Spark plasma sintered porous aluminum oxide for filtration applications
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Materials Science↗
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Results for “Particle shape”
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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Development of digital electronics for the search of SHE nuclei using GARIS-II/III at RIKEN
This work describes the implementation of a digital data acquisition system for the search and study of short-lived isotopes or superheavy elements at the GARIS-III separator at the RIKEN Nishina Center. Here a reduction to 26 ± 0.5 keV in the average value of the Full Width at Half Maximum of the alpha spectrum at 7.133 MeV was achieved, combined with a reduction of the dead time of the overall system to around a few tens of nanoseconds for the detection of very fast decay chains. Moreover, we measured a reduction of the background induced by particles crossing the implantation detector using pulse shape analysis techniques. The detail of the optimization and analysis will be presented.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Three-Dimensional Settling Dynamics of Environmental Microplastics
Resolving the three-dimensional settling dynamics of microplastic (MP) particles is essential for developing comprehensive models of MP transport in rivers-both vertically within the water column and laterally across the channel. While previous research has largely examined one-dimensional vertical settling velocities, little is known about the lateral drifting, settling paths, and horizontal velocities of MPs. To address this, we investigated the full three-dimensional settling behavior of environmental MPs collected from rivers and ocean water, as well as from estuarine and ocean sediment. Geometric properties of 127 environmental MPs were quantified by a dynamic particle image analyzer, and their settling trajectories were recorded and reconstructed via a multicamera tracking algorithm. This enabled quantification of a particle's horizontal drift, tortuosity, amplitude and settling pattern, as well as vertical and horizontal velocities. Results showed that spherical MPs settled with minimal lateral displacement, whereas elongated particles, such as rod- and blade-shaped MPs, displayed pronounced lateral movements, reaching up to 65 times their equivalent diameter and averaging more than twice that of spheres. These dynamics suggest that elongated MPs may have a greater probability for wider lateral dispersion in rivers, increasing their likelihood for interactions with riverbanks and channel boundaries compared to more spherical shaped MPs.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
Reconstruction of Electron and Ion Distribution Functions in a Magnetotail Reconnection Diffusion Region
In the diffusion region of magnetotail reconnection, particle distributions are highly structured, exhibiting triangular shapes and multiple striations that deviate dramatically from the Maxwellian distribution. Fully kinetic simulations have been demonstrated to be capable of producing the essential structures of the observed distribution functions, yet are computationally not feasible for 3D global simulations. The fluid models used for large-scale simulations, on the other hand, do not have the kinetic physics necessary for describing reconnection accurately. Our study aims to bridge fully kinetic and fluid simulations by quantifying the information required to capture the non-Maxwellian features in the distributions underlying the closures used in the fluid code. Here, we compare the results of fully kinetic simulations with observed electron velocity distributions in a magnetotail reconnection diffusion region and use the maximum entropy model to reconstruct electron and ion distributions using various numbers of moments obtained from the simulation. Our results indicate that using only local moments, the maximum entropy model can reproduce many of the features of the distributions: (1) the electron outflow distribution with a tilted triangular structure is reproduced with 21 or more moments in agreement with Ng et al. and (2) counterstreaming distributions can be captured with the 35-moment model when the separation in velocity space between the populations is large.
58 GEOSCIENCES↗
Structure, folding and flexibility of co-transcriptional RNA origami
RNA origami is a method for designing RNA nanostructures that can self-assemble through co-transcriptional folding with applications in nanomedicine and synthetic biology. However, to advance the method further, an improved understanding of RNA structural properties and folding principles is required. Here we use cryogenic electron microscopy to study RNA origami sheets and bundles at sub-nanometre resolution revealing structural parameters of kissing-loop and crossover motifs, which are used to improve designs. In RNA bundle designs, we discover a kinetic folding trap that forms during folding and is only released after 10 h. Furthermore, exploration of the conformational landscape of several RNA designs reveal the flexibility of helices and structural motifs. Finally, sheets and bundles are combined to construct a multidomain satellite shape, which is characterized by individual-particle cryo-electron tomography to reveal the domain flexibility. Together, the study provides a structural basis for future improvements to the design cycle of genetically encoded RNA nanodevices.
