Spacecraft Solar Particle Event (SPE) Shielding: Shielding Effectiveness as a Function of SPE Model as Determined with the FLUKA Radiation Transport Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koontz, S. L.; Atwell, W. A.; Reddell, B.; Rojdev, K.

2010-12-01

In the this paper, we report the results of modeling and simulation studies in which the radiation transport code FLUKA (FLUktuierende KAskade) is used to determine the changes in total ionizing dose (TID) and single-event effect (SEE) environments behind aluminum, polyethylene, carbon, and titanium shielding masses when the assumed form (i.e., Band or Exponential) of the solar particle event (SPE) kinetic energy spectra is changed. FLUKA simulations are fully three dimensional with an isotropic particle flux incident on a concentric spherical shell shielding mass and detector structure. FLUKA is a fully integrated and extensively verified Monte Carlo simulation package for the interaction and transport of high-energy particles and nuclei in matter. The effects are reported of both energetic primary protons penetrating the shield mass and secondary particle showers caused by energetic primary protons colliding with shielding mass nuclei. SPE heavy ion spectra are not addressed. Our results, in agreement with previous studies, show that use of the Exponential form of the event spectra can seriously underestimate spacecraft SPE TID and SEE environments in some, but not all, shielding mass cases. The SPE spectra investigated are taken from four specific SPEs that produced ground-level events (GLEs) during solar cycle 23 (1997-2008). GLEs are produced by highly energetic solar particle events (ESP), i.e., those that contain significant fluences of 700 MeV to 10 GeV protons. Highly energetic SPEs are implicated in increased rates of spacecraft anomalies and spacecraft failures. High-energy protons interact with Earth’s atmosphere via nuclear reaction to produce secondary particles, some of which are neutrons that can be detected at the Earth’s surface by the global neutron monitor network. GLEs are one part of the overall SPE resulting from a particular solar flare or coronal mass ejection event on the sun. The ESP part of the particle event, detected by spacecraft, is often associated with the arrival of a “shock front” at Earth some hours after the arrival of the GLE. The specific SPEs used in this analysis are those of: 1) November 6, 1997 - GLE only; 2) July 14-15, 2000 - GLE from the 14th plus ESP from the 15th; 3) November 4-6, 2001 - GLE and ESP from the 4th; and 4) October 28-29, 2003 - GLE and ESP from the 28th plus GLE from the 29th. The corresponding Band and Exponential spectra used in this paper are like those previously reported.

Shield Optimization in Simple Geometry for the Gateway Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tripathi, R. K.; Simonsen, L. C.; Nealy, J. E.; Troutman, P. A.; Wilson, J. W.

2002-01-01

The great cost of added radiation shielding is a potential limiting factor in many deep space missions. For this enabling technology, we are developing tools for optimized shield design over multi-segmented missions involving multiple work and living areas in the transport and duty phase of various space missions. The total shield mass over all pieces of equipment and habitats is optimized subject to career dose and dose rate constraints. Preliminary studies of deep space missions indicate that for long duration space missions, improved shield materials will be required. The details of this new method and its impact on space missions and other technologies will be discussed. This study will provide a vital tool for evaluating Gateway designs in their usage context. Providing protection against the hazards of space radiation is one of the challenges to the Gateway infrastructure designs. We will use the mission optimization software to scope the impact of Gateway operations on human exposures and the effectiveness of alternate shielding materials on Gateway infrastructure designs. This study will provide a guide to the effectiveness of multifunctional materials in preparation to more detailed geometry studies in progress.

Structural Design and Thermal Analysis for Thermal Shields of the MICE Coupling Magnets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Green, Michael A.; Pan, Heng; Liu, X. K.

2009-07-01

A superconducting coupling magnet made from copper matrix NbTi conductors operating at 4 K will be used in the Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment (MICE) to produce up to 2.6 T on the magnet centerline to keep the muon beam within the thin RF cavity indows. The coupling magnet is to be cooled by two cryocoolers with a total cooling capacity of 3 W at 4.2 K. In order to keep a certain operating temperature margin, the most important is to reduce the heat leakage imposed on cold surfaces of coil cold mass assembly. An ntermediate temperature shield system placed betweenmore » the coupling coil and warm vacuum chamber is adopted. The shield system consists of upper neck shield, main shields, flexible connections and eight supports, which is to be cooled by the first stage cold heads of two ryocoolers with cooling capacity of 55 W at 60 K each. The maximum temperature difference on the shields should be less than 20 K, so the thermal analyses for the shields with different thicknesses, materials, flexible connections for shields' cooling and structure design for heir supports were carried out. 1100 Al is finally adopted and the maximum temperature difference is around 15 K with 4 mm shield thickness. The paper is to present detailed analyses on the shield system design.« less

Impact of the retained heat shield concept on science instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kessler, W. C.

1974-01-01

Associated interface problems between the mass spectrometer and the actual probe design are considered along with the problem of producing a clean sample to the gas detection instrument. Of particular interest is the penetration of the heat shield by the mass spectrometer sampling tube, because it must be demonstrated that the sampling tube can penetrate the heat shield and that the mass spectrometer can be supplied with a contaminant-free gas sample, free of contaminants from out-gassing of the heat shield.

Regolith-Derived Heat Shield for Planetary Body Entry and Descent System with In-Situ Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hogue, Michael D.; Mueller, Robert P.; Sibille, Laurent; Hintze, Paul E.; Rasky, Daniel J.

2012-01-01

High-mass planetary surface access is one of NASA's Grand Challenges involving entry, descent, and landing (EDL). Heat shields fabricated in-situ can provide a thermal protection system for spacecraft that routinely enter a planetary atmosphere. Fabricating the heat shield from extraterrestrial regolith will avoid the costs of launching the heat shield mass from Earth. This project will investigate three methods to fabricate heat shield using extraterrestrial regolith.

Assessment of background hydrogen by the Monte Carlo computer code MCNP-4A during measurements of total body nitrogen.

PubMed

Ryde, S J; al-Agel, F A; Evans, C J; Hancock, D A

2000-05-01

The use of a hydrogen internal standard to enable the estimation of absolute mass during measurement of total body nitrogen by in vivo neutron activation is an established technique. Central to the technique is a determination of the H prompt gamma ray counts arising from the subject. In practice, interference counts from other sources--e.g., neutron shielding--are included. This study reports use of the Monte Carlo computer code, MCNP-4A, to investigate the interference counts arising from shielding both with and without a phantom containing a urea solution. Over a range of phantom size (depth 5 to 30 cm, width 20 to 40 cm), the counts arising from shielding increased by between 4% and 32% compared with the counts without a phantom. For any given depth, the counts increased approximately linearly with width. For any given width, there was little increase for depths exceeding 15 centimeters. The shielding counts comprised between 15% and 26% of those arising from the urea phantom. These results, although specific to the Swansea apparatus, suggest that extraneous hydrogen counts can be considerable and depend strongly on the subject's size.

Extraterrestrial Regolith Derived Atmospheric Entry Heat Shields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hogue, Michael D.; Mueller, Robert P.; Sibille, Laurent; Hintze, Paul E.; Rasky, Daniel J.

2016-01-01

High-mass planetary surface access is one of NASAs technical challenges involving entry, descent and landing (EDL). During the entry and descent phase, frictional interaction with the planetary atmosphere causes a heat build-up to occur on the spacecraft, which will rapidly destroy it if a heat shield is not used. However, the heat shield incurs a mass penalty because it must be launched from Earth with the spacecraft, thus consuming a lot of precious propellant. This NASA Innovative Advanced Concept (NIAC) project investigated an approach to provide heat shield protection to spacecraft after launch and prior to each EDL thus potentially realizing significant launch mass savings. Heat shields fabricated in situ can provide a thermal-protection system for spacecraft that routinely enter a planetary atmosphere. By fabricating the heat shield with space resources from materials available on moons and asteroids, it is possible to avoid launching the heat-shield mass from Earth. Regolith has extremely good insulating properties and the silicates it contains can be used in the fabrication and molding of thermal-protection materials. In this paper, we will describe three types of in situ fabrication methods for heat shields and the testing performed to determine feasibility of this approach.

Solar Probe thermal shield design and testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Millard, Jerry M.; Miyake, Robert N.; Rainen, Richard A.

1992-01-01

This paper discusses the major thermal shield subsystem development activities in support of the Solar Probe study being conducted at JPL. The Solar Probe spacecraft will travel to within 4 solar radii of the sun's center to perform fundamental experiments in space physics. Exposure to 2900 earth suns at perihelion requires the spacecraft to be protected within the shadow envelope of a protective shield. In addition, the mass loss rate off of the shield at elevated temperature must comply with plasma instrument requirements and has become the driver of the shield design. This paper will focus on the analytical design work to size the shield and control the shield mass loss rate for the various spacecraft options under study, the application of carbon-carbon materials for shield components, development and preparation of carbon-carbon samples for materials testing, and a materials testing program for carbon-carbon and tungsten alloys to investigate thermal/optical properties, mass loss (carbon-carbon only), material integrity, and high velocity impact behavior.

Rapid Analysis of Mass Distribution of Radiation Shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zapp, Edward

2007-01-01

Radiation Shielding Evaluation Toolset (RADSET) is a computer program that rapidly calculates the spatial distribution of mass of an arbitrary structure for use in ray-tracing analysis of the radiation-shielding properties of the structure. RADSET was written to be used in conjunction with unmodified commercial computer-aided design (CAD) software that provides access to data on the structure and generates selected three-dimensional-appearing views of the structure. RADSET obtains raw geometric, material, and mass data on the structure from the CAD software. From these data, RADSET calculates the distribution(s) of the masses of specific materials about any user-specified point(s). The results of these mass-distribution calculations are imported back into the CAD computing environment, wherein the radiation-shielding calculations are performed.

Regolith-Derived Heat Shield for Planetary Body Entry and Descent System with In-Situ Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hogue, Michael D.; Mueller, Robert P.; Sibille, Laurent; Hintze, Paul E.; Rasky, Daniel J.

2012-01-01

High-mass planetary surface access is one of NASA's Grand Challenges involving entry, descent, and landing (EDL). Heat shields fabricated in-situ can provide a thermal protection system for spacecraft that routinely enter a planetary atmosphere. Fabricating the heat shield from extraterrestrial regolith will avoid the costs of launching the heat shield mass from Earth. This project investigated three methods to fabricate heat shield using extraterrestrial regolith and performed preliminary work on mission architectures.

The Survey of HI in Extremely Low-mass Dwarfs: A Multi-Wavelength Perspective on Low-Mass Galaxy Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cannon, John M.; McNichols, Andrew; Teich, Yaron; Adams, Elizabeth A.; Giovanelli, Riccardo; Haynes, Martha P.; McQuinn, Kristen B.; Salzer, John Joseph; Skillman, Evan D.; Dolphin, Andrew E.; Elson, Edward C.; Haurberg, Nathalie C.; Huang, Shan; Janowiecki, Steven; Jozsa, Gyula; Leisman, Luke; Ott, Juergen; Papastergis, Emmanouil; Rhode, Katherine L.; Saintonge, Amelie; Van Sistine, Angela; Warren, Steven R.

2017-01-01

The “Survey of HI in Extremely Low-mass Dwarfs” (SHIELD) is a multiwavelength study of local volume low-mass galaxies drawn from the Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) catalog. HST/Spitzer joint program GO-12658 revealed the stellar populations of the first 12 SHIELD galaxies (Cannon et al. 2011), allowing accurate distance measurements (McQuinn et al. 2014) and detailed studies of the patterns of recent star formation in each galaxy (McQuinn et al. 2015). These HST and Spitzer images are a critical interpretive benchmark for ground-based optical imaging and spectroscopy (Haurberg et al. 2015), as well as for sensitive VLA HI spectral line imaging of the SHIELD galaxies (McNichols et al. 2016; Teich et al. 2016). These results have furthered our understanding of the evolution of galaxies in a mass regime that was previously only sparsely populated. With the low-redshift ALFALFA catalog now complete, the scope of the SHIELD program has been expanded to include all 82 galaxies that meet distance, line width, and HI flux criteria for being gas-rich, low-mass galaxies. In HST program 13750, images of 18 more SHIELD galaxies have again set the physical scales for supporting HI spectral line imaging with both the VLA and the WSRT (Gordon et al. 2016). Taken as a whole, the ongoing SHIELD program is one of the most comprehensive multiwavelength studies of the physical properties of low-mass galaxies outside of the Local Group.

Influence of structure on radiation shielding effectiveness of graphite fiber reinforced polyethylene composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emmanuel, A.; Raghavan, J.

2015-10-01

While LEO and GEO are used for most satellite missions, Highly Elliptical Orbits (HEOs) are also used for satellite missions covering Polar Regions of Earth. Satellites in HEO are exposed to a relatively harsher radiation environment than LEO and GEO. The mass of traditionally used aluminum radiation shield, required to attenuate the radiation to a level below a certain threshold that is safe for the satellite bus and payload, scales with the level of radiation. It has been shown (Emmanuel et al., 2014) that materials with low atomic number (Z) such as polyethylene (PE) can result in a lighter shield than aluminum (Al) in HEO. However, PE has to be reinforced with relatively high Z fibers such as graphite (G) to improve its mechanical properties. The effect of introduction of G and the resulting composite structure (that meets the requirements on mechanical properties, manufacturing and service) on the radiation shielding effectiveness of PE was studied through simulation using a layered PE-G composite. The Total Ionization Dose (TID), deposited in a silicon detector behind the composite shield, has been found to be function of layer volume fraction, layer thickness and stacking sequence of the PE and G layers. One composite configuration has resulted in a TID lower than that for PE, demonstrating the possibility of tailoring the mechanical properties of PE-based composite radiation shield with minimal negative impact on its radiation shielding effectiveness.

Optimization Shield Materials Trade Study for Lunar/Gateway Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tripathi, R. K.; Wilson, J. W.; Cucinotta, F. A.; Anderson, B. M.; Simonsen, L. C.

2002-01-01

The great cost of added radiation shielding is a potential limiting factor in many deep space missions. For this enabling technology, we are developing tools for optimized shield design over multi-segmented missions involving multiple work and living areas in the transport and duty phase of various space missions. The total shield mass over all pieces of equipment and habitats is optimized subject to career dose and dose rate constraints. Preliminary studies of deep space missions indicate that for long duration space missions, improved shield materials will be required. The details of this new method and its impact on space missions and other technologies will be discussed. This study will provide a vital tool for evaluating Gateway designs in their usage context. Providing protection against the hazards of space radiation is one of the challenges to the Gateway infrastructure designs. We will use the mission optimization software to scope the impact of Gateway operations on human exposures and the effectiveness of alternate shielding materials on Gateway infrastructure designs. It is being proposed to use Moon and the Lagrange points as the hub for deep space missions. This study will provide a guide to the effectiveness of multifunctional materials in preparation to more detailed geometry studies in progress.

Optimization of Crew Shielding Requirement in Reactor-Powered Lunar Surface Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barghouty, Abdulnasser F.

2007-01-01

On the surface of the moon -and not only during heightened solar activities- the radiation environment As such that crew protection will be required for missions lasting in excess of six months. This study focuses on estimating the optimized crew shielding requirement for lunar surface missions with a nuclear option. Simple, transport-simulation based dose-depth relations of the three (galactic, solar, and fission) radiation sources am employed in a 1-dimensional optimization scheme. The scheme is developed to estimate the total required mass of lunar-regolith separating reactor from crew. The scheme was applied to both solar maximum and minimum conditions. It is shown that savings of up to 30% in regolith mass can be realized. It is argued, however, that inherent variation and uncertainty -mainly in lunar regolith attenuation properties in addition to the radiation quality factor- can easily defeat this and similar optimization schemes.

Optimization of Crew Shielding Requirement in Reactor-Powered Lunar Surface Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barghouty, A. F.

2007-01-01

On the surface of the moon and not only during heightened solar activities the radiation environment is such that crew protection will be required for missions lasting in excess of six months. This study focuses on estimating the optimized crew shielding requirement for lunar surface missions with a nuclear option. Simple, transport-simulation based dose-depth relations of the three radiation sources (galactic, solar, and fission) are employed in a one-dimensional optimization scheme. The scheme is developed to estimate the total required mass of lunar regolith separating reactor from crew. The scheme was applied to both solar maximum and minimum conditions. It is shown that savings of up to 30% in regolith mass can be realized. It is argued, however, that inherent variation and uncertainty mainly in lunar regolith attenuation properties in addition to the radiation quality factor can easily defeat this and similar optimization schemes.

On the Magnetic Shield for a Vlasov-Poisson Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caprino, Silvia; Cavallaro, Guido; Marchioro, Carlo

2017-12-01

We study the screening of a bounded body Γ against the effect of a wind of charged particles, by means of a shield produced by a magnetic field which becomes infinite on the border of Γ . The charged wind is modeled by a Vlasov-Poisson plasma, the bounded body by a torus, and the external magnetic field is taken close to the border of Γ . We study two models: a plasma composed by different species with positive or negative charges, and finite total mass of each species, and another made of many species of the same sign, each having infinite mass. We investigate the time evolution of both systems, showing in particular that the plasma particles cannot reach the body. Finally we discuss possible extensions to more general initial data. We show also that when the magnetic lines are straight lines, (that imposes an unbounded body), the previous results can be improved.

Planetary surface reactor shielding using indigenous materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Houts, Michael G.; Poston, David I.; Trellue, Holly R.

The exploration and development of Mars will require abundant surface power. Nuclear reactors are a low-cost, low-mass means of providing that power. A significant fraction of the nuclear power system mass is radiation shielding necessary for protecting humans and/or equipment from radiation emitted by the reactor. For planetary surface missions, it may be desirable to provide some or all of the required shielding from indigenous materials. This paper examines shielding options that utilize either purely indigenous materials or a combination of indigenous and nonindigenous materials.

Optimal shield mass distribution for space radiation protection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Billings, M. P.

1972-01-01

Computational methods have been developed and successfully used for determining the optimum distribution of space radiation shielding on geometrically complex space vehicles. These methods have been incorporated in computer program SWORD for dose evaluation in complex geometry, and iteratively calculating the optimum distribution for (minimum) shield mass satisfying multiple acute and protected dose constraints associated with each of several body organs.

Planetary surface reactor shielding using indigenous materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Houts, Michael G.; Poston, David I.; Trellue, Holly R.

The exploration and development of Mars will require abundant surface power. Nuclear reactors are a low-cost, low-mass means of providing that power. A significant fraction of the nuclear power system mass is radiation shielding necessary for protecting humans and/or equipment from radiation emitted by the reactor. For planetary surface missions, it may be desirable to provide some or all of the required shielding from indigenous materials. This paper examines shielding options that utilize either purely indigenous materials or a combination of indigenous and nonindigenous materials. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.}

Portable imaging system method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Freifeld, Barry M.; Kneafsley, Timothy J.; Pruess, Jacob; Tomutsa, Liviu; Reiter, Paul A.; deCastro, Ted M.

2006-07-25

An operator shielded X-ray imaging system has sufficiently low mass (less than 300 kg) and is compact enough to enable portability by reducing operator shielding requirements to a minimum shielded volume. The resultant shielded volume may require a relatively small mass of shielding in addition to the already integrally shielded X-ray source, intensifier, and detector. The system is suitable for portable imaging of well cores at remotely located well drilling sites. The system accommodates either small samples, or small cross-sectioned objects of unlimited length. By rotating samples relative to the imaging device, the information required for computer aided tomographic reconstruction may be obtained. By further translating the samples relative to the imaging system, fully three dimensional (3D) tomographic reconstructions may be obtained of samples having arbitrary length.

Analytic Shielding Optimization to Reduce Crew Exposure to Ionizing Radiation Inside Space Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaza, Razvan; Cooper, Tim P.; Hanzo, Arthur; Hussein, Hesham; Jarvis, Kandy S.; Kimble, Ryan; Lee, Kerry T.; Patel, Chirag; Reddell, Brandon D.; Stoffle, Nicholas;

Optimization of NTP System Truss to Reduce Radiation Shield Mass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scharber, Luke L.; Kharofa, Adam; Caffrey, Jarvis A.

2016-01-01

The benefits of nuclear thermal propulsion are numerous and relevant to the current NASA mission goals involving but not limited to the crewed missions to mars and the moon. They do however also present new and unique challenges to the design and logistics of launching/operating spacecraft. One of these challenges, relevant to this discussion, is the significant mass of the shielding which is required to ensure an acceptable radiation environment for the spacecraft and crew. Efforts to reduce shielding mass are difficult to accomplish from material and geometric design points of the shield itself, however by increasing the distance between the nuclear engines and the main body of the spacecraft the required mass of the shielding is lessened considerably. The mass can be reduced significantly per unit length, though any additional mass added by the structure to create this distance serves to offset those savings, thus the design of a lightweight structure is ideal. The challenges of designing the truss are bounded by several limiting factors including; the loading conditions, the capabilities of the launch vehicle, and achieving the ideal truss length when factoring for the overall mass reduced. Determining the overall set of mass values for a truss of varying length is difficult since to maintain an optimally designed truss the geometry of the truss or its members must change. Thus the relation between truss mass and length for these loading scenarios is not linear, and instead has relation determined by the truss design. In order to establish a mass versus length trend for various truss designs to compare with the mass saved from the shield versus length, optimization software was used to find optimal geometric properties that still met the design requirements at established lengths. By solving for optimal designs at various lengths, mass trends could be determined. The initial design findings show a clear benefit to extending the engines as far from the main structure of the spacecraft as the launch vehicle's payload volume would allow when comparing mass savings verse the additional structure.

Preliminary Thermal Design of Cryogenic Radiation Shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Xiaoyi; Mustafi, Shuvo; Boutte, Alvin

2015-01-01

Cryogenic Hydrogen Radiation Shielding (CHRS) is the most mass efficient material radiation shielding strategy for human spaceflight beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). Future human space flight, mission beyond LEO could exceed one year in duration. Previous radiation studies showed that in order to protect the astronauts from space radiation with an annual allowable radiation dose less than 500 mSv, 140 kgm2 of polyethylene is necessary. For a typical crew module that is 4 meter in diameter and 8 meter in length. The mass of polyethylene radiation shielding required would be more than 17,500 kg. The same radiation study found that the required hydrogen shielding for the same allowable radiation dose is 40 kgm2, and the mass of hydrogen required would be 5, 000 kg. Cryogenic hydrogen has higher densities and can be stored in relatively small containment vessels. However, the CHRS system needs a sophisticated thermal system which prevents the cryogenic hydrogen from evaporating during the mission. This study designed a cryogenic thermal system that protects the CHRS from hydrogen evaporation for one to up to three year mission. The design also includes a ground based cooling system that can subcool and freeze liquid hydrogen. The final results show that the CHRS with its required thermal protection system is nearly half of the mass of polyethylene radiation shielding.

Attenuation coefficients and exposure buildup factor of some rocks for gamma ray shielding applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obaid, Shamsan S.; Sayyed, M. I.; Gaikwad, D. K.; Pawar, Pravina. P.

2018-07-01

In the present work, the mass attenuation coefficient μ/ρ is investigated experimentally and theoretically for seven rocks (olivine basalt, green marble, jet black granite, telphone black granite, cuddapah limestone, white marble and pink marble). The rock samples were collected from different places of India. The mass attenuation coefficients of the samples were measured experimentally at photon energies of radioisotopes Co57 (122 keV), Ba133 (356 keV), 22Na (511 and 1275 keV), Cs137 (662 keV), Mn54 (840 keV), and Co60 (1330 keV). Theoretically, the simulation results of μ/ρ using both XCOM and MCNP5 codes were compared with experimental results and a satisfactory agreement was observed. Total atomic cross sections (σt,a) electronic cross sections (σt,e), effective atomic number (Zeff), electron density (Ne) and half value layer (HVL) were evaluated using the obtained μ/ρ values for investigated rocks. The HVL values for the selected rocks were compared with some common shielding concretes. Moreover, by Geometric Progression method (G-P) exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) values were calculated for incident photon energy 0.015-15 MeV up to penetration depths of 40 mean free paths. The results show that among the studied rocks pink marble possesses superior shielding properties for γ-ray. This work was carried out to explore the advantage of utilizing the selected rocks in engineering structures and building construction to shield gamma-rays.

