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At least 1,315 records · Page 73

Miniature drag force anemometer

A miniature drag force anemometer is described which is capable of measuring dynamic velocity head and flow direction. The anemometer consists of a silicon cantilevered beam 2.5 mm long, 1.5 mm wide, and 0.25 mm thick with an integrated diffused strain gage bridge, located at the base of the beam, as the force measuring element. The dynamics of the beam are like that of a second order system with a natural frequency of about 42 kHz and a damping coefficient of 0.007. The anemometer can be used in both forward and reversed flow. Measured flow characteristics up to Mach 0.6 are presented along with application examples including turbulence measurements.

Krause, L. N.↗

An investigation of kV CBCT image quality and dose reduction for volume-of-interest imaging using dynamic collimation

Purpose: The focus of this work was to investigate the improvements in image quality and dose reduction for volume-of-interest (VOI) kilovoltage-cone beam CT (CBCT) using dynamic collimation. Methods: A prototype iris aperture was used to track a VOI during a CBCT acquisition. The current aperture design is capable of 1D translation as a function of gantry angle and dynamic adjustment of the iris radius. The aperture occupies the location of the bow-tie filter on a Varian On-Board Imager system. CBCT and planar image quality were investigated as a function of aperture radius, while maintaining the same dose to the VOI, for a 20 cm diameter cylindrical water phantom with a 9 mm diameter bone insert centered on isocenter. Corresponding scatter-to-primary ratios (SPR) were determined at the detector plane with Monte Carlo simulation using EGSnrc. Dose distributions for various sizes VOI were modeled using a dynamic BEAMnrc library and DOSXYZnrc. The resulting VOI dose distributions were compared to full-field distributions. Results: SPR was reduced by a factor of 8.4 when decreasing iris diameter from 21.2 to 2.4 cm (at isocenter). Depending upon VOI location and size, dose was reduced to 16%–90% of the full-field value along the central axis plane and down to 4% along the axis of rotation, while maintaining the same dose to the VOI compared to full-field techniques. When maintaining constant dose to the VOI, this change in iris diameter corresponds to a factor increase of approximately 1.6 in image contrast and a factor decrease in image noise of approximately 1.2. This results in a measured gain in contrast-to-noise ratio by a factor of approximately 2.0. Conclusions: The presented VOI technique offers improved image quality for image-guided radiotherapy while sparing the surrounding volume of unnecessary dose compared to full-field techniques.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Reconfigurable Terahertz Metasurface Pure Phase Holograms

Terahertz (THz) radiation has many potential applications. However, comparing with the rapid development of THz sources and detectors, functional devices for THz modulation, especially the spatial modulation devices, are still insufficient. Here, we present a novel approach for generating arbitrary wavefronts of a THz beam is presented. By dynamically creating metasurface structures through illuminating a thin silicon wafer with femtosecond laser, which is spatially modulated, an array of reconfigurable subwavelength resonators is generated. The wavefront of the THz beam is then determined by forming spatial profiles of the Pancharatnam–Berry scattering phase by dynamically controlling the resonator orientation. Proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate that streaming holographic images and lenses of variable focal length can be realized in real time. The reconfigurable scheme demonstrated here is convenient and fast, and may lead to advances in a host of THz applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Changes in "thermal lens" measure diffusivity

In an extension of "thermal lens" effect to new applications and better resolution, two laser beams combine to rapidly measure thermal diffusivity and other molecular dynamic properties. New double-beam technique handles very small samples unlike classical techniques for measuring diffusivity. It can be used for measurements on samples undergoing stress, making it applicable to data collection for structural engineering.

Gupta, A.↗

Gyrodampers for large space structures

The problem of controlling the vibrations of a large space structures by the use of actively augmented damping devices distributed throughout the structure is addressed. The gyrodamper which consists of a set of single gimbal control moment gyros which are actively controlled to extract the structural vibratory energy through the local rotational deformations of the structure, is described and analyzed. Various linear and nonlinear dynamic simulations of gyrodamped beams are shown, including results on self-induced vibrations due to sensor noise and rotor imbalance. The complete nonlinear dynamic equations are included. The problem of designing and sizing a system of gyrodampers for a given structure, or extrapolating results for one gyrodamped structure to another is solved in terms of scaling laws. Novel scaling laws for gyro systems are derived, based upon fundamental physical principles, and various examples are given.

