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At least 91 records · Page 5

Gyrokinetic understanding of the edge pedestal transport driven by resonant magnetic perturbations in a realistic divertor geometry

Self-consistent simulations of neoclassical and electrostatic turbulent transport in a DIII-D H-mode edge plasma under resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) have been performed using the global total-f gyrokinetic particle-in-cell code XGC, in order to study density-pump out and electron heat confinement.The RMP field is imported from the extended magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) code M3D-C1, taking into account the linear two-fluid plasma response.With both neoclassical and turbulence physics considered together, the XGC simulation reproduces two key features of experimentally observed edge transport under RMPs: increased radial particle transport in the pedestal region that is sufficient to account for the experimental pump-out rate, and suppression of the electron heat flux in the steepest part of the edge pedestal.In the simulation, the density fluctuation amplitude of modes moving in the electron diamagnetic direction increases due to interaction with RMPs in the pedestal shoulder and outward, while the electron temperature fluctuation amplitude decreases.

DIII-D↗

Streaked Sub-ps-resolution X-ray Line Shapes and Implications for Solid-density Plasma Dynamics

A high-resolution x-ray spectrometer was coupled with an ultrafast x-ray streak camera to produce time-resolved line shape spectra measured from hot, solid-density plasmas. A Bragg crystal was placed near a laser-produced plasma to maximize throughput; alignment tolerances were established by raytracing. The streak camera produced single-shot time-resolved spectra, heavily sloped due to photon time-of-flight differences, with sufficient reproducibility to accumulate photon statistics. The images are time-calibrated by the slope of streaked spectra and dewarped to generate spectra emitted at different times defined at the source. The streaked spectra demonstrate the evolution of spectral shoulders and other features on ps timescales, showing the feasibility of plasma parameter measurements on the rapid timescales necessary to study high-energy-density plasmas.

High-energy-density plasmas↗

First-Order Individual Gas Sensors as Next Generation Reliable Analytical Instruments

It is conventionally expected that the performance of existing gas sensors may degrade in the field compared to laboratory conditions because (i) a sensor may lose its accuracy in the presence of chemical interferences and (ii) variations of ambient conditions over time may induce sensor-response fluctuations (i.e., drift). Breaking this status quo in poor sensor performance requires understanding the origins of design principles of existing sensors and bringing new principles to sensor designs. Existing gas sensors are single-output (e.g., resistance, electrical current, light intensity, etc.) sensors, also known as zero-order sensors (Karl Booksh and Bruce R. Kowalski, Analytical Chemistry, DOI: 10.1021/ac00087a718). Any zero-order sensor is undesirably affected by variable chemical background and sensor drift that cannot be distinguished from the response to an analyte. To address these limitations, we are developing multivariable gas sensors with independent responses, which are first-order analytical instruments. Here, we demonstrate self-correction against drift in two types of first-order gas sensors that operate in different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Our radiofrequency sensors utilize dielectric excitation of semiconducting metal oxide materials on the shoulder of their dielectric relaxation peak and achieve self-correction of the baseline drift by operation at several frequencies. Our photonic sensors utilize nanostructured sensing materials inspired by Morpho butterflies and achieve self-correction of the baseline drift by operation at several wavelengths. These principles of self-correction for drift effects in first-order sensors open opportunities for diverse emerging monitoring applications that cannot afford frequent periodic maintenance that is typical of traditional analytical instruments.

Potyrailo, Radislav A.↗

Hip Abductor Strength Asymmetry: Relationship to Upper Extremity Injury in Professional Baseball Players

Background: Hip strength is an important factor for control of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex. Deficits in hip strength may affect throwing performance and contribute to upper extremity injuries. Hypothesis: Deficits in hip abduction isometric strength would be greater in those who sustained an upper extremity injury and hip strength would predict injury incidence. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Minor League baseball players (n = 188, age = 21.5 ± 2.2 years; n = 98 pitchers; n = 90 position players) volunteered. Hip abduction isometric strength was assessed bilaterally with a handheld dynamometer in side-lying position, expressed as torque using leg length (N·m). Hip abduction strength asymmetry was represented by [(trail leg/lead leg) × 100]. Overuse or nontraumatic throwing arm injuries were prospectively tracked. Poisson regression models were used to estimate relative risk ratios associated with hip asymmetry; confounders, including history of prior overuse injury in the past year, were included. Results: Hip abduction asymmetry ranged from 0.05% to 57.5%. During the first 2 months of the season, 18 players (n = 12 pitchers) sustained an upper extremity injury. In pitchers, for every 5% increase in hip abduction asymmetry, there was a 1.24 increased risk of sustaining a shoulder or elbow injury. No relationship between hip abduction strength and injury was observed for position players. Conclusion: Hip abduction asymmetry in pitchers was related to subsequent upper extremity injuries. The observed risk ratio indicates that hip abduction asymmetry may contribute a significant but small increased risk of injury. Clinical Relevance: Hip abduction muscle deficits may affect pitching mechanics and increase arm stress. Addressing hip asymmetry deficits that exceed 5% may be beneficial in reducing upper extremity injury rates in pitchers.