Effects of radiobiological uncertainty on shield design for a 60-day lunar mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, John W.; Nealy, John E.; Schimmerling, Walter

1993-01-01

Some consequences of uncertainties in radiobiological risk due to galactic cosmic ray exposure are analyzed to determine their effect on engineering designs for a first lunar outpost - a 60-day mission. Quantitative estimates of shield mass requirements as a function of a radiobiological uncertainty factor are given for a simplified vehicle structure. The additional shield mass required for compensation is calculated as a function of the uncertainty in galactic cosmic ray exposure, and this mass is found to be as large as a factor of 3 for a lunar transfer vehicle. The additional cost resulting from this mass is also calculated. These cost estimates are then used to exemplify the cost-effectiveness of research.

Estimates of power requirements for a Manned Mars Rover powered by a nuclear reactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morley, Nicholas J.; El-Genk, Mohamed S.; Cataldo, Robert; Bloomfield, Harvey

1991-01-01

This paper assesses the power requirement for a Manned Mars Rover vehicle. Auxiliary power needs are fulfilled using a hybrid solar photovoltaic/regenerative fuel cell system, while the primary power needs are meet using an SP-100 type reactor. The primary electric power needs, which include 30-kW(e) net user power, depend on the reactor thermal power and the efficiency of the power conversion system. Results show that an SP-100 type reactor coupled to a Free Piston Stirling Engine yields the lowest total vehicle mass and lowest specific mass for the power system. The second lowest mass was for a SP-100 reactor coupled to a Closed Brayton Cycle using He/Xe as the working fluid. The specific mass of the nuclear reactor power system, including a man-rated radiation shield, ranged from 150-kg/kW(e) to 190-kg/KW(e) and the total mass of the Rover vehicle varied depend upon the cruising speed.

Regolith-Derived Heat Shield for Planetary Body Entry and Descent System with In Situ Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hogue, Michael D.; Mueller, Robert P.; Rasky, Daniel J.; Hintze, Paul E.; Sibille, Laurent

2011-01-01

In this paper we will discuss a new mass-efficient and innovative way of protecting high-mass spacecraft during planetary Entry, Descent & Landing (EDL). Heat shields fabricated in situ can provide a thermal-protection system (TPS) for spacecraft that routinely enter a planetary atmosphere. By fabricating the heat shield with space resources from regolith materials available on moons and asteroids, it is possible to avoid launching the heat-shield mass from Earth. Three regolith processing and manufacturing methods will be discussed: 1) oxygen & metal extraction ISRU processes produce glassy melts enriched in alumina and titania, processed to obtain variable density, high melting point and heat-resistance; 2) compression and sintering of the regolith yield low density materials; 3) in-situ derived high-temperature polymers are created to bind regolith particles together, with a lower energy budget.

Regolith-Derived Heat Shield for Planetary Body Entry and Descent System with In Situ Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hogue, Michael D.; Mueller, Robert P.; Rasky, Daniel; Hintze, Paul; Sibille, Laurent

2012-01-01

In this paper we will discuss a new mass-efficient and innovative way of protecting high-mass spacecraft during planetary Entry, Descent & Landing (EDL). Heat shields fabricated in situ can provide a thermal-protection system (TPS) for spacecraft that routinely enter a planetary atmosphere. By fabricating the heat shield with space resources from regolith materials available on moons and asteroids, it is possible to avoid launching the heat-shield mass from Earth. Two regolith processing and manufacturing methods will be discussed: 1) Compression and sintering of the regolith to yield low density materials; 2) Formulations of a High-temperature silicone RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) compound are used to bind regolith particles together. The overall positive results of torch flame impingement tests and plasma arc jet testing on the resulting samples will also be discussed.

Photon mass attenuation coefficients of a silicon resin loaded with WO3, PbO, and Bi2O3 Micro and Nano-particles for radiation shielding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verdipoor, Khatibeh; Alemi, Abdolali; Mesbahi, Asghar

2018-06-01

Novel shielding materials for photons based on silicon resin and WO3, PbO, and Bi2O3 Micro and Nano-particles were designed and their mass attenuation coefficients were calculated using Monte Carlo (MC) method. Using lattice cards in MCNPX code, micro and nanoparticles with sizes of 100 nm and 1 μm was designed inside a silicon resin matrix. Narrow beam geometry was simulated to calculate the attenuation coefficients of samples against mono-energetic beams of Co60 (1.17 and 1.33 MeV), Cs137 (663.8 KeV), and Ba133 (355.9 KeV). The shielding samples made of nanoparticles had higher mass attenuation coefficients, up to 17% relative to those made of microparticles. The superiority of nano-shields relative to micro-shields was dependent on the filler concentration and the energy of photons. PbO, and Bi2O3 nanoparticles showed higher attenuation compared to WO3 nanoparticles in studied energies. Fabrication of novel shielding materials using PbO, and Bi2O3 nanoparticles is recommended for application in radiation protection against photon beams.

A Fast Code for Jupiter Atmospheric Entry Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yauber, Michael E.; Wercinski, Paul; Yang, Lily; Chen, Yih-Kanq

1999-01-01

A fast code was developed to calculate the forebody heating environment and heat shielding that is required for Jupiter atmospheric entry probes. A carbon phenolic heat shield material was assumed and, since computational efficiency was a major goal, analytic expressions were used, primarily, to calculate the heating, ablation and the required insulation. The code was verified by comparison with flight measurements from the Galileo probe's entry. The calculation required 3.5 sec of CPU time on a work station, or three to four orders of magnitude less than for previous Jovian entry heat shields. The computed surface recessions from ablation were compared with the flight values at six body stations. The average, absolute, predicted difference in the recession was 13.7% too high. The forebody's mass loss was overpredicted by 5.3% and the heat shield mass was calculated to be 15% less than the probe's actual heat shield. However, the calculated heat shield mass did not include contingencies for the various uncertainties that must be considered in the design of probes. Therefore, the agreement with the Galileo probe's values was satisfactory in view of the code's fast running time and the methods' approximations.

A Method to Estimate the Atomic Number and Mass Thickness of Intervening Materials in Uranium and Plutonium Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Streicher, Michael; Brown, Steven; Zhu, Yuefeng; Goodman, David; He, Zhong

2016-10-01

To accurately characterize shielded special nuclear materials (SNM) using passive gamma-ray spectroscopy measurement techniques, the effective atomic number and the thickness of shielding materials must be measured. Intervening materials between the source and detector may affect the estimated source isotopics (uranium enrichment and plutonium grade) for techniques which rely on raw count rates or photopeak ratios of gamma-ray lines separated in energy. Furthermore, knowledge of the surrounding materials can provide insight regarding the configuration of a device containing SNM. The described method was developed using spectra recorded using high energy resolution CdZnTe detectors, but can be expanded to any gamma-ray spectrometers with energy resolution of better than 1% FWHM at 662 keV. The effective atomic number, Z, and mass thickness of the intervening shielding material are identified by comparing the relative attenuation of different gamma-ray lines and estimating the proportion of Compton scattering interactions to photoelectric absorptions within the shield. While characteristic Kα x-rays can be used to identify shielding materials made of high Z elements, this method can be applied to all shielding materials. This algorithm has adequately estimated the effective atomic number for shields made of iron, aluminum, and polyethylene surrounding uranium samples using experimental data. The mass thicknesses of shielding materials have been estimated with a standard error of less than 1.3 g/cm2 for iron shields up to 2.5 cm thick. The effective atomic number was accurately estimated to 26 ± 5 for all iron thicknesses.

Graphite/Ultra-High Modulus Polyethylene Hybrid Fiber Composites with Epoxy and Polyethylene Matrices for Cosmic Radiation Shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

One of the most significant technical challenges in long-duration space missions is that of protecting the crew from harmful radiation. Protection against such radiation on a manned Mars mission will be of vital importance both during transit and while on the surface of the planet. The development of multifunctional materials that serve as integral structural members of the space vehicle and provide the necessary radiation shielding for the crew would be both mission enabling and cost effective. Additionally, combining shielding and structure could reduce total vehicle mass. Hybrid laminated composite materials having both ultramodulus polyethylene (PE) and graphite fibers in epoxy and PE matrices could meet such mission requirements. PE fibers have excellent physical properties, including the highest specific strength of any known fiber. Moreover, the high hydrogen (H) content of polyethylene makes the material an excellent shielding material for cosmic radiation. When such materials are incorporated into an epoxy or PE matrix a very effective shielding material is expected. Boron (B) may be added to the matrix resin or used as a coating to further increase the shielding effectiveness due to B s ability to slow thermal neutrons. These materials may also serve as micrometeorites shields due to PE s high impact energy absorption properties. It should be noted that such materials can be fabricated by existing equipment and methods. It is the objective of this work therefore to: (a) perform preliminary analysis of the radiation transport within these materials; (b) fabricate panels for mechanical property testing before and after radiation exposure. Preliminary determination on the effectiveness of the combinations of material components on both shielding and structural efficiency will be made.

Numerical calculation of the parameters of the efflux from a helium dewar used for cooling of heat shields in a satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brendley, K.; Chato, J. C.

1982-01-01

The parameters of the efflux from a helium dewar in space were numerically calculated. The flow was modeled as a one dimensional compressible ideal gas with variable properties. The primary boundary conditions are flow with friction and flow with heat transfer and friction. Two PASCAL programs were developed to calculate the efflux parameters: EFFLUZD and EFFLUXM. EFFLUXD calculates the minimum mass flow for the given shield temperatures and shield heat inputs. It then calculates the pipe lengths, diameter, and fluid parameters which satisfy all boundary conditions. Since the diameter returned by EFFLUXD is only rarely of nominal size, EFFLUXM calculates the mass flow and shield heat exchange for given pipe lengths, diameter, and shield temperatures.

Antiproton powered propulsion with magnetically confined plasma engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lapointe, Michael R.

1989-01-01

Matter-antimatter annihilation releases more energy per unit mass than any other method of energy production, making it an attractive energy source for spacecraft propulsion. In the magnetically confined plasma engine, antiproton beams are injected axially into a pulsed magnetic mirror system, where they annihilate with an initially neutral hydrogen gas. The resulting charged annihilation products transfer energy to the hydrogen propellant, which is then exhausted through one end of the pulsed mirror system to provide thrust. The calculated energy transfer efficiencies for a low number density (10(14)/cu cm) hydrogen propellant are insufficient to warrant operating the engine in this mode. Efficiencies are improved using moderate propellant number densities (10(16)/cu cm), but the energy transferred to the plasma in a realistic magnetic mirror system is generally limited to less than 2 percent of the initial proton-antiproton annihilation energy. The energy transfer efficiencies are highest for high number density (10(18)/cu cm) propellants, but plasma temperatures are reduced by excessive radiation losses. Low to moderate thrust over a wide range of specific impulse can be generated with moderate propellant number densities, while higher thrust but lower specific impulse may be generated using high propellant number densities. Significant mass will be required to shield the superconducting magnet coils from the high energy gamma radiation emitted by neutral pion decay. The mass of such a radiation shield may dominate the total engine mass, and could severely diminish the performance of antiproton powered engines which utilize magnetic confinement. The problem is compounded in the antiproton powered plasma engine, where lower energy plasma bremsstrahlung radiation may cause shield surface ablation and degradation.

Muon flux measurements at the davis campus of the sanford underground research facility with the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR veto system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abgrall, N.; Aguayo, E.; Avignone, F. T.; Barabash, A. S.; Bertrand, F. E.; Bradley, A. W.; Brudanin, V.; Busch, M.; Buuck, M.; Byram, D.; Caldwell, A. S.; Chan, Y.-D.; Christofferson, C. D.; Chu, P.-H.; Cuesta, C.; Detwiler, J. A.; Dunagan, C.; Efremenko, Yu.; Ejiri, H.; Elliott, S. R.; Galindo-Uribarri, A.; Gilliss, T.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Goett, J.; Green, M. P.; Gruszko, J.; Guinn, I. S.; Guiseppe, V. E.; Henning, R.; Hoppe, E. W.; Howard, S.; Howe, M. A.; Jasinski, B. R.; Keeter, K. J.; Kidd, M. F.; Konovalov, S. I.; Kouzes, R. T.; LaFerriere, B. D.; Leon, J.; Lopez, A. M.; MacMullin, J.; Martin, R. D.; Massarczyk, R.; Meijer, S. J.; Mertens, S.; Orrell, J. L.; O'Shaughnessy, C.; Overman, N. R.; Poon, A. W. P.; Radford, D. C.; Rager, J.; Rielage, K.; Robertson, R. G. H.; Romero-Romero, E.; Ronquest, M. C.; Schmitt, C.; Shanks, B.; Shirchenko, M.; Snyder, N.; Suriano, A. M.; Tedeschi, D.; Trimble, J. E.; Varner, R. L.; Vasilyev, S.; Vetter, K.; Vorren, K.; White, B. R.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Wiseman, C.; Xu, W.; Yakushev, E.; Yu, C.-H.; Yumatov, V.; Zhitnikov, I.

2017-07-01

We report the first measurement of the total muon flux underground at the Davis Campus of the Sanford Underground Research Facility at the 4850 ft level. Measurements were performed using the MAJORANADEMONSTRATOR muon veto system arranged in two different configurations. The measured total flux is (5.31 ± 0.17) ×10-9 μ /s/cm2. Demonstrate a path forward to achieving a background rate at or below 1 count/(ROI-t-y)in the 4-keV region of interest (ROI) around the 2039-keV Q-value for 76Ge ββ(0ν) decay. This is required for tonne-scale germanium-based searches that will probe the inverted-ordering neutrino-mass parameter space for the effective Majorana neutrino mass in ββ(0ν) decay. Show technical and engineering scalability toward a tonne-scale instrument. Perform searches for additional physics beyond the Standard Model, such as dark matter and axions. The MAJORANA Collaboration has designed a modular instrument composed of two cryostats built from ultra-pure electroformed copper, with each cryostat capable of housing over 20 kg of HPGe detectors. The MAJORANADEMONSTRATOR contains 30 kg of detectors fabricated from Ge material enriched to 88% in 76Ge and another 15 kg fabricated from natural Ge (7.8% 76Ge). The modular approach allows us to assemble and optimize each cryostat independently, providing a fast deployment with minimal effect on already-operational detectors.Starting from the innermost cavity, the cryostats are surrounded by a compact graded shield composed of an inner layer of electroformed copper, a layer of commercially sourced C10100 copper, high-purity lead, an active muon veto, borated polyethylene, and pure polyethylene shielding. The cryostats, copper, and lead shielding are enclosed in a radon exclusion box and rest on an over-floor table that has openings for the active muon veto and polyethylene shielding panels situated below the detector. The entire experiment is located in a clean room at the 4850 ft level of SURF. A high-level summary of shield components is shown in Fig. 1.A large fraction of the plastic scintillator panels comprising the active muon-veto system were operated in different configurations at the experimental site during Ge detector constructions and commissioning. We used the resulting data to measure the total muon flux at the Davis Campus at SURF for the first time.

Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes of a Fully Hydroxyapatite-Coated Femoral Revision Stem: Excessive Stress Shielding Incidence and its Consequences.

PubMed

Sanli, Ilknur; Arts, Jacobus Johannes Christiaan; Geurts, Jan

2016-01-01

Stress shielding remains a concern in total hip arthroplasty. The consequences of stress shielding in hydroxyapatite-coated femoral component revisions were evaluated in a prospective cohort study. A total of 106 patients operated on by revision total hip arthroplasty were identified. Sixty-three patients were eligible for clinical and radiologic assessment of osseointegration, bone remodeling, and stress shielding. Five patients showed evidence of excessive stress shielding. One patient experienced a periprosthetic fracture. No adverse events occurred in the remaining patients with a low rate of thigh pain and reliable osseointegration. This is the only available study concerning mid- to long-term consequences of excessive stress shielding in hydroxyapatite-coated revision stems. We advocate surgeons using these stems to remain vigilant and be aware of possible stress shielding side effects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[French experience in paediatric total body irradiation: A study from the radiotherapy committee of the Société française des cancers de l'enfant (SFCE)].

PubMed

Demoor-Goldschmidt, C; Supiot, S; Claude, L; Carrie, C; Mazeron, R; Helfré, S; Alapetite, C; Jouin, A; Coche, B; Padovani, L; Muracciole, X; Bernier, V; Vigneron, C; Noël, G; Leseur, J; Le Prisé, É; Stefan, D; Habrand, J L; Kerr, C; Bondiau, P Y; Ruffier, A; Chapet, S; Mahé, M A

2016-06-01

A survey was conducted in 2015 in France on the care of children in radiotherapy services. We present the results for total body irradiation in children, a specific technique of radiation treatment, which needs dedicated controls for this particular population. Of the 17 centres interviewed, 16 responded, and 13 practiced total body irradiation. Patients are positioned in lateral decubitus in 11 centres and supine/prone in two centres. Doses used for total body irradiation in myeloablative bone marrow transplantation are the same in all centres (12Gy); treatments are always fractionated. Lung shielding is positioned to limit the dose at an average of 8Gy with extremes ranging from 6 to 10Gy. The shape of the shieldings varies depending on departments' protocol, with a smaller size in case of mediastinal mass. Four centres have experience of total body irradiation under general anaesthesia, despite twice-daily fractions. In total, practice is relatively homogeneous throughout France and is inspired by the knowledge obtained in adults. Copyright © 2016 Société française de radiothérapie oncologique (SFRO). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Summary of Blast Shield and Material Testing for Development of Solid Debris Collection at the National Ignition Facility (NIF)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shaughnessy, D A; Gostic, J M; Moody, K J

2011-11-21

The ability to collect solid debris from the target chamber following a NIF shot has application for both capsule diagnostics, particularly for fuel-ablator mix, and measuring cross sections relevant to the Stockpile Stewardship program and nuclear astrophysics. Simulations have shown that doping the capsule with up to 10{sup 15} atoms of an impurity not otherwise found in the capsule does not affect its performance. The dopant is an element that will undergo nuclear activations during the NIF implosion, forming radioactive species that can be collected and measured after extraction from the target chamber. For diagnostics, deuteron or alpha induced reactionsmore » can be used to probe the fuel-ablator mix. For measuring neutron cross sections, the dopant should be something that is sensitive to the 14 MeV neutrons produced through the fusion of deuterium and tritium. Developing the collector is a challenge due to the extreme environment of the NIF chamber. The collector surface is exposed to a large photon flux from x-rays and unconverted laser light before it is exposed to a debris wind that is formed from vaporized material from the target chamber center. The photons will ablate the collector surface to some extent, possibly impeding the debris from reaching the collector and sticking. In addition, the collector itself must be mechanically strong enough to withstand the large amount of energy it will be exposed to, and it should be something that will be easy to count and chemically process. In order to select the best material for the collector, a variety of different metals have been tested in the NIF chamber. They were exposed to high-energy laser shots in order to evaluate their postshot surface characterization, morphology, degree of melt, and their ability to retain debris from the chamber center. The first set of samples consisted of 1 mm thick pieces of aluminum that had been fielded in the chamber as blast shields protecting the neutron activation diagnostic. Ten of these pieces were fielded at the equator and one was fielded on the pole. The shields were analyzed using a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), neutron activation analysis (NAA) and chemical leaching followed by mass spectrometry. On each shield, gold debris originating from the gold hohlraum was observed, as well as large quantities of debris that were present in the center of the target chamber at the time of the shot (i.e., stainless steel, indium, copper, etc.) Debris was visible in the SEM as large blobs or splats of material that had encountered the surface of the aluminum and stuck. The aluminum itself had obviously melted and condensed, and some of the large debris splats arrived after the surface had already hardened. Melt depth was determined by cross sectioning the pieces and measuring the melted surface layers via SEM. After the SEM analysis was completed, the pieces were sent for NAA at the USGS reactor and were analyzed by U. Greife at the Colorado School of Mines. The NAA showed that the majority of gold mass present on the shields was not in the form of large blobs and splats, but was present as small particulates that had most likely formed as condensed vapor. Further analysis showed that the gold was entrained in the melted aluminum surface layers and did not extend down into the bulk of the aluminum. Once the gold mass was accounted for from the NAA, it was determined that the aluminum fielded at the equator was collecting a fraction of the total gold hohlraum mass equivalent to 120% {+-} 10% of the solid angle subtended by the shield. The attached presentation has more information on the results of the aluminum blast shield analysis. In addition to the information given in the presentation, the surfaces of the shields have been chemically leached and submitted for mass spectrometric analysis. The results from that analysis are expected to arrive after the due date of this report and will be written up at a later time. Based on the results of the aluminum blast shield analysis, it was determined that additional materials needed to be tested as potential collectors in the NIF chamber. 1-2 mm thick pieces of tantalum, niobium, vanadium, silver, titanium, molybdenum, and graphite foil were fielded in the Wedge Range Filter (WRF) mount at a distance of 50 cm from target chamber center during the shock timing campaign. The pieces were subsequently removed and analyzed in a similar fashion to the aluminum shields. As of this writing, the pieces are still under analysis, but initial results indicate that gold debris was collected on the various materials. Currently, the pieces are being cross-sectioned so that the melt depths of each material can be compared. In addition, NAA and/or mass spectrometry will be performed in order to determine the total gold mass that was collected on each surface.« less

Technique for Configuring an Actively Cooled Thermal Shield in a Flight System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barkfknecht, Peter; Mustafi, Shuvo

2011-01-01

Broad area cooling shields are a mass-efficient alternative to conductively cooled thermal radiation shielding. The shield would actively intercept a large portion of incident thermal radiation and transport the heat away using cryogenic helium gas. The design concept consists of a conductive and conformable surface that maximizes heat transfer and formability. Broad Area Cooled (BAC) shields could potentially provide considerable mass savings for spaceflight applications by eliminating the need for a rigid thermal radiation shield for cryogen tanks. The BAC consists of a network of capillary tubes that are thermally connected to a conductive shield material. Chilled helium gas is circulated through the network and transports unwanted heat away from the cryogen tanks. The cryogenic helium gas is pumped and chilled simultaneously using a specialized pulse-tube cryocooler, which further improves the mass efficiency of the system. By reducing the thermal environment temperature from 300 to 100 K, the radiative heat load on a cryogen tank could be reduced by an order of magnitude. For a cryogenic liquid propellant scenario of oxygen and hydrogen, the boiloff of hydrogen would be significantly reduced and completely eliminated for oxygen. A major challenge in implementing this technology on large tanks is that the BAC system must be easily scalable from lab demonstrations to full-scale missions. Also, the BAC shield must be conformable to complex shapes like spheres without losing the ability to maintain constant temperature throughout. The initial design maximizes thermal conductivity between the capillary tube and the conductive radiation shielding by using thin, corrugated aluminum foil with the tube running transverse to the folds. This configuration has the added benefit of enabling the foil to stretch and contract longitudinally. This allows the BAC to conform to the complex curvature of a cryogen tank, which is key to its success. To demonstrate a BAC shield system with minimal impact to current cryogen tank designs, the shielding must be applied after the final assembly of the tank and supporting structure. One method is to pre-fabricate the shield in long strips. A spool of corrugated aluminum foil with a thermally sunk aluminum capillary running through the center could then be simply wound around the cryogen tanks and encapsulated within the multi-layer insulation (MLI) blanket. Then, on orbit, the BAC would intercept thermal radiation coming in through the MLI and transport it away from the cryogen tanks. An optimization of the design could be done to take into account mass savings from thinner MLI blankets, eliminating solid thermal shields, and ultimately, a reduction in the required cryogen tank size.

A Fast Code for Jupiter Atmospheric Entry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tauber, Michael E.; Wercinski, Paul; Yang, Lily; Chen, Yih-Kanq; Arnold, James (Technical Monitor)

1998-01-01

A fast code was developed to calculate the forebody heating environment and heat shielding that is required for Jupiter atmospheric entry probes. A carbon phenolic heat shield material was assumed and, since computational efficiency was a major goal, analytic expressions were used, primarily, to calculate the heating, ablation and the required insulation. The code was verified by comparison with flight measurements from the Galileo probe's entry; the calculation required 3.5 sec of CPU time on a work station. The computed surface recessions from ablation were compared with the flight values at six body stations. The average, absolute, predicted difference in the recession was 12.5% too high. The forebody's mass loss was overpredicted by 5.5% and the heat shield mass was calculated to be 15% less than the probe's actual heat shield. However, the calculated heat shield mass did not include contingencies for the various uncertainties that must be considered in the design of probes. Therefore, the agreement with the Galileo probe's values was considered satisfactory, especially in view of the code's fast running time and the methods' approximations.

Intercalated graphite fiber composites as EMI shields in aerospace structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaier, James R.

1990-01-01

The requirements for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding in aerospace structures are complicated over that of ground structures by their weight limitations. As a result, the best EMI shielding materials must blend low density, high strength, and high elastic modulus with high shielding ability. In addition, fabrication considerations including penetrations and joints play a major role. The EMI shielding properties are calculated for shields formed from pristine and intercalated graphite fiber/epoxy composites and compared to preliminary experimental results and to shields made from aluminum. Calculations indicate that EMI shields could be fabricated from intercalated graphite composites which would have less than 12 percent of the mass of conventional aluminum shields, based on mechanical properties and shielding properties alone.