77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
Programmable chiral states in flocks of active magnetic rollers
Inspired by nature, active matter exemplified by self-organization of motile units into macroscopic structures holds great promise for advanced tunable materials capable of flocking, shape-shifting, and self-healing. Active particles driven by external fields have repeatedly demonstrated potential for complex self-organization and collective behavior, yet how to guide the direction of their collective motion largely remains unexplored. Here, we report a system of microscopic ferromagnetic rollers driven by an alternating magnetic field that demonstrates programmable control of the direction of a self-organized coherent vortical motion (i.e., chirality). Facilitated by a droplet confinement, the rollers get synchronized and display either right- or left-handed spontaneous vortical motion, such that their moving direction determines the vortex chirality. Here, we reveal that one can remotely command a flock of magnetic rollers to switch or maintain its chiral state by modulating a phase shift of the sinusoidal magnetic field powering the active rollers. Building on our findings, we realize a self-assembled remotely controlled micro-pump architecture capable of switching the fluid transport direction on demand. Our studies may stimulate new design strategies for directed transport and flocking robotics at the microscale based on active colloids.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Localised plasmons in sphere-like fullerenes and nanoparticles with conducting shells: Classical electrodynamic approach
Based on the classical electrodynamic approach, we consider localised plasmons in fullerenes and small particles with metal layers and shells. At low energies of the radiation quantum, models of fullerenes as conducting shells are used taking into account the contribution of only π electrons, and at high energies, of both π and σ electrons. The obtained maxima of the scattering cross sections correspond to the values of 20 and 27 eV that were determined experimentally and in quantum models for the maxima of the photoionisation cross sections of fullerenes C{sub 60} and C{sub 28}, respectively. Approximate analytical results are presented for resonant frequencies, Q factors, radiation patterns, scattering and absorption cross sections for sphere-like particles and fullerenes, as well as integral equations and functionals for dielectric particles with a conducting shell of arbitrary shape. Analysis relies on the use of effective surface conductivity. (plasmons)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Pulse shape discrimination technique for diffuse supernova neutrino background search with JUNO
Pulse shape discrimination (PSD) is widely used in particle and nuclear physics. Specifically in liquid scintillator detectors, PSD facilitates the classification of different particle types based on their energy deposition patterns. This technique is particularly valuable for studies of the diffuse supernova neutrino background (DSNB), nucleon decay, and dark matter searches. This paper presents a detailed investigation of the PSD technique, applied in the DSNB search performed with the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO). Instead of using conventional cut-and-count methods, we employ methods based on boosted decision trees and neural networks and compare their capability to distinguish the DSNB signals from the atmospheric neutrino neutral-current background events. The two methods demonstrate comparable performance, resulting in a 50–80% improvement in signal efficiency compared to a previous study performed for JUNO (An et al. [JUNO] in J Phys G 43(3):030401, 2016). Moreover, we study the dependence of the PSD performance on the visible energy and final state composition of the events and find a significant dependence on the presence/absence of 11 C. Finally, we evaluate the impact of the detector effects (photon propagation, PMT dark noise, and waveform reconstruction) on the PSD performance.