Sport Sciences↗

Betty Perkins: A giant in nuclear weapons research Reports amassed after testing ban are vital to today’s work

Today’s nuclear weapons research builds upon the work of the past, often on the shoulders of the giants of nuclear document preservation in the absence of testing. One of these giants is weapons historian Betty Perkins. Before her retirement in 2016, Perkins held numerous roles at LANL, but she is best known for her pioneering work in the Weapons Program where she generated classified reports on nuclear weapons design and development. Over many years, she meticulously researched and recorded the histories of a number of critical efforts in Los Alamos’s nuclear weapons program, culminating in 13 reports comprising more than 7,200 pages.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

Final Status Report Confirming Completion of Mechanical Testing of HFIR Irradiated Nanocomposite Materials

This report provides a final status report on the in-cell mechanical testing of High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)-irradiated nanodispersion-strengthened materials at the Irradiated Materials Examination and Testing (IMET) facility. All tension tests were performed at room temperature with a nominal strain rate of 0.018 mm/mm/min using shoulder-loading grip sets by following the standard testing procedure in ASTM E8/E8M. Round 1 (unirradiated) and round 2 (0.7 dpa) testing was completed in FY 2021. This report confirms completion of round 3 (1.4 dpa) and round 4 (2.1 dpa) tensile testing in FY 2022 with examples of test data collected on select sample conditions. Additionally, the report includes IDs of samples selected for shipment to Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for additional characterization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Oppenheimer Study Center Solar Analysis

The thermal solar array on the roof of the Oppenheimer Study Center (03-0207) has been defunct and aging progressively worse for years. This study set out to investigate the current state of the abandoned solar array, its various connected systems, and the viability of replacing the array with modern PV panels. This will help offset the energy usage of the building and bring the building in line with upcoming LANL goals of electrification and net-zero emissions (Exec. Order 14057, Sec. 201-5). This study is intended to be a high level, over-the-shoulder, analysis of impact and feasibility, and shall not be considered as an approved design. Further detailed design and analysis will be necessary beyond the concept feasibility phase of this project.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Wearable robotics could save the day (and your back)

How can a lightweight back-assisted exosuit help material handlers decrease back strain from repetitive lifting tasks? What are the benefits of a passive robotic shoulder support in reducing fatigue and injury for environmental cleanup workers? How can mechanical devices reduce joint and muscle injuries in a manufacturing environment? These are some of the questions a group of Laboratory engineers are asking in their ongoing quest to identify and evaluate specially designed wearable advanced technologies to assist workers and help keep them safe.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Advanced HVAC Humidity Control for Hot-Humid Climates

During this project we develop and validate a cost-effective, integrated control solution to improve humidity control and comfort for energy-efficient homes in hot-humid climates. This study focuses on developing a strategy that is effective, field tested, and practical for builders to install with minimal disruption to standard practices. A successful solution would simplify the transition to high-performance humidity control and be the basis for design and installation guidance. By relying on the central system as a starting point, the strategy employed minimizes system complexity and cost for builders, while improving comfort and operating cost for homeowners. The solution strategy was to coordinate the cooling, dehumidification, and ventilation functions of central, ducted HVAC systems to better control indoor humidity, improve occupant thermal comfort, and capture energy savings. The primary strategic goals were to: (1) optimize dehumidification by the central air-conditioning system, particularly during part-load conditions, using conventional equipment with modified control settings and lower system airflows; (2) maximize ventilation during heating/cooling on-cycles, to “bank” and condition outdoor ventilation air, and minimize ventilation during off-cycles; (3) quantify the effectiveness and energy impact of the dehumidification and ventilation strategies, while identifying a metric that would be useful to evaluate latent effectiveness. For the test houses in our study, located in Richmond Hill, Georgia; Houston, Texas; and Monroe, Louisiana we observed: (1) the indoor humidity did not exceed 60% RH during the monitored cooling season for 99% of the time in Richmond Hill, 96% of the time in Houston, and 90% of the time in Monroe; (2) the dehumidification strategy improved the steady-state latent capacity of the HVAC system at design conditions by 16% to 49% at the Houston test house and by 28% to 71% at the Monroe test house, depending on which mode the system was operating in; and (3) the good results at the test houses were primarily due to the amount of time the air-conditioning system operated in ramping or dehumidification modes, or both, particularly during the early cooling season. This study demonstrates that air conditioners or heat pumps with a single-stage compressor can provide good humidity control without the need for a two-stage or variable-stage compressor system. The airflow and control settings for ramping and dehumidification modes are critical to control indoor humidity in hot-humid climates, particularly during part-load and shoulder season conditions. The dehumidification strategy used in this study did not jeopardize the mechanical reliability of the cooling equipment. The strategies used in this study are applicable across various equipment brands, models, and efficiency levels, and also applicable to a broad range of homes in hot-humid climates. Results will vary by specific equipment, location, and house configuration and construction.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Multi-Task with Procter and Gamble (CRADA No. NFE-10-02672)