Advanced shield development for a fission surface power system for the lunar surface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

A. E. Craft; I. J. Silver; C. M. Clark

A nuclear reactor power system such as the affordable fission surface power system enables a potential outpostonthemoon.Aradiation shieldmustbe included in the reactor system to reduce the otherwise excessive dose to the astronauts and other vital system components. The radiation shield is typically the most massive component of a space reactor system, and thus must be optimized to reduce mass asmuchas possible while still providing the required protection.Various shield options for an on-lander reactor system are examined for outpost distances of 400m and 1 kmfromthe reactor. Also investigated is the resulting mass savings from the use of a high performance cermetmore » fuel. A thermal analysis is performed to determine the thermal behaviours of radiation shields using borated water. For an outpost located 1000m from the core, a tetramethylammonium borohydride shield is the lightest (5148.4 kg), followed by a trilayer shield (boron carbide–tungsten–borated water; 5832.3 kg), and finally a borated water shield (6020.7 kg). In all of the final design cases, the temperature of the borated water remains below 400 K.« less

Analytical-HZETRN Model for Rapid Assessment of Active Magnetic Radiation Shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Washburn, S. A.; Blattnig, S. R.; Singleterry, R. C.; Westover, S. C.

2014-01-01

The use of active radiation shielding designs has the potential to reduce the radiation exposure received by astronauts on deep-space missions at a significantly lower mass penalty than designs utilizing only passive shielding. Unfortunately, the determination of the radiation exposure inside these shielded environments often involves lengthy and computationally intensive Monte Carlo analysis. In order to evaluate the large trade space of design parameters associated with a magnetic radiation shield design, an analytical model was developed for the determination of flux inside a solenoid magnetic field due to the Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR) radiation environment. This analytical model was then coupled with NASA's radiation transport code, HZETRN, to account for the effects of passive/structural shielding mass. The resulting model can rapidly obtain results for a given configuration and can therefore be used to analyze an entire trade space of potential variables in less time than is required for even a single Monte Carlo run. Analyzing this trade space for a solenoid magnetic shield design indicates that active shield bending powers greater than 15 Tm and passive/structural shielding thicknesses greater than 40 g/cm2 have a limited impact on reducing dose equivalent values. Also, it is shown that higher magnetic field strengths are more effective than thicker magnetic fields at reducing dose equivalent.

Changes made on a 2.7-m long superconducting solenoid magnet cryogenic system that allowed the magnet to be kept cold using 4 K pulse tube coolers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Green, M. A.; Pan, H.; Preece, R. M.

2014-01-29

Two 2.7-m long solenoid magnets with a cold mass of 1400 kg were fabricated in between 2007 and 2010. The magnet cryostat outside diameter is ∼1.4 meters and the cryostat length is ∼2.73 meters. The magnet warm bore is 0.4 meters. The magnet was designed to be cooled using three 1.5 W two-stage coolers. In both magnets, three coolers could not keep the cryostat filled with liquid helium. The temperatures of the shield and the tops of the HTS leads were too warm. A 140 W single stage cooler was added to magnet 2 to cool the HTS leads, themore » shield and the cold mass support intercepts. When the magnet 2 was retested in 2010, the net cooling at 4.2 K was −1.5 W with first-stage temperatures of the four coolers at ∼42 K. The tops of the HTS leads were <50 K, but the shield and cold mass support intercepts remained too warm. The solenoid cryostat and shield were modified during 2011 and 2012 to reduce the 4.2 K heat load and increase the cooling. This magnet was tested in 2012, with five 1.5 W two-stage coolers and the single stage cooler. The changes made in the magnet are described in this report. As a result of the cryostat and shield changes, and adding 3.0 W of cooling at 4.2 K, the net 4.2 K cooling changed from −1.6 W to +5.0 W. About half of the change in net cooling to this magnet was due changes that reduced the shield temperature. This report demonstrates the importance of running the shield cold (∼40 K) and reducing the heat loads from all sources on both the shield and the cold mass.« less

HZE particle shielding using confined magnetic fields. [high-energy heavy ions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Townsend, L. W.

1983-01-01

The great rigidities characteristic of high energy heavy ion (HZE) particles are judged to preclude near term use of confined magnetic fields of reasonable dimensions and strengths for small spacecraft shielding on long duration manned missions. It is noted that a Mars mission-class shield, although effective against solar protons, would be useless for HZE particles unless the mass and size of the shield are increased by several orders of magnitude (to yield a shield comparable to those contemplated for permanent space stations).

Effects of radiobiological uncertainty on vehicle and habitat shield design for missions to the moon and Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, John W.; Nealy, John E.; Schimmerling, Walter; Cucinotta, Francis A.; Wood, James S.

1993-01-01

Some consequences of uncertainties in radiobiological risk due to galactic cosmic ray (GCR) exposure are analyzed for their effect on engineering designs for the first lunar outpost and a mission to explore Mars. This report presents the plausible effect of biological uncertainties, the design changes necessary to reduce the uncertainties to acceptable levels for a safe mission, and an evaluation of the mission redesign cost. Estimates of the amount of shield mass required to compensate for radiobiological uncertainty are given for a simplified vehicle and habitat. The additional amount of shield mass required to provide a safety factor for uncertainty compensation is calculated from the expected response to GCR exposure. The amount of shield mass greatly increases in the estimated range of biological uncertainty, thus, escalating the estimated cost of the mission. The estimates are used as a quantitative example for the cost-effectiveness of research in radiation biophysics and radiation physics.

Nuclear reactor system study for NASA/JPL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, R. G.; Lundberg, L. B.; Keddy, E. S.; Koenig, D. R.

1982-01-01

Reactor shielding, safety studies, and heat pipe development work are described. Monte Carlo calculations of gamma and neutron shield configurations show that substantial weight penalties are incurred if exposure at 25 m to neutrons and gammas must be limited to 10 to the 12th power nvt and 10 to the 6th power rad, instead of the 10 to the 13th power nvt and 10 to the 7th power rad values used earlier. For a 1.6 MW sub t reactor, the required shield weight increases from 400 to 815 kg. Water immersion critically calculations were extended to study the effect of water in fuel void spaces as well as in the core heat pipes. These show that the insertion into the core of eight blades of B4C with a mass totaling 2.5 kg will guarantee subcriticality. The design, fabrication procedure, and testing of a 4m long molybdenum/lithium heat pipe are described. It appears that an excess of oxygen in the wick prevented the attainment of expected performance capability.

Honeycomb vs. Foam: Evaluating a Potential Upgrade to ISS Module Shielding for Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryan, Shannon; Hedman, Troy; Christiansen, Eric L.

2009-01-01

The presence of a honeycomb core in a multi-wall shielding configuration for protection against micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) particle impacts at hypervelocity is generally considered to be detrimental as the cell walls act to restrict fragment cloud expansion, creating a more concentrated load on the shield rear wall. However, mission requirements often prevent the inclusion of a dedicated MMOD shield, and as such, structural honeycomb sandwich panels are amongst the most prevalent shield types. Open cell metallic foams are a relatively new material with novel mechanical and thermal properties that have shown promising results in preliminary hypervelocity impact shielding evaluations. In this study, an ISS-representative MMOD shielding configuration has been modified to evaluate the potential performance enhancement gained through the substitution of honeycomb for open cell foam. The baseline shielding configuration consists of a double mesh outer layer, two honeycomb sandwich panels, and an aluminum rear wall. In the modified configuration the two honeycomb cores are replaced by open-cell foam. To compensate for the heavier core material, facesheets have been removed from the second sandwich panel in the modified configuration. A total of 19 tests on the double layer honeycomb and double layer foam configurations are reported. For comparable mechanical and thermal performance, the foam modifications were shown to provide a 15% improvement in critical projectile diameter at low velocities (i.e. 3 km/s) and a 3% increase at high velocities (i.e. 7 km/s) for normal impact. With increasing obliquity, the performance enhancement was predicted to increase, up to a 29% improvement at 60 (low velocity). Ballistic limit equations have been developed for the new configuration, and consider the mass of each individual shield component in order to maintain validity in the event of minor configuration modifications. Previously identified weaknesses of open cell foams for hypervelocity impact shielding such as large projectile diameters, low velocities, and high degrees of impact obliquity have all been investigated, and found to be negligible for the double-layer configuration.

Evaluation Of Shielding Efficacy Of A Ferrite Containing Ceramic Material

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Verst, C.

2015-10-12

The shielding evaluation of the ferrite based Mitsuishi ceramic material has produced for several radiation sources and possible shielding sizes comparative dose attenuation measurements and simulated projections. High resolution gamma spectroscopy provided uncollided and scattered photon spectra at three energies, confirming theoretical estimates of the ceramic’s mass attenuation coefficient, μ/ρ. High level irradiation experiments were performed using Co-60, Cs-137, and Cf-252 sources to measure penetrating dose rates through steel, lead, concrete, and the provided ceramic slabs. The results were used to validate the radiation transport code MCNP6 which was then used to generate dose rate attenuation curves as a functionmore » of shielding material, thickness, and mass for photons and neutrons ranging in energy from 200 keV to 2 MeV.« less

Protective Effectiveness of Porous Shields Under the Influence of High-Speed Impact Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kramshonkov, E. N.; Krainov, A. V.; Shorohov, P. V.

2016-02-01

The results of numerical simulations of a compact steel impactor with the aluminum porous shields under high-speed shock loading are presented. The porosity of barrier varies in wide range provided that its mass stays the same, but the impactor has always equal (identical) mass. Here presented the final assessment of the barrier perforation speed depending on its porosity and initial shock speed. The range of initial impact speed varies from 1 to 10 km/s. Physical phenomena such as: destruction, melting, vaporization of a interacting objects are taken into account. The analysis of a shield porosity estimation disclosed that the protection effectiveness of porous shield reveals at the initial impact speed grater then 1.5 km/s, and it increases when initial impact speed growth.

PWR upper/lower internals shield

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Homyk, W.A.

1995-03-01

During refueling of a nuclear power plant, the reactor upper internals must be removed from the reactor vessel to permit transfer of the fuel. The upper internals are stored in the flooded reactor cavity. Refueling personnel working in containment at a number of nuclear stations typically receive radiation exposure from a portion of the highly contaminated upper intervals package which extends above the normal water level of the refueling pool. This same issue exists with reactor lower internals withdrawn for inservice inspection activities. One solution to this problem is to provide adequate shielding of the unimmersed portion. The use ofmore » lead sheets or blankets for shielding of the protruding components would be time consuming and require more effort for installation since the shielding mass would need to be transported to a support structure over the refueling pool. A preferable approach is to use the existing shielding mass of the refueling pool water. A method of shielding was devised which would use a vacuum pump to draw refueling pool water into an inverted canister suspended over the upper internals to provide shielding from the normally exposed components. During the Spring 1993 refueling of Indian Point 2 (IP2), a prototype shield device was demonstrated. This shield consists of a cylindrical tank open at the bottom that is suspended over the refueling pool with I-beams. The lower lip of the tank is two feet below normal pool level. After installation, the air width of the natural shielding provided by the existing pool water. This paper describes the design, development, testing and demonstration of the prototype device.« less

Geology of Biblis Patera, ULYSSES Patera, and Jovis Tholus, Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plescia, J. B.

1993-03-01

There are a variety of constructional volcanic features in Tharsis. These features range from Olympus Mons and the Tharsis Montes shields, to the small low shields and fissure eruptions that characterize much of the volcanic plains, to the smaller volcanic constructs in the northeast and western parts of Tharsis. I describe the geology of the western group, which includes Biblis Patera, Ulysses Patera, and Jovis Tholus. Each of these volcanoes has had a unique, and complex geologic history. Biblis Patera is located at 2.3 deg. N, 123.8 deg. The volcano is elongate in a northwesterly direction and has a large, faulted caldera complex. The flanks of the volcano and adjacent plains are characterized by lava flows, northwest-trending graben and troughs, and caldera-concentric graben and troughs. Biblis Patera is approximately 66 x 127 km with an oval 51 x 56 km caldera; the summit elevation is approximately 2 km above the surrounding plains. The constrcut has an estimated volume of 8-22 x 103 cu km. Ulysses Patera is located at 2.7 deg. N, 121.3 deg. W and stands approx. 2-3 km above the surrounding plain; flank slopes are approximately 7 deg. to 12 deg. The caldera floor is quite deep, lying 1.8 to 2.2 km below the caldera rim. The caldera has a void volume of approximately 5000 cu km, the total solid mass volume of the volcano is 7-16 x 103 cu km. Jovis Tholus is centered at 18.3 deg N; 117.5 deg W; it is a low relief, volcano with gentle flank slopes of between 3 and 8 deg. The construct is dominated by a series of inset calderas which make up the largest fraction of the area. The caldera complex is offset to the southwest side.

Radiation Shielding for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caffrey, Jarvis A.

2016-01-01

Design and analysis of radiation shielding for nuclear thermal propulsion has continued at Marshall Space Flight Center. A set of optimization tools are in development, and strategies for shielding optimization will be discussed. Considerations for the concurrent design of internal and external shielding are likely required for a mass optimal shield design. The task of reducing radiation dose to crew from a nuclear engine is considered to be less challenging than the task of thermal mitigation for cryogenic propellant, especially considering the likely implementation of additional crew shielding for protection from solar particles and cosmic rays. Further consideration is thus made for the thermal effects of radiation absorption in cryogenic propellant. Materials challenges and possible methods of manufacturing are also discussed.

Neutron star mass-radius relation with gravitational field shielding by a scalar field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Bo-Jun; Zhang, Tian-Xi; Guggilla, Padmaja; Dokhanian, Mostafa

2013-05-01

The currently well-developed models for equations of state (EoSs) have been severely impacted by recent measurements of neutron stars with a small radius and/or large mass. To explain these measurements, the theory of gravitational field shielding by a scalar field is applied. This theory was recently developed in accordance with the five-dimensional (5D) fully covariant Kaluza-Klein (KK) theory that has successfully unified Einstein's general relativity and Maxwell's electromagnetic theory. It is shown that a massive, compact neutron star can generate a strong scalar field, which can significantly shield or reduce its gravitational field, thus making it more massive and more compact. The mass-radius relation developed under this type of modified gravity can be consistent with these recent measurements of neutron stars. In addition, the effect of gravitational field shielding helps explain why the supernova explosions of some very massive stars (e.g., 40 Msolar as measured recently) actually formed neutron stars rather than black holes as expected. The EoS models, ruled out by measurements of small radius and/or large mass neutron stars according to the theory of general relativity, can still work well in terms of the 5D fully covariant KK theory with a scalar field.

Using FLUKA to Calculate Spacecraft: Single Event Environments: A Practical Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koontz, Steve; Boeder, Paul; Reddell, Brandon

2009-01-01

The FLUKA nuclear transport and reaction code can be developed into a practical tool for calculation of spacecraft and planetary surface asset SEE and TID environments. Nuclear reactions and secondary particle shower effects can be estimated with acceptable accuracy both in-flight and in test. More detailed electronic device and/or spacecraft geometries than are reported here are possible using standard FLUKA geometry utilities. Spacecraft structure and shielding mass. Effects of high Z elements in microelectronic structure as reported previously. Median shielding mass in a generic slab or concentric sphere target geometry are at least approximately applicable to more complex spacecraft shapes. Need the spacecraft shielding mass distribution function applicable to the microelectronic system of interest. SEE environment effects can be calculated for a wide range of spacecraft and microelectronic materials with complete nuclear physics. Evaluate benefits of low Z shielding mass can be evaluated relative to aluminum. Evaluate effects of high Z elements as constituents of microelectronic devices. The principal limitation on the accuracy of the FLUKA based method reported here are found in the limited accuracy and incomplete character of affordable heavy ion test data. To support accurate rate estimates with any calculation method, the aspect ratio of the sensitive volume(s) and the dependence must be better characterized.

A Comparison of Fission Power System Options for Lunar and Mars Surface Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, Lee S.

2006-01-01

This paper presents a comparison of reactor and power conversion design options for 50 kWe class lunar and Mars surface power applications with scaling from 25 to 200 kWe. Design concepts and integration approaches are provided for three reactor-converter combinations: gas-cooled Brayton, liquid-metal Stirling, and liquid-metal thermoelectric. The study examines the mass and performance of low temperature, stainless steel based reactors and higher temperature refractory reactors. The preferred system implementation approach uses crew-assisted assembly and in-situ radiation shielding via installation of the reactor in an excavated hole. As an alternative, self-deployable system concepts that use earth-delivered, on-board radiation shielding are evaluated. The analyses indicate that among the 50 kWe stainless steel reactor options, the liquid-metal Stirling system provides the lowest mass at about 5300 kg followed by the gas-cooled Brayton at 5700 kg and the liquid-metal thermoelectric at 8400 kg. The use of a higher temperature, refractory reactor favors the gas-cooled Brayton option with a system mass of about 4200 kg as compared to the Stirling and thermoelectric options at 4700 and 5600 kg, respectively. The self-deployed concepts with on-board shielding result in a factor of two system mass increase as compared to the in-situ shielded concepts.

Investigations of some building materials for γ-rays shielding effectiveness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mann, Kulwinder Singh; Kaur, Baljit; Sidhu, Gurdeep Singh; Kumar, Ajay

2013-06-01

For construction of residential and non-residential buildings bricks are used as building blocks. Bricks are made from mixtures of sand, clay, cement, fly ash, gypsum, red mud and lime. Shielding effectiveness of five soil samples and two fly ash samples have been investigated using some energy absorption parameters (Mass attenuation coefficients, mass energy absorption coefficients, KERMA (kinetic energy released per unit mass), HVL, equivalent atomic number and electron densities) firstly at 14 different energies from 81-1332 keV then extended to wide energy range 0.015-15 MeV. The soil sample with maximum shielding effectiveness has been used for making eight fly ash bricks [(Lime)0.15 (Gypsum)0.05 (Fly Ash)x (Soil)0.8-x, where values of x are from 0.4-0.7]. High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector has been used for gamma-ray spectroscopy. The elemental compositions of samples were analysed using an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. The agreements of theoretical and experimental values of mass attenuation coefficient have been found to be quite satisfactory. It has been verified that common brick possess the maximum shielding effectiveness for wide energy range 0.015-15 MeV. The results have been shown graphically with some useful conclusions for making radiation safe buildings.

SHIELD: Observations of Three Candidate Interacting Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruvolo, Elizabeth; Miazzo, Masao; Cannon, John M.; McNichols, Andrew; Teich, Yaron; Adams, Elizabeth A.; Giovanelli, Riccardo; Haynes, Martha P.; McQuinn, Kristen B.; Salzer, John Joseph; Skillman, Evan D.; Dolphin, Andrew E.; Elson, Edward C.; Haurberg, Nathalie C.; Huang, Shan; Janowiecki, Steven; Jozsa, Gyula; Leisman, Luke; Ott, Juergen; Papastergis, Emmanouil; Rhode, Katherine L.; Saintonge, Amelie; Van Sistine, Angela; Warren, Steven R.

2017-01-01

Abstract:The “Survey of HI in Extremely Low-mass Dwarfs” (SHIELD) is a multiwavelength study of local volume low-mass galaxies. Using the now-complete Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) source catalog, 82 systems are identified that meet distance, line width, and HI flux criteria for being gas-rich, low-mass galaxies. These systems harbor neutral gas reservoirs smaller than 3x10^7 M_sun, thus populating the faint end of the HI mass function with statistical confidence for the first time. In a companion poster, we present new Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array D-configuration HI spectral line observations of 32 previously unobserved galaxies. Three galaxies in that study have been discovered to lie in close angular proximity to more massive galaxies. Here we present VLA HI imaging of these candidate interacting systems. We compare the neutral gas morphology and kinematics with optical images from SDSS. We discuss the frequency of low-mass galaxies undergoing tidal interaction in the complete SHIELD sample.Support for this work was provided by NSF grant 1211683 to JMC at Macalester College.

Advanced Multifunctional MMOD Shield: Radiation Shielding Assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rojdev, Kristina; Christiansen, Eric

2013-01-01

As NASA is looking to explore further into deep space, multifunctional materials are a necessity for decreasing complexity and mass. One area where multifunctional materials could be extremely beneficial is in the micrometeoroid orbital debris (MMOD) shield. A typical MMOD shield on the International Space Station (ISS) is a stuffed whipple shield consisting of multiple layers. One of those layers is the thermal blanket, or multi-layer insulation (MLI). Increasing the MMOD effectiveness of MLI blankets, while still preserving their thermal capabilities, could allow for a less massive MMOD shield. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate a concept MLI blanket for an MMOD shield. In conjunction, this MLI blanket and the subsequent MMOD shield was also evaluated for its radiation shielding effectiveness towards protecting crew. The overall MMOD shielding system using the concept MLI blanket proved to only have a marginal increase in the radiation mitigating properties. Therefore, subsequent analysis was performed on various conceptual MMOD shields to determine the combination of materials that may prove superior for radiation mitigating purposes. The following paper outlines the evaluations performed and discusses the results and conclusions of this evaluation for radiation shielding effectiveness.

Electroless shielding of plastic electronic enclosures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, D.

1985-12-01

The containment or exclusion of radio frequency interference (RFI) via metallized plastic enclosures and the electroless plating as a solution are examined. The electroless coating and process, shielding principles and test data, shielding design requirements, and shielding advantages and limitations are reviewed. It is found that electroless shielding provides high shielding effectiveness to plastic substrates. After application of a conductive metallic coating by electroless plating, various plastics have passed the ASTM adhesion test after thermal cycle and severe environmental testing. Electroless shielding provides a lightweight, totally metallized housing to EMI/RFI shielding. Various compositions of electroless deposits are found to optimize electroless shielding cost/benefit ratio.

Integrated NTP Vehicle Radiation Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caffrey, Jarvis A.; Rodriquez, Mitchell A.

2018-01-01

The development of a nuclear thermal propulsion stage requires consideration for radiation emitted from the nuclear reactor core. Applying shielding mass is an effective mitigating solution, but a better alternative is to incorporate some mitigation strategies into the propulsion stage and crew habitat. In this way, the required additional mass is minimized and the mass that must be applied may in some cases be able to serve multiple purposes. Strategies for crew compartment shielding are discussed that reduce dose from both engine and cosmic sources, and in some cases may also serve to reduce life support risks by permitting abundant water reserves. Early consideration for integrated mitigation solutions in a crewed nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) vehicle will enable reduced radiation burden from both cosmic and nuclear sources, improved thrust-to-weight ratio or payload capacity by reducing 'dead mass' of shielding, and generally support a more robust risk posture for a NTP-powered Mars mission by permitting shorter trip times and increased water reserves.

Integrated NTP Vehicle Radiation Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caffrey, Jarvis; Rodriquez, Mitchell

2018-01-01

The development of a nuclear thermal propulsion stage requires consideration for radiation emitted from the nuclear reactor core. Applying shielding mass is an effective mitigating solution, but a better alternative is to incorporate some mitigation strategies into the propulsion stage and crew habitat. In this way, the required additional mass is minimized and the mass that must be applied may in some cases be able to serve multiple purposes. Strategies for crew compartment shielding are discussed that reduce dose from both engine and cosmic sources, and in some cases may also serve to reduce life support risks by permitting abundant water reserves. Early consideration for integrated mitigation solutions in a crewed nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) vehicle will enable reduced radiation burden from both cosmic and nuclear sources, improved thrust-to-weight ratio or payload capacity by reducing 'dead mass' of shielding, and generally support a more robust risk posture for a NTP-powered Mars mission by permitting shorter trip times and increased water reserves

Exploring innovative radiation shielding approaches in space: A material and design study for a wearable radiation protection spacesuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vuolo, M.; Baiocco, G.; Barbieri, S.; Bocchini, L.; Giraudo, M.; Gheysens, T.; Lobascio, C.; Ottolenghi, A.

