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Nuclear Data and Cross Section Testing Using ENDF/B-VIII.0

With the release of the Evaluated Nuclear Data File (ENDF)/B-VIII.0 library, nuclear criticality safety practitioners and engineers have access to the latest cross section sets available for their analyses. However, these cross sections must be rigorously tested and validated to ensure that the nuclear data are responsive to the needs of the individuals responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining computational tools for criticality safety applications. Thus, the ENDF/B-VIII.0 library is tested and validated with a large collection of experiments that were vetted by the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project and made available in the International Handbook of Evaluated Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments. A selection of benchmark experiments for use within the criticality safety community were prepared and reviewed within the Verified, Archived Library of Inputs and Data (VALID), which is maintained by the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The performance of the ENDF/B-VIII.0 library is assessed by using VALID models of benchmark experiments with the beta 12 version of SCALE 6.3 KENO V.a and KENO-VI Monte Carlo codes. The performance is compared with the results obtained from with the ENDF/B-VII.1 library. This report considers multigroup (MG) and continuous energy (CE) formats of the ENDF/B-VIII.0 and -VII.1 libraries. The benchmark experiments within VALID that validate the ENDF/B-VIII.0 library cover 15 broad system categories by using a range of fissile materials, uranium enrichments, plutonium isotopic vectors, and mixed uranium/plutonium systems. These forms are represented as metals, solutions, or various arrays of rods or plates that cover a variety of neutron energy spectra: thermal, fast, mixed, and intermediate. Over 600 cases were considered for use with the KENO V.a and KENO-VI codes with the ENDF/B-VIII.0 library. The results of the Monte Carlo comparison of ENDF/B-VIII.0 to ENDF/B-VII.1 with both KENO V.a and KENO-VI indicate that there is a less than 0.53% Δk difference between the bias of calculated k eff from the expected values. The CE ENDF/B-VIII.0 library results in smaller magnitude biases than the ENDF/B-VII.1 data for HEU-MET-FAST, HEU-SOL-THERM, IEU-MET-FAST, LEU-SOL-THERM, PU-SOL-THERM, and U233-MET-FAST systems, while the MG results yielded smaller magnitude biases for HEU-MET-FAST, HEU-SOL-THERM, IEU-MET-FAST, LEU-COMP-THERM, LEU-SOL THERM, MIX-COMP-FAST, and U233-MET-FAST systems. Most notable are the adjustments to the plutonium and 233 U cross section data, which has resulted in noticeably lower biases in the ENDF/B VIII.0 results for the mixed, plutonium, and 233 U systems. Results of the sensitivity data file comparison generated from TSUNAMI-3D for selected VALID cases for the ENDF/B-VIII.0 library indicate a very high level of agreement with correlation coefficients of the effect of nuclear data uncertainty on k eff (the c k integral parameter) all above 0.99. This indicates that cases with the ENDF/B-VIII.0 library would see very similar responses to any nuclear data errors or change as those with the ENDF/B-VII.1 library.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Simulation Analysis of Mode Hopping Impacts on OFDR Sensing Performance

This article examines the impacts of mode hopping on the sensing performance of optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) and explores the potential for developing economical OFDR interrogators employing low-cost distributed feedback (DFB) lasers. By conducting numerical simulations, this study reveals that mode hopping has minimal effects on distance sensing measurements in free space due to the limited duration of beat interference signal at the incorrect frequency within the coherence length. Additionally, the simulations indicate that mode hopping only slightly affects the distributed strain sensing of OFDR, resulting in an error range of less than ±1µε when 100µε is applied to the sensing fiber. These findings highlight the potential of using low-cost DFB lasers with a 1-nm wavelength sweep range and a 1-MHz linewidth as tunable laser sources in OFDR while maintaining reliable and accurate sensing performance.