The purpose of this Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between UT-Battelle, LLC (the “Contractor) and Procter & Gamble Company (the “Participant”) is the development of a research partnership to create new tools, tests and analytical methods to improve the performance, safety and/or environmental quality of chemicals, advanced materials, food products and manufacturing processes. The Participant operates in three global business units: Beauty, Health and Well-Being and Household Care. Some of its worldwide products include Head and Shoulders®, Pantene®, Gillette® razors and personal care products, Crest®, Dawn®, Tide®, Bounty®, Duracell® batteries; and Iams® pet food among others. At its core, however, the Participant is a science driven company. It supports one of the most robust industrial research and development (R&D) programs in the world. The Participant uses this rich foundation of science to drive innovation across all of its product lines. But the innovation process is not confined in-house The Participant pursues an “open innovation” policy, seeking partnerships with scientists and researchers in universities and national laboratories where it can contribute its extensive knowledge assets and collaborate to advance scientific understanding. The research under this multi-task CRADA was directed under the following general task areas and, throughout the duration of this CRADA the work statement was modified to match the needs of the Parties and the direction of the research. (1) Software modeling, simulation and development; (2) Manufacturing Technologies; (3) Supply Chain Optimization, (4) Advanced Materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge Field Validation: Data Collection and Analysis Plan

This document details the data collection, storage, and analysis plan and methodologies for conducting the field validation portion of DOE’s Cold Climate Heat Pump (CCHP) Challenge. The study is focused on validating the in-field heating performance of prototypical CCHPs that have successfully demonstrated that they meet or exceed the Challenge specification in a laboratory setting. The units that have passed laboratory testing will be installed in real homes along with sensors and loggers for monitoring performance over an entire heating season. Data collected through monitoring will be cleaned and stored in a secure database. The data will be analyzed for calculating the key metrics defined by the Challenge including heating capacities at low outdoor air temperatures (below 32 °F), efficiency in terms of the Coefficient of Performance (COP), switchover temperatures and auxiliary heat staging. Demand Response (DR) capabilities will also be tested using specially designed DR events. In most cases, shoulder season and cooling season performance will also be determined and reported.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Autonomous Hydrogen Fueling Station

This project “Autonomous Hydrogen Fueling Station” covered the autonomous refueling with both gaseous hydrogen and liquid hydrogen. The part on gaseous hydrogen focused on the development of an autonomous robotic fueling arm that would couple to a fuel cell engine for hydrogen refueling without guidance from the forklift operator and budget period. Research was also covered for the robotic fueling with a commercial vehicle. The second phase of the project created the baseline for an autonomous liquid hydrogen transfer system that would minimize boil off losses by operating at thermodynamically efficient state points. For the development of the robotic fueling arm, testing was conducted to establish a baseline measurement of the accuracy and repeatability of a human operator positioning a lift truck in front of a dispenser. The goal was to establish the range of motion required for an autonomous fueling mechanism to mate a hydrogen nozzle with a receptacle on a fuel cell system installed in a forklift. The final design comprised a selective compliance articulated robot arm (SCARA)-type mechanism with two arms for horizontal motion and a ball screw for vertical movement and color and LIDAR cameras were used for marker identification and proximity awareness to guide the robotic arm to its target receptacle. Initial tests resulted in 199 out of 200 successful attempts at autonomous coupling of the dispensing coupler and a fuel cell engine, without hydrogen. The dispenser prototype was modified to include tubing for both hydrogen fuel and air purge lines, but subsequent tests were confounded by the shoulder motor over current errors which limited the robot from getting to the fully inserted position to achieve a positive latch. Robotic hydrogen refueling was successfully demonstrated over 1.5 hours of testing, Plug completed 29 successful latches with an average number of 4 sequential latches before failure. However, a robot capable of placing the nozzle with more force is required for higher reliability. For budget period two, a small scale (10 kg / transfer) automated control system was designed that would operate valves to control pressure and flow of liquid nitrogen between a source and receiving tank with an aim to minimize boil off losses by operating at the most thermodynamically efficient state points. Control system logic flow and a P&ID were developed prior to system safety characterization via HAZOP. A control narrative and system state points were defined. Delays in approval for a change of project objective and procurement issues precluded the construction and test of the final prototype system.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Geothermal Direct-Use Applications for the District Energy System in Bucharest, Romania

