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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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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Search for the Exclusive W Boson Hadronic Decays W ± → π ± γ, W ± → K ± γ and W ± → ρ ± γ with the ATLAS Detector

A search for the exclusive hadronic decays W ± → π ± γ, W ± → K ± γ, and W ± → ρ ± γ is performed using up to 140 fb -1 of proton-proton collisions recorded with the ATLAS detector at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s} =$ 13 TeV. If observed, these rare processes would provide a unique test bench for the quantum chromodynamics factorization formalism used to calculate cross sections at colliders. Additionally, at future colliders, these decays could offer a new way to measure the W boson mass through fully reconstructed decay products. The search results in the most stringent upper limits to date on the branching fractions B(W ± → π ± γ) < 1.9 × 10 -6 , B(W ± → K ± γ) < 1.7 × 10 -6 , B(W ± → ρ ± γ) < 5.2 × 10 -6 at 95% confidence level.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurement of the W boson decay branching fraction ratio $\mathscr{B}$(W → cq)/$\mathscr{B}$(W →$q\bar{q}'$) in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

The most precise measurement to date of the W boson hadronic decay branching fraction ratio $R_{c}^{W} = \mathcal{B}(W \to cq) / \mathcal{B}(W \to q\bar{q}$) is presented. The measurement is based on a sample of proton-proton collision data from the CERN LHC collected by the CMS experiment at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV in 2016-2018 with an integrated luminosity of 138 fb$^{-1}$. The large cross section of top quark-antiquark production at the LHC offers a sizable high-purity sample of W bosons suitable for this measurement. Events with one charged lepton (electron or muon) and at least four jets, two tagged as bottom quark jets, are analyzed. Charm jets are tagged using the presence of a muon inside the jet. The result, $R_\mathrm{c}^\mathrm{W}$ = 0.489 $\pm$ 0.020, is consistent with the standard model prediction and is twice as precise as the current world-average value.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

W-DO Unclassified Talk Series: W-Division Military & Stockpile Operations Office (W-MSO) [Slides]

LANL W-MSO (W-Division Military & Stockpile Operations Office) is designated by LANL W-DO to act as the interface within LANL to respond with capacity to fulfill their DA responsibilities on specific matters relating to field and stockpile support. They share responsibility with SNL-ML for NNSA interface with DOD for certain military activities, such as NW fielding, component exchange, and issues in support of USAF, USN, and UK trident programs. They are also a single point agent to SNL-ML, which is the primary DOD interface for the NNSA. W-MSO is designated by W-DO to act as the LANL interface for issues that arise with LANL designed components.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2023

The Recovery of Medical Isotope 188 W from Irradiated W Metal Target - A New Approach

