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At least 127 records · Page 7

Design of High Temperature Ultrasonic Linear Arrays for Under-Sodium Viewing

This paper summarizes the design process for high temperature ultrasonic phased array transducers for imaging in liquid sodium at temperatures up to 260C. The project is funded by the USDOE Generation IV Reactor Program and includes collaboration with the Japanese Atomic Energy Agency. The transducer system is being designed to be able to provide images inside a sodium cooled fast reactor, to support operation and maintenance activities including potentially location of looseor damaged parts during service outages. The prototype transducer array is being designed for 8 to 16, 3MHz rectangular lead niobate (K-81) or bismuth titanate (K-15) piezoelectric elements spaced at λ/2 (wavelength in sodium). A nickel or nickel alloy faceplate serves as the sodium wetting surface. Scan angle of the focused ultrasonic beam is ±30 degrees. Imaging spatial resolution is ≤ 1mm. The array is designed to be operated using a commercial phased array control system and it is planned that array testing will be performed in room temperature water, hot oil (260C), and molten sodium (260C).

liquid metal fast reactor↗

COHERENT NETWORK ANALYSIS FOR CONTINUOUS GRAVITATIONAL WAVE SIGNALS IN A PULSAR TIMING ARRAY: PULSAR PHASES AS EXTRINSIC PARAMETERS

Supermassive black hole binaries are one of the primary targets of gravitational wave (GW) searches using pulsar timing arrays (PTAs). GW signals from such systems are well represented by parameterized models, allowing the standard Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test (GLRT) to be used for their detection and estimation. However, there is a dichotomy in how the GLRT can be implemented for PTAs: there are two possible ways in which one can split the set of signal parameters for semi-analytical and numerical extremization. The straightforward extension of the method used for continuous signals in ground-based GW searches, where the so-called pulsar phase parameters are maximized numerically, was addressed in an earlier paper. In this paper, we report the first study of the performance of the second approach where the pulsar phases are maximized semi-analytically. This approach is scalable since the number of parameters left over for numerical optimization does not depend on the size of the PTA. Our results show that for the same array size (9 pulsars), the new method performs somewhat worse in parameter estimation, but not in detection, than the previous method where the pulsar phases were maximized numerically. The origin of the performance discrepancy is likely to be in the ill-posedness that is intrinsic to any network analysis method. However, the scalability of the new method allows the ill-posedness to be mitigated by simply adding more pulsars to the array. This is shown explicitly by taking a larger array of pulsars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Model-based feasibility assessment and evaluation of prostate hyperthermia with a commercial MR-guided endorectal HIFU ablation array