2017-11-01

We present a design study for a wearable radiation-shielding spacesuit, designed to protect astronauts' most radiosensitive organs. The suit could be used in an emergency, to perform necessary interventions outside a radiation shelter in the space habitat in case of a Solar Proton Event (SPE). A wearable shielding system of the kind we propose has the potential to prevent the onset of acute radiation effects in this scenario. In this work, selection of materials for the spacesuit elements is performed based on the results of dedicated GRAS/Geant4 1-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations, and after a trade-off analysis between shielding performance and availability of resources in the space habitat. Water is the first choice material, but also organic compounds compatible with a human space habitat are considered (such as fatty acids, gels and liquid organic wastes). Different designs and material combinations are proposed for the spacesuits. To quantify shielding performance we use GRAS/Geant4 simulations of an anthropomorphic phantom in an average SPE environment, with and without the spacesuit, and we compare results for the dose to Blood Forming Organs (BFO) in Gy-Eq, i.e. physical absorbed dose multiplied by the proton Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) for non-cancer effects. In case of SPE occurrence for Intra-Vehicular Activities (IVA) outside a radiation shelter, dose reductions to BFO in the range of 44-57% are demonstrated to be achievable with the spacesuit designs made only of water elements, or of multi-layer protection elements (with a thin layer of a high density material covering the water filled volume). Suit elements have a thickness in the range 2-6 cm and the total mass for the garment sums up to 35-43 kg depending on model and material combination. Dose reduction is converted into time gain, i.e. the increase of time interval between the occurrence of a SPE and the moment the dose limit to the BFO for acute effects is reached. Wearing a radiation shielding spacesuit of the kind we propose, the astronaut could have up to more than the double the time (e.g. almost 6 instead of 2.5 h) to perform necessary interventions outside a radiation shelter during a SPE, his/her exposure remaining within dose limits. An indicative mass saving thanks to the shielding provided by the suits is also derived, calculating the amount of mass needed in addition to the 1.5 cm thick Al module considered for the IVA scenario to provide the same additional shielding given by the spacesuit. For an average 50% dose reduction to BFO this is equal to about 2.5 tons of Al. Overall, our results offer a proof-of-principle validation of a complementary personal shielding strategy in emergency situations in case of a SPE event. Such results pave the way for the design and realization of a prototype of a water-filled garment to be tested on board the International Space Station for wearability. A successful outcome will possibly lead to the further refining of the design of radiation protection spacesuits and their possible adoption in future long-duration manned missions in deep space.

Exploring innovative radiation shielding approaches in space: A material and design study for a wearable radiation protection spacesuit.

PubMed

Vuolo, M; Baiocco, G; Barbieri, S; Bocchini, L; Giraudo, M; Gheysens, T; Lobascio, C; Ottolenghi, A

2017-11-01

We present a design study for a wearable radiation-shielding spacesuit, designed to protect astronauts' most radiosensitive organs. The suit could be used in an emergency, to perform necessary interventions outside a radiation shelter in the space habitat in case of a Solar Proton Event (SPE). A wearable shielding system of the kind we propose has the potential to prevent the onset of acute radiation effects in this scenario. In this work, selection of materials for the spacesuit elements is performed based on the results of dedicated GRAS/Geant4 1-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations, and after a trade-off analysis between shielding performance and availability of resources in the space habitat. Water is the first choice material, but also organic compounds compatible with a human space habitat are considered (such as fatty acids, gels and liquid organic wastes). Different designs and material combinations are proposed for the spacesuits. To quantify shielding performance we use GRAS/Geant4 simulations of an anthropomorphic phantom in an average SPE environment, with and without the spacesuit, and we compare results for the dose to Blood Forming Organs (BFO) in Gy-Eq, i.e. physical absorbed dose multiplied by the proton Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) for non-cancer effects. In case of SPE occurrence for Intra-Vehicular Activities (IVA) outside a radiation shelter, dose reductions to BFO in the range of 44-57% are demonstrated to be achievable with the spacesuit designs made only of water elements, or of multi-layer protection elements (with a thin layer of a high density material covering the water filled volume). Suit elements have a thickness in the range 2-6 cm and the total mass for the garment sums up to 35-43 kg depending on model and material combination. Dose reduction is converted into time gain, i.e. the increase of time interval between the occurrence of a SPE and the moment the dose limit to the BFO for acute effects is reached. Wearing a radiation shielding spacesuit of the kind we propose, the astronaut could have up to more than the double the time (e.g. almost 6 instead of 2.5 h) to perform necessary interventions outside a radiation shelter during a SPE, his/her exposure remaining within dose limits. An indicative mass saving thanks to the shielding provided by the suits is also derived, calculating the amount of mass needed in addition to the 1.5 cm thick Al module considered for the IVA scenario to provide the same additional shielding given by the spacesuit. For an average 50% dose reduction to BFO this is equal to about 2.5 tons of Al. Overall, our results offer a proof-of-principle validation of a complementary personal shielding strategy in emergency situations in case of a SPE event. Such results pave the way for the design and realization of a prototype of a water-filled garment to be tested on board the International Space Station for wearability. A successful outcome will possibly lead to the further refining of the design of radiation protection spacesuits and their possible adoption in future long-duration manned missions in deep space. Copyright © 2017 The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of radiological properties of some shielding materials on charged and uncharged radiation interaction for neutron generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Büyükyıldız, Mehmet

2017-04-01

Radiation interaction parameters such as total stopping power, projected range (longitudinal and lateral) straggling, mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number (Zeff) and electron density (Neff) of some shielding materials were investigated for photon and heavy charged particle interactions. The ranges, stragglings and mass attenuation coefficients were calculated for the high-density polyethylene(HDPE), borated polyethylene (BPE), brick (common silica), concrete (regular), wood, water, stainless steel (304), aluminum (alloy 6061-O), lead and bismuth using SRIM Monte Carlo software and WinXCom program. In addition, effective atomic numbers (Zeff) and electron densities (Neff) of HDPE, BPE, brick (common silica), concrete (regular), wood, water, stainless steel (304) and aluminum (alloy 6061-O) were calculated in the energy region 10 keV-100 MeV using mass stopping powers and mass attenuation coefficients. Two different methods namely direct and interpolation procedures were used to calculate Zeff for comparison and significant differences were determined between the methods. Variations of the ranges, longitudinal and lateral stragglings of water, concrete and stainless steel (304) were compared with each other in the continuous kinetic energy region and discussed with respect to their Zeffs. Moreover, energy absorption buildup factors (EABF) and exposure buildup factors (EBF) of the materials were determined for gamma rays as well and were compared with each other for different photon energies and different mfps in the photon energy region 0.015-15 MeV.

Effect of antimony-oxide on the shielding properties of some sodium-boro-silicate glasses.

PubMed

Zoulfakar, A M; Abdel-Ghany, A M; Abou-Elnasr, T Z; Mostafa, A G; Salem, S M; El-Bahnaswy, H H

2017-09-01

Some sodium-silicate-boro-antimonate glasses having the molecular composition [(20) Na 2 O - (20) SiO 2 - (60-x) B 2 O 3 - (x) Sb 2 O 3 (where x takes the values 0, 5 … or 20)] have been prepared by the melt quenching method. The melting and annealing temperatures were 1500 and 650K respectively. The amorphous nature of the prepared samples was confirmed by using X-ray diffraction analysis. Both the experimental and empirical density and molar volume values showed gradual increase with increasing Sb 2 O 3 content. The empirical densities showed higher values than those obtained experimentally, while the empirical molar volume values appeared lower than those obtained experimentally, which confirm the amorphous nature and randomness character of the studied samples. The experimentally obtained shielding parameters were approximately coincident with those obtained theoretically by applying WinXCom program. At low gamma-ray energies (0.356 and 0.662MeV) Sb 2 O 3 has approximately no effect on the total Mass Attenuation Coefficient, while at high energies it acts to increase the total Mass Attenuation Coefficient gradually. The obtained Half Value Layer and Mean Free Path values showed gradual decrease as Sb 2 O 3 was gradually increased. Also, the Total Mass Attenuation Coefficient values obtained between about 0.8 and 3.0MeV gamma-ray energy showed a slight decrease, as gamma-ray photon energy increased. This may be due to the differences between the Attenuation Coefficients of both antimony and boron oxides at various gamma-ray photon energies. However, it can be stated that the addition of Sb 2 O 3 into sodium-boro-silicate glasses increases the gamma-ray Attenuation Coefficient and the best sample is that contains 20 mol% of Sb 2 O 3 , which is operating well at 0.356 and 0.662MeV gamma-ray. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A review of micrometeoroid flux measurements and models for low orbital altitudes of the Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Susko, M.

1984-01-01

A review of meteoroid flux measurements and models for low orbital altitudes of the Space Station has been made in order to provide information that may be useful in design studies and laboratory hypervelocity impact tests which simulate micrometeoroids in space for design of the main wall of the Space Station. This report deals with the meteoroid flux mass model, the defocusing and shielding factors that affect the model, the probability of meteoroid penetration of the main wall of a Space Station. Whipple (1947) suggested a meteoroid bumper, a thin shield around the spacecraft at some distance from the wall, as an effective device for reducing penetration, which has been discussed in this report. The equations of the probability of meteoroid penetration, the average annual cumulative total flux, and the equations for the thickness of the main wall and the bumper are presented in this report.

Shields for Enhanced Protection Against High-Speed Debris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christiansen, Eric L.; Kerr, Justin H.

2003-01-01

A report describes improvements over the conventional Whipple shield (two thin, spaced aluminum walls) for protecting spacecraft against high-speed impacts of orbiting debris. The debris in question arise mainly from breakup of older spacecraft. The improved shields include exterior bumper layers composed of hybrid fabrics woven from combinations of ceramic fibers and high-density metallic wires or, alternatively, completely metallic outer layers composed of high-strength steel or copper wires. These shields are designed to be light in weight, yet capable of protecting against orbital debris with mass densities up to about 9 g/cm3, without generating damaging secondary debris particles. As yet another design option, improved shields can include sparsely distributed wires made of shape-memory metals that can be thermally activated from compact storage containers to form shields of predetermined shape upon arrival in orbit. The improved shields could also be used to augment shields installed previously.

Shields for Enhanced Protection Against High-Speed Debris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christiansen, Eric L.; Kerr, Justin H.

2003-01-01

A report describes improvements over the conventional Whipple shield (two thin, spaced aluminum walls) for protecting spacecraft against high-speed impacts of orbiting debris. The debris in question arises mainly from breakup of older spacecraft. The improved shields include exterior "bumper" layers composed of hybrid fabrics woven from combinations of ceramic fibers and high-density metallic wires or, alternatively, completely metallic outer layers composed of high-strength steel or copper wires. These shields are designed to be light in weight, yet capable of protecting against orbital debris with mass densities up to about 9 g/cubic cm, without generating damaging secondary debris particles. As yet another design option, improved shields can include sparsely distributed wires made of shape memory metals that can be thermally activated from compact storage containers to form shields of predetermined shape upon arrival in orbit. The improved shields could also be used to augment shields installed previously.

Shield Design for Lunar Surface Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Gregory A.

2006-01-01

A shielding concept for lunar surface applications of nuclear power is presented herein. The reactor, primary shield, reactor equipment and power generation module are placed in a cavity in the lunar surface. Support structure and heat rejection radiator panels are on the surface, outside the cavity. The reactor power of 1,320 kWt was sized to deliver 50 kWe from a thermoelectric power conversion subsystem. The dose rate on the surface is less than 0.6 mRem/hr at 100 meters from the reactor. Unoptimized shield mass is 1,020 kg which is much lighter than a comparable 4π shield weighing in at 17,000 kg.

Radiation Engineering Analysis of Shielding Materials to Assess Their Ability to Protect Astronauts in Deep Space From Energetic Particle Radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singleterry, R. C.

2013-01-01

An analysis is performed on four typical materials (aluminum, liquid hydrogen, polyethylene, and water) to assess their impact on the length of time an astronaut can stay in deep space and not exceed a design basis radiation exposure of 150 mSv. A large number of heavy lift launches of pure shielding mass are needed to enable long duration, deep space missions to keep astronauts at or below the exposure value with shielding provided by the vehicle. Therefore, vehicle mass using the assumptions in the paper cannot be the sole shielding mechanism for long duration, deep space missions. As an example, to enable the Mars Design Reference Mission 5.0 with a 400 day transit to and from Mars, not including the 500 day stay on the surface, a minimum of 24 heavy lift launches of polyethylene at 89,375 lbm (40.54 tonnes) each are needed for the 1977 galactic cosmic ray environment. With the assumptions used in this paper, a single heavy lift launch of water or polyethylene can protect astronauts for a 130 day mission before exceeding the exposure value. Liquid hydrogen can only protect the astronauts for 160 days. Even a single launch of pure shielding material cannot protect an astronaut in deep space for more than 180 days using the assumptions adopted in the analysis. It is shown that liquid hydrogen is not the best shielding material for the same mass as polyethylene for missions that last longer than 225 days.

Radiation Protection for Lunar Mission Scenarios

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clowdsley, Martha S.; Nealy, John E.; Wilson, John W.; Anderson, Brooke M.; Anderson, Mark S.; Krizan, Shawn A.

2005-01-01

Preliminary analyses of shielding requirements to protect astronauts from the harmful effects of radiation on both short-term and long-term lunar missions have been performed. Shielding needs for both solar particle events (SPEs) and galactic cosmic ray (GCR) exposure are discussed for transit vehicles and surface habitats. This work was performed under the aegis of two NASA initiatives. The first study was an architecture trade study led by Langley Research Center (LaRC) in which a broad range of vehicle types and mission scenarios were compared. The radiation analysis for this study primarily focused on the additional shielding mass required to protect astronauts from the rare occurrence of a large SPE. The second study, led by Johnson Space Center (JSC), involved the design of lunar habitats. Researchers at LaRC were asked to evaluate the changes to mission architecture that would be needed if the surface stay were lengthened from a shorter mission duration of 30 to 90 days to a longer stay of 500 days. Here, the primary radiation concern was GCR exposure. The methods used for these studies as well as the resulting shielding recommendations are discussed. Recommendations are also made for more detailed analyses to minimize shielding mass, once preliminary vehicle and habitat designs have been completed. Here, methodologies are mapped out and available radiation analysis tools are described. Since, as yet, no dosimetric limits have been adopted for missions beyond low earth orbit (LEO), radiation exposures are compared to LEO limits. Uncertainties associated with the LEO career effective dose limits and the effects of lowering these limits on shielding mass are also discussed.

Experimental results on MgB2 used as ADR magnetic shields, and comparison to NbTi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prouvé, T.; Duval, J. M.; Luchier, N.; D'escrivan, S.

2014-11-01

Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR) is an efficient way to obtain sub-Kelvin temperatures in space environments. The SAFARI instrument for the Japanese spaceborne SPICA mission features detectors which will be cooled down to 50 mK. This cooling will be done by a hybrid cooler comprising a 300 mK sorption stage and a 50 mK ADR stage. For this cooler and ADR in general, the main contribution to the overall mass is in the magnetic system and particularly in the magnetic shielding required to keep the stray field within acceptable values. In order to reduce this mass, superconducting materials can be used as active magnetic shields thanks to un-attenuated eddy currents generated while ramping the magnet current. In this way they could reduce the need of heavy ferromagnetic material shields and increase the shielding efficiency to reach very low parasitic values. In the framework of SAFARI we have built a numerical model of a superconductor magnetic shield. The good results regarding the weight gain lead us to an experimental confirmation. In this paper we present an experimental study on MgB2 and NbTi superconducting materials. 2 pairs of rings of typical diameter of 80 mm have been tested using a superconducting magnet matching closely the dimensions of the SAFARI ADR cooler. The magnetic shielding measurements have been compared to a numerical model.

A proposed performance index for galactic cosmic ray shielding materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, John W.; Wood, J. S.; Shinn, Judy L.; Cucinotta, Francis A.; Nealy, John E.

1993-01-01

In past studies, the reductions in absorbed dose and dose equivalent due to choice of material composition have been used to indicate shield effectiveness against exposure to galactic cosmic rays. However, these quantities are highly inaccurate in assessing shield effectiveness for protection against the biological effects of long-term exposure to the galactic heavy ions. A new quantity for shield performance is defined that correlates well with cell killing and cell transformation behind various shield thicknesses and materials. In addition, a relative performance index is identified that is inversely related to biological injury for different materials at a fixed shield mass and is directly related to the ratio of the fourth- and the second-order linear energy transfer (LET) moments.

Simbol-X Background Minimization: Mirror Spacecraft Passive Shielding Trade-off Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fioretti, V.; Malaguti, G.; Bulgarelli, A.; Palumbo, G. G. C.; Ferri, A.; Attinà, P.

2009-05-01

The present work shows a quantitative trade-off analysis of the Simbol-X Mirror Spacecraft (MSC) passive shielding, in the phase space of the various parameters: mass budget, dimension, geometry and composition. A simplified physical (and geometrical) model of the sky screen, implemented by means of a GEANT4 simulation, has been developed to perform a performance-driven mass optimization and evaluate the residual background level on Simbol-X focal plane.

Temporal changes in mercury concentrations of large-bodied fishes in the boreal shield ecoregion of northern Ontario, Canada.

PubMed

Tang, Rex W K; Johnston, Thomas A; Gunn, John M; Bhavsar, Satyendra P

2013-02-01

Much of the mercury (Hg) in freshwater fish of the boreal shield ecoregion is believed to originate from atmospheric deposition. As such, declines in fish Hg concentrations would be expected in response to recent declines in atmospheric Hg deposition in this ecoregion. We compared recent (2005-2010) and historic (1974-1981) muscle total mercury concentrations ([THg], standardized to a fish body mass of 1 kg) in seven fish species (five piscivores, two benthivores) from 73 lakes in northern Ontario (Canada) using a paired-comparisons approach. The rate of bioaccumulation (i.e., slopes of log(e)[THg] vs log(e) total length relationship) increased for walleye (Sander vitreus) but did not change significantly for any other species. There was no significant decline in mean [THg] between recent and historic time periods for any species. In fact, recent mean [THg] were slightly higher (<0.08 ppm) than historic mean [THg] for all species, and this difference was significant for northern pike (Esox lucius). The magnitude of the temporal change in northern pike declined significantly from south to north over the study area but there were no discernible geographic patterns in the temporal change in [THg] for any other species. This study shows that [THg] of most large-bodied fish species in boreal shield lakes are not declining in response to the decline in atmospheric Hg deposition. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impact of Advance Rate on Entrapment Risk of a Double-Shielded TBM in Squeezing Ground

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasanpour, Rohola; Rostami, Jamal; Barla, Giovanni

2015-05-01

Shielded tunnel boring machines (TBMs) can get stuck in squeezing ground due to excessive tunnel convergence under high in situ stress. This typically coincides with extended machine stoppages, when the ground has sufficient time to undergo substantial displacements. Excessive convergence of the ground beyond the designated overboring means ground pressure against the shield and high shield frictional resistance that, in some cases, cannot be overcome by the TBM thrust system. This leads to machine entrapment in the ground, which causes significant delays and requires labor-intensive and risky operations of manual excavation to release the machine. To evaluate the impact of the time factor on the possibility of machine entrapment, a comprehensive 3D finite difference simulation of a double-shielded TBM in squeezing ground was performed. The modeling allowed for observation of the impact of the tunnel advance rate on the possibility of machine entrapment in squeezing ground. For this purpose, the model included rock mass properties related to creep in severe squeezing conditions. This paper offers an overview of the modeling results for a given set of rock mass and TBM parameters, as well as lining characteristics, including the magnitude of displacement and contact forces on shields and ground pressure on segmental lining versus time for different advance rates.

Synthesis and electromagnetic interference shielding of cellulose-derived carbon aerogels functionalized with α-Fe2O3 and polypyrrole.

PubMed

Wan, Caichao; Li, Jian

2017-04-01

Eco-friendly cellulose-derived carbon aerogels (CDCA) were employed as porous substrate to integrate with α-Fe 2 O 3 and polypyrrole (PPy) via pyrolysis and vapor-phase polymerization. The SEM and TEM observations present that the wrinkled PPy sheets and the α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles were well dispersed in CDCA. The strong interactions (such as hydrogen bonding) between the substrate and the nanomaterials were demonstrated by the FTIR and XPS analysis. When utilized as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, the α-Fe 2 O 3 /PPy/CDCA (FPCA) composite has the highest total shielding effectiveness (SE total ) of 39.4dB, about 2.0, 2.9, and 1.3 times that of the acid-treated CDCA (19.3dB), PPy (13.6dB), and α-Fe 2 O 3 /CDCA (29.3dB), respectively. Moreover, the shielding effectiveness due to absorption accounts for 78.2%-84.2% of SE total for FPCA, indicative of the absorption-dominant shielding mechanism contributing to alleviating secondary radiation. These features make the composite a useful alternative candidate for EMI shielding. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

THE SURVEY OF H I IN EXTREMELY LOW-MASS DWARFS (SHIELD)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cannon, John M.; Engstrom, Eric; Allan, John

We present first results from the Survey of H I in Extremely Low-mass Dwarfs (SHIELD), a multi-configuration Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA) study of the neutral gas contents and dynamics of galaxies with H I masses in the 10{sup 6}-10{sup 7} M{sub sun} range detected by the Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) survey. We describe the survey motivation and concept demonstration using Very Large Array imaging of six low-mass galaxies detected in early ALFALFA data products. We then describe the primary scientific goals of SHIELD and present preliminary EVLA and WIYN 3.5 m imaging of the 12 SHIELD galaxies. Withmore » only a few exceptions, the neutral gas distributions of these extremely low-mass galaxies are centrally concentrated. In only one system have we detected H I column densities higher than 10{sup 21} cm{sup -2}. Despite this, the stellar populations of all of these systems are dominated by blue stars. Further, we find ongoing star formation as traced by H{alpha} emission in 10 of the 11 galaxies with H{alpha} imaging obtained to date. Taken together these results suggest that extremely low-mass galaxies are forming stars in conditions different from those found in more massive systems. While detailed dynamical analysis requires the completion of data acquisition, the most well-resolved system is amenable to meaningful position-velocity analysis. For AGC 749237, we find well-ordered rotation of 30 km s{sup -1} at {approx}40'' distance from the dynamical center. At the adopted distance of 3.2 Mpc, this implies the presence of a {approx}>1 x 10{sup 8} M{sub sun} dark matter halo and a baryon fraction {approx}<0.1.« less

Stability of the Helium-Antiproton System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drachman, Richard J.

2006-01-01

In the course of their Born-Oppenheimer calculations of this system Todd and Armour noted that the lowest-lying state closely resembles the hydrogen negative ion, since the antiproton lies very close to the helium nucleus and shields one unit of nuclear charge. In the present paper this observation will be taken seriously to produce a variationally correct estimate of the total energy of this system, along with a similar estimate of the energy of the once-ionized system. The nonadiabatic effect of exactly treating the reduced masses improves the results.

Lead Slowing-Down Spectrometry Time Spectral Analysis for Spent Fuel Assay: FY11 Status Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kulisek, Jonathan A.; Anderson, Kevin K.; Bowyer, Sonya M.

2011-09-30

Developing a method for the accurate, direct, and independent assay of the fissile isotopes in bulk materials (such as used fuel) from next-generation domestic nuclear fuel cycles is a goal of the Office of Nuclear Energy, Fuel Cycle R&D, Material Protection and Control Technology (MPACT) Campaign. To meet this goal, MPACT supports a multi-institutional collaboration, of which PNNL is a part, to study the feasibility of Lead Slowing Down Spectroscopy (LSDS). This technique is an active nondestructive assay method that has the potential to provide independent, direct measurement of Pu and U isotopic masses in used fuel with an uncertaintymore » considerably lower than the approximately 10% typical of today's confirmatory assay methods. This document is a progress report for FY2011 PNNL analysis and algorithm development. Progress made by PNNL in FY2011 continues to indicate the promise of LSDS analysis and algorithms applied to used fuel. PNNL developed an empirical model based on calibration of the LSDS to responses generated from well-characterized used fuel. The empirical model, which accounts for self-shielding effects using empirical basis vectors calculated from the singular value decomposition (SVD) of a matrix containing the true self-shielding functions of the used fuel assembly models. The potential for the direct and independent assay of the sum of the masses of 239Pu and 241Pu to within approximately 3% over a wide used fuel parameter space was demonstrated. Also, in FY2011, PNNL continued to develop an analytical model. Such efforts included the addition of six more non-fissile absorbers in the analytical shielding function and the non-uniformity of the neutron flux across the LSDS assay chamber. A hybrid analytical-empirical approach was developed to determine the mass of total Pu (sum of the masses of 239Pu, 240Pu, and 241Pu), which is an important quantity in safeguards. Results using this hybrid method were of approximately the same accuracy as the pure empirical approach. In addition, total Pu with much better accuracy with the hybrid approach than the pure analytical approach. In FY2012, PNNL will continue efforts to optimize its empirical model and minimize its reliance on calibration data. In addition, PNNL will continue to develop an analytical model, considering effects such as neutron-scattering in the fuel and cladding, as well as neutrons streaming through gaps between fuel pins in the fuel assembly.« less

Instrumentation concepts and requirements for a space vacuum research facility. [molecular shield for spaceborne experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norton, H. N.

