relevant Materials

Proposal for update of numerical analysis benchmark for meteoroid relevant materials. - Two recently performed shots are proposed to be numerical analysis benchmarks for numerical simulations of impacts of high-density meteoroids (Al 2 O 3 surrogate) and low-density meteoroids (Nylon surrogate). - A pair of general Whipple shields have been studied: - Bumper and rear walls are the same material and thickness between shields - Separation is 4.5 cm for Al 2 O 3 and 1.5 cm for Nylon - Information gathered includes high speed (1 MHz) shadowgraphs of debris cloud, bumper hole size and rear wall hole area.

Orbital Debris↗
NASA NTRS2000

A Radiation Shielding Code for Spacecraft and Its Validation

The HZETRN code, which uses a deterministic approach pioneered at NASA Langley Research Center, has been developed over the past decade to evaluate the local radiation fields within sensitive materials (electronic devices and human tissue) on spacecraft in the space environment. The code describes the interactions of shield materials with the incident galactic cosmic rays, trapped protons, or energetic protons from solar particle events in free space and low Earth orbit. The content of incident radiations is modified by atomic and nuclear reactions with the spacecraft and radiation shield materials. High-energy heavy ions are fragmented into less massive reaction products, and reaction products are produced by direct knockout of shield constituents or from de-excitation products. An overview of the computational procedures and database which describe these interactions is given. Validation of the code with recent Monte Carlo benchmarks, and laboratory and flight measurement is also included.

Shinn, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS2002

CEM2k and LAQGSM Codes as Event-Generators for Space Radiation Shield and Cosmic Rays Propagation Applications

Space radiation shield applications and studies of cosmic ray propagation in the Galaxy require reliable cross sections to calculate spectra of secondary particles and yields of the isotopes produced in nuclear reactions induced both by particles and nuclei at energies from threshold to hundreds of GeV per nucleon. Since the data often exist in a very limited energy range or sometimes not at all, the only way to obtain an estimate of the production cross sections is to use theoretical models and codes. Recently, we have developed improved versions of the Cascade-Exciton Model (CEM) of nuclear reactions: the codes CEM97 and CEM2k for description of particle-nucleus reactions at energies up to about 5 GeV. In addition, we have developed a LANL version of the Quark-Gluon String Model (LAQGSM) to describe reactions induced both by particles and nuclei at energies up to hundreds of GeVhucleon. We have tested and benchmarked the CEM and LAQGSM codes against a large variety of experimental data and have compared their results with predictions by other currently available models and codes. Our benchmarks show that CEM and LAQGSM codes have predictive powers no worse than other currently used codes and describe many reactions better than other codes; therefore both our codes can be used as reliable event-generators for space radiation shield and cosmic ray propagation applications. The CEM2k code is being incorporated into the transport code MCNPX (and several other transport codes), and we plan to incorporate LAQGSM into MCNPX in the near future. Here, we present the current status of the CEM2k and LAQGSM codes, and show results and applications to studies of cosmic ray propagation in the Galaxy.

Mashnik, S. G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Benchmark solutions for the galactic ion transport equations: Energy and spatially dependent problems

Nontrivial benchmark solutions are developed for the galactic ion transport (GIT) equations in the straight-ahead approximation. These equations are used to predict potential radiation hazards in the upper atmosphere and in space. Two levels of difficulty are considered: (1) energy independent, and (2) spatially independent. The analysis emphasizes analytical methods never before applied to the GIT equations. Most of the representations derived have been numerically implemented and compared to more approximate calculations. Accurate ion fluxes are obtained (3 to 5 digits) for nontrivial sources. For monoenergetic beams, both accurate doses and fluxes are found. The benchmarks presented are useful in assessing the accuracy of transport algorithms designed to accommodate more complex radiation protection problems. In addition, these solutions can provide fast and accurate assessments of relatively simple shield configurations.