Purpose: Feasibility of targeted and volumetric hyperthermia (40–45 °C) delivery to the prostate with a commercial MR-guided endorectal ultrasound phased array system, designed specifically for thermal ablation and approved for ablation trials (ExAblate 2100, Insightec Ltd.), was assessed through computer simulations and tissue-equivalent phantom experiments with the intention of fast clinical translation for targeted hyperthermia in conjunction with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Methods: The simulations included a 3D finite element method based biothermal model, and acoustic field calculations for the ExAblate ERUS phased array (2.3 MHz, 2.3 × 4.0 cm{sup 2}, ∼1000 channels) using the rectangular radiator method. Array beamforming strategies were investigated to deliver protracted, continuous-wave hyperthermia to focal prostate cancer targets identified from representative patient cases. Constraints on power densities, sonication durations and switching speeds imposed by ExAblate hardware and software were incorporated in the models. Preliminary experiments included beamformed sonications in tissue mimicking phantoms under MR temperature monitoring at 3 T (GE Discovery MR750W). Results: Acoustic intensities considered during simulation were limited to ensure mild hyperthermia (T{sub max} < 45 °C) and fail-safe operation of the ExAblate array (spatial and time averaged acoustic intensity I{sub SATA} < 3.4 W/cm{sup 2}). Tissue volumes with therapeutic temperature levels (T > 41 °C) were estimated. Numerical simulations indicated that T > 41 °C was calculated in 13–23 cm{sup 3} volumes for sonications with planar or diverging beam patterns at 0.9–1.2 W/cm{sup 2}, in 4.5–5.8 cm{sup 3} volumes for simultaneous multipoint focus beam patterns at ∼0.7 W/cm{sup 2}, and in ∼6.0 cm{sup 3} for curvilinear (cylindrical) beam patterns at 0.75 W/cm{sup 2}. Focused heating patterns may be practical for treating focal disease in a single posterior quadrant of the prostate and diffused heating patterns may be useful for heating quadrants, hemigland volumes or even bilateral targets. Treatable volumes may be limited by pubic bone heating. Therapeutic temperatures were estimated for a range of physiological parameters, sonication duty cycles and rectal cooling. Hyperthermia specific phasing patterns were implemented on the ExAblate prostate array and continuous-wave sonications (∼0.88 W/cm{sup 2}, 15 min) were performed in tissue-mimicking material with real-time MR-based temperature imaging (PRFS imaging at 3.0 T). Shapes of heating patterns observed during experiments were consistent with simulations. Conclusions: The ExAblate 2100, designed specifically for thermal ablation, can be controlled for delivering continuous hyperthermia in prostate while working within operational constraints.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Ultrasonic Evaluation of Two Dissimilar Metal Weld Overlay Specimens

Two dissimilar metal weld (DMW) pipe-to-nozzle specimens were implanted with thermal fatigue cracks in the 13% to 90% through-wall depth range. The specimens were ultrasonically evaluated with phased-array probes having center frequencies of 0.8, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 megahertz (MHz). An Alloy 82/182 weld overlay (WOL) was applied and the specimens were ultrasonically re-evaluated for flaw detection and characterization. The Post-WOL flaw depths were approximately 10% to 56% through-wall. This study has shown the effectiveness of ultrasonic examinations of Alloy 82/182 overlaid DMW specimens. Phased-array probes with center frequency in the 0.8- to 1.0-MHz range provide a strong coherent signal but the greater ultrasonic wavelength and larger beam spot size prevent the reliable detection of small flaws. These small flaws had nominal through-wall depths of less than 15% and length in the 50-60 mm (2-2.4 in.) range. Flaws in the 19% and greater through-wall depth range were readily detected with all four probes. At the higher frequencies, the reflected signals are less coherent but still provide adequate signal for flaw detection and characterization. A single inspection at 2.0 MHz could provide adequate detection and sizing information but a supplemental inspection at 1.0 or 1.5 MHz is recommended.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ultrasonic Evaluation and Imaging

Ultrasonic evaluation of materials for material characterization and flaw detection is as simple as manually moving a single-element probe across a speci-men and looking at an oscilloscope display in real time or as complex as automatically (under computer control) scanning a phased-array probe across a specimen and collecting encoded data for immediate or off-line data analyses. The reliability of the results in the second technique is greatly increased because of a higher density of measurements per scanned area and measurements that can be more precisely related to the specimen geometry. This chapter will briefly discuss applications of the collection of spatially encoded data and focus primarily on the off-line analyses in the form of data imaging. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has been involved with as-sessing and advancing the reliability of inservice inspections of nuclear power plant components for over 35 years. Modern ultrasonic imaging techniques such as the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT), phased-array (PA) technolo-gy and sound field mapping have undergone considerable improvements to effec-tively assess and better understand material constraints.

flaw detection↗

Materials Issues in High Temperature Ultrasonic Transducers for Under-Sodium Viewing

Liquid sodium is used as the coolant in some fast spectrum nuclear reactors. This material is optically opaque. To facilitate operations and maintenance activities, an ultrasonic under-sodium viewing system has been developed. In the USA, the technology was successfully demonstrated in the 1970's, and, over the intervening 30+ years the capability was lost. This paper reports materials challenges encountered in developing both single-element and linear phased array 2 MHz transducers that must operate at temperatures up to 260C. The critical issues are fundamentally material selection: the ability of a transducer to be immersed into liquid sodium and function at 260C, to achieve wetting and transmission of ultrasound into the sodium, and to be able to be removed and re-used.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Damage imaging using Lamb waves for SHM applications