The city of Bucharest, Romania, hosts the second-largest district energy system (DES) in the world. Geothermal resources can be considered as a supplementary heat source to support the demand for domestic hot water and space heating in the winter and shoulder seasons. The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) has conducted a study that considers geothermal energy to serve a fraction of the existing district heating network operated by Electrocentrale Bucure?ti (ELCEN), the utility operating the DES. Lower Cretaceous and Jurassic limestones make up the main geothermal aquifer underlying Bucharest, which hosts temperatures suitable for district heating (up to 90 degrees C to the north of the city). Anomalous geothermal gradients have been observed to the north of the city, where a pumped well has produced 82 degrees C brine at the wellhead to feed the Therme Bucharest Spa. An anomalous gradient has also been reported to the southeast of the city (35 degrees C/km). NLR modeled the building heating loads of a small portion of the DES (a block of nine prototypical buildings) in its Urban Renewable Building and Neighborhood Optimization (URBANopt ) platform. To simulate meeting a baseload benchmark of 20 MWth deliverable to a small portion of the DES, the NLR team used GEOPHIRES to model production scenarios for (1) hydrothermal systems coupled with heat pumps targeting the main geothermal aquifer in the north, (2) enhanced geothermal systems targeting hot dry rock in the southeast, and (3) huff-and-puff systems targeting a gradient of 25 degrees C/km. Finally, NLR conducted a high-level sensitivity study around the techno-economics of these systems. The outcomes of this work indicate that hot dry rock geothermal resources that can deliver at least 90 degrees C hot water to the Geothermal District Energy System (GeoDES) offer a possible solution for supplemental geothermal heat delivered to the existing DES.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

CFD Modeling of an 81" Single Slope Barrier Wall Drainage Window for on Grade and Sag Conditions

The main goal of this study is to design a drainage window in an 81" single slope barrier wall for on-grade and sag conditions that could replace the standard ODOT I-3 barrier catch basin. The ODOT design guidelines are as follows: a) Examine configurations of the opening to the flume behind the wall under the wall section to maximize conveyance of flow to a roadside ditch section. b) Examine window lengths and configurations to maximize hydraulic efficiency on a grade up to an absolute maximum window length of 20 ft. c) Use a minimum opening height of 4 in. and consider tapering to an increased height at the outlet to the flume to reduce the potential for debris clogging beneath the barrier section. On-grade locations are analyzed for longitudinal slope up to 5% and spread up to 10 ft. Sag locations, represented by pavement at zero longitudinal slope, are analyzed for water depths up to 18 in. The roadway cross section consists of a 10-ft shoulder at a 4.0% cross slope and pavement at a 1.6% cross slope. All surfaces are represented with Manning’s n = 0.015. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to perform the analysis. The modeling approach follows previous studies by the authors. The new design is similar to a slotted inlet: a rectangular opening cut into the bottom of a barrier (e.g., a temporary barrier or single slope barrier wall), which typically has a uniform cross section. Findings from laboratory tests of flow under Florida DOT barrier walls were used for additional validation of the modeling approach used in this study.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with bioterrorism preparedness in healthcare workers: a systematic review

Introduction Bioterrorism is an important issue in the field of biosecurity, and effectively dealing with bioterrorism has become an urgent task worldwide. Healthcare workers are considered bioterrorism first responders, who shoulder essential responsibilities and must be equipped to deal with bioterrorism. This study aims to extract and summarize the main research components of the bioterrorism knowledge, attitude, and practice dimensions among healthcare workers. Method This study utilized a systematic review research design based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for peer-reviewed literature, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018 was used to assess the quality of the literature. Result A total of 16 studies were included in the final selection. Through the analysis and summary of the included studies, three main aspects and 14 subaspects of the knowledge dimension, three main aspects and 10 subaspects of the attitude dimension, and two main aspects and six subaspects of the practice dimension were extracted. Conclusion This study conducted a literature review on bioterrorism knowledge, attitudes, and practices for healthcare workers based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The findings can guide improvements in health literacy and provide beneficial information to professional organizations that need to respond effectively to bioterrorism.