Aubrun, J. N.↗

Ion Dynamic Capture Experiments With The High Performance Antiproton Trap (HiPAT)

To take the first step towards using the energy produced from the matter-antimatter annihilation for propulsion applications, the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Propulsion Research Center (PRC) has initiated a research activity examining the storage of low energy antiprotons. The High Performance Antiproton Trap (HiPAT) is an electromagnetic system (Penning-Malmberg design) consisting of a 4 Tesla superconductor, a high voltage electrode confinement system, and an ultra high vacuum test section. It has been designed with an ultimate goal of maintaining 10(exp 12) charged particles with a half-life of 18 days. Currently, this system is being evaluated experimentally using normal matter ions that are cheap to produce, relatively easy to handle, and provide a good indication of overall trap behavior (with the exception of assessing annihilation losses). The ions are produced via a positive hydrogen ion source and transported to HiPAT in a beam line equipped with electrostatic optics. The optics serve to both focus and gate the incoming ions, providing microsecond-timed beam pulses that are dynamically captured by cycling the HiPAT forward containment field like a "trap door". Initial dynamic capture experiments have been successfully performed with beam energy and currents set to 1.9 kV and 23 micro-amps, respectively. At these settings up to 2x10(exp 9) ions have been trapped during a single dynamic cycle.

Martin, James↗

Estimation of full-field dynamic strains from digital video measurements of output-only beam structures by video motion processing and modal superposition

Strain is an necessary quantity to characterize local structural behaviors and directly correlates with structural damage initiation and development that is within local regions. Strain measurement at high spatial resolution (density) locations is thus required to characterize local structural behaviors and detect potential local damage. Traditional contact-type strain gauges are mostly discrete point-wise sensors that can only be placed in a limited number of positions. Distributed optical fiber sensing techniques can measure strains at spatially dense measurement points, but their instrumentation is a time- and labor-intensive process associated with the issue of the fragility of fibers. Noncontact optical measurement techniques, such as a family of interferometry techniques using laser beams (e.g., laser Doppler vibrometers), can provide vibration measurement at high density spatial points without the need to install sensors on the structure. Yet, these measurement devices are active sensing methods that are relatively expensive and vulnerable to ambient motion. Photogrammetry is an alternative noncontact optical measurement method using (passive) white-light imaging of digital video cameras that are relatively low-cost, agile, and provides simultaneous measurements at high spatial density locations where every pixel becomes a measurement point. Among others, digital image correlation can achieve full-field deformation measurements and subsequently estimate the full-field strains. However, it is computationally extensive. This research develops a new efficient approach to estimate the full-field (as many measurement points as the pixel number of the video frame on the structure) dynamic strains at high-spatial (pixel)-resolution/density location points from the digital video measurement of output-only vibrating structures. The developed approach is based on phase-based video motion estimation and modal superposition of structural dynamic response. Moreover, the method is augmented by a high-fidelity finite element model, which is updated with the full-field experimental modal parameters “blindly” identified from the video measurement of the output-only structure. Laboratory experiments are conducted to validate the method on a bench-scale cantilever beam structure. Results demonstrate that the full-field dynamic strain estimated by the developed approach from the video measurement of the output-only vibrating beam match very well those directly measured by the strain gauges (at discrete measurement points). Some factors associated with the effectiveness of the method are experimentally studied and discussed.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

The density distribution and physical origins of intermittency in supersonic, highly magnetized turbulence with diverse modes of driving

The probability density function (PDF) of the logarithmic density contrast, s = ln (ρ/ρ 0 ), with gas density ρ and mean density ρ 0 , for hydrodynamical supersonic turbulence is well known to have significant non-Gaussian (intermittent) features that monotonically increase with the turbulent Mach number, M. By studying the mass- and volume-weighted s-PDF for an ensemble of 36 sub-to-trans-Alfvenic mean-field, supersonic, isothermal turbulence simulations with different modes of driving, relevant to molecular gas in the cool interstellar medium, we show that a more intricate picture emerges for the non-Gaussian nature of s. Using four independent measures of the non-Gaussian components, we find hydrodynamical-like structure in the highly magnetized plasma for M≲4. However, for M≳4, the non-Gaussian signatures disappear, leaving approximately Gaussian s-statistics – exactly the opposite of hydrodynamical turbulence in the high-M limit. We also find that the non-Gaussian components of the PDF increase monotonically with more compressive driving modes. To understand the M≲4 non-Gaussian features, we use one-dimensional pencil beams to explore the dynamics along and across the large-scale magnetic field, B 0 . Here we discuss kinetic, density, and magnetic field fluctuations from the pencil beams, and identify physical sources of non-Gaussian components to the PDF as single, strong shocks coupled to fast magnetosonic compressions that form along B 0 . We discuss the Gaussianization of the M≳4 s-fields through the lens of two phenomenologies: the self-similarity of the s-field and homogenization of the dynamical time-scales between the over- and underdense regions in the compressible gas.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Electrotastic Solitary Waves (ESW) in the magnetotail: BEN wave forms observed by GEOTAIL