1979-01-01

An earth-orbiting molecular shield that offers a unique opportunity for conducting physics, chemistry, and material processing experiments under a combination of environmental conditions that are not available in terrestrial laboratories is equipped with apparatus for forming a molecular beam from the freestream. Experiments are carried out using a moderate energy, high flux density, high purity atomic oxygen beam in the very low density environment within the molecular shield. As a minimum, the following instruments are required for the molecular shield: (1) a mass spectrometer; (2) a multifunction material analysis instrumentation system; and (3) optical spectrometry equipment. The design is given of a furlable molecular shield that allows deployment and retrieval of the system (including instrumentation and experiments) to be performed without contamination. Interfaces between the molecular shield system and the associated spacecraft are given. An in-flight deployment sequence is discussed that minimizes the spacecraft-induced contamination in the vicinity of the shield. Design approaches toward a precursor molecular shield system are shown.

SU-E-T-474: Improvements to Intra-Oral Shield Design for Electron Beam Treatments: Use of Multi-Layered Metal Foils

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Butson, M

Purpose: Intraoral electron shields used in radiotherapy are designed to minimize radiation exposure to non-treatment tissue. Sites where shields are used include but are not limited to, the treatment of lips, cheeks and ears whilst shielding the underlying oral cavity, tongue, gingival or temporal region. However their use produces an enhancement in dose on the beam side caused by an increase in electron backscatter radiation. This work designs a new shield incorporating copper, aluminium and wax in a step down filter arrangement to minimise backscatter whilst minimizing overall shield thickness. Methods: For electron beams ranging from 6 MeV to 10more » MeV, shields of varying designs and thicknesses were assessed to determine the thinnest shield design that could be produced whilst minimising backscattered radiation to a clinically acceptable level. This was performed with conventional lead and wax shields as well as varying quantities of aluminium and copper foils. Results: From tested shield designs, a new shield design of 4 mm lead, 0.6 mm copper, 1.0 mm aluminium and 1.5 mm wax (3.1 mm added filtration, 7.1 mm total thickness) provided a clinically acceptable (no greater than 110% dose) backscatter and transmission reduction and matched a standard 4.5 mm lead and 10 mm wax (total thickness 14.5 mm) electron shield. Dose enhancement values of no more than 10 % were measured utilising this shield design with a 50 % reduction in shield thickness. Conclusion: The thinner layered shield reduced backscattered radiation dose to less than 10% enhancement for beam energies on 10 MeV and less and will allow easier patient set up. The thinner shields are tolerated better by patients when mucosal reactions occur as they place less physical pressure on these sites during treatment due to their smaller size and thickness.« less

New mass-spectrometric facility for the analysis of highly radioactive samples

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Warmack, R.J.; Landau, L.; Christie, W.H.

A new facility has been completed for the analysis of highly radioactive, gamma-emitting solid samples. A commercial spark-source mass spectrometer was adapted for remote handling and loading. Electrodes are prepared in a hot cell and transported to the adjacent lead-shielded source for analysis. The source was redesigned for ease of shielding, loading, and maintenance. Both solutions and residues from irradiated nuclear fuel dissolutions have been analyzed for elemental concentrations to < 1 ppM; isotopic data have also been obtained.

An investigation of MAGSAT and complementary data emphasizing precambrian shields and adjacent areas of West Africa and South America

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hastings, D. A. (Principal Investigator)

1981-01-01

Accomplishments with regard to the mapping and analysis of MAGSAT data for the investigation of correlations between the magnetic field characteristics of South American and African shields are reported. Significant results in the interpretation of the global total-field anomalies and the anomaly patterns of Africa and South America are discussed. The central position of the Brazilian shield tends to form a negative total-field anomaly, consistent with findings for shields in equatorial Africa. Sedimentary sequences in the Amazon basin and in the Rio de Janeiro-Sao Paolo areas exhibit positive anomalies, also consistent with equatorial Africa. Results for the Caribbean Sea and Guyana regions are also described.

Galactic and Solar Cosmic Ray Shielding in Deep Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, John W.; Cucinotta, Francis A.; Tai, H.; Simonsen, Lisa C.; Shinn, Judy L.; Thibeault, Shelia; Kim, M. Y.

1997-01-01

An analysis of the radiation hazards in support of NASA deep space exploration activities is presented. The emphasis is on materials required for radiation protection shielding. Aluminum has been found to be a poor shield material when dose equivalent is used with exposure limits for low Earth orbit (LEO) as a guide for shield requirements. Because the radiation issues are cost related-the parasitic shield mass has high launch costs, the use of aluminum as a basic construction material is clearly not cost-effective and alternate materials need to be developed. In this context, polyethylene is examined as a potentially useful material and demonstrates important advantages as an alternative to aluminum construction. Although polyethylene is useful as a shield material, it may not meet other design criteria (strength, stability, thermal); other polymer materials must be examined.

Regolith Derived Heat Shield for Planetary Body Entry and Descent System with In Situ Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hogue, Michael D.; Meuller, Robert P.; Sibille, Laurent; Hintze, Paul E.; Rasky, Daniel J.

2012-01-01

This NIAC project investigated an innovative approach to provide heat shield protection to spacecraft after launch and prior to each EDL thus potentially realizing significant launch mass savings. Heat shields fabricated in situ can provide a thermal-protection system for spacecraft that routinely enter a planetary atmosphere. By fabricating the heat shield with space resources from materials available on moons and asteroids, it is possible to avoid launching the heat-shield mass from Earth. Regolith has extremely good insulating properties and the silicates it contains can be used in the fabrication and molding of thermal-protection materials. Such in situ developed heat shields have been suggested before by Lewis. Prior research efforts have shown that regolith properties can be compatible with very-high temperature resistance. Our project team is highly experienced in regolith processing and thermal protection systems (TPS). Routine access to space and return from any planetary surface requires dealing with heat loads experienced by the spacecraft during reentry. Our team addresses some of the key issues with the EDL of human-scale missions through a highly innovative investigation of heat shields that can be fabricated in space by using local resources on asteroids and moons. Most space missions are one-way trips, dedicated to placing an asset in space for economical or scientific gain. However, for human missions, a very-reliable heat-shield system is necessary to protect the crew from the intense heat experienced at very high entry velocities of approximately 11 km/s at approximately Mach 33 (Apollo). For a human mission to Mars, the return problem is even more difficult, with predicted velocities of up to 14 km/s, at approximately Mach 42 at the Earth-atmosphere entry. In addition to human return, it is very likely that future space-travel architecture will include returning cargo to the Earth, either for scientific purposes or for commercial reasons. Platinum, titanium, helium 3, and other metals, elements and minerals are all high-value commodities in limited supply on Earth, and it may be profitable to mine these substances throughout the Solar System and return them to Earth, if an economical method can be found. To date, several private corporations have been launched to pursue these goals. Because the heat shield is the last element to be used in an Earth-return mission, a high penalty is paid in the propellant mass required to carry the heat shield to the destination and back. If the heat shield could be manufactured in space, and then outfitted on the spacecraft prior to the reentry at Earth, then significant propellant and mass savings could be achieved during launch and space operations. Preliminary mission architecture scenarios are described, which explain the potential benefits that may be derived from using an in-situ fabricated regolith heat shield. In order to prove that this is a feasible technology concept, this project successfully fabricated heat shield materials from mineral simulant materials of lunar and Martian regolith by two methods: 1) Sintering and 2) Binding the simulant with a "room-temperature vulcanizing" (RTV) silicone formulated to withstand high temperatures. Initially a third type of fabrication was planned using the hot waste stream from regolith ISRU processes. This fabrication method was discarded since the resulting samples would be too dense and brittle for heat shields. High temperature flame tests at KSC and subsequent arc jet tests at Ames Research Center (ARC) have proved promising. These coupon tests show favorable materials properties and have the potential to be a new way of fabricating heat shields for space entry into planetary atmospheres.

Regolith Derived Heat Shield for Planetary Body Entry and Descent System with In Situ Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hogue, Michael D.; Mueller, Robert P.; Sibille, Laurent; Hintze, Paul E.; Rasky, Daniel J.

2013-01-01

This NIAC project investigated an innovative approach to provide heat shield protection to spacecraft after launch and prior to each EDL thus potentially realizing significant launch mass savings. Heat shields fabricated in situ can provide a thermal-protection system for spacecraft that routinely enter a planetary atmosphere. By fabricating the heat shield with space resources from materials available on moons and asteroids, it is possible to avoid launching the heat-shield mass from Earth. Regolith has extremely good insulating properties and the silicates it contains can be used in the fabrication and molding of thermal-protection materials. Such in situ developed heat shields have been suggested before by Lewis. Prior research efforts have shown that regolith properties can be compatible with very-high temperature resistance. Our project team is highly experienced in regolith processing and thermal protection systems (TPS). Routine access to space and return from any planetary surface requires dealing with heat loads experienced by the spacecraft during reentry. Our team addresses some of the key issues with the EDL of human-scale missions through a highly innovative investigation of heat shields that can be fabricated in space by using local resources on asteroids and moons. Most space missions are one-way trips, dedicated to placing an asset in space for economical or scientific gain. However, for human missions, a very-reliable heat-shield system is necessary to protect the crew from the intense heat experienced at very high entry velocities of approximately 11 km/s at approximately Mach 33 (Apollo). For a human mission to Mars, the return problem is even more difficult, with predicted velocities of up to 14 km/s, at approximately Mach 42 at the Earth-atmosphere entry. In addition to human return, it is very likely that future space-travel architecture will include returning cargo to the Earth, either for scientific purposes or for commercial reasons. Platinum, titanium, helium 3, and other metals, elements and minerals are all high-value commodities in limited supply on Earth, and it may be profitable to mine these substances throughout the Solar System and return them to Earth, if an economical method can be found. To date, several private corporations have been launched to pursue these goals. Because the heat shield is the last element to be used in an Earth-return mission, a high penalty is paid in the propellant mass required to carry the heat shield to the destination and back. If the heat shield could be manufactured in space, and then outfitted on the spacecraft prior to the reentry at Earth, then significant propellant and mass savings could be achieved during launch and space operations. Preliminary mission architecture scenarios are described, which explain the potential benefits that may be derived from using an in-situ fabricated regolith heat shield. In order to prove that this is a feasible technology concept, this project successfully fabricated heat shield materials from mineral simulant materials of lunar and Martian regolith by two methods: 1) Sintering and 2) Binding the simulant with a "room-temperature vulcanizing" (RTV) silicone formulated to withstand high temperatures. Initially a third type of fabrication was planned using the hot waste stream from regolith ISRU processes. This fabrication method was discarded since the resulting samples would be too dense and brittle for heat shields. High temperature flame tests at KSC and subsequent arc jet tests at Ames Research Center (ARC) have proved promising. These coupon tests show favorable materials properties and have the potential to be a new way of fabricating heat shields for space entry into planetary atmospheres.

Geometry and mass model of ionizing radiation experiments on the LDEF satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colborn, B. L.; Armstrong, T. W.

1992-01-01

Extensive measurements related to ionizing radiation environments and effects were made on the LDEF satellite during its mission lifetime of almost 6 years. These data, together with the opportunity they provide for evaluating predictive models and analysis methods, should allow more accurate assessments of the space radiation environment and related effects for future missions in low Earth orbit. The LDEF radiation dosimetry data is influenced to varying degrees by material shielding effects due to the dosimeter itself, nearby components and experiments, and the spacecraft structure. A geometry and mass model is generated of LDEF, incorporating sufficient detail that it can be applied in determining the influence of material shielding on ionizing radiation measurements and predictions. This model can be used as an aid in data interpretation by unfolding shielding effects from the LDEF radiation dosimeter responses. Use of the LDEF geometry/mass model, in conjunction with predictions and comparisons with LDEF dosimetry data currently underway, will also allow more definitive evaluations of current radiation models for future mission applications.

Optimal shielding thickness for galactic cosmic ray environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slaba, Tony C.; Bahadori, Amir A.; Reddell, Brandon D.; Singleterry, Robert C.; Clowdsley, Martha S.; Blattnig, Steve R.

2017-02-01

Models have been extensively used in the past to evaluate and develop material optimization and shield design strategies for astronauts exposed to galactic cosmic rays (GCR) on long duration missions. A persistent conclusion from many of these studies was that passive shielding strategies are inefficient at reducing astronaut exposure levels and the mass required to significantly reduce the exposure is infeasible, given launch and associated cost constraints. An important assumption of this paradigm is that adding shielding mass does not substantially increase astronaut exposure levels. Recent studies with HZETRN have suggested, however, that dose equivalent values actually increase beyond ∼20 g/cm2 of aluminum shielding, primarily as a result of neutron build-up in the shielding geometry. In this work, various Monte Carlo (MC) codes and 3DHZETRN are evaluated in slab geometry to verify the existence of a local minimum in the dose equivalent versus aluminum thickness curve near 20 g/cm2. The same codes are also evaluated in polyethylene shielding, where no local minimum is observed, to provide a comparison between the two materials. Results are presented so that the physical interactions driving build-up in dose equivalent values can be easily observed and explained. Variation of transport model results for light ions (Z ≤ 2) and neutron-induced target fragments, which contribute significantly to dose equivalent for thick shielding, is also highlighted and indicates that significant uncertainties are still present in the models for some particles. The 3DHZETRN code is then further evaluated over a range of related slab geometries to draw closer connection to more realistic scenarios. Future work will examine these related geometries in more detail.

Optimal shielding thickness for galactic cosmic ray environments.

PubMed

Slaba, Tony C; Bahadori, Amir A; Reddell, Brandon D; Singleterry, Robert C; Clowdsley, Martha S; Blattnig, Steve R

2017-02-01

Models have been extensively used in the past to evaluate and develop material optimization and shield design strategies for astronauts exposed to galactic cosmic rays (GCR) on long duration missions. A persistent conclusion from many of these studies was that passive shielding strategies are inefficient at reducing astronaut exposure levels and the mass required to significantly reduce the exposure is infeasible, given launch and associated cost constraints. An important assumption of this paradigm is that adding shielding mass does not substantially increase astronaut exposure levels. Recent studies with HZETRN have suggested, however, that dose equivalent values actually increase beyond ∼20g/cm 2 of aluminum shielding, primarily as a result of neutron build-up in the shielding geometry. In this work, various Monte Carlo (MC) codes and 3DHZETRN are evaluated in slab geometry to verify the existence of a local minimum in the dose equivalent versus aluminum thickness curve near 20g/cm 2 . The same codes are also evaluated in polyethylene shielding, where no local minimum is observed, to provide a comparison between the two materials. Results are presented so that the physical interactions driving build-up in dose equivalent values can be easily observed and explained. Variation of transport model results for light ions (Z ≤ 2) and neutron-induced target fragments, which contribute significantly to dose equivalent for thick shielding, is also highlighted and indicates that significant uncertainties are still present in the models for some particles. The 3DHZETRN code is then further evaluated over a range of related slab geometries to draw closer connection to more realistic scenarios. Future work will examine these related geometries in more detail. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Radiation Protection of New Lightweight Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Materials Determined

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

Weight savings as high as 80 percent could be achieved by simply switching from aluminum electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding covers for spacecraft power systems to EMI covers made from intercalated graphite fiber composites. Because EMI covers typically make up about one-fifth of the power system mass, this change would decrease the mass of a spacecraft power system by more than 15 percent. Intercalated graphite fibers are made by diffusing guest atoms or molecules, such as bromine, between the carbon planes of the graphite fibers. The resulting bromine-intercalated fibers have mechanical and thermal properties nearly identical to pristine graphite fibers, but their resistivity is lower by a factor of 5, giving them better electrical conductivity than stainless steel and making these composites suitable for EMI shielding.

A novel method of utilization of hot dip galvanizing slag using the heat waste from itself for protection from radiation.

PubMed

Dong, Mengge; Xue, Xiangxin; Kumar, Ashok; Yang, He; Sayyed, M I; Liu, Shan; Bu, Erjun

2018-02-15

A novel, unconventional, low cost, eco-friendly and effective shielding materials have been made utilizing the hot dip galvanizing slag using the heat waste from itself, thereby saving the natural resources and preventing the environmental pollution. SEM-EDS of shielding materials indicates that the other elements are distributed in Zn element. The mass attenuation properties of shielding materials were measured using a narrow beam geometrical setup at 0.662MeV, 1.17MeV and 1.33MeV. The half value thickness layer, effective atomic number, and electron density were used to analyze the shielding performance of the materials. The EBFs and EABFs for the prepared shielding materials were also studied with incident photon energy for penetration depths upto 40mfp. The shielding effectiveness has been compared with lead, iron, zinc, some standard shielding concretes, different glasses and some alloys. The shielding effectiveness of the prepared samples is almost found comparable to iron, zinc, selected alloys and glasses while better than some standard shielding concretes. In addition, it is also found that the bending strength of all shielding materials is more than 110MPa. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Scaling invariance of spherical projectile fragmentation upon high-velocity impact on a thin continuous shield

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Myagkov, N. N., E-mail: nn-myagkov@mail.ru

The problem of aluminum projectile fragmentation upon high-velocity impact on a thin aluminum shield is considered. A distinctive feature of this description is that the fragmentation has been numerically simulated using the complete system of equations of deformed solid mechanics by a method of smoothed particle hydrodynamics in three-dimensional setting. The transition from damage to fragmentation is analyzed and scaling relations are derived in terms of the impact velocity (V), ratio of shield thickness to projectile diameter (h/D), and ultimate strength (σ{sub p}) in the criterion of projectile and shield fracture. Analysis shows that the critical impact velocity V{sub c}more » (separating the damage and fragmentation regions) is a power function of σ{sub p} and h/D. In the supercritical region (V > V{sub c}), the weight-average fragment mass asymptotically tends to a power function of the impact velocity with exponent independent of h/D and σ{sub p}. Mean cumulative fragment mass distributions at the critical point are scale-invariant with respect to parameters h/D and σ{sub p}. Average masses of the largest fragments are also scale-invariant at V > V{sub c}, but only with respect to variable parameter σ{sub p}.« less

Space radiation protection: Human support thrust exploration technology program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conway, Edmund J.

1991-01-01

Viewgraphs on space radiation protection are presented. For crew and practical missions, exploration requires effective, low-mass shielding and accurate estimates of space radiation exposure for lunar and Mars habitat shielding, manned space transfer vehicle, and strategies for minimizing exposure during extravehicular activity (EVA) and rover operations.

Mars Exploration Rover Heat Shield Recontact Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raiszadeh, Behzad; Desai, Prasun N.; Michelltree, Robert

2011-01-01

The twin Mars Exploration Rover missions landed successfully on Mars surface in January of 2004. Both missions used a parachute system to slow the rover s descent rate from supersonic to subsonic speeds. Shortly after parachute deployment, the heat shield, which protected the rover during the hypersonic entry phase of the mission, was jettisoned using push-off springs. Mission designers were concerned about the heat shield recontacting the lander after separation, so a separation analysis was conducted to quantify risks. This analysis was used to choose a proper heat shield ballast mass to ensure successful separation with low probability of recontact. This paper presents the details of such an analysis, its assumptions, and the results. During both landings, the radar was able to lock on to the heat shield, measuring its distance, as it descended away from the lander. This data is presented and is used to validate the heat shield separation/recontact analysis.

Thermal architecture for the SPIDER flight cryostat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gudmundsson, J. E.; Ade, P. A. R.; Amiri, M.; Benton, S. J.; Bihary, R.; Bock, J. J.; Bond, J. R.; Bonetti, J. A.; Bryan, S. A.; Burger, B.; Chiang, H. C.; Contaldi, C. R.; Crill, B. P.; Doré, O.; Farhang, M.; Filippini, J.; Fissel, L. M.; Gandilo, N. N.; Golwala, S. R.; Halpern, M.; Hasselfield, M.; Hilton, G.; Holmes, W.; Hristov, V. V.; Irwin, K. D.; Jones, W. C.; Kuo, C. L.; MacTavish, C. J.; Mason, P. V.; Montroy, T. E.; Morford, T. A.; Netterfield, C. B.; O'Dea, D. T.; Rahlin, A. S.; Reintsema, C. D.; Ruhl, J. E.; Runyan, M. C.; Schenker, M. A.; Shariff, J. A.; Soler, J. D.; Trangsrud, A.; Tucker, C.; Tucker, R. S.; Turner, A. D.

2010-07-01

We describe the cryogenic system for SPIDER, a balloon-borne microwave polarimeter that will map 8% of the sky with degree-scale angular resolution. The system consists of a 1284 L liquid helium cryostat and a 16 L capillary-filled superfluid helium tank, which provide base operating temperatures of 4 K and 1.5 K, respectively. Closed-cycle 3He adsorption refrigerators supply sub-Kelvin cooling power to multiple focal planes, which are housed in monochromatic telescope inserts. The main helium tank is suspended inside the vacuum vessel with thermally insulating fiberglass flexures, and shielded from thermal radiation by a combination of two vapor cooled shields and multi-layer insulation. This system allows for an extremely low instrumental background and a hold time in excess of 25 days. The total mass of the cryogenic system, including cryogens, is approximately 1000 kg. This enables conventional long duration balloon flights. We will discuss the design, thermal analysis, and qualification of the cryogenic system.

Effect of molybdenum on gamma ray shielding and structural properties of PbO-B2O3 glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogra, Mridula; Singh, K. J.; Kaur, Kulwinder

2018-04-01

The present study is aimed at developing new shielding materials for gamma ray shielding applications. Transparent glasses of the composition xMoO3-0.7PbO-(0.3-x)B2O3 where x= 0.03 to 0. 06 (mole fraction) have been prepared by using melt-quenchingtechnique. Gamma ray shielding properties have been evaluated in terms of mass attenuation coefficient and half value layer parameter at photon energies 662 and 1173 keV. These shielding parameters are also compared with standard shielding material`concretes'. It has been found that prepared glass system shows better shielding properties than barite and ordinary concretes proving the possibility of its usage as an alternate to conventional concrete for gamma ray shielding applications. The density, molar volume, X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform InfraRed and Raman studies have been performed to study the structural properties of the glass system. It has been analyzed from FTIR and Raman studies that bridging oxygens increase with the decrease of MoO3 content in the glass composition.

Integrated Solar Concentrator and Shielded Radiator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, David Larry

2010-01-01

A shielded radiator is integrated within a solar concentrator for applications that require protection from high ambient temperatures with little convective heat transfer. This innovation uses a reflective surface to deflect ambient thermal radiation, shielding the radiator. The interior of the shield is also reflective to provide a view factor to deep space. A key feature of the shield is the parabolic shape that focuses incoming solar radiation to a line above the radiator along the length of the trough. This keeps the solar energy from adding to the radiator load. By placing solar cells along this focal line, the concentration of solar energy reduces the number and mass of required cells. By shielding the radiator, the effective reject temperature is much lower, allowing lower radiator temperatures. This is particularly important for lower-temperature processes, like habitat heat rejection and fuel cell operations where a high radiator temperature is not feasible. Adding the solar cells in the focal line uses the concentrating effect of the shield to advantage to accomplish two processes with a single device. This shield can be a deployable, lightweight Mylar structure for compact transport.

Combined measurement system for double shield tunnel boring machine guidance based on optical and visual methods.

PubMed

Lin, Jiarui; Gao, Kai; Gao, Yang; Wang, Zheng

2017-10-01

In order to detect the position of the cutting shield at the head of a double shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) during the excavation, this paper develops a combined measurement system which is mainly composed of several optical feature points, a monocular vision sensor, a laser target sensor, and a total station. The different elements of the combined system are mounted on the TBM in suitable sequence, and the position of the cutting shield in the reference total station frame is determined by coordinate transformations. Subsequently, the structure of the feature points and matching technique for them are expounded, the position measurement method based on monocular vision is presented, and the calibration methods for the unknown relationships among different parts of the system are proposed. Finally, a set of experimental platforms to simulate the double shield TBM is established, and accuracy verification experiments are conducted. Experimental results show that the mean deviation of the system is 6.8 mm, which satisfies the requirements of double shield TBM guidance.