Wang, Qirui (ORCID:0000000336532984)↗

A Double-line M-dwarf Eclipsing Binary from CSS × SDSS

Eclipsing binaries offer a unique opportunity to determine basic stellar properties. With the advent of wide-field camera and all-sky time-domain surveys, thousands of eclipsing binaries have been charted via light curve classification, yet their fundamental properties remain unexplored mainly due to the extensive efforts needed for spectroscopic follow-ups. In this paper, we present the discovery of a short-period ( P = 0.313 day), double-lined M-dwarf eclipsing binary, CSSJ114804.3+255132/SDSSJ114804.35+255132.6, by cross-matching binary light curves from the Catalina Sky Survey and spectroscopically classified M dwarfs from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We obtain follow-up spectra using the Gemini telescope, enabling us to determine the mass, radius, and temperature of the primary and secondary component to be M {sub 1} = 0.47 ± 0.03(statistic) ± 0.03(systematic) M {sub ⊙}, M {sub 2} = 0.46 ± 0.03(statistic) ± 0.03(systematic) M {sub ⊙}, R {sub 1} = 0.52 ± 0.08(statistic) ± 0.07(systematic) R {sub ⊙}, R {sub 2} =0.60 ± 0.08(statistic) ± 0.08(systematic) R {sub ⊙}, T {sub 1} = 3560 ± 100 K, and T {sub 2} = 3040 ± 100 K, respectively. The systematic error was estimated using the difference between eccentric and non-eccentric fits. Our analysis also indicates that there is definitively third-light contamination (66%) in the CSS photometry. The secondary star seems inflated, probably due to tidal locking of the close secondary companion, which is common for very short-period binary systems. Future spectroscopic observations with high resolution will narrow down the uncertainties of stellar parameters for both components, rendering this system as a benchmark for studying fundamental properties of M dwarfs.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Validating precision estimates in horizontal wind measurements from a Doppler lidar

Results from a recent field campaign are used to assess the accuracy of wind speed and direction precision estimates produced by a Doppler lidar wind retrieval algorithm. The algorithm, which is based on the traditional velocity-azimuth-display (VAD) technique, estimates the wind speed and direction measurement precision using standard error propagation techniques, assuming the input data (i.e., radial velocities) to be contaminated by random, zero-mean, errors. For this study, the lidar was configured to execute an 8-beam plan-position-indicator (PPI) scan once every 12 min during the 6-week deployment period. Several wind retrieval trials were conducted using different schemes for estimating the precision in the radial velocity measurements. Here, the resulting wind speed and direction precision estimates were compared to differences in wind speed and direction between the VAD algorithm and sonic anemometer measurements taken on a nearby 300 m tower.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Ultraviolet photometry of the eclipsing variable CW Cephei

An extended series of photometric observations were made of the eclipsing variable CW Cephei using the Wisconsin instrument on OAO-2. Approximate elements which were derived based solely on the eclipse depths and shape of the secondary are in satisfactory agreement with those found using ground based observations. However, persistent asymmetries and anomalous light variations, all larger than the expected experimental error, were also found; subsequent ground-based observations show H sub alpha entirely in emission indicating the presence of an extended gaseous system surrounding one or both of the components. Consistent solutions utilizing all data at all wavelengths were not found.

Sobieski, S.↗

GEOS-C orbit determination with satellite to satellite tracking

This report studies the feasibility of employing satellite to satellite tracking in lieu of ground based tracking to satisfy the orbit determination requirements of the GEOS-C mission. It is shown that with proper estimation procedures it is possible to obtain from S.S.T. data a GEOS-C orbit whose altitude error averages about 1 meter. The usefulness of this data type for geopotential recovery is also indicated.

Argentiero, P.↗

GEOS-C orbit determination with Satellite to Satellite Tracking

This report studies the feasibility of employing satellite to satellite tracking in lieu of ground based tracking to satisfy the orbit determination requirements of the GEOS-C mission. It is shown that with proper estimation procedures it is possible to obtain from Satellite to Satellite Tracking data a GEOS-C orbit whose altitude error averages about 1 meter. The usefulness of this data type for geopotential recovery is also indicated.

Argentiero, P.↗

On the utility of finite element theory for computational fluid dynamics

An implicit finite element numerical solution algorithm is derived for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations expressed in generalized coordinates. The theoretical basis utilizes a Galerkin-Weighted Residuals formulation, and extremization of approximation error within the context of a multipole expansion. A von Neumann analysis for a simplified form indicates the algorithm fourth- to sixth-order phase accurate, with third-order dissipation for the elementary linear element construction. Performance is improved for the algorithm constructed using quadratic interpolation. Numerical experiments for shocked duct flows are employed to optimize the several algorithm parameters. Additional numerical solutions validate algorithm accuracy and utility for aerodynamics applications.