2-D ultrasonic arrays, due to their beam-steering capability and all azimuth angle coverage are a very promising tool for the inspection of plate-like structures using Lamb waves (LW). Contrary to the classical linear phased arrays (PAs) the 2D arrays enable unequivocal defect localization and they are even capable of mode selectivity of the received LWs . Recently, it has been shown that multistatic synthetic focusing (SF) algorithms applied for 2D arrays are much more effective than the classical phase array mode commonly used in NDT. The multistatic SF assumes multiple transmissions of elements in a transmitting aperture and off-line processing of the data acquired by a receiving aperture. In the simplest implementation of the technique, only a single multiplexed input and a number of output channels are required, which results in significant hardware simplification compared with the PA systems. On the one hand implementation of the multistatic SF to 2D arrays creates additional degrees of freedom during the design of the array topology, which complicates the array design process. On the other hand, it enables designing sparse arrays with performance similar to that of the fully populated dense arrays. In this paper we present a general systematic approach to the design and optimization of imaging systems based on the 2D array operating in the multistatic mode. We start from presenting principles of the SF schemes applied to LW imaging. Then, we outline the coarray concept and demonstrate how it can be used for reducing number of elements of the 2D arrays. Finally, efficient tools for the investigation and experimental verification of the designed 2D array prototypes are presented. The first step in the investigation is theoretical evaluation performed using frequency-dependent structure transfer function (STF), which enables approximate simulation of an array excited with a tone-burst in a dispersive medium. Finally, we show how scanning laser vibrometer, sensing waves in multiple points corresponding to the locations of the 2D receiving array elements, can be used as a tool for rapid experimental verification of the developed topologies. The presented methods are discussed in terms of the beampatterns and sparse versions of the fully populated array topologies are be presented. The effect of apodization applied to the array elements is also investigated. Both simulated and experimental results are included.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Chiral topologically ordered insulating phases in arrays of interacting integer quantum Hall islands

Here, we study networks of Coulomb-blockaded integer quantum Hall islands with even fillings ν = 2 k ( k being an integer), including cases with 2 k layers each of ν = 1 fillings. Allowing only spin-current interactions between the islands (i.e., without any charge transfer), we obtain solvable models leading to a rich set of insulating S U ( 2 ) k topologically ordered phases. The case with k = 1 is dual to the Kalmeyer-Laughlin phase, k = 2 to Kitaev's chiral spin liquid and the Moore-Read state, and k = 3 contains a Fibonacci anyon that may be utilized for universal topological quantum computation. Additionally, we show how the S U ( 2 ) k topological phases may be obtained also in an array of islands with ν = 2 k integer quantum Hall states and critical spin chains in a checkerboard pattern. The array and checkerboard constructions gap out the charge mode and additional “flavor” modes by virtue of their geometry. Furthermore, we find that a fine tuning of the system parameter is not needed in the checkerboard configuration and the ν = 2 case. We also discuss their bulk excitations, and show that their thermal Hall conductance is universal, reflecting the central charge c = 3 k / ( k + 2 ) of the chiral edge modes.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Delay spectrum with phase-tracking arrays: extracting the H i power spectrum from the epoch of reionization