Li, Tiantian↗

Chitosan Coating Functionalized with Flaxseed Oil and Green Tea Extract as a Bio-Based Solution for Beef Preservation

Ecological and safe packaging solutions arise as pivotal points in the development of an integrated system for sustainable meat production. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a combined chitosan (Ch) + green tea extract (GTE) + essential oil (thyme oil, TO; flaxseed oil, FO; or oregano oil, OO) coating on the safety and quality of vacuum-packaged beef during storage at 4 °C. An optimized bio-based coating formulation was selected (2% Ch + 2% GTE + 0.1% FO) to be applied to three fresh beef cuts (shoulder, Sh; knuckle, Kn; Striploin, St) based on its pH (5.8 ± 0.1), contact angle (22.3 ± 0.4°) and rheological parameters (viscosity = 0.05 Pa.s at shear rate > 20 s−1). Shelf-life analysis showed that the Ch–GTE–FO coating delayed lipid oxidation and reduced total viable counts (TVC) and Enterobacteriaceae growth compared with uncoated beef samples over five days. In addition, Ch–GTE–FO coating decreased total color changes of beef samples (e.g., ∆E* = 9.84 and 3.94, for non-coated and coated Kn samples, respectively) for up to five days. The original textural parameters (hardness, adhesiveness and springiness) of beef cuts were maintained during storage when Ch–GTE–FO coating was applied. Based on the physicochemical and microbial characterization results, the combination of the Ch–GTE–FO coating developed was effective in preserving the quality of fresh beef cuts during refrigerated storage along with vacuum packaging.

Mendes, Cíntia G.↗

Deformation and Transformation Textures in the NaMgF3 Neighborite—Post-Perovskite System

The D″ region of the lower mantle, which lies just above the core–mantle boundary, is distinct from the bulk of the lower mantle in that it exhibits complex seismic heterogeneity and seismic anisotropy. Seismic anisotropy in this region is likely to be largely due to the deformation-induced texture (crystallographic preferred orientation) development of the constituent mineral phases. Thus, seismic anisotropy can provide a marker for deformation processes occurring in this dynamic region of the Earth. Post-perovskite-structured (Mg,Fe)SiO3 is believed to be the dominant mineral phase in many regions of the D”. As such, understanding deformation mechanisms and texture development in post-perovskite is important for the interpretation of observed seismic anisotropy. Here, we report on high-pressure diamond anvil cell deformation experiments on NaMgF3 neighborite (perovskite structure) and post-perovskite. During deformation, neighborite develops a 100 texture, as has been previously observed, both in NaMgF3 and MgSiO3 perovskite. Upon transformation to the post-perovskite phase, an initial texture of {130} at high angles to compression is observed, indicating that the {100} planes of perovskite become the ~{130} planes of post-perovskite. Further compression results in the development of a shoulder towards (001) in the inverse pole figure. Plasticity modeling using the elasto-viscoplastic self-consistent code shows this texture evolution to be most consistent with deformation on (001)[100] with some contribution of glide on (100)[010] and (001)<110> in NaMgF3 post-perovskite. The transformation and deformation mechanisms observed in this study in the NaMgF3 system are consistent with the behavior generally observed in other perovskite–post-perovskite systems, including the MgSiO3 system. This shows that NaMgF3 is a good analog for the mantle bridgmanite and MgSiO3 post-perovskite.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗

Fundamental Parameters of the Eclipsing Binary DD CMa and Evidence for Mass Exchange

We present a detailed photometric and spectroscopic analysis of DD CMa, based on published survey photometry and new spectroscopic data. We find an improved orbital period of P {sub o} = 2.0084530(6) days. Our spectra reveal Hβ and Hα absorptions with weak emission shoulders, and we also find a color excess in the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer multiband photometry, interpreted as signatures of circumstellar matter. We model the V-band orbital light curve derived from the ASAS and ASAS-SN surveys, assuming a semidetached configuration and using the mass ratio and temperature of the hotter star derived from our spectroscopic analysis. Our model indicates that the system consists of a B2.5 dwarf and a B9 giant of radii 3.2 and 3.7 R {sub ⊙}, respectively, orbiting in a circular orbit of radius 6.75 R {sub ⊙}. We also found M {sub c} = 1.7 ± 0.1 M {sub ⊙}, T {sub c} = 11,350 ± 100 K, and M {sub h} = 6.4 ± 0.1 M {sub ⊙}, T {sub h} = 20,000 ± 500 K, for the cooler and hotter star, respectively. We find broad single emission peaks in Hα and Hβ after subtracting the synthetic stellar spectra. Our results are consistent with mass exchange between the stars and suggest the existence of a stream of gas being accreted onto the early B-type star.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