Ganapol, Barry D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Galileo probe forebody entry thermal protection - Aerothermal environments and heat shielding requirements

Solutions are presented for the aerothermal heating environments and the material thermal response for the forebody heatshield on the candidate 242 kg Galileo probe entering the modeled nominal and cold-dense Jovian atmospheres. In the flowfield analysis, a finite difference procedure was employed to obtain benchmark predictions of pressure, radiation and convective heating rates (both laminar and turbulent) and the corresponding wall blowing obtained under the steady state approximation. The fluxes over the probe flank were found to be in a range where spallation is an important mass loss mechanism. The predicted heating rates were also used as boundary conditions for a charring materials ablation which was used to predict thermochemical based surface recession, mass loss and bondline temperatures. The contingency factor of 30% currently employed by NASA was found to be insufficient for entry into the cold-dense atmosphere.

Nicolet, W. E.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Spaceflight Validation of Hzetrn Code

HZETRN is being developed as a fast deterministic radiation transport code applicable to neutrons, protons, and multiply charged ions in the space environment. It was recently applied to 50 hours of IMP8 data measured during the August 4, 1972 solar event to map the hourly exposures within the human body under several shield configurations. This calculation required only 18 hours on a VAX 4000 machine. A similar calculation using the Monte Carlo method would have required two years of dedicated computer time. The code has been benchmarked against well documented and tested Monte Carlo proton transport codes with good success. The code will allow important trade studies to be made with relative ease due to the computational speed and will be useful in assessing design alternatives in an integrated system software environment. Since there are no well tested Monte Carlo codes for HZE particles, we have been engaged in flight validation of the HZETRN results. To date we have made comparison with TEPC, CR-39, charge particle telescopes, and Bonner spheres. This broad range of detectors allows us to test a number of functions related to differing physical processes which add to the complicated radiation fields within a spacecraft or the human body, which functions can be calculated by the HZETRN code system. In the present report we will review these results.

Wilson, J. W.↗
DOE OSTI2025

An NCrystal extension for thermal neutron scattering in MCNP

A new extension for MCNP has been developed that incorporates the NCrystal thermal scattering package in the form of a Fortran to C++ wrapper, which adds the capability to describe thermal neutron scattering in the NCrystal formalism instead of the ACE tabular format. This can be used to described poly- or single-crystalline materials as well as liquids. In conclusion, the functionality of this extension to MCNP is illustrated using a layered crystal monochromator, leakage of neutrons from a moderating sphere of material, and by simulating criticality benchmarks.

MCNP↗
DOE OSTI2020

Thermal Analysis of a Superconducting Undulator Cryostat for the APS Upgrade

The Advanced Photon Source Upgrade includes four 4.8-m-long superconducting undulator (SCU) cryostats, each containing two planar undulator NbTi magnets up to 1.9 m long. The cooling is provided by six cryocoolers arranged in three thermal circuits. The magnets are indirectly cooled with LHe penetrating through channels in the magnet cores. This 4 K circuit, which also includes a LHe tank, is cooled by five 4 K cryocooler 2nd stages. A beam vacuum, which is thermally isolated from the magnets, is cooled by one 10 K cryocooler 2nd stage. A thermal shield and warm parts of current leads are cooled by the 1st stages of all six cryocoolers. This paper presents an ANSYS-based thermal analysis of the new SCU cryostat including all thermal circuits. The benchmarked thermal conductance between the cryocooler cold heads and the LHe tank are used in the calculations as well as the measured cryocooler load lines. The model predicts temperatures in the system, total 4 K heat loads, and excess cooling power for various operational modes of the undulator.

Shiroyanagi, Y.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Radioisotope production at the Spallation Neutron Source: Design concept of experimental target station

Completion of the Proton Power Upgrade Project for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) accelerator at Oak Ridge National Laboratory opens an opportunity to utilize reserve beam power of more than 100 kW for applications beyond neutron production. One of these applications is the production of critical radionuclides. To demonstrate the feasibility of using the reserve beam power to produce radioisotope at SNS, a design concept of a small-scale experimental target station in the Linac Dump area has been developed. This experimental facility will provide isotope yield benchmarking data using protons in the GeV range. It will also enable additional research and development in isotope handling and radiochemical separation. The target station consists of a target module enclosed in a vessel and concrete shielding. Particle transport calculations and thermo-mechanical simulations are used to determine beam parameters, decay time, isotope yield, shielding dimensions, and target design parameters. Calculations verified that the irradiated capsule can be handled manually using hands-off tools and transported to a hot cell in a shielded container for post-irradiation characterizations.

Lee, Yong Joong [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000298381723)↗