The detection of redshifted 21 cm emission from the epoch of reionization (EoR) is a challenging task owing to strong foregrounds that dominate the signal. In this paper, we propose a general method, based on the delay spectrum approach, to extract H i power spectra that are applicable to tracking observations using an imaging radio interferometer ('Delay Spectrum with Imaging Arrays'). Our method is based on modeling the H i signal taking into account the impact of wide field effects such as the w-term, which are then used as appropriate weights in cross-correlating the measured visibilities. Our method is applicable to any radio interferometer that tracks a phase center and could be utilized for arrays such as the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), Low Frequency Array (LOFAR), Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (GMRT), Donald C. Backer Precision Array for Probing the Epoch of Reionization (PAPER), and HERA. In the literature the delay spectrum approach has been implemented for near-redundant baselines using drift scan observations. In this paper we explore the scheme for non-redundant tracking arrays. This is the first application of delay spectrum methodology to such data to extract the H i signal. We analyze 3 hr of MWA tracking data on the EoR1 field. We present both two-dimensional (k{sub ∥},k{sub ⊥}) and one-dimensional (k) power spectra from the analysis. Our results are in agreement with the findings of other pipelines developed to analyze the MWA EoR data.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

TH-A-BRF-11: Image Intensity Non-Uniformities Between MRI Simulation and Diagnostic MRI

Purpose: MRI simulation for MRI-based radiotherapy demands that patients be setup in treatment position, which frequently involves use of alternative radiofrequency (RF) coil configurations to accommodate immobilized patients. However, alternative RF coil geometries may exacerbate image intensity non-uniformities (IINU) beyond those observed in diagnostic MRI, which may challenge image segmentation and registration accuracy as well as confound studies assessing radiotherapy response when MR simulation images are used as baselines for evaluation. The goal of this work was to determine whether differences in IINU exist between MR simulation and diagnostic MR images. Methods: ACR-MRI phantom images were acquired at 3T using a spin-echo sequence (TE/TR:20/500ms, rBW:62.5kHz, TH/skip:5/5mm). MR simulation images were obtained by wrapping two flexible phased-array RF coils around the phantom. Diagnostic MR images were obtained by placing the phantom into a commercial phased-array head coil. Pre-scan normalization was enabled in both cases. Images were transferred offline and corrected for IINU using the MNI N3 algorithm. Coefficients of variation (CV=σ/μ) were calculated for each slice. Wilcoxon matched-pairs and Mann-Whitney tests compared CV values between original and N3 images and between MR simulation and diagnostic MR images. Results: Significant differences in CV were detected between original and N3 images in both MRI simulation and diagnostic MRI groups (p=0.010, p=0.010). In addition, significant differences in CV were detected between original MR simulation and original and N3 diagnostic MR images (p=0.0256, p=0.0016). However, no significant differences in CV were detected between N3 MR simulation images and original or N3 diagnostic MR images, demonstrating the importance of correcting MR simulation images beyond pre-scan normalization prior to use in radiotherapy. Conclusions: Alternative RF coil configurations used in MRI simulation can Result in significant IINU differences compared to diagnostic MR images. The MNI N3 algorithm reduced MR simulation IINU to levels observed in diagnostic MR images. Funding provided by Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Notes on Array Antenna Phase Center

The location of an antenna, and indeed the radar system it serves, is typically presumed to be its phase center. This is the point from which a far-field apparent spherical wavefront seems to be centered. Even when a true phase center doesn’t exist, an ‘apparent’ phase center can still be calculated for the neighborhood of some direction of interest, often the mainlobe of the beam. Such calculations are especially necessary for non-symmetric arrays, or sub-arrays.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Suppression of the Ablation Phase in Wire Array Z Pinches Using a Tailored Current Prepulse

A new wire array configuration has been used to create thin shell-like implosions in a cylindrical array. The setup introduces a {approx}5 kA, {approx}25 ns current prepulse followed by a {approx}140 ns current-free interval before the application of the main ({approx}1 MA) current pulse. The prepulse volumetrically heats the wires which expand to {approx}1 mm diameter leaving no dense wire core and without development of instabilities. The main current pulse then ionizes all the array mass resulting in suppression of the ablation phase, an accelerating implosion, and no trailing mass. Rayleigh-Taylor instability growth in the imploding plasma is inferred to be seeded by {mu}m-scale perturbations on the surface of the wires. The absence of wire cores is found to be the critical factor in altering the implosion dynamics.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Numerical Study of Vortex Core in Turbulent Swirling Flow