Tungsten-188 is in widespread use in 188 W(t 1/2 = 69 d )/ 188 Re(t 1/2 = 16.9 h ) biomedical generators. Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been providing this product to the world since 1999. At ORNL, 188 W is produced via irradiation in ORNL’s High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). Enriched 186 W targets in the form of sintered metallic pellets or rings achieve a compact loading in the irradiation vessel, providing a high yield per unit target. The enrichment of the target is >90% 186 W, and this isotope undergoes double neutron capture to produce the desired 188 W product. While 188 W is produced by neutron bombardment, 191 Os(t 1/2 = 15.4 d ) is simultaneously produced as a by-product and expected to be separated from 188 W by postirradiation treatment.In the current processing pathway, the irradiated W metal rings are first converted into an oxide form of WO 3 by heating the irradiated W metal target at 750°C in a quartz reaction vessel inside a vertical furnace under a constant flow of air. During heating, W metal reacts with oxygen in the air to produce WO 3 , which is soluble in 6 M NaOH for preparation of 188 W product. This oxidation process also converts 188 Os (the decay daughter of 188 W) and 191 Os (15.4 d , the irradiation produced byproduct) into OsO 4 , a highly volatile and toxic gas. The gaseous effluents driven from the quartz reaction vessel are passed through a scrubbing array to remove OsO 4 before the air is discharged from the process. This heterogeneous oxidation method simultaneously achieves goals of (1) converting metal target to a soluble oxide form and (2) removing volatile OsO 4 away from the solid WO 3 product by air flow and absorbing the harmful Os species by the scrubbing array. But this method has two potential problems as well: (1) O 2 reacts with only W metal at high temperatures, not with W alloyed with other elements. The O 2 –W reaction will be retarded when formation of WRe or WC occurs, or even when a layer of non-W materials on the surface of the irradiated W rings.; (2) 100% absorption of OsO 4 of high yield (>90%) from the reaction of Os + O 2 is a strict requirement to the OsO 4 scrubbing system--so NaOH scrubbers of a redundant size (2x 1.5 L) are in use for safety reasons.To resolve above two potential problems, direct dissolution of the irradiated W metal target by a selected reagent is a preferred pathway to avoid heating step with generation of tremendous amount of volatile OsO 4 . Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is such a candidate to dissolve W in forms of either metal or alloys, although literature lacks information of solubilities of Re or Os in H 2 O 2 . With experimental results of dissolving non-radioactive W, Re and Os in H 2 O 2 under various conditions, this report illustrates a method of H 2 O 2 dissolution for irradiated W target, with a complete dissolution of W and Re, but ≤10% dissolution of Os (converted into gaseous OsO 4 and carried out into a scrubbing for absorption) during processing irradiated W target. The portion of undissolved Os can be separated from W solution by a follow up filtration step. Solubilities of W, Re and Os in H 2 O 2 at a temperature range from 14° to 50°C are presented. And a dissolution rate of W metal per surface area of W metal in H 2 O 2 is calculated based on results of dissolving a W metal cylinder of known surface area in H 2 O 2 at room temperature without stirring.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurements of W + W − production cross-sections in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV with the ATLAS detector

Measurements of W + W − → e ± νμ ∓ ν production cross-sections are presented, providing a test of the predictions of perturbative quantum chromodynamics and the electroweak theory. The measurements are based on data from pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider in 2015–2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140 fb −1 . The number of events due to top-quark pair production, the largest background, is reduced by rejecting events containing jets with b-hadron decays. An improved methodology for estimating the remaining top-quark background enables a precise measurement of W + W − cross-sections with no additional requirements on jets. The fiducial W + W − cross-section is determined in a maximum-likelihood fit with an uncertainty of 3.1%. The measurement is extrapolated to the full phase space, resulting in a total W + W − cross-section of 127 ± 4 pb. Differential cross-sections are measured as a function of twelve observables that comprehensively describe the kinematics of W + W − events. The measurements are compared with state-of-the-art theory calculations and excellent agreement with predictions is observed. A charge asymmetry in the lepton rapidity is observed as a function of the dilepton invariant mass, in agreement with the Standard Model expectation. A CP-odd observable is measured to be consistent with no CP violation. Limits on Standard Model effective field theory Wilson coefficients in the Warsaw basis are obtained from the differential cross-sections.

Accelerator Physics↗
DOE OSTI2025

The Path towards Plasma Facing Components: A Review of State-of-the-art in W-Based Refractory High-Entropy Alloys

Developing advanced materials for plasma-facing components (PFCs) in fusion reactors is a crucial aspect for achieving sustained energy production. Tungsten (W) - based refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their superior radiation tolerance and high-temperature strength. This review paper will focus on recent advancements in W-based RHEA research, particularly emphasizing the key role of modelling using machine learning (ML) in the stage of discovery by predicting properties for each composition and expediting the identification of optimal RHEA compositions with desired properties. Additionally, the application of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques for fabricating W-based RHEAs is explored, highlighting their advantages for rapid prototyping and multi-compositional sample production in a high throughput manner. The review critically evaluates the current understanding of mechanical properties relevant to PFC applications, including high-temperature strength and ductility. Furthermore, the radiation tolerance of W-based RHEAs under irradiated conditions is discussed. Finally, the validity of current AM-manufactured W-based RHEAs as PFC materials is assessed, and key challenges and opportunities for future research are identified. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of W-based RHEAs for fusion applications and their potential to guide the development and validation of advanced refractory high entropy alloys.