FOS: Physical sciences↗
Observational and Modeling Study of Ice Hydrometeor Radar Dual-Wavelength Ratios
The influence of ice hydrometeor shape on the dual-wavelength ratio (DWR) of radar reflectivities at millimeter-wavelength frequencies is studied theoretically and on the basis of observations. Data from dual-frequency (K a –W bands) radar show that, for vertically pointing measurements, DWR increasing trends with reflectivity Z e are very pronounced when K a -band Z e is greater than about 0 dB Z and that DWR and Z e values are usually well correlated. This correlation is explained by strong relations between hydrometeor characteristic size and both of these radar variables. The observed DWR variability for a given level of reflectivity is as large as 8 dB, which is in part due to changes in mean hydrometeor shape as expressed in terms of the particle aspect ratio. Hydrometeors with a higher degree of nonsphericity exhibit lower DWR values when compared with quasi-spherical particles because of near-zenith reflectivity enhancements for particles outside the Rayleigh-scattering regime. When particle mass–size relations do not change significantly (e.g., for low-rime conditions), DWR can be used to differentiate between quasi-spherical and highly nonspherical hydrometeors because (for a given reflectivity value) DWR tends to increase as particles become more spherical. Another approach for differentiating among different degrees of nonsphericity for larger scatterers is based on analyzing DWR changes as a function of radar elevation angle. These changes are more pronounced for highly nonspherical particles and can exceed 10 dB. Measurements of snowfall spatiotemporally collocated with spaceborne CloudSat W-band radar and ground-based S-band operational weather radars also indicate that DWR values are generally smaller for ice hydrometeors with higher degrees of nonsphericity, which, for the same level of S-band reflectivity, exhibit greater differential reflectivity values.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Novel Transparent Phosphor Conversion Matrix with High Thermal Conductivity for Next Generation Phosphor-Converted LED-based Solid State Lighting
The low thermal conductivity of state-of-the-art polymer encapsulants (k ~ 0.15 Wm-1K-1) limits the efficiency and power density of current phosphor conversion light emitting diodes (pc-LEDs). The technical objective of this project was to demonstrate synthesis and processing schemes for the fabrication of polymer hybrid encapsulants with a thermal conductivity exceeding k = 0.4 Wm-1K-1 for LED applications. The ‘hybrid polymer’ approach encompasses the dispersion of high thermal conductivity particle fillers (zinc oxide, ZnO as well as the alpha-polymorph of alumina, Al2O3) within a polysiloxane matrix (poly(dimethylsiloxane), PDMS as well as poly(phenyl methyl siloxane), PPMS) to increase the thermal conductivity while maintaining optical transparency and photothermal stability at levels consistent with LED applications. To accomplish this goal, a novel synthesis method for the fabrication of nanosized ZnO particles was developed and a novel surface chemistry was established to modify the surface of zinc oxide particle fillers and thus to enable their dispersion in poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) matrix polymers. Molecular dynamics and Mie simulations were used to optimize ligand structure and to enable the concurrent mixing of particles in PDMS/PPMS embedding media while also minimizing the thermal boundary resistance as well as optical scattering of particle fillers. Using this approach the synthesis of PDMS/ZnO hybrid encapsulants exhibiting a thermal conductivity of 0.64 Wm-1K-1 and optical transparency > 0.7 mm-1 was demonstrated. A forming process based on micromolding was developed to demonstrate the forming of particle filled PDMS into film and lens shapes. Photothermal stability testing revealed stability of the materials for approximately 4000 min when exposed to blue light LED (450 nm, 30 W/cm2). One postgraduate and seven graduate students were supported by the project. The research performed within this project led to fifteen publications in peer-reviewed journals and one patent application. The grant stimulated a multi-investigator research collaborations among seven investigators at Carnegie Mellon University to address the challenge of encapsulants in pc-LED applications. The grant also catalyzed the future collaboration between researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and OSRAM Sylvania to address challenges associated with the use if polymers in LED applications.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
The Ultra-High-Energy Source MGRO J1908+06
The TeV gamma-ray source MGRO J1908+06 is one of the highest-energy sources known, with observed emission by the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) Observatory extending well past 100 TeV. The source exhibits both energy-dependent morphology and a spatially-dependent spectral index. The emission is likely to be dominantly leptonic, and associated with the radio-quiet PSR J1907+0602. However, one-population models do not describe the data well; a second particle population is needed to explain the shape of the spectral energy distribution at the highest energies. This component can be well-described by either leptonic or hadronic hypotheses. We discuss this feature and implications for detection by multi-wavelength and multi-messenger experiments.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
Interplanetary dust particles.
Interplanetary dust particles, size distribution, mass density, structure and shape
SKY BRIGHTNESS↗
Optical and high frequency electrical properties of the lunar sample
Reflectivity and polarization laws for the powder sample and its spectrum are close to the mean for the lunar maria. Solid samples show a marked absorption feature at 1 micron. The low albedo appears to be due to a surface coating on dust grains rather than volume absorption. The high frequency electrical properties resemble those of a fine powder made from typical dense terrestrial rocks, and are consistent with previous ground-based radar estimates. The differential mass spectrum is almost constant from 100 micron particles down to 0.1 micron; most particles are smaller than 0.3 micron. Their shapes disclose a variety of generation processes.