Wave forms of BEN (Broadband Electrostatic Noise) in the geomagnetic tail were first detected by the Wave Form Capture reciever on the GEOTAIL spacecraft. The results show that most of the BEN in the plasma sheet boundary layer (PSBL) are not continuous broadband noise but are composed of a series of solitary pulses having a special form which we term 'Electrostatic Solitary Waves (ESW)'. A nonlinear BGK potential model is proposed as the generation mechanism for the ESW based upon a simple particle simulation which considers the highly nonlinear evolution of the electron beam instability. The wave forms produced by this simulation are very similar to those observed by GEOTAIL and suggest that the nonlinear dynamics of the electron beam play an essential role in the generation of ESW.

Matsumoto, H.↗

Peculiarities of the beam-plasma discharge development in high-pressure gas and prospects of its application

The dynamics of a stationary beam-plasma discharge at the neutral gas pressure of 10{sup -3}-1 Torr is investigated. Three discharge modes have been revealed: two of them are characterized by novel properties and have not been studied as of yet. Dissipative instabilities with different increments have been found. The generation of ion flows has been studied and the experiments on 'dry' cleaning of the metal specimen surfaces using them have been carried out. The pressure ranges in a neutral gas at which the discharge can be efficiently applied in nonequilibrium plasma chemistry are given.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

TU-CD-304-07: Intensity Modulated Electron Beam Therapy Employing Small Fields in Virtual Scanning Mode

Purpose: Dynamic electron radiation therapies such as dynamic electron arc radiotherapy (DEAR) utilize small fields to provide target conformity and fluence modulation. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of virtual scanning mode using small fields. Methods: Monte Carlo simulations (EGSnrc/BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc) were performed using validated Varian TrueBeam phase space files for electron beam energies of 6, 9, 12, and 16 MeV and square/circular fields (1×1/1, 2×2/2, 3×3/3, 4×4/4, 5×5/5 cm{sup 2}/cm diameter). Resulting dose distributions (kernels) were used for subsequent calculations. The following analyses were performed: (1) Comparison of composite square fields and reference 10×10 cm{sup 2} dose distributions and (2) Scanning beam deliveries for square and circular fields realized as the convolution of kernels and scanning pattern. Preliminary beam weight and pattern optimization were also performed. Two linear scans of 10 cm with/without overlap were modeled. Comparison metrics included depth and orthogonal profiles at dmax. Results: (1) Composite fields regained reference depth dose profiles for most energies and fields within 5%. Smaller kernels and higher energies increased dose in the build-up and Bremsstrahlung region (30%, 16MeV and 1×1 cm{sup 2}), while reference dmax was maintained for all energies and composite fields. Smaller kernels (<2×2 cm{sup 2}) maintained penumbra and field size within 0.2 cm, and flatness within 2%. Deterioration of penumbra for larger kernels (5×5 cm{sup 2}) were observed. Balancing desirable dosimetry and efficiencies suggests that smaller kernels are used at edges and larger kernels in the center of the target. (2) Beam weight optimization improved cross-plane penumbra (0.2 cm) and increased the field size (0.4 cm) on average. In-plane penumbra and field size remained unchanged. Overlap depended on kernel size and optimal overlap resulted in flatness ±2%. Conclusion: Dynamic electron beam therapy in virtual scanning mode is feasible by employing small fields to achieve desired dose distributions and acceptable efficiencies.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Laser energy deposition and its dynamic uniformity for direct-drive capsules

The total laser energy deposition of multi-laser-beam irradiation is not only associated with the dynamic behavior of capsule but also the time-dependent angular distribution of the energy deposition of each beam around its axis. The dynamic behavior of laser energy deposition does not linearly respond to the dynamic behavior of laser irradiation. The laser energy deposition uniformity determines the symmetry of implosion. The dynamic behavior of laser energy deposition non-uniformity in OMEGA for laser with square beam shape intensity profile is investigated. In the case of smaller laser spot, the initial non-uniformity caused by laser beam overlap is very high. The shell asymmetry caused by the high initial laser irradiation non-uniformity is estimated by the extent of distortion of shock front which is not as severe as expected before the shock driven by main pulse arrives. This suggests that the large initial non-uniformity due to smaller laser spot is one of the elements that seed disturbance before the main pulse. The rms of laser energy deposition during the main pulse remains above 2%. Since the intensity of main driving pulse usually is several times higher than that of picket pulses, the non-uniformity in main pulse period may jeopardize the symmetrical implosion. When dynamic behavior of capsule is considered, the influence of beam pointing error, the target positioning error, and beam-to-beam power unbalance is quite different for the case of static capsule.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Merging for Particle-Mesh Complex Particle Kinetic Modeling of the Multiple Plasma Beams