Gamma ray shielding and structural properties of Bi2O3-PbO-B2O3-V2O5 glass system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Kulwinder; Singh, K. J.; Anand, Vikas

2014-04-01

The present work has been undertaken to evaluate the applicability of Bi2O3-PbO-B2O3-V2O5 glass system as gamma ray shielding material. Gamma ray mass attenuation coefficient has been determined theoretically using WinXcom computer software developed by National Institute of Standards and Technology. A meaningful comparison of their radiation shielding properties has been made in terms of their half value layer parameter with standard radiation shielding concrete 'barite'. Structural properties of the prepared glass system have been investigated in terms of XRD and FTIR techniques in order to check the possibility of their commercial utility as alternate to conventional concrete for gamma ray shielding applications.

SHIELDING AND DETECTOR RESPONSE CALCULATIONS PERTAINING TO CATEGORY 1 QUANTITIES OF PLUTONIUM AND HAND-HELD PLASTIC SCINTILLATORS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Couture, A.

2013-06-07

Nuclear facilities sometimes use hand-held plastic scintillator detectors to detect attempts to divert special nuclear material in situations where portal monitors are impractical. MCNP calculations have been performed to determine the neutron and gamma radiation field arising from a Category I quantity of weapons-grade plutonium in various shielding configurations. The shields considered were composed of combinations of lead and high-density polyethylene such that the mass of the plutonium plus shield was 22.7 kilograms. Monte-Carlo techniques were also used to determine the detector response to each of the shielding configurations. The detector response calculations were verified using field measurements of high-,more » medium-, and low- energy gamma-ray sources as well as a Cf-252 neutron source.« less

High-bandwidth continuous-flow arc furnace

DOEpatents

Hardt, David E.; Lee, Steven G.

1996-01-01

A high-bandwidth continuous-flow arc furnace for stream welding applications includes a metal mass contained in a crucible having an orifice. A power source charges an electrode for generating an arc between the electrode and the mass. The arc heats the metal mass to a molten state. A pressurized gas source propels the molten metal mass through the crucible orifice in a continuous stream. As the metal is ejected, a metal feeder replenishes the molten metal bath. A control system regulates the electrode current, shielding gas pressure, and metal source to provide a continuous flow of molten metal at the crucible orifice. Independent control over the electrode current and shield gas pressure decouples the metal flow temperature and the molten metal flow rate, improving control over resultant weld characteristics.

High-bandwidth continuous-flow arc furnace

DOEpatents

Hardt, D.E.; Lee, S.G.

1996-08-06

A high-bandwidth continuous-flow arc furnace for stream welding applications includes a metal mass contained in a crucible having an orifice. A power source charges an electrode for generating an arc between the electrode and the mass. The arc heats the metal mass to a molten state. A pressurized gas source propels the molten metal mass through the crucible orifice in a continuous stream. As the metal is ejected, a metal feeder replenishes the molten metal bath. A control system regulates the electrode current, shielding gas pressure, and metal source to provide a continuous flow of molten metal at the crucible orifice. Independent control over the electrode current and shield gas pressure decouples the metal flow temperature and the molten metal flow rate, improving control over resultant weld characteristics. 4 figs.

Testing the Rotation Stage in the ARIADNE Axion Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dargert, Jordan; Lohmeyer, Chloe; Harkness, Mindy; Cunningham, Mark; Fosbinder-Elkins, Harry; Geraci, Andrew; Ariadne Collaboration

2017-04-01

The Axion Resonant InterAction Detection Experiment (ARIADNE) will search for the Peccei-Quinn (PQ) axion, a hypothetical particle that is a dark matter candidate. Using a new technique based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, this new method can probe well into the allowed PQ axion mass range. Additionally, it does not rely on cosmological assumptions, meaning that the PQ Axion would be sourced locally. Our project relies on the stability of a rotating segmented source mass and superconducting magnetic shielding. Superconducting shielding is essential for limiting magnetic noise, thus allowing a feasible level of sensitivity required for PQ Axion detection. Progress on testing the stability of the rotary mechanism will be reported, and the design for the superconducting shielding in the experiment will be discussed, along with plans for moving the experiment forward. NSF Grant PHY-1509176.

Attenuation of X and Gamma Rays in Personal Radiation Shielding Protective Clothing.

PubMed

Kozlovska, Michaela; Cerny, Radek; Otahal, Petr

2015-11-01

A collection of personal radiation shielding protective clothing, suitable for use in case of accidents in nuclear facilities or radiological emergency situations involving radioactive agents, was gathered and tested at the Nuclear Protection Department of the National Institute for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Protection, Czech Republic. Attenuating qualities of shielding layers in individual protective clothing were tested via spectra measurement of x and gamma rays, penetrating them. The rays originated from different radionuclide point sources, the gamma ray energies of which cover a broad energy range. The spectra were measured by handheld spectrometers, both scintillation and High Purity Germanium. Different narrow beam geometries were adjusted using a special testing bench and a set of various collimators. The main experimentally determined quantity for individual samples of personal radiation shielding protective clothing was x and gamma rays attenuation for significant energies of the spectra. The attenuation was assessed comparing net peak areas (after background subtraction) in spectra, where a tested sample was placed between the source and the detector, and corresponding net peak areas in spectra, measured without the sample. Mass attenuation coefficients, which describe attenuating qualities of shielding layers materials in individual samples, together with corresponding lead equivalents, were determined as well. Experimentally assessed mass attenuation coefficients of the samples were compared to the referred ones for individual heavy metals.

An equivalent n-source for WGPu derived from a spectrum-shifted PuBe source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghita, Gabriel; Sjoden, Glenn; Baciak, James; Walker, Scotty; Cornelison, Spring

2008-04-01

We have designed, built, and laboratory-tested a unique shield design that transforms the complex neutron spectrum from PuBe source neutrons, generated at high energies, to nearly exactly the neutron signature leaking from a significant spherical mass of weapons grade plutonium (WGPu). This equivalent "X-material shield assembly" (Patent Pending) enables the harder PuBe source spectrum (average energy of 4.61 MeV) from a small encapsulated standard 1-Ci PuBe source to be transformed, through interactions in the shield, so that leakage neutrons are shifted in energy and yield to become a close reproduction of the neutron spectrum leaking from a large subcritical mass of WGPu metal (mean energy 2.11 MeV). The utility of this shielded PuBe surrogate for WGPu is clear, since it directly enables detector field testing without the expense and risk of handling large amounts of Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) as WGPu. Also, conventional sources using Cf-252, which is difficult to produce, and decays with a 2.7 year half life, could be replaced by this shielded PuBe technology in order to simplify operational use, since a sealed PuBe source relies on Pu-239 (T½=24,110 y), and remains viable for more than hundreds of years.

Coupled Ablation, Heat Conduction, Pyrolysis, Shape Change and Spallation of the Galileo Probe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Milos, Frank S.; Chen, Y.-K.; Rasky, Daniel J. (Technical Monitor)

1995-01-01

The Galileo probe enters the atmosphere of Jupiter in December 1995. This paper presents numerical methodology and detailed results of our final pre-impact calculations for the heat shield response. The calculations are performed using a highly modified version of a viscous shock layer code with massive radiation coupled with a surface thermochemical ablation and spallation model and with the transient in-depth thermal response of the charring and ablating heat shield. The flowfield is quasi-steady along the trajectory, but the heat shield thermal response is dynamic. Each surface node of the VSL grid is coupled with a one-dimensional thermal response calculation. The thermal solver includes heat conduction, pyrolysis, and grid movement owing to surface recession. Initial conditions for the heat shield temperature and density were obtained from the high altitude rarefied-flow calculations of Haas and Milos. Galileo probe surface temperature, shape, mass flux, and element flux are all determined as functions of time along the trajectory with spallation varied parametrically. The calculations also estimate the in-depth density and temperature profiles for the heat shield. All this information is required to determine the time-dependent vehicle mass and drag coefficient which are necessary inputs for the atmospheric reconstruction experiment on board the probe.

Moisture contamination and welding parameter effects on flux cored arc welding diffusible hydrogen

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kiefer, J.J.

1994-12-31

Gas metal arc (GMAW) and flux cored arc (FCAW) welding are gas shielded semiautomatic processes widely used for achieving high productivity in steel fabrication. Contamination of the shielding has can occur due to poorly maintained gas distribution systems. Moisture entering as a gas contaminant is a source of hydrogen that can cause delayed cold cracking in welds. Limiting heat-affected zone hardness is one method of controlling cracking. Even this is based on some assumptions about the hydrogen levels in the weld. A study was conducted to investigate the effect of shielding gas moisture contamination and welding parameters on the diffusiblemore » hydrogen content of gas shielded flux cored arc welding. The total wire hydrogen of various electrodes was also tested and compared to the diffusible weld hydrogen. An empirical equation has been developed that estimates the diffusible hydrogen in weld metal for gas shielded flux cored arc welding. The equation is suitable for small diameter electrodes and welding parameter ranges commonly used for out-of-position welding. by combining this with the results from the total wire hydrogen tests, it is possible to estimate diffusible hydrogen directly from measured welding parameters, shielding gas dew point, and total hydrogen of the consumable. These equations are also useful for evaluating the effect of welding procedure variations from known baseline conditions.« less

The radiation shielding potential of CI and CM chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pohl, Leos; Britt, Daniel T.

2017-03-01

Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) and Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) pose a serious limit on the duration of deep space human missions. A shield composed of a bulk mass of material in which the incident particles deposit their energy is the simplest way to attenuate the radiation. The cost of bringing the sufficient mass from the Earth's surface is prohibitive. The shielding properties of asteroidal material, which is readily available in space, are investigated. Solution of Bethe's equation is implemented for incident protons and the application in composite materials and the significance of various correction terms are discussed; the density correction is implemented. The solution is benchmarked and shows good agreement with the results in literature which implement more correction terms within the energy ranges considered. The shielding properties of CI and CM asteroidal taxonomy groups and major asteroidal minerals are presented in terms of stopping force. The results show that CI and CM chondrites have better stopping properties than Aluminium. Beneficiation is discussed and is shown to have a significant effect on the stopping power.

Gamma rays shielding parameters for white metal alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Taranjot; Sharma, Jeewan; Singh, Tejbir

2018-05-01

In the present study, an attempt has been made to check the feasibility of white metal alloys as gamma rays shielding materials. Different combinations of cadmium, lead, tin and zinc were used to prepare quaternary alloys Pb60Sn20ZnxCd20-x (where x = 5, 10, 15) using melt quench technique. These alloys were also known as white metal alloys because of its shining appearance. The density of prepared alloys has been measured using Archimedes Principle. Gamma rays shielding parameters viz. mass attenuation coefficient (µm), effective atomic number (Zeff), electron density (Nel), Mean free path (mfp), Half value layer (HVL) and Tenth value layer (TVL) has been evaluated for these alloys in the wide energy range from 1 keV to 100 GeV. The WinXCom software has been used for obtaining mass attenuation coefficient values for the prepared alloys in the given energy range. The effective atomic number (Zeff) has been assigned to prepared alloys using atomic to electronic cross section ratio method. Further, the variation of various shielding parameters with photon energy has been investigated for the prepared white metal alloys.

Analytic Ballistic Performance Model of Whipple Shields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, J. E.; Bjorkman, M. D.; Christiansen, E. L.; Ryan, S. J.

2015-01-01

The dual-wall, Whipple shield is the shield of choice for lightweight, long-duration flight. The shield uses an initial sacrificial wall to initiate fragmentation and melt an impacting threat that expands over a void before hitting a subsequent shield wall of a critical component. The key parameters to this type of shield are the rear wall and its mass which stops the debris, as well as the minimum shock wave strength generated by the threat particle impact of the sacrificial wall and the amount of room that is available for expansion. Ensuring the shock wave strength is sufficiently high to achieve large scale fragmentation/melt of the threat particle enables the expansion of the threat and reduces the momentum flux of the debris on the rear wall. Three key factors in the shock wave strength achieved are the thickness of the sacrificial wall relative to the characteristic dimension of the impacting particle, the density and material cohesion contrast of the sacrificial wall relative to the threat particle and the impact speed. The mass of the rear wall and the sacrificial wall are desirable to minimize for launch costs making it important to have an understanding of the effects of density contrast and impact speed. An analytic model is developed here, to describe the influence of these three key factors. In addition this paper develops a description of a fourth key parameter related to fragmentation and its role in establishing the onset of projectile expansion.

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber epoxy composite hybridized with Gadolinium and Boron nanoparticles for radiation shielding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mani, Venkat; Prasad, Narasimha S.; Kelkar, Ajit

2016-09-01

Deep space radiations pose a major threat to the astronauts and their spacecraft during long duration space exploration missions. The two sources of radiation that are of concern are the galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) and the short lived secondary neutron radiations that are generated as a result of fragmentation that occurs when GCR strikes target nuclei in a spacecraft. Energy loss, during the interaction of GCR and the shielding material, increases with the charge to mass ratio of the shielding material. Hydrogen with no neutron in its nucleus has the highest charge to mass ratio and is the element which is the most effective shield against GCR. Some of the polymers because of their higher hydrogen content also serve as radiation shield materials. Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers, apart from possessing radiation shielding properties by the virtue of the high hydrogen content, are known for extraordinary properties. An effective radiation shielding material is the one that will offer protection from GCR and impede the secondary neutron radiations resulting from the fragmentation process. Neutrons, which result from fragmentation, do not respond to the Coulombic interaction that shield against GCR. To prevent the deleterious effects of secondary neutrons, targets such as Gadolinium are required. In this paper, the radiation shielding studies that were carried out on the fabricated sandwich panels by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process are presented. VARTM is a manufacturing process used for making large composite structures by infusing resin into base materials formed with woven fabric or fiber using vacuum pressure. Using the VARTM process, the hybridization of Epoxy/UHMWPE composites with Gadolinium nanoparticles, Boron, and Boron carbide nanoparticles in the form of sandwich panels were successfully carried out. The preliminary results from neutron radiation tests show that greater than 99% shielding performance was achieved with these sandwich panels. Moreover, the mechanical testing and thermo-physical analysis performed show that core materials can preserve their thermo-physical and mechanical integrity after radiation.

Distance determinations to shield galaxies from Hubble space telescope imaging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McQuinn, Kristen B. W.; Skillman, Evan D.; Cannon, John M.

The Survey of H I in Extremely Low-mass Dwarf (SHIELD) galaxies is an ongoing multi-wavelength program to characterize the gas, star formation, and evolution in gas-rich, very low-mass galaxies. The galaxies were selected from the first ∼10% of the H I Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) survey based on their inferred low H I mass and low baryonic mass, and all systems have recent star formation. Thus, the SHIELD sample probes the faint end of the galaxy luminosity function for star-forming galaxies. Here, we measure the distances to the 12 SHIELD galaxies to be between 5 and 12 Mpc bymore » applying the tip of the red giant method to the resolved stellar populations imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope. Based on these distances, the H I masses in the sample range from 4 × 10{sup 6} to 6 × 10{sup 7} M {sub ☉}, with a median H I mass of 1 × 10{sup 7} M {sub ☉}. The tip of the red giant branch distances are up to 73% farther than flow-model estimates in the ALFALFA catalog. Because of the relatively large uncertainties of flow-model distances, we are biased toward selecting galaxies from the ALFALFA catalog where the flow model underestimates the true distances. The measured distances allow for an assessment of the native environments around the sample members. Five of the galaxies are part of the NGC 672 and NGC 784 groups, which together constitute a single structure. One galaxy is part of a larger linear ensemble of nine systems that stretches 1.6 Mpc from end to end. Three galaxies reside in regions with 1-9 neighbors, and four galaxies are truly isolated with no known system identified within a radius of 1 Mpc.« less

Remote Recession Sensing of Ablative Heat Shield Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winter, Michael W.; Stackpoole, Margaret; Nawaz, Anuscheh; Gonzales, Gregory Lewis; Ho, Thanh

2014-01-01

Material recession and charring are two major processes determining the performance of ablative heat shield materials. Even in ground testing, the characterization of these two mechanisms relies on measurements of material thickness before and after testing, thus providing only information integrated over the test time. For recession measurements, optical methods such as imaging the sample surface during testing are under investigation but require high alignment and instrument effort, therefore being not established as a standard measurement method. For char depth measurements, the most common method so far consists in investigation of sectioned samples after testing or in the case of Stardust where core extractions were performed to determine char information. In flight, no reliable recession measurements are available, except total recession after recovering the heat shield on ground. Developments of mechanical recession sensors have been started but require substantial on board instrumentation adding mass and complexity. In this work, preliminary experiments to evaluate the feasibility of remote sensing of material recession and possibly char depth through optically observing the emission signatures of seeding materials in the post shock plasma is investigated. It is shown that this method can provide time resolved recession measurements without the necessity of accurate alignment procedures of the optical set-up and without any instrumentation on board of a spacecraft. Furthermore, recession data can be obtained without recovering flight hardware which would be a huge benefit for inexpensive heat shield material testing on board of small re-entry probes, e.g. on new micro-satellite re-entry probes as a possible future application of Cubesats or RBR

Final Design and Experimental Validation of the Thermal Performance of the LHC Lattice Cryostats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourcey, N.; Capatina, O.; Parma, V.; Poncet, A.; Rohmig, P.; Serio, L.; Skoczen, B.; Tock, J.-P.; Williams, L. R.

2004-06-01

The recent commissioning and operation of the LHC String 2 have given a first experimental validation of the global thermal performance of the LHC lattice cryostat at nominal cryogenic conditions. The cryostat designed to minimize the heat inleak from ambient temperature, houses under vacuum and thermally protects the cold mass, which contains the LHC twin-aperture superconducting magnets operating at 1.9 K in superfluid helium. Mechanical components linking the cold mass to the vacuum vessel, such as support posts and insulation vacuum barriers are designed with efficient thermalisations for heat interception to minimise heat conduction. Heat inleak by radiation is reduced by employing multilayer insulation (MLI) wrapped around the cold mass and around an aluminium thermal shield cooled to about 60 K. Measurements of the total helium vaporization rate in String 2 gives, after substraction of supplementary heat loads and end effects, an estimate of the total thermal load to a standard LHC cell (107 m) including two Short Straight Sections and six dipole cryomagnets. Temperature sensors installed at critical locations provide a temperature mapping which allows validation of the calculated and estimated thermal performance of the cryostat components, including efficiency of the heat interceptions.

Space Radiation and the Challenges Towards Effective Shielding Solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barghouty, Abdulnasser

2014-01-01

The hazards of space radiation and their effective mitigation strategies continue to pose special science and technology challenges to NASA. It is widely accepted now that shielding space vehicles and structures will have to rely on new and innovative materials since aluminum, like all high Z materials, are poor shields against the particulate and highly ionizing nature of space radiation. Shielding solutions, motivated and constrained by power and mass limitations, couple this realization with "multifunctionality," both in design concept as well as in material function and composition. Materials endowed with effective shielding properties as well as with some degree of multi-functionality may be the kernel of the so-called "radiation-smart" structures and designs. This talk will present some of the challenges and potential mitigation ideas towards the realization of such structures and designs.

Radiation Analysis for the Human Lunar Return Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, J. W.; Simonsen, L. C.; Shinn, J. L.; Kim, M.; Dubey, R. R.; Jordan, W.

1997-01-01

An analysis of the radiation hazards that are anticipated on an early Human Lunar Return (HLR) mission in support of NASA deep space exploration activities is presented. The HLR mission study emphasized a low cost lunar return to expand human capabilities in exploration, to answer fundamental science questions, and to seek opportunities for commercial development. As such, the radiation issues are cost related because the parasitic shield mass is expensive due to high launch costs. The present analysis examines the shield requirements and their impact on shield design.

Radiation environment on the Mir orbital station during solar minimum.

PubMed

Badhwar, G D; Atwell, W; Cash, B; Petrov, V M; Akatov YuA; Tchernykh, I V; Shurshakov, V A; Arkhangelsky, V A

1998-01-01

The Mir station has been in a 51.65 degrees inclination orbit since March 1986. In March 1995, the first US astronaut flew on the Mir-18 mission and returned on the Space Shuttle in July 1995. Since then three additional US astronauts have stayed on orbit for up to 6 months. Since the return of the first US astronaut, both the Spektr and Priroda modules have docked with Mir station, altering the mass shielding distribution. Radiation measurements, including the direct comparison of US and Russian absorbed dose rates in the Base Block of the Mir station, were made during the Mir-18 and -19 missions. There is a significant variation of dose rates across the core module; the six locations sampled showed a variation of a factor of nearly two. A tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) measured a total absorbed dose rate of 300 microGy/day, roughly equally divided between the rate due to trapped protons from the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) and galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). This dose rate is about a factor of two lower than the rate measured by the thinly shielded (0.5 g cm-2 of Al) operational ion chamber (R-16), and about 3/2 of the rate of the more heavily shielded (3.5 g cm-2 of Al) ion chamber. This is due to the differences in the mass shielding properties at the location of these detectors. A comparison of integral linear energy transfer (LET) spectra measured by TEPC and plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTDs) deployed side by side are in remarkable agreement in the LET region of 15-1000 keV/micrometer, where the PNTDs are fully efficient. The average quality factor, using the ICRP-26 definition, was 2.6, which is higher than normally used. There is excellent agreement between the measured GCR dose rate and model calculations, but this is not true for trapped protons. The measured Mir-18 crew skin dose equivalent rate was 1133 microSv/day. Using the skin dose rate and anatomical models, we have estimated the blood-forming organ (BFO) dose rate and the maximum stay time in orbit for International Space Station crew members.

Radiation shielding estimates for manned Mars space flight.

PubMed

Dudkin, V E; Kovalev, E E; Kolomensky, A V; Sakovich, V A; Semenov, V F; Demin, V P; Benton, E V

1992-01-01

In the analysis of the required radiation shielding protection of spacecraft during a Mars flight, specific effects of solar activity (SA) on the intensity of galactic and solar cosmic rays were taken into consideration. Three spaceflight periods were considered: (1) maximum SA; (2) minimum SA; and (3) intermediate SA, when intensities of both galactic and solar cosmic rays are moderately high. Scenarios of spaceflights utilizing liquid-propellant rocket engines, low- and intermediate-thrust nuclear electrojet engines, and nuclear rocket engines, all of which have been designed in the Soviet Union, are reviewed. Calculations were performed on the basis of a set of standards for radiation protection approved by the U.S.S.R. State Committee for Standards. It was found that the lowest estimated mass of a Mars spacecraft, including the radiation shielding mass, obtained using a combination of a liquid propellant engine with low and intermediate thrust nuclear electrojet engines, would be 500-550 metric tons.

Gamma ray shielding properties of PbO-Li2O-B2O3 glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Ashok

2017-07-01

The mass attenuation coefficients have been measured in (0.6-x) PbO-x Li2O-0.40 B2O3 (where 0≤ x≤0.25 mol%) glasses for photon energies of 356, 662, 1173 and 1332 keV in a narrow beam geometry with an overall scatter acceptance angle of 2.31°. The experimental results are found to be within 3% of their theoretical values. These coefficients were then used to obtain the values of mean free path, effective atomic number and electron density. The shielding properties of these glasses have also been compared among themselves in terms of their mean free path and radiation protection efficiency. The shielding properties prepared glasses have also been compared with standard concretes as well as with the standard shielding glasses. It is found that the prepared glasses are the better shielding substitute to the conventional concretes as well as other standard shielding glasses. The Pb3B4O9 has been found to be the most effective shield.

Shielding Development for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caffrey, Jarvis A.; Gomez, Carlos F.; Scharber, Luke L.

2015-01-01

Radiation shielding analysis and development for the Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (NCPS) effort is currently in progress and preliminary results have enabled consideration for critical interfaces in the reactor and propulsion stage systems. Early analyses have highlighted a number of engineering constraints, challenges, and possible mitigating solutions. Performance constraints include permissible crew dose rates (shared with expected cosmic ray dose), radiation heating flux into cryogenic propellant, and material radiation damage in critical components. Design strategies in staging can serve to reduce radiation scatter and enhance the effectiveness of inherent shielding within the spacecraft while minimizing the required mass of shielding in the reactor system. Within the reactor system, shield design is further constrained by the need for active cooling with minimal radiation streaming through flow channels. Material selection and thermal design must maximize the reliability of the shield to survive the extreme environment through a long duration mission with multiple engine restarts. A discussion of these challenges and relevant design strategies are provided for the mitigation of radiation in nuclear thermal propulsion.

MEANS FOR SHIELDING AND COOLING REACTORS

DOEpatents

Wigner, E.P.; Ohlinger, L.A.; Young, G.J.; Weinberg, A.M.