Hatler, Caleb [University of Wisconsin-Madison]↗
DOE OSTI2021

Improving the W Coating Uniformity by a COMSOL Model-Based CVD Parameter Study for Denser W f /W Composites

Tungsten (W) has the unique combination of excellent thermal properties, low sputter yield, low hydrogen retention, and acceptable activation. Therefore, W is presently the main candidate for the first wall and armor material for future fusion devices. However, its intrinsic brittleness and its embrittlement during operation bears the risk of a sudden and catastrophic component failure. As a countermeasure, tungsten fiber-reinforced tungsten (W f /W) composites exhibiting extrinsic toughening are being developed. A possible W f /W production route is chemical vapor deposition (CVD) by reducing WF 6 with H 2 on heated W fabrics. The challenge here is that the growing CVD-W can seal gaseous domains leading to strength reducing pores. In previous work, CVD models for W f /W synthesis were developed with COMSOL Multiphysics and validated experimentally. In the present article, these models were applied to conduct a parameter study to optimize the coating uniformity, the relative density, the WF 6 demand, and the process time. A low temperature and a low total pressure increase the process time, but in return lead to very uniform W layers at the micro and macro scales and thus to an optimized relative density of the W f /W composite. High H 2 and low WF 6 gas flow rates lead to a slightly shorter process time and an improved coating uniformity as long as WF 6 is not depleted, which can be avoided by applying the presented reactor model.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Measurements of W + W - + ≥ 1 jet production cross-sections in pp collisions at $ \sqrt{s} $ = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Fiducial and differential cross-section measurements of W + W - production in association with at least one hadronic jet are presented. These measurements are sensitive to the properties of electroweak-boson self-interactions and provide a test of perturbative quantum chromodynamics and the electroweak theory. The analysis is performed using proton-proton collision data collected at $ \sqrt{s} $ = 13 TeV with the ATLAS experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb -1 . Events are selected with exactly one oppositely charged electron-muon pair and at least one hadronic jet with a transverse momentum of p T > 30 GeV and a pseudorapidity of |η| < 4.5. After subtracting the background contributions and correcting for detector effects, the jet-inclusive W + W - + ≥ 1 jet fiducial cross-section and W + W - + jets differential cross-sections with respect to several kinematic variables are measured. These measurements include leptonic quantities, such as the lepton transverse momenta and the transverse mass of the W + W - system, as well as jet-related observables such as the leading jet transverse momentum and the jet multiplicity. Limits on anomalous triple-gauge-boson couplings are obtained in a phase space where interference between the Standard Model amplitude and the anomalous amplitude is enhanced.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Synergic grain boundary segregation and precipitation in W- and W-Mo-containing high-entropy borides

The structures of W- and W-Mo-containing high-entropy borides (HEBs) are systematically studied by combining atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging, electron diffraction, and chemical analysis. Here, we reveal that W or W-Mo addition in HEBs leads to segregation of these elements to the grain boundaries (GBs). In the meantime, W- or W-Mo-rich precipitates also form along the GBs. Crystallographic analysis and atomic-scale imaging show that the GB precipitates in both W- and W-Mo-containing HEBs have a cube-on-cube orientation relationship with the matrix. With further strain analysis, the coherency of the precipitate/matrix interface is validated. Nanoindentation tests show that the simultaneous GB segregation and coherent precipitation, as a supplement to the grain hardening, provide additional hardening of the HEBs. Our work provides an in-depth understanding of the GB segregation and precipitation behaviors of HEBs. It suggests that GB engineering could be potentially used for optimizing the performance of high-entropy ceramics.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

UO2 microstructural evolutions induced by Ni, Mo, and W dopants for intentional forensics