We suggest a merging procedure for the Particle-Mesh Complex Particle Kinetic (PMCPK) method in case of inter-penetrating flow (multiple plasma beams). We examine the standard particle-in-cell (PIC) and the PMCPK methods in the case of particle acceleration by shock surfing for a wide range of the control numerical parameters. The plasma dynamics is described by a hybrid (particle-ion-fluid-electron) model. Note that one may need a mesh if modeling with the computation of an electromagnetic field. Our calculations use specified, time-independent electromagnetic fields for the shock, rather than self-consistently generated fields. While a particle-mesh method is a well-verified approach, the CPK method seems to be a good approach for multiscale modeling that includes multiple regions with various particle/fluid plasma behavior. However, the CPK method is still in need of a verification for studying the basic plasma phenomena: particle heating and acceleration by collisionless shocks, magnetic field reconnection, beam dynamics, etc.

Lipatov, Alexander S.↗

Radio Frequency Noise Effects on the CERN Large Hadron Collider Beam Diffusion

Radio frequency (rf) accelerating system noise can have a detrimental impact on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) performance through longitudinal motion and longitudinal emittance growth. A theoretical formalism has been developed to relate the beam and rf station dynamics with the bunch length growth. Measurements were conducted at LHC to determine the performance limiting rf components and validate the formalism through studies of the beam diffusion dependence on rf noise. As a result, a noise threshold was established for acceptable performance which provides the foundation for beam diffusion estimates for higher energies and intensities. Measurements were also conducted to determine the low level rf noise spectrum and its major contributions, as well as to validate models and simulations of this system.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Transportation of high-current ion and electron beams in the accelerator drift gap in the presence of an additional electron background

The dynamics of a high-current ion beam propagating in the drift gap of a linear induction accelerator with collective focusing is studied using 3D numerical simulations in the framework of the full system of the Vlasov–Maxwell equations (code KARAT). The ion beam is neutralized by a comoving electron beam in the current density and, partially, in space charge, since the velocities of electrons and ions differ substantially. The dynamics of the high-current ion beam is investigated for different versions of additional neutralization of its space charge. It is established that, for a given configuration of the magnetic field and in the presence of a specially programmed injection of additional electrons from the boundary opposite to the ion injection boundary, the angular divergence of the ion beam almost vanishes, whereas the current of the ion beam at the exit from the accelerator drift gap changes insignificantly and the beam remains almost monoenergetic.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

2n-emission from {sup 205}Pb* nucleus using clusterization approach at E{sub beam}∼14-20 MeV

The dynamics involved in n-induced reaction with {sup 204}Pb target is analyzed and the decay of the composite system {sup 205}Pb* is governed within the collective clusterization approach of the Dynamical Cluster-decay Model (DCM). The experimental data for 2n-evaporation channel is available for neutron energy range of 14-20 MeV and is addressed by optimizing the only parameter of the model, the neck-length parameter (ΔR). The calculations are done by taking the quadrupole (β{sub 2}) deformations of the decaying fragments and the calculated 2n-emission cross-sections find nice agreement with available data. An effort is made to study the role of level density parameter in the decay of hot-rotating nucleus, and the mass dependence in level density parameter is exercised for the first time in DCM based calculations. It is to be noted that the effect of deformation, temperature and angular momentum etc. is studied to extract better description of the dynamics involved.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Transverse Beam Halo Measurements at High Intensity Neutrino Source (HINS) using Vibrating Wire Monitor

The measurement and control of beam halos will be critical for the applications of future high-intensity hadron linacs. In particular, beam profile monitors require a very high dynamic range when used for the transverse beam halo measurements. In this study, the Vibrating Wire Monitor (VWM) with aperture 60 mm was installed at the High Intensity Neutrino Source (HINS) front-end to measure the transverse beam halo. A vibrating wire is excited at its resonance frequency with the help of a magnetic feedback loop, and the vibrating and sensitive wires are connected through a balanced arm. The sensitive wire is moved into the beam halo region by a stepper motor controlled translational stage. We study the feasibility of the vibrating wire for the transverse beam halo measurements in the low-energy front-end of the proton linac.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