1959-02-10

Reactors of the water-cooled type and a means for shielding such a rcactor to protect operating personnel from harmful radiation are discussed. In this reactor coolant tubes which contain the fissionable material extend vertically through a mass of moderator. Liquid coolant enters through the bottom of the coolant tubes and passes upwardly over the fissionable material. A shield tank is disposed over the top of the reactor and communicates through its bottom with the upper end of the coolant tubes. A hydrocarbon shielding fluid floats on the coolant within the shield tank. With this arrangements the upper face of the reactor can be opened to the atmosphere through the two superimposed liquid layers. A principal feature of the invention is that in the event radioactive fission products enter thc coolant stream. imposed layer of hydrocarbon reduces the intense radioactivity introduced into the layer over the reactors and permits removal of the offending fuel material by personnel shielded by the uncontaminated hydrocarbon layer.

Trimeric HIV-1-Env Structures Define Glycan Shields from Clades A, B and G

PubMed Central

Stewart-Jones, Guillaume B. E.; Soto, Cinque; Lemmin, Thomas; Chuang, Gwo-Yu; Druz, Aliaksandr; Kong, Rui; Thomas, Paul V.; Wagh, Kshitij; Zhou, Tongqing; Behrens, Anna-Janina; Bylund, Tatsiana; Choi, Chang W.; Davison, Jack R.; Georgiev, Ivelin S.; Joyce, M. Gordon; Do Kwon, Young; Pancera, Marie; Taft, Justin; Yang, Yongping; Zhang, Baoshan; Shivatare, Sachin S.; Shivatare, Vidya S.; Lee, Chang-Chun D.; Wu, Chung-Yi; Bewley, Carole A.; Burton, Dennis R.; Koff, Wayne C.; Connors, Mark; Crispin, Max; Baxa, Ulrich; Korber, Bette T.; Wong, Chi-Huey; Mascola, John R.; Kwong, Peter D.

2017-01-01

The HIV-1-envelope (Env) trimer is covered by a glycan shield of ~90 N-linked oligosaccharides, which comprises roughly half its mass and is a key component of HIV evasion from humoral immunity. To understand how antibodies can overcome the barriers imposed by the glycan shield, we crystallized fully glycosylated Env trimers from clades A, B and G, visualizing the shield at 3.4-3.7 Å resolution. These structures reveal the HIV-1-glycan shield to comprise a network of interlocking oligosaccharides, substantially ordered by glycan crowding, which encase the protein component of Env and enable HIV-1 to avoid most antibody-mediated neutralization. The revealed features delineate a taxonomy of N-linked glycan-glycan interactions. Crowded and dispersed glycans are differently ordered, conserved, processed and recognized by antibody. The structures, along with glycan-array binding and molecular dynamics, reveal a diversity in oligosaccharide affinity and a requirement for accommodating glycans amongst known broadly neutralizing antibodies that target the glycan-shielded trimer. PMID:27114034

Trajectory characteristics and heating of hypervelocity projectiles having large ballistic coefficients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tauber, Michael E.

1986-01-01

A simple, approximate equation describing the velocity-density relationship (or velocity-altitude) has been derived from the flight of large ballistic coefficient projectiles launched at high speeds. The calculations obtained by using the approximate equation compared well with results for numerical integrations of the exact equations of motion. The flightpath equation was used to parametrically calculate maximum body decelerations and stagnation pressures for initial velocities from 2 to 6 km/s. Expressions were derived for the stagnation-point convective heating rates and total heat loads. The stagnation-point heating was parametrically calculated for a nonablating wall and an ablating carbon surface. Although the heating rates were very high, the pulse decayed quickly. The total nose-region heat shield weight was conservatively estimated to be only about 1 percent of the body mass.

Gamma ray shielding characteristic of BiZnBo-SLS and PbZnBo-SLS glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syuhada Ahmad, Nor; Shahrim Mustafa, Iskandar; Mansor, Ishak; Malik, Muhammad Fadhirul Izwan bin Abdul; Ain Nabilah Razali, Nur; Nordin, Sufiniza

2018-05-01

The radiation shielding and optical properties of x [RmOn] (0.5‑x) [ZnO] 0.2 [B2O3] 0.3 [SLS], where RmOn are Bi2O3 and PbO with x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, and 0.45 have been prepared by using the melt-quenching method at 1200 °C and was investigated on their physical, structural and gamma ray shielding properties. Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) data revealed that the particle morphologies is aggregated and irregular in shapes and size. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping data confirmed that all mentioned element all present on the prepared glass. Soda Lime Silica (SLS) that is mainly composed of SiO2 has been utilized in this study as the source of SiO2 for fabrication of glass system. From the result, the density and molar volume of both glass samples increased as Bi2O3 and PbO content increased. The gamma ray shielding properties, such as linear attenuation and mass attenuation coefficient, were increased while half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) were decreased as the increased in Bi2O3 and PbO concentrations. It is recognized that the mass attenuation coefficient value of Bi2O3 and PbO glass are slightly different. From this study, it can be concluded that from the non-toxicity and shielding point of view, the bismuth glass is a good shield to gamma radiation as compared to lead glass.

Preliminary design of the thermal protection system for solar probe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dirling, R. B., Jr.; Loomis, W. C.; Heightland, C. N.

1982-01-01

A preliminary design of the thermal protection system for the NASA Solar Probe spacecraft is presented. As presently conceived, the spacecraft will be launched by the Space Shuttle on a Jovian swing-by trajectory and at perihelion approach to three solar radii of the surface of the Earth's sun. The system design satisfies maximum envelope, structural integrity, equipotential, and mass loss/contamination requirements by employing lightweight carbon-carbon emissive shields. The primary shield is a thin shell, 15.5-deg half-angle cone which absorbs direct solar flux at up to 10-deg off-nadir spacecraft pointing angles. Secondary shields of sandwich construction and low thickness-direction thermal conductivity are used to reduce the primary shield infrared radiation to the spacecraft payload.

[CALCULATION OF RADIATION LOADS ON THE ANTHROPOMORPHIC PHANTOM ONBOARD THE SPACE STATION IN THE CASE OF ADDITIONAL SHIELDING].

PubMed

Kartashov, D A; Shurshakov, V A

2015-01-01

The paper presents the results of calculating doses from space ionizing radiation for a modeled orbital station cabin outfitted with an additional shield aimed to reduce radiation loads on cosmonaut. The shield is a layer with the mass thickness of -6 g/cm2 (mean density = 0.62 g/cm3) that covers the outer cabin wall and consists of wet tissues and towels used by cosmonauts for hygienic purposes. A tissue-equivalent anthropomorphic phantom imitates human body. Doses were calculated for the standard orbit of the International space station (ISS) with consideration of the longitudinal and transverse phantom orientation relative to the wall with or without the additional shield. Calculation of dose distribution in the human body improves prediction of radiation loads. The additional shield reduces radiation exposure of human critical organs by -20% depending on their depth and body spatial orientation in the ISS compartment.

SU-F-T-82: Dosimetric Evaluation of a Shield Used for Hemi-Body Skin Electron Irradiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rivers, C; Singh, A; AlDahlawi, I

Purpose: We had several mycosis fungoides patients with a limited disease to about half of the skin surface. A custom-made plywood shield was used to protect the non-targeted skin region with our total skin electron irradiation (TSEI) technique. We report a dosimetric evaluation for our “hemi-body” skin electron irradiation technique. Methods: The technique is similar to our clinical total skin electron irradiation (TSEI), performed with a six-pair dual field (Stanford technique) at an extended source-to-skin distance (SSD) of 377 cm, with the addition of a plywood shield placed 50 cm from the patient. The shield is made of three layersmore » of standard 5/8″ thick plywood (total thickness of 4.75 cm) that are clamped securely on an adjustable-height stand. Gafchromic EBT3 films were used in assessing the shield’s transmission factor and the extend of the dose penumbra region. To verify the dose delivered for hemi-body skin radiation in a real patient treatment, in-vivo dosimetry using Gafchromic EBT3 films were performed. Film pieces were taped on the patient skin to measure the dose received during the first two fractions, placed on the forehead and upper body (shielded region); and also at the level of pelvic area, left thigh, and left ankle. Results: The shield transmission factor was found to be 10%, and the width of the penumbra (80-to-20% dose fall-off) was about 12 cm. In-vivo dosimetry of a real case confirmed the expected shielded area dose. Conclusion: Hemi-Body skin electron irradiation at an extended SSD is feasible with the addition of a plywood shield at a distance from patient skin. The penumbra dose region and the shield’s transmission factor should be evaluated prior to clinical use. We have treated several hemi-body skin patients with our custom-made plywood shield, the current patient measurements are representative of these for other patients as well.« less

Analytic Ballistic Performance Model of Whipple Shields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, J. E.; Bjorkman, M. D.; Christiansen, E. L.; Ryan, S. J.

2014-01-01

The dual-wall Whipple shield is the shield of choice for lightweight, long-duration flight. The shield uses an initial sacrificial wall to initiate fragmentation and melt an impacting threat that expands over a void before hitting a subsequent shield wall of a critical component. The key parameters to this type of shield are the rear wall and its mass which stops the debris, as well as the minimum pressure generated under threat particle impact of the sacrificial wall and the amount of void that is available for expansion. Ensuring the minimum pressure is sufficiently high to achieve large scale fragmentation/melt of the threat particle enables the expansion of the threat and reduces the momentum flux of the debris on the rear wall. Three key factors in the minimum pressure achieved are the thickness of the sacrificial wall relative to the characteristic dimension of the impacting particle, the density and material cohesion contrast of the sacrificial wall relative to the threat particle and the impact speed. The mass of the rear wall and the sacrificial wall are desirable to minimize for launch costs and dynamic concerns making it important to have an understanding of the effects of density contrast and impact speed. In this paper a fourth key parameter is identified related to fragmentation, which corresponds to the ratio of the size of the projectile relative to the transition from brittle to ductile hole growth in the projectile. Ballistic limit equations have been developed to define the failure limits of a MMOD shield, generally in terms of projectile diameter (or mass), impact velocity, and angle. Within the range of impact velocities relevant for Earth-orbiting spacecraft, three distinct regions of penetration phenomenology have been identified for Whipple shields: center dot Low velocity: the projectile is eroded (and possibly deformed) during its passage through the bumper plate, but is not fragmented. Thus, perforation of the rear wall is by a fragment with a mass and speed equal to or less than the original impactor. center dot Intermediate (shatter) velocity: impact velocities are sufficient to induce projectile fragmentation upon impact with the bumper plate, resulting in a coarse debris cloud with large solid fragments. Increasing velocity within the shatter regime results in increased fragmentation, and eventually melting, of the projectile and bumper fragments, generating a finer and more evenly dispersed debris cloud. Failure of the rear wall is a complicated combination of modes observed at low- and hypervelocity. center dot Hypervelocity: the projectile and holed-out bumper material is completely, or nearly completely, melted and/or vaporized by the initial impact. The resultant debris cloud impacts over a dispersed area of the rear wall, loading it impulsively and inducing failure through rupture or petalling. While each of these regimes are well observed with extensive empirical methods to describe these regions, differences in impactor materials, configurations of shields and questions about the limitations of the attainable impact speeds have left questions that are difficult to answer from completely empirical methods.

Characteristics of Polarisation in the Ramsauer-Townsend Minima in Strongly Coupled Semiclassic Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Myoung-Jae; Jung, Young-Dae

2017-10-01

The influence of quantum shielding on the Ramsauer-Townsend phenomena for the total electron-atom polarisation collision cross-section is investigated in partially ionised strongly coupled semiclassic plasmas. The result shows that the quantum shielding effect changes the position of the Ramsauer energy in partially ionised strongly coupled plasmas. It is also found that the quantum shielding effect enhances the total electron-atom collision cross-section when the collision energy is greater than the Ramsauer energy; however, it suppresses the collision cross-section when the collision energy is smaller than the Ramsauer energy. In addition, it is shown that the plasma screening effect significantly changes the position of the Ramsauer energy and the influence of plasma screening on the magnitude of the collision cross-section is more significant near the Ramsauer energy domain. The variations of the Ramsauer energy and the collision cross-section due to the quantum shielding effect are also discussed.

SHIELD: EVLA HI Spectral Line Observations of Low-mass Dwarfs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miazzo, Masao; Ruvolo, Elizabeth; Cannon, John M.; McNichols, Andrew; Teich, Yaron; Adams, Elizabeth A.; Giovanelli, Riccardo; Haynes, Martha P.; McQuinn, Kristen B.; Salzer, John Joseph; Skillman, Evan D.; Dolphin, Andrew E.; Elson, Edward C.; Haurberg, Nathalie C.; Huang, Shan; Janowiecki, Steven; Jozsa, Gyula; Leisman, Luke; Ott, Juergen; Papastergis, Emmanouil; Rhode, Katherine L.; Saintonge, Amelie; Van Sistine, Angela; Warren, Steven R.

2017-01-01

The “Survey of HI in Extremely Low-mass Dwarfs” (SHIELD) is a multiwavelength study of local volume low-mass galaxies. Using the now-complete Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) source catalog, 82 systems are identified that meet distance, line width, and HI flux criteria for being gas-rich, low-mass galaxies. These systems harbor neutral gas reservoirs smaller than 3x10^7 M_sun, thus populating the faint end of the HI mass function with statistical confidence for the first time. Here we present new Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array D-configuration HI spectral line observations of 32 previously unobserved galaxies. These low angular resolution (~40" beam) images localize the HI gas; with a few exceptions, the HI gas is co-spatial with the optical centers of the galaxies. These images provide the first glimpse of the neutral interstellar medium in these systems.Support for this work was provided by NSF grant 1211683 to JMC at Macalester College.

NASA Growth Space Station missions and candidate nuclear/solar power systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heller, Jack A.; Nainiger, Joseph J.

1987-01-01

A brief summary is presented of a NASA study contract and in-house investigation on Growth Space Station missions and appropriate nuclear and solar space electric power systems. By the year 2000 some 300 kWe will be needed for missions and housekeeping power for a 12 to 18 person Station crew. Several Space Station configurations employing nuclear reactor power systems are discussed, including shielding requirements and power transmission schemes. Advantages of reactor power include a greatly simplified Station orientation procedure, greatly reduced occultation of views of the earth and deep space, near elimination of energy storage requirements, and significantly reduced station-keeping propellant mass due to very low drag of the reactor power system. The in-house studies of viable alternative Growth Space Station power systems showed that at 300 kWe a rigid silicon solar cell array with NiCd batteries had the highest specific mass at 275 kg/kWe, with solar Stirling the lowest at 40 kg/kWe. However, when 10 year propellant mass requirements are factored in, the 300 kWe nuclear Stirling exhibits the lowest total mass.

Ames Research Center Shear Tests of SLA-561V Heat Shield Material for Mars-Pathfinder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tauber, Michael; Tran, Huy; Henline, William; Cartledge, Alan; Hui, Frank; Tran, Duoc; Zimmerman, Norm

1996-01-01

This report describes the results of arc-jet testing at Ames Research Center on behalf of Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for the development of the Mars-Pathfinder heat shield. The current test series evaluated the performance of the ablating SLA-561V heat shield material under shear conditions. In addition, the effectiveness of several methods of repairing damage to the heat shield were evaluated. A total of 26 tests were performed in March 1994 in the 2 in. X 9 in. arc-heated turbulent Duct Facility, including runs to calibrate the facility to obtain the desired shear stress conditions. A total of eleven models were tested. Three different conditions of shear and heating were used. The non-ablating surface shear stresses and the corresponding, approximate, non-ablating surface heating rates were as follows: Condition 1, 170 N/m(exp 2) and 22 W/cm(exp 2); Condition 2, 240 N/m(exp 2) and 40 W/cm(exp 2); Condition 3, 390 N/m(exp 2) and 51 W/cm(exp 2). The peak shear stress encountered in flight is represented approximately by Condition 1; however, the heating rate was much less than the peak flight value. The peak heating rate that was available in the facility (at Condition 3) was about 30 percent less than the maximum value encountered during flight. Seven standard ablation models were tested, of which three models were instrumented with thermocouples to obtain in-depth temperature profiles and temperature contours. An additional four models contained a variety of repair plugs, gaps, and seams. These models were used to evaluated different repair materials and techniques, and the effect of gaps and construction seams. Mass loss and surface recession measurements were made on all models. The models were visually inspected and photographed before and after each test. The SLA-561 V performed well; even at test Condition 3, the char remained intact. Most of the resins used for repairs and gap fillers performed poorly. However, repair plugs made of SLA-561V performed well. Approximately 70 percent of the thermocouples yielded good data.

A GREEN'S FUNCTION APPROACH FOR DETERMINING DOSE RATES FOR SMALL GRAM QUANTITIES IN SHIPPING PACKAGINGS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nathan, S.

The Small Gram Quantity (SGQ) concept is based on the understanding that small amounts of hazardous materials, in this case radioactive materials (RAM), are significantly less hazardous than large amounts of the same materials. This paper describes a methodology designed to estimate an SGQ for several neutron and gamma emitting isotopes that can be shipped in a package in compliance with 10 CFR Part 71 external radiation level limits regulations. The neutron and photon sources were calculated using both ORIGEN-S and RASTA. The response from a unit source in each neutron and photon group was calculated using MCNP5 with eachmore » unshielded and shielded container configuration. Effects of self-shielding on both neutron and photon response were evaluated by including either plutonium oxide or iron in the source region for the case with no shielded container. For the cases of actinides mixed with light elements, beryllium is the bounding light element. The added beryllium (10 to 90 percent of the actinide mass) in the cases studied represents between 9 and 47 percent concentration of the total mixture mass. For beryllium concentrations larger than 50 percent, the increase in the neutron source term and dose rate tend to increase at a much lower rate than at concentrations lower than 50%. The intimately mixed actinide-beryllium form used in these models is very conservative and thus the limits presented in this report are practical bounds on the mass that can be safely shipped. The calculated dose rate from one gram of each isotope was then used to determin the maximum amount of a single isotope that could be shipped in the Model 9977 Package (or packagings having the same or larger external dimensions as well as similar structural materials) and have the external radiation level within the regulatory dose limits at the surface of the package. The estimates of the mass limits presented would also serve as conservative limits for both the Models 9975 and 9978 packages. If a package contains a mixture of isotopes, the acceptability for shipment can be determined by a sum of fractions approach. It should be noted that the SGQ masses presented in this report represent limits that would comply with the external radiation limits under 10CFR Part 71. They do not necessarily bound lower limits that may be required to comply with other factors such as heat load of the package.« less

On the formation and confinement of dense clouds in QSOs and active galactic nuclei

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marscher, A. P.; Weaver, R. P.

1979-01-01

A model for the formation and confinement of dense (at least about 1 billion per cu cm) clouds in QSOs and active galactic nuclei is presented wherein thermal instabilities behind radiative shocks cause the collapse of regions where the preshock density is enhanced over that of the surrounding medium. Such shocks (of total energy around 10 to the 51st ergs) are likely to occur if the frequent optical outbursts observed in many of these objects are accompanied by mass ejections of comparable energy. It is found that clouds quite similar to those thought to exist in QSOs etc. can be created in this manner at radii of the order of 10 to the 17th cm. The clouds can be subsequently accelerated to observed bulk velocities by either radiation pressure or a collision with a much stronger (total energy around 10 to the 53 ergs) shock. Alternatively, their high observed velocities could be caused by gravitational infall or rotation. The mass production required at inner radii by the outflow models can be supplied through a mechanism previously discussed by Shields (1977).

Comparison of different hip prosthesis shapes considering micro-level bone remodeling and stress-shielding criteria using three-dimensional design space topology optimization.

PubMed

Boyle, Christopher; Kim, Il Yong

2011-06-03

Since the late 1980s, computational analysis of total hip arthroplasty (THA) prosthesis components has been completed using macro-level bone remodeling algorithms. The utilization of macro-sized elements requires apparent bone densities to predict cancellous bone strength, thereby, preventing visualization and analysis of realistic trabecular architecture. In this study, we utilized a recently developed structural optimization algorithm, design space optimization (DSO), to perform a micro-level three-dimensional finite element bone remodeling simulation on the human proximal femur pre- and post-THA. The computational simulation facilitated direct performance comparison between two commercially available prosthetic implant stems from Zimmer Inc.: the Alloclassic and the Mayo conservative. The novel micro-level approach allowed the unique ability to visualize the trabecular bone adaption post-operation and to quantify the changes in bone mineral content by region. Stress-shielding and strain energy distribution were also quantified for the immediate post-operation and the stably fixated, post-remodeling conditions. Stress-shielding was highest in the proximal region and remained unchanged post-remodeling; conversely, the mid and distal portions show large increases in stress, suggesting a distal shift in the loadpath. The Mayo design conserves bone mass, while simultaneously reducing the incidence of stress-shielding compared to the Alloclassic, revealing a key benefit of the distinctive geometry. Several important factors for stable fixation, determined in clinical evaluations from the literature, were evident in both designs: high levels of proximal bone loss and distal bone densification. The results suggest this novel computational framework can be utilized for comparative hip prosthesis shape, uniquely considering the post-operation bone remodeling as a design criterion. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preliminary Evaluation of Convective Heat Transfer in a Water Shield for a Surface Power Reactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pearson J. Boise; Reid, Robert S.

2007-01-01

As part of the Vision for Space Exploration, the end of the next decade will bring man back to the surface of the moon. A crucial issue for the establishment of human presence on the moon will be the availability of compact power sources. This presence could require greater than 10's of kWt's in follow on years. Nuclear reactors are well suited to meet the needs for power generation on the lunar or Martian surface. Radiation shielding is a key component of any surface power reactor system. Several competing concepts exist for lightweight, safe, robust shielding systems such as a water shield, lithium hydride (LiH), and boron carbide. Water offers several potential advantages, including reduced cost, reduced technical risk, and reduced mass. Water has not typically been considered for space reactor applications because of the need for gravity to fix the location of any vapor that could form radiation streaming paths. The water shield concept relies on the predictions of passive circulation of the shield water by natural convection to adequately cool the shield. This prediction needs to be experimentally evaluated, especially for shields with complex geometries. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center has developed the experience and facilities necessary to do this evaluation in its Early Flight Fission - Test Facility (EFF-TF).

Study of mass attenuation coefficients and effective atomic numbers of bismuth-ground granulated blast furnace slag concretes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, Sandeep, E-mail: sandeep0078monu@gmail.com; Singh, Sukhpal, E-mail: sukhpal-78@rediffmail.com

2016-05-06

Five samples of Bismuth-Ground granulated blast furnace slag (Bi-GGBFS) concretes were prepared using composition (0.6 cement + x Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} + (0.4-x) GGBFS, x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) by keeping constant water (W) cement (C) ratio. Mass attenuation coefficients (μ{sub m}) of these prepared samples were calculated using a computer program winXCOM at different gamma ray energies, whereas effective atomic numbers (Z{sub eff}) is calculated using mathematical formulas. The radiation shielding properties of Bi-GGBFS concrete has been compared with standard radiation shielding concretes.

Comparison of continuous and discontinuous collisional bumpers: Dimensionally scaled impact experiments into single wire meshes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoerz, Friedrich; Cintala, Mark; See, Thomas; Bernhard, Ronald; Cardenas, Frank; Davidson, William; Haynes, Jerry

1992-01-01

An experimental inquiry into the utility of discontinuous bumpers was conducted to investigate the collisional outcomes of impacts into single grid-like targets and to compare the results with more traditional bumper designs that employ continuous sheet stock. We performed some 35 experiments using 6.3 and 3.2 mm diameter spherical soda-lime glass projectiles at low velocities (less than 2.5 km/s) and 13 at velocities between 5 and 6 km/s, using 3.2 mm spheres only. The thrust of the experiments related to the characterization of collisional fragments as a function of target thickness or areal shield mass of both bumper designs. The primary product of these experiments was witness plates that record the resulting population of collisional fragments. Substantial interpretive and predictive insights into bumper performance were obtained. All qualitative observations (on the witness plates) and detailed measurements of displaced masses seem simply and consistently related only to bumper mass available for interaction with the impactor. This renders the grid bumper into the superior shield design. These findings present evidence that discontinuous bumpers are a viable concept for collisional shields, possibly superior to continuous geometries.