Gold, T.↗
Analysis of the ultrafine fraction of the Apollo 14 regolith
Analyses were obtained on more than 2400 randomly selected particles from the sub-37 micron (ultrafine) fraction of ten Apollo 14 regolith samples. The analyses were conducted with an energy dispersive electron microprobe system. The semiquantitative data were used to group the particles into ten categories. The pyroxene/plagioclase and olivine/plagioclase ratios are inconsistent with those ratios in the Apollo 14 breccias and rocks. The data suggest that fragmented basalts similar to Apollo 12 olivine basalts may have made significant contributions to the ultrafine fraction of the Fra Mauro regolith. Among a number of unusual particles encountered are brown, birefringent lath-shaped grains with 60 wt % SiO2 and 34 wt % FeO(FeSi2O5) and a glass with 20 to 25 wt % CaO, 0 to 8 wt % MgO, 40 to 45 wt % Al2O3 and approximately 30 wt % SiO2.
Finkelman, R. B.↗
A reconsideration of nucleation phenomena in light of recent findings concerning the properties of small clusters, and a brief review of some other particle growth processes
The paper examines mechanisms of nucleation and growth by condensation and coagulation in the light of recent research on properties of small clusters. Homogeneous, hetero-molecular, and heterogeneous nucleation is analyzed, and expressions for the rate of formation of a stable condensed phase and evaluation of the free energy of formation of charged droplets are given. Application of high-pressure mass spectrometry which makes possible a direct determination of intensity spectra for cluster distributions, measurement of the thermodynamic properties of individual ion clusters and determination of cluster entropy and bond energy is discussed. Finally, coagulation of the condensed phase is considered, noting that concentration and mean particle size vary during coagulation, but the shape distribution is time independent, leading to the concept of a self-preserving aerosol size distribution.
Castleman, A. W., Jr.↗
Polar nephelometer for atmospheric particulate studies
A unique polar nephelometer was designed and constructed for the measurement of atmospheric particulate characteristics. The nephelometer produces visible light from a self-contained laser to irradiate an air sample drawn into the instrument. The light scattered from the particulates and molecules in the sample is detected as a function of scattering angle for each of four different incident light polarizations. These measurements are used to determine the particulate scattering matrix which is a function of the size, shape, and index of refraction of the particles. The region of sensitivity for the measurements corresponds to the size range of particles that strongly affects visible radiative transfer in the atmosphere, which is the primary application for the derived information.
Hansen, M. Z.↗
Infrared radiation emerging from smoke produced by brush fires
The IR radiative transport properties of brush fire smoke clouds, computed for a model with finite horizontal dimensions as well as the more common plane-parallel model, are presented. The finite model is a three-dimensional version of the two-stream approximation applied to cubic clouds of steam, carbon, and silicates. Assumptions are made with regard to the shape and size distributions of the smoke particles. It is shown that 11.5-micron radiometry can detect fires beneath smoke clouds if the path integrated mass density of the smoke is less than or equal to 3 g/sq m.
Weinman, J. A.↗
The Galileo Energetic Particles Detector
Amongst its complement of particles and fields instruments, the Galileo spacecraft carries an Energetic Particles Detector (EPD) designed to measure the characteristics of particle populations important in determining the size, shape, and dynamics of the Jovian magnetosphere. To do this the EPD provides 4pi angular coverage and spectral measurements for Z greater than or equal to 1 ions from 20 keV to 55 MeV, for electrons from 15 keV to greater than 11 MeV, and for the elemental species helium through iron from approximately 10 keV/nucl to 15 MeV/nucl. Two bidirectional telescopes, mounted on a stepping platform, employ magnetic deflection, energy loss versus energy, and time-of-flight techniques to provide 64 rate channels and pulse height analysis of priority selected events. The EPD data system provides a large number of possible operational modes from which a small number will be selected to optimize data collection during the many encounter and cruise phases of the mission. The EPD employs a number of safeing algorithms that are to be used in the event that its self-checking procedures indicate a problem. The instrument and its operation are described.
Williams, D. J.↗