The concept of tagging nuclear fuel with a chemical barcode to enable forensics analysis across the nuclear fuel cycle is an area of active investigation, particularly to ensure fabrication viability without disrupting current fuel performance. This study explored the feasibility of using Ni, Mo, and W isotopic double-spikes as dopants in UO2 fuel from the perspective of fuel fabrication. Doped UO2 pellets were produced using conventional fuel fabrication processes, including powder mixing, sieving, pressing, and sintering in a reductive atmosphere. Two composition levels, 100 and 1000 ppm, were evaluated for each dopant element with isotopic double-spike configurations. For the Ni system, additional dopant concentrations of 250 and 500 ppm were produced with nonperturbed isotopic ratios. The results demonstrated that successful incorporation of Ni, Mo, and W double-spikes into UO2 pellets occurred with minimal shift in final density or dopant loss during pellet fabrication. Isotopic analysis confirmed the presence of the double-spike signature even when diluted with natural isotopic material in ratio of 1:5 in the fabrication process. Microstructural examinations revealed different impacts on grain size compared with undoped UO2. This study showed that Ni incorporation up to ∼500 ppm promoted moderate grain growth, whereas the Mo and W systems caused grain size reduction at all concentrations. Changes in the UO2 lattice parameter as a function of composition were detected exclusively for Ni up to 500 ppm, indicating that the Ni solid solution was the main factor for the observed grain growth. Insoluble (Mo and W) or supersaturated (Ni > 500 ppm) conditions produced grain size reduction. The Ni-doped pellets in the solution range resulted in a final microstructure within fuel specifications, demonstrating its potential benefits of employing complex dopant systems for potential nuclear forensic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Persistence of crystal orientations across sub-micron-scale "super-grains" in self-organized Cu-W nanocomposites

We use precession electron diffraction to investigate the crystallographic character of copper (Cu)-tungsten (W) nanocomposites fabricated via physical vapor co-deposition at 400 oC. We observe sub-micron-scale regions, where apparently disconnected Cu and W grains have near identical crystallographic orientations. This persistence of grain orientations suggests Cu and W grains within these regions are interconnected in 3-D when they first form and may be considered as intercalated, sub-micron-scale "super-grains". Indeed, atom probe tomography provides direct evidence of 3-D interconnectivity of W domains. Our findings shed light on the structure and self organization mechanisms of nanocomposites formed by spontaneous phase separation of co-deposited metals.

Yadav, Digvijay↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Special Analysis: Inventory and Solid Waste Release Modeling for the LLBG Sensitivity Case - UCAQ-22-01 Inventory Discrepancies for 218-E-12B, 218-W-3A, and 218-W-3AE in the Hanford Site Composite Analysis

This environmental calculation file (ECF) documents the methodologies, assumptions, and results of four sensitivity analyses that reevaluate the representativeness of solid-waste radionuclide inventory and release rate from three solid waste sites included in the recently completed Hanford Site Composite Analysis (CA) (DOE-RL-2019-52, Composite Analysis for Low-Level Waste Disposal in the Hanford Site Central Plateau (FY 2020), Rev. 1) (hereinafter called the CA Update). Specifically, this ECF reevaluates the representativeness of the base case inventory and radionuclide waste release rates from three solid waste sites (i.e., 218-E-12B, 218-W-3A, and 218-W-3AE) and two radionuclides (i.e., carbon-14 [C-14] and technetium-99 [Tc-99]). These three waste sites and two radionuclides were identified as being the most significant contributors to groundwater contamination and dose in the CA Update for the Inner Area boundary at times periods after the compliance period. This ECF first evaluates the representativeness of the C-14 and Tc-99 inventory and second, radionuclide release rates for the three waste sites1. If the inventory and release rates assumed in the CA Update are determined to be not representative, as hypothesized in the CA Update, then this ECF evaluates the impact of more representative inventories and release rates on the transfer of radionuclides to the vadose zone. The four analyses described in this ECF are as follows: 1) 218-E-12B C-14 Inventory and Release Rate Sensitivity Case – Determine the representativeness of the C-14 inventory and associated waste release rate from the 218-E-12B waste site assumed in the CA Update. If the inventory and associated waste release are more appropriately characterized as being different from the assumptions in the CA Update, then update the predicted C-14 release rate and compare the results to the results presented in the CA Update (DOE/RL-2019-52); 2) 218-W-3A C-14 Inventory and Release Rate Sensitivity Case – Determine the representativeness of the C-14 inventory and associated waste release rate from the 218-W-3A waste site assumed in the CA Update. If the inventory and associated waste release are more appropriately characterized as being different from the assumptions in the CA Update, then update the predicted C-14 release rate and compare the results to the results presented in the CA Update (DOE/RL-2019-52); 3) 218-W-3AE Tc-99 Release Rate Sensitivity Case – Determine the representativeness of the Tc-99 inventory and associated waste release rate from the 218-W-3AE waste site assumed in the CA Update. If the inventory and associated waste release are more appropriately characterized as being different from the assumptions in the CA Update, then update the predicted Tc-99 release rate and compare the results to the results presented in the CA Update (DOE/RL-2019-52); 4) 218-W-3AE Tc-99 Release Footprint Sensitivity Case – Determine the representativeness of the Tc-99 waste area footprint for the 218-W-3AE waste site assumed in the CA Update. If the footprint of the waste is more appropriately characterized as being different from the assumptions in the CA Update, then update the predicted Tc-99 release rate and compare the results to the result presented in the CA Update (DOE/RL-2019-52).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS1984