Baker, A. J.↗

A simulation study of scene confusion factors in sensing soil moisture from orbital radar

Simulated C-band radar imagery for a 124-km by 108-km test site in eastern Kansas is used to classify soil moisture. Simulated radar resolutions are 100 m by 100 m, 1 km by 1km, and 3 km by 3 km. Distributions of actual near-surface soil moisture are established daily for a 23-day accounting period using a water budget model. Within the 23-day period, three orbital radar overpasses are simulated roughly corresponding to generally moist, wet, and dry soil moisture conditions. The radar simulations are performed by a target/sensor interaction model dependent upon a terrain model, land-use classification, and near-surface soil moisture distribution. The accuracy of soil-moisture classification is evaluated for each single-date radar observation and also for multi-date detection of relative soil moisture change. In general, the results for single-date moisture detection show that 70% to 90% of cropland can be correctly classified to within +/- 20% of the true percent of field capacity. For a given radar resolution, the expected classification accuracy is shown to be dependent upon both the general soil moisture condition and also the geographical distribution of land-use and topographic relief. An analysis of cropland, urban, pasture/rangeland, and woodland subregions within the test site indicates that multi-temporal detection of relative soil moisture change is least sensitive to classification error resulting from scene complexity and topographic effects.

Ulaby, F. T.↗

Objective analysis of tidal fields in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans

An objective analysis technique has been developed to extrapolate tidal amplitudes and phases over entire ocean basins using existing gauge data and the altimetric measurements which are now beginning to be provided by satellite oceanography. The technique was previously tested in the Lake Superior basin. The method has now been developed and applied in the Atlantic-Indian ocean basins using a 6 deg x 6 deg grid to test its essential features. The functions used in the interpolation are the eigenfunctions of the velocity potential (Proudman functions) which are computed numerically from a knowledge of the basin's bottom topography, the horizontal plan form and the necessary boundary conditions. These functions are characteristic of the particular basin. The gravitational normal modes of the basin are computed as part of the investigation, they are used to obtain the theoretical forced solutions for the tidal constituents, the latter provide the simulated data for the testing of the method and serve as a guide in choosing the most energetic modes for the objective analysis. The results of the objective analysis of the M2 and K1 tidal constituents indicate the possibility of recovering the tidal signal with a degree of accuracy well within the error bounds of present day satellite techniques.

Sanchez, B. V.↗

Parametric conditions for stability of reduced-order linear time-varying control systems

Using a single framework, parametric conditions are derived which encompass those for both local and global BIBO stability of a linear multivariable discrete-time reduced-order time-varying control system. These conditions indicate that the system will be BIBO stable if the norm of the system-parameter error matrix is bounded by an l exp 1 function superimposed on an l exp infinity function.

Ma, C. C. H.↗

Limits on the diurnal variation of H2 quadrupole features in Neptune

Spectral profiles of the H2 S4(0) and S4(1) lines are presented for Neptune on three consecutive nights; no variation is detected in the equivalent widths of the H2 4-0 features to within an observational uncertainty of about 20 percent. Comparisons with previous H2 quadrupole observations indicate that no secular trends have been detected over about 15 yr. The equivalent-width error limits are interpreted in terms of the maximum variability of Neptunian tropospheric aerosols. Specifically, the error bars for the globally averaged equivalent widths of the two H2 quadrupole absorption features constrain the bottom of the visible atmosphere, as defined by a bright optically infinite isotropically scattering cloud, to be 2.9 + or - 0.6 bars, while the methane haze opacity is constrained to be 0.30 + or - 0.25.

Smith, Wm. Hayden↗

Latest trends in parts SEP susceptibility from heavy ions

JPL and Aerospace have collected a third set of heavy-ion single-event phenomena (SEP) test data since their last joint IEEE publications in December 1985 and December 1987. Trends in SEP susceptibility (e.g., soft errors and latchup) for state-of-the-art parts are presented. Results of the study indicate that hard technologies and unacceptably soft technologies can be flagged. In some instances, specific tested parts can be taken as candidates for key microprocessors or memories. As always with radiation test data, specific test data for qualified flight parts is recommended for critical applications.