Swirling flow has attracted a great deal of research interest. An application of swirling flow can be found in many engineering areas; such as gas cyclone and heat transfer enhancement. In nuclear engineering, swirling flow is used as heat transfer enhancement in rod bundle by installing grid spacer and mixing vane. Because of its extensive applications, there has been a great number of experimental and numerical investigations of swirling flow. McClusky et al., experimentally studied mapping of the lateral velocity in rod bundle using Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) and Conner et al. predicted the flow field in rod bundle by CFD. To understand the characteristics of swirling flow such as tangential velocity and vortex core swirling flow, some researchers investigated swirling flow in a pipe instead of in rod bundle. This is due to the similarity between swirling flow in a pipe and rod bundle. In recent study, flow mapping of 2D velocity field of single-phase swirling flow had been conducted experimentally by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). However, this method needs calibration and complicated. The new measurement technique for flow mapping in swirling flow was done by phased array Ultrasonic Velocity Profiler (PAUVP). Hamdani et al., successfully plotted velocity field and determined the swirling core region (vortex core). This technique is nonintrusive and no need calibration. However, there was a limitation of the measurement because phased array UVP cannot capture 360 deg. velocity field inside the pipe. In addition, tangential velocity in CFD results was not agree well with experiment data due asymmetric problem. To evaluate this limitation of experimental method, the numerical simulations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) needs to be performed. The objective of this study is to use the commercial CFD code Fluent to model the developing turbulent swirling flow induced by twisted tape inside a straight pipe, and to gain an understanding of such a flow and the turbulence models involved in the simulation. Straight pipe is used instead of rod bundle for a simplification. In this work, the Renormalized Group (RNG) k-{epsilon} turbulence model and Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) turbulence model, are performed to study the phenomena of vortex core in a pipe with twisted tape inserts. Effects of the Reynolds number and asymmetric of twisted tape (inclination, {alpha} = 5 deg. and {alpha} = 20 deg.) on swirling core position are examined using water as the testing fluid. Furthermore, the Navier-Stokes equations will be solved to obtain results that can be validated with the previous experimental results. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Ultrasonic wave-based structural health monitoring embedded instrument

Piezoelectric sensors and actuators are the bridge between electronic and mechanical systems in structures. This type of sensor is a key element in the integrity monitoring of aeronautic structures, bridges, pressure vessels, wind turbine blades, and gas pipelines. In this paper, an all-in-one system for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) based on ultrasonic waves is presented, called Phased Array Monitoring for Enhanced Life Assessment. This integrated instrument is able to generate excitation signals that are sent through piezoelectric actuators, acquire the received signals in the piezoelectric sensors, and carry out signal processing to check the health of structures. To accomplish this task, the instrument uses a piezoelectric phased-array transducer that performs the actuation and sensing of the signals. The flexibility and strength of the instrument allow the user to develop and implement a substantial part of the SHM technique using Lamb waves. The entire system is controlled using configuration software and has been validated through functional, electrical loading, mechanical loading, and thermal loading resistance tests.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Controlling propagation and coupling of waveguide modes using phase-gradient metasurfaces

Here, research on two-dimensional designer optical structures, or metasurfaces, has mainly focused on controlling the wavefronts of light propagating in free space. Here, we show that gradient metasurface structures consisting of phased arrays of plasmonic or dielectric nanoantennas can be used to control guided waves via strong optical scattering at subwavelength intervals. Based on this design principle, we experimentally demonstrate waveguide mode converters, polarization rotators and waveguide devices supporting asymmetric optical power transmission. We also demonstrate all-dielectric on-chip polarization rotators based on phased arrays of Mie resonators with negligible insertion losses. Our gradient metasurfaces can enable small-footprint, broadband and low-loss photonic integrated devices.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

SU-E-U-02: The Development of a Practical Ultrasonic System for Cross-Sectional Imaging of Small Animals