Reaction of amorphous Ni-W and Ni-N-W films with substrate silicon

Wiley et al. (1982) have studied sputtered amorphous films of Nb-Ni, Mo-Ni, Si-W, and Si-Mo. Kung et al. (1984) have found that amorphous Ni-Mo films as diffusion barriers between multilayer metallizations on silicon demonstrate good electrical and thermal stability. In the present investigation, the Ni-W system was selected because it is similar to the Ni-Mo system. However, W has a higher silicide formation temperature than Mo. Attention is given to aspects of sample preparation, sample characterization, the interaction between amorphous Ni-W films and Si, the crystallization of amorphous Ni(36)W(64) films on SiO2, amorphous Ni-N-W films, silicide formation and phase separation, and the crystallization of amorphous Ni(36)W(64) and Ni(30)N(21)W(49) layers.

Zhu, M. F.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Observation of photon-induced W+W- production in pp collisions at s = 13 TeV using the ATLAS detector

This letter reports the observation of photon-induced production of W -boson pairs, γγ → W W . The analysis uses 139 fb -1 of LHC proton–proton collision data taken at s = 13 TeV TeV recorded by the ATLAS experiment during the years 2015–2018. The measurement is performed selecting one electron and one muon, corresponding to the decay of the diboson system as W W → e ± νμ ∓ ν final state. The background-only hypothesis is rejected with a significance of well above 5 standard deviations consistent with the expectation from Monte Carlo simulation. A cross section for the γγ → W W process of 3.13 ± 0.31(stat.)±0.28(syst.) fb is measured in a fiducial volume close to the acceptance of the detector, by requiring an electron and a muon of opposite signs with large dilepton transverse momentum and exactly zero additional charged particles. This is found to be in agreement with the Standard Model prediction.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

W$^+$W$^-$ boson pair production in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} =$ 13 TeV

A measurement of the W+W- boson pair production cross section in proton-proton collisions at s=13 TeV is presented. The data used in this study are collected with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb-1. The W+W- candidate events are selected by requiring two oppositely charged leptons (electrons or muons). Two methods for reducing background contributions are employed. In the first one, a sequence of requirements on kinematic quantities is applied allowing a measurement of the total production cross section, 117.6±6.8 pb, which agrees well with the theoretical prediction. Fiducial cross sections are also reported for events with zero or one jet, and the change in the zero-jet fiducial cross section with the jet transverse momentum threshold is measured. Normalized differential cross sections are reported within the fiducial region. A second method for suppressing background contributions employs two random forest classifiers. The analysis based on this method includes a measurement of the total production cross section and also a measurement of the normalized jet multiplicity distribution in W+W- events. Finally, a dilepton invariant mass distribution is used to probe for physics beyond the standard model in the context of an effective field theory, and constraints on the presence of dimension-6 operators are derived.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