Nichols, Donald K.↗

Finite element analysis of thermal distortion effects on optical performance of solar dynamic concentrator for Space Station Freedom

An analysis was performed to predict the thermal distortion of the solar dynamic concentrator for Space Station Freedom in low earth orbit and to evaluate the effects of that thermal distortion on concentrator on-orbit performance. The analysis required substructural finite element modeling of critical concentrator structural subsystems, structural finite element modeling of the concentrator, mapping of thermal loading onto the structural finite element model, and the creation of specialized postprocessors to assist in interpreting results. Concentrator temperature distributions and thermally induced displacements and slope errors and the resulting receiver flux distribution profiles are discussed. Results determined for a typical orbit indicate that concentrator facet rotations are less than 0.2 mrad and that the change in facet radius due to thermal flattening is less than 5 percent. The predicted power loss due to thermal distortion effects is less than 0.3 percent. As a consequence the thermal distortions of the solar dynamic concentrator in low earth orbit will have a negligible effect on the flux distribution profiles within the receiver.

Doherty, Michael P.↗

The advanced receiver 2: Telemetry test results in CTA 21

Telemetry tests with the Advanced Receiver II (ARX II) in Compatibility Test Area 21 are described. The ARX II was operated in parallel with a Block-III Receiver/baseband processor assembly combination (BLK-III/BPA) and a Block III Receiver/subcarrier demodulation assembly/symbol synchronization assembly combination (BLK-III/SDA/SSA). The telemetry simulator assembly provided the test signal for all three configurations, and the symbol signal to noise ratio as well as the symbol error rates were measured and compared. Furthermore, bit error rates were also measured by the system performance test computer for all three systems. Results indicate that the ARX-II telemetry performance is comparable and sometimes superior to the BLK-III/BPA and BLK-III/SDA/SSA combinations.

Hinedi, S.↗

COBE

Preliminary results are presented from COBE's three observational instruments. These are the FIRAS spectrum experiment, which surveyed over 98 percent of the sky, the IR background experiment, DIRBE which surveyed all of the sky, and the DMR anisotropy experiment. It is found that the cosmic microwave background is very close to a blackbody, with a temperature of 2.735 + or - 0.06 K. The only reliably detected background anisotropy is the 3.3 + or - 0.2 mK-amplitude dipole. The rms quadrupole anisotropy is less than 0.00003 with 95-percent confidence. DIRBE results indicate that the IRAS 60-100 micron diffuse-flux calibrations suffer from gain and offset errors.

Wright, Edward L.↗

Variability of photosynthetically available and total solar irradiance at the surface during FIFE - A satellite description

The satellite method of Gautier et al. (1980) is applied to GOES-6 radiometer data to determine the availability of quantitative data on the temporal variability of photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) and insolation. Comparisons with in situ measurements indicate that the modified satellite method yields insolation and PAR data with small biases and standard errors of 9 and 6.5 percent respectively. It is shown that large-scale satellite climatologies of insolation can be converted into climatologies of PAR to study photosynthetic activity on a global scale.

Frouin, Robert↗

Submillimeter horizontal position determination using very long baseline interferometry

An analysis of interferometric phase delays from 15 years of Mark I and Mark III very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) experiments carried out with two radio telescopes in Westford, Massachusetts, about 1.24 km apart, yields weighted root-mean-square (WRMS) scatters about the mean locally horizontal coordinates of 1.0 and 2.0 mm in the north and east directions, respectively. It is concluded that VLBI antennas of at least of the structural quality of the pair in Westford satisfy a necessary but not sufficient condition for being able to maintain a global reference system with submillimeter per year accuracy for intervals in excess of a decade. These data are also used to determine an error model for the VLBI group delay measurements, and, for this particular pair of telescopes, they indicate that the WRMS difference between group and phase delays is composed of a constant part (5.4 mm, for the most recent data) and a SNR term which is about 10 percent larger than that computed theoretically.

Herring, T. A.↗