Purpose: To test the feasibility of developing a practical medium frequency ultrasound tomography method for small animal imaging. The ability to produce cross-sectional or full body images of a live small animal using a low-cost tabletop ultrasound scanner without any special license would be very beneficial to long term biological studies, where repeated scanning is often required over an extended period of time. Methods: The cross sectional images were produced by compounding multiple B-scans of a laboratory phantom or an animal acquired at different projection angles. Two imaging systems were used to test the concept. The first system included a programmable 64-channel phased array controller driving a 128-channel, 5–10 MHz linear probe to produce 143 B-Mode projections of the spinning object. The second system designed and manufactured in house, produced 64 or 128 B-Mode projections with a single unfocused 8 MHz transducer scanning with a 0.116 mm step size. Results: The phased array system provided good penetration through the phantoms/mice (with the exception of the lungs) and allowed to acquire data in a very short time. The cross-sectional images have enough resolution and dynamic range to detect both high- and low-contrast organs. The single transducer system takes longer to scan, and the data require more sophisticated processing. To date, our images allow seeing details as small as 1–2 mm in the phantoms and in small animals, with the contrast mostly due to highly reflecting bones and air inclusions. Conclusion: The work indicates that very detailed and anatomically correct images can be created by relatively simple and inexpensive means. With more advanced algorithms and improved system design, scan time can be reduced considerably, enabling high-resolution full 3D imaging. This will allow for quick and easy scans that can help monitor tumor growth and/or regression without contributing any dose to the animal. The authors would like to acknowledge the financial and engineering support from Tessonics.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Current-driven production of vortex-antivortex pairs in planar Josephson junction arrays and phase cracks in long-range order

Proliferation of topological defects like vortices and dislocations plays a key role in the physics of systems with long-range order, particularly, superconductivity and superfluidity in thin films, plasticity of solids, and melting of atomic monolayers. Topological defects are characterized by their topological charge reflecting fundamental symmetries and conservation laws of the system. Conservation of topological charge manifests itself in extreme stability of static topological defects because destruction of a single defect requires overcoming a huge energy barrier proportional to the system size. However, the stability of driven topological defects remains largely unexplored. Here we address this issue and investigate numerically a dynamic instability of moving vortices in planar arrays of Josephson junctions. We show that a single vortex driven by sufficiently strong current becomes unstable and destroys superconductivity by triggering a chain reaction of self-replicating vortex-antivortex pairs forming linear of branching expanding patterns. Furthermore this process can be described in terms of propagating phase cracks in long-range order with far-reaching implications for dynamic systems of interacting spins and atoms hosting magnetic vortices and dislocations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Fast Ultrasonic Imaging with Total Focusing Method (TFM) for Inspection of Additively Manufactured Polymer Composite Component

Ultrasonic adaptive imaging based on the phased-array technology and the synthetic focusing algorithm Total Focusing Method (TFM) is proposed for fast ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation of additively manufactured composite materials. Nondestructive evaluation and inspection of additively manufactured parts and components are necessary for quality assurance of the materials. Effective detection of defects and anomalies in manufactured parts prevents extra cost and production time. However, there are several limitations encountered when using conventional methods of nondestructive inspection for as built additively manufactured parts due to surface conditions and geometrical complexity. Post-processing operations, such as machining, are usually needed to detect possible defects such as layer disband, micro-cracks, and voids in the composite parts. The capability of aperture focusing in phased array ultrasonic methods provides the opportunity for the adjustment of the delay laws in ultrasonic beams and reduces the noise and beam distortion for better imaging. An additively manufactured carbon fiber reinforced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) composite sample with artificial side and bottom-drilled holes of different sizes, used to represent defects, was successfully inspected using the Total Focusing Method (TFM). Unlike conventional ultrasonic techniques, results show a promising way to provide inspection of as built additively manufactured composite parts with rough surface finishes. The proposed method helps to decrease inspection time and eliminate extra machining and preparation costs.

Taheri, Hossein↗