Shielding of the Hip Prosthesis During Radiation Therapy for Heterotopic Ossification is Associated with Increased Failure of Prophylaxis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Balboni, Tracy A.; Gaccione, Peter; Gobezie, Reuben

2007-04-01

Purpose: Radiation therapy (RT) is frequently administered to prevent heterotopic ossification (HO) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an increased risk of HO after RT prophylaxis with shielding of the THA components. Methods and Materials: This is a retrospective analysis of THA patients undergoing RT prophylaxis of HO at Brigham and Women's Hospital between June 1994 and February 2004. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the relationships of all variables to failure of RT prophylaxis. Results: A total of 137 patients were identified and 84 were eligiblemore » for analysis (61%). The median RT dose was 750 cGy in one fraction, and the median follow-up was 24 months. Eight of 40 unshielded patients (20%) developed any progression of HO compared with 21 of 44 shielded patients (48%) (p = 0.009). Brooker Grade III-IV HO developed in 5% of unshielded and 18% of shielded patients (p 0.08). Multivariate analysis revealed shielding (p = 0.02) and THA for prosthesis infection (p = 0.03) to be significant predictors of RT failure, with a trend toward an increasing risk of HO progression with age (p = 0.07). There was no significant difference in the prosthesis failure rates between shielded and unshielded patients. Conclusions: A significantly increased risk of failure of RT prophylaxis for HO was noted in those receiving shielding of the hip prosthesis. Shielding did not appear to reduce the risk of prosthesis failure.« less

Integrated evaluation of the geology, aerogammaspectrometry and aeromagnetometry of the Sul-Riograndense Shield, southernmost Brazil.

PubMed

Hartmann, Léo A; Lopes, William R; Savian, Jairo F

2016-03-01

An integrated evaluation of geology, aerogammaspectrometry and aeromagnetometry of the Sul-Riogran-dense Shield is permitted by the advanced stage of understanding of the geology and geochronology of the southern Brazilian Shield and a 2010 airborne geophysical survey. Gamma rays are registered from the rocks near the surface and thus describe the distribution of major units in the shield, such as the Pelotas batholith, the juvenile São Gabriel terrane, the granulite-amphibolite facies Taquarembó terrane and the numerous granite intrusions in the foreland. Major structures are also observed, e.g., the Dorsal de Canguçu shear. Magnetic signals register near surface crustal compositions (analytic signal) and total crust composition (total magnetic signal), so their variation as measured indicates either shallow or whole crustal structures. The Caçapava shear is outstanding on the images as is the magnetic low along the N-S central portion of the shield. These integrated observations lead to the deepening of the understanding of the largest and even detailed structures of the Sul-Riograndense Shield, some to be correlated to field geology in future studies. Most significant is the presence of different provinces and their limits depending on the method used for data acquisition - geology, aerogammaspectrometry or aeromagnetometry.

The Local Tissue Environment During the September 29, 1989 Solar Particle Event

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, M.-H. Y.; Wilson, J. W.; Cucinotta, F. A.; Simonsen, L. C.; Atwell, W.; Badavi, F. F.; Miller, J.

2004-01-01

The solar particle event (SPE) of September 29, 1989, produced an iron-rich spectrum with energies approaching 1 GeV/amu with an energy power index of 2.5. These high charge and energy (HZE) ions of the iron-rich SPEs challenge conventional methods of SPE shield design and assessment of astronaut risks. Shield and risk assessments are evaluated using the HZETRN code with computerized anatomical man (CAM) model for astronaut s body tissues. Since the HZE spectra decline rapidly with energy and HZE attenuation in materials is limited by their penetration power, details of the mass distributions about the sensitive tissues (shielding materials and the astronaut's body) are important determining factors of the exposure levels. Typical space suit and lightly shielded structures allow significant contributions from HZE components to some critical body tissues and have important implications on the models for risk assessment. Only a heavily shielded equipment room of a space vehicle or habitat provides sufficient shielding for the early response at sensitive organs from this event. The February 23, 1956 event of similar spectral characteristics and ten times this event may have important medical consequences without a well-shielded region.

Accelerator-based tests of radiation shielding properties of materials used in human space infrastructures.

PubMed

Lobascio, C; Briccarello, M; Destefanis, R; Faraud, M; Gialanella, G; Grossi, G; Guarnieri, V; Manti, L; Pugliese, M; Rusek, A; Scampoli, P; Durante, M

2008-03-01

Shielding is the only practical countermeasure for the exposure to cosmic radiation during space travel. It is well known that light, hydrogenated materials, such as water and polyethylene, provide the best shielding against space radiation. Kevlar and Nextel are two materials of great interest for spacecraft shielding because of their known ability to protect human space infrastructures from meteoroids and debris. We measured the response to simulated heavy-ion cosmic radiation of these shielding materials and compared it to polyethylene, Lucite (PMMA), and aluminum. As proxy to galactic nuclei we used 1 GeV n iron or titanium ions. Both physics and biology tests were performed. The results show that Kevlar, which is rich in carbon atoms (about 50% in number), is an excellent space radiation shielding material. Physics tests show that its effectiveness is close (80-90%) to that of polyethylene, and biology data suggest that it can reduce the chromosomal damage more efficiently than PMMA. Nextel is less efficient as a radiation shield, and the expected reduction on dose is roughly half that provided by the same mass of polyethylene. Both Kevlar and Nextel are more effective than aluminum in the attenuation of heavy-ion dose.

Development and Evaluation of the Next Generation of Meteoroid and Orbital Debris Shields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, Shannon; Christiansen, Eric

2009-06-01

Recent events such as the Chinese anti-satellite missile test in January 2007 and the collision between a Russian Cosmos satellite and US Iridium satellite in February 2009 are responsible for a rapid increase in the population of orbital debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Without active debris removal strategies the debris population in key orbits will continue to increase, requiring enhanced shielding capabilities to maintain allowable penetration risks. One of the more promising developments in recent years for meteoroid and orbital debris shielding (MMOD) is the application of open cell foams. Although shielding onboard the International Space Station is the most capable ever flown, the most proficient configuration (stuffed Whipple shield) requires an additional ˜30% of the shielding mass for non-ballistic requirements (e.g. stiffeners, fasteners, etc.). Open cell foam structures provide similar mechanical performance to more traditional structural components such as honeycomb sandwich panels, as well as improved projectile fragmentation and melting as a result of repeated shocking by foam ligaments. In this paper, the preliminary results of an extensive hypervelocity impact test program on next generation MMOD shielding configurations incorporating open-cell metallic foams are reported.

Development and Evaluation of the Next Generation of Meteoroid and Orbital Debris Shields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christiansen, E.; Lear, D.; Ryan, S.

2009-01-01

Recent events such as the Chinese anti-satellite missile test in January 2007 and the collision between a Russian Cosmos satellite and US Iridium satellite in February 2009 are responsible for a rapid increase in the population of orbital debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Without active debris removal strategies the debris population in key orbits will continue to increase, requiring enhanced shielding capabilities to maintain allowable penetration risks. One of the more promising developments in recent years for meteoroid and orbital debris shielding (MMOD) is the application of open cell foams. Although shielding onboard the International Space Station is the most capable ever flown, the most proficient configuration (stuffed Whipple shield) requires an additional 30% of the shielding mass for non-ballistic requirements (e.g. stiffeners, fasteners, etc.). Open cell foam structures provide similar mechanical performance to more traditional structural components such as honeycomb sandwich panels, as well as improved projectile fragmentation and melting as a result of repeated shocking by foam ligaments. In this paper, the preliminary results of an extensive hypervelocity impact test program on next generation MMOD shielding configurations incorporating open-cell metallic foams are reported.

Radiation Exposure Analyses Supporting the Development of Solar Particle Event Shielding Technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, Steven A.; Clowdsley, Martha S.; Abston, H. Lee; Simon, Hatthew A.; Gallegos, Adam M.

2013-01-01

NASA has plans for long duration missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). Outside of LEO, large solar particle events (SPEs), which occur sporadically, can deliver a very large dose in a short amount of time. The relatively low proton energies make SPE shielding practical, and the possibility of the occurrence of a large event drives the need for SPE shielding for all deep space missions. The Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) RadWorks Storm Shelter Team was charged with developing minimal mass SPE storm shelter concepts for missions beyond LEO. The concepts developed included "wearable" shields, shelters that could be deployed at the onset of an event, and augmentations to the crew quarters. The radiation transport codes, human body models, and vehicle geometry tools contained in the On-Line Tool for the Assessment of Radiation In Space (OLTARIS) were used to evaluate the protection provided by each concept within a realistic space habitat and provide the concept designers with shield thickness requirements. Several different SPE models were utilized to examine the dependence of the shield requirements on the event spectrum. This paper describes the radiation analysis methods and the results of these analyses for several of the shielding concepts.

MSL-RAD Dosimetry Measurements in Cruise and on Mars: Calibration and First Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeitlin, C. J.; Hassler, D. M.; Wimmer-Schweingruber, R. F.

2012-12-01

The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) was the first MSL science instrument to start collecting data, with data acquisition commencing 10 days after launch and continuing until the final three weeks of the cruise phase. RAD resumed data-taking on the first sol on Mars, returning the first-ever detailed measurements of cosmic radiation from the surface of another planet. Coincidentally, but appropriately, RAD's first measurements on Mars were taken on the 100th anniversary of the balloon flight experiment by Victor Hess, from which the existence of cosmic rays was deduced. RAD is an advanced and unique flight instrument. It combines charged- and neutral-particle measurement capabilities in an extremely compact, low-mass package. RAD contains six detectors, three of which (A, B, and C) are silicon diodes arranged as a telescope, with the other three (D, E, and F) being scintillators. Two of the scintillators, E and F, are made of Bicron BC-432m plastic; the other, D, is made of CsI for efficient gamma-ray detection. To minimize RAD's telemetry requirements, the instrument processes its data in real time and populates a number of histograms, sorting events into broad categories of penetrating charged particles, stopping charged particles, and neutral particles. There is also a group of histograms referred to as the "dosimetry" histograms. These include minute-by-minute totals of energy deposition in the B and E detectors, as well as LET spectra for charged particles in the telescope field of view. In this presentation, we will describe the methodology used to turn the onboard histograms into properly normalized dosimetric quantities, and show results expressed as time series of dose rates in silicon and tissue, and dose-equivalent rates in tissue. Interpretation of the dosimetry data depends on understanding the effects of the shielding around RAD, which is substantial, both in cruise (spacecraft mass) and on the surface of Mars (atmosphere). This shielding significantly modifies the observed particle spectra, but it will be shown that the effect of shielding on dose rate is modest during solar quiet times, when the Galactic Cosmic Rays are the dominant source of energetic particles. In contrast, during the five solar events observed during MSL's cruise to Mars, the shielding had a large effect on the observed rates compared to other instruments measuring the same particle events without shielding. RAD is supported by NASA (HEOMD) under JPL subcontract #1273039 to SwRI, and by DLR in Germany under contract with Christian-Albrechts-Universitat (CAU).

Molecular beam mass spectrometer development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brock, F. J.; Hueser, J. E.

1976-01-01

An analytical model, based on the kinetics theory of a drifting Maxwellian gas is used to determine the nonequilibrium molecular density distribution within a hemispherical shell open aft with its axis parallel to its velocity. The concept of a molecular shield in terrestrial orbit above 200 km is also analyzed using the kinetic theory of a drifting Maxwellian gas. Data are presented for the components of the gas density within the shield due to the free stream atmosphere, outgassing from the shield and enclosed experiments, and atmospheric gas scattered off a shield orbiter system. A description is given of a FORTRAN program for computating the three dimensional transition flow regime past the space shuttle orbiter that employs the Monte Carlo simulation method to model real flow by some thousands of simulated molecules.

Shielding properties of 80TeO2-5TiO2-(15-x) WO3-xAnOm glasses using WinXCom and MCNP5 code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, M. G.; El-Mallawany, R.; Sayyed, M. I.; Tekin, H. O.

2017-12-01

Gamma ray shielding properties of 80TeO2-5TiO2-(15-x) WO3-xAnOm glasses, where AnOm is Nb2O5 = 0.01, 5, Nd2O3 = 3, 5 and Er2O3 = 5 mol% have been achieved. Shielding parameters; mass attenuation coefficients, half value layers, and macroscopic effective removal cross section for fast neutrons have been computed by using WinXCom program and MCNP5 Monte Carlo code. In addition, by using Geometric Progression method (G-P), exposure buildup factor values were also calculated. Variations of shielding parameters are discussed for the effect of REO addition into the glasses and photon energy.

NPR Reactor shield calculations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peterson, E.G.

1961-09-27

At the request of IPD Personnel, calculations on neutron and gamma attenuation were made for the NPR shield. The calculations were made using a new shielding computer code developed for the IBM 7090. The calculations show the thermal neutron flux, total neutron dose rate, and gamma dose rate distribution through the entire shield assembly. The calculations show that the side and top primary shield design is adequate to reduce the radiation level below design tolerances. The radiation leakage through the front shield was higher than the design tolerances. Two alternate biological shield materials were studied for use on the frontmore » face. These two materials were iron serpentine concrete mixtures with densities of 245 lb/ft{sup 3} and 265 lb/ft{sup 3} (designated by I-S-245-P and I-S-265-P, respectively). Both of these concretes reduced the radiation below design tolerances. It is recommended that the present front face biological shield be changed from I-S-220-P to I-S-245-P. With this change the NPR shield is adequate according to these calculations. The calculations reported here do not include leakage through penetration in the shield.« less

Meeting Radiation Protection Requirements and Reducing Spacecraft Mass - A Multifunctional Materials Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atwell, William; Koontz, Steve; Reddell, Brandon; Rojdev, Kristina; Franklin, Jennifer

2010-01-01

Both crew and radio-sensitive systems, especially electronics must be protected from the effects of the space radiation environment. One method of mitigating this radiation exposure is to use passive-shielding materials. In previous vehicle designs such as the International Space Station (ISS), materials such as aluminum and polyethylene have been used as parasitic shielding to protect crew and electronics from exposure, but these designs add mass and decrease the amount of usable volume inside the vehicle. Thus, it is of interest to understand whether structural materials can also be designed to provide the radiation shielding capability needed for crew and electronics, while still providing weight savings and increased useable volume when compared against previous vehicle shielding designs. In this paper, we present calculations and analysis using the HZETRN (deterministic) and FLUKA (Monte Carlo) codes to investigate the radiation mitigation properties of these structural shielding materials, which includes graded-Z and composite materials. This work is also a follow-on to an earlier paper, that compared computational results for three radiation transport codes, HZETRN, HETC, and FLUKA, using the Feb. 1956 solar particle event (SPE) spectrum. In the following analysis, we consider the October 1989 Ground Level Enhanced (GLE) SPE as the input source term based on the Band function fitting method. Using HZETRN and FLUKA, parametric absorbed doses at the center of a hemispherical structure on the lunar surface are calculated for various thicknesses of graded-Z layups and an all-aluminum structure. HZETRN and FLUKA calculations are compared and are in reasonable (18% to 27%) agreement. Both codes are in agreement with respect to the predicted shielding material performance trends. The results from both HZETRN and FLUKA are analyzed and the radiation protection properties and potential weight savings of various materials and materials lay-ups are compared.

Trimeric HIV-1-Env Structures Define Glycan Shields from Clades A, B, and G.

PubMed

Stewart-Jones, Guillaume B E; Soto, Cinque; Lemmin, Thomas; Chuang, Gwo-Yu; Druz, Aliaksandr; Kong, Rui; Thomas, Paul V; Wagh, Kshitij; Zhou, Tongqing; Behrens, Anna-Janina; Bylund, Tatsiana; Choi, Chang W; Davison, Jack R; Georgiev, Ivelin S; Joyce, M Gordon; Kwon, Young Do; Pancera, Marie; Taft, Justin; Yang, Yongping; Zhang, Baoshan; Shivatare, Sachin S; Shivatare, Vidya S; Lee, Chang-Chun D; Wu, Chung-Yi; Bewley, Carole A; Burton, Dennis R; Koff, Wayne C; Connors, Mark; Crispin, Max; Baxa, Ulrich; Korber, Bette T; Wong, Chi-Huey; Mascola, John R; Kwong, Peter D

2016-05-05

The HIV-1-envelope (Env) trimer is covered by a glycan shield of ∼90 N-linked oligosaccharides, which comprises roughly half its mass and is a key component of HIV evasion from humoral immunity. To understand how antibodies can overcome the barriers imposed by the glycan shield, we crystallized fully glycosylated Env trimers from clades A, B, and G, visualizing the shield at 3.4-3.7 Å resolution. These structures reveal the HIV-1-glycan shield to comprise a network of interlocking oligosaccharides, substantially ordered by glycan crowding, that encase the protein component of Env and enable HIV-1 to avoid most antibody-mediated neutralization. The revealed features delineate a taxonomy of N-linked glycan-glycan interactions. Crowded and dispersed glycans are differently ordered, conserved, processed, and recognized by antibody. The structures, along with glycan-array binding and molecular dynamics, reveal a diversity in oligosaccharide affinity and a requirement for accommodating glycans among known broadly neutralizing antibodies that target the glycan-shielded trimer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Retro Rocket Motor Self-Penetrating Scheme for Heat Shield Exhaust Ports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marrese-Reading, Colleen; St.Vaughn, Josh; Zell, Peter; Hamm, Ken; Corliss, Jim; Gayle, Steve; Pain, Rob; Rooney, Dan; Ramos, Amadi; Lewis, Doug;

Absolute NMR shielding scales and nuclear spin–rotation constants in {sup 175}LuX and {sup 197}AuX (X = {sup 19}F, {sup 35}Cl, {sup 79}Br and {sup 127}I)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Demissie, Taye B., E-mail: taye.b.demissie@uit.no; Komorovsky, Stanislav; Repisky, Michal

2015-10-28

We present nuclear spin–rotation constants, absolute nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) shielding constants, and shielding spans of all the nuclei in {sup 175}LuX and {sup 197}AuX (X = {sup 19}F, {sup 35}Cl, {sup 79}Br, {sup 127}I), calculated using coupled-cluster singles-and-doubles with a perturbative triples (CCSD(T)) correction theory, four-component relativistic density functional theory (relativistic DFT), and non-relativistic DFT. The total nuclear spin–rotation constants determined by adding the relativistic corrections obtained from DFT calculations to the CCSD(T) values are in general in agreement with available experimental data, indicating that the computational approach followed in this study allows us to predict reliable results formore » the unknown spin–rotation constants in these molecules. The total NMR absolute shielding constants are determined for all the nuclei following the same approach as that applied for the nuclear spin–rotation constants. In most of the molecules, relativistic effects significantly change the computed shielding constants, demonstrating that straightforward application of the non-relativistic formula relating the electronic contribution to the nuclear spin–rotation constants and the paramagnetic contribution to the shielding constants does not yield correct results. We also analyze the origin of the unusually large absolute shielding constant and its relativistic correction of gold in AuF compared to the other gold monohalides.« less

Simulation of photon attenuation coefficients for high effective shielding material Lead-Boron Polyethyene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, L.; Jia, M. C.; Gong, J. J.; Xia, W. M.

2017-12-01

The mass attenuation coefficient of various Lead-Boron Polyethylene samples which can be used as the photon shielding materials in marine reactor, have been simulated using the MCNP-5 code, and compared with the theoretical values at the photon energy range 0.001MeV—20MeV. A good agreement has been observed. The variations of mass attenuation coefficient, linear attenuation coefficient and mean free path with photon energy between 0.001MeV to 100MeV have been plotted. The result shows that all the coefficients strongly depends on the photon energy, material atomic composition and density. The dose transmission factors for source Cesium-137 and Cobalt-60 have been worked out and their variations with the thickness of various sample materials have also been plotted. The variations show that with the increase of materials thickness the dose transmission factors decrease continuously. The results of this paper can provide some reference for the use of the high effective shielding material Lead-Boron Polyethyene.

Lightweight concrete with enhanced neutron shielding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brindza, Paul Daniel; Metzger, Bert Clayton

A lightweight concrete containing polyethylene terephthalate in an amount of 20% by total volume. The concrete is enriched with hydrogen and is therefore highly effective at thermalizing neutrons. The concrete can be used independently or as a component of an advanced neutron radiation shielding system.

49 CFR 178.276 - Requirements for the design, construction, inspection and testing of portable tanks intended for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

....): (A) Without insulation or sun shield: 60 °C (140 °F); (B) With sun shield: 55 °C (131 °F); and (C) With insulation: 50 °C (122 °F). (3) Filling density means the average mass of liquefied compressed gas... stamped in accordance with the ASME Code, Section VIII. (2) Portable tanks must be postweld heat-treated...

49 CFR 178.276 - Requirements for the design, construction, inspection and testing of portable tanks intended for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

....): (A) Without insulation or sun shield: 60 °C (140 °F); (B) With sun shield: 55 °C (131 °F); and (C) With insulation: 50 °C (122 °F). (3) Filling density means the average mass of liquefied compressed gas... stamped in accordance with the ASME Code, Section VIII. (2) Portable tanks must be postweld heat-treated...

49 CFR 178.276 - Requirements for the design, construction, inspection and testing of portable tanks intended for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

....): (A) Without insulation or sun shield: 60 °C (140 °F); (B) With sun shield: 55 °C (131 °F); and (C) With insulation: 50 °C (122 °F). (3) Filling density means the average mass of liquefied compressed gas... stamped in accordance with the ASME Code, Section VIII. (2) Portable tanks must be postweld heat-treated...

49 CFR 178.276 - Requirements for the design, construction, inspection and testing of portable tanks intended for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

....): (A) Without insulation or sun shield: 60 °C (140 °F); (B) With sun shield: 55 °C (131 °F); and (C) With insulation: 50 °C (122 °F). (3) Filling density means the average mass of liquefied compressed gas... stamped in accordance with the ASME Code, Section VIII. (2) Portable tanks must be postweld heat-treated...

49 CFR 178.276 - Requirements for the design, construction, inspection and testing of portable tanks intended for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

....): (A) Without insulation or sun shield: 60 °C (140 °F); (B) With sun shield: 55 °C (131 °F); and (C) With insulation: 50 °C (122 °F). (3) Filling density means the average mass of liquefied compressed gas... stamped in accordance with the ASME Code, Section VIII. (2) Portable tanks must be postweld heat-treated...

Parameter Study for Optimizing the Mass of a Space Nuclear Power System Radiation Shield

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-03-01

long been selected as the best choice for neutron shielding of a SNPS [ 3 :24-30]. The low atomic number of both lithium and hydrogen allows...Integer :: missed(1:nBatches) Real(dp), Dimension(1: 3 ) :: r1, r2, omegaHat Real(dp) :: Radius1, Radius2, z1, z2, xi, omega , rFrac Real(dp) :: pAvg... 3 Motivation

Preliminary Development of a Multifunctional Hot Structure Heat Shield

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, Sandra P.; Daryabeigi, Kamran; Samareh, Jamshid A.; Armand, Sasan C.; Perino, Scott V

2014-01-01

Development of a Multifunctional Hot Structure Heat Shield concept has initiated with the goal to provide advanced technology with significant benefits compared to the current state of the art heat shield technology. The concept is unique in integrating the function of the thermal protection system with the primary load carrying structural component. An advanced carbon-carbon material system has been evaluated for the load carrying structure, which will be utilized on the outer surface of the heat shield, and thus will operate as a hot structure exposed to the severe aerodynamic heating associated with planetary entry. Flexible, highly efficient blanket insulation has been sized for use underneath the hot structure to maintain desired internal temperatures. The approach was to develop a preliminary design to demonstrate feasibility of the concept. The preliminary results indicate that the concept has the potential to save both mass and volume with significantly less recession compared to traditional heat shield designs, and thus provide potential to enable new planetary missions.

Study on γ-ray exposure buildup factors and fast neutron-shielding properties of some building materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Vishwanath P.; Badiger, N. M.; El-Khayatt, A. M.

2014-06-01

We have computed γ-ray exposure buildup factors (EBF) of some building materials; glass, marble, flyash, cement, limestone, brick, plaster of paris (POP) and gypsum for energy 0.015-15 MeV up to 40 mfp (mfp, mean free path) penetration depth. Also, the macroscopic effective removal cross-sections (ΣR) for fast neutron were calculated. We discussed the dependency of EBF values on photon energy, penetration depth and chemical elements. The half-value layer and kinetic energy per unit mass relative to air of building materials were calculated for assessment of shielding effectiveness. Shielding thicknesses for glass, marble, flyash, cement, limestone and gypsum plaster (or Plaster of Paris, POP) were found comparable with ordinary concrete. Among the studied materials limestone and POP showed superior shielding properties for γ-ray and neutron, respectively. Radiation safety inside houses, schools and primary health centers for sheltering and annual dose can be assessed by the determination of shielding parameters of common building materials.

SIRTF thermal design modifications to increase lifetime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrick, S. W.

1993-01-01

An effort was made to increase the predicted lifetime of the SIRTF dewar by lowering the exterior shell temperature, increasing the radiated energy from the vapor cooled shields and reconfiguring the vapor cooled shields. The lifetime increases can be used to increase the scientific return from the mission and as a trade-off against mass and cost. This paper describes the configurations studied, the steady state thermal model used, the analytical methods and the results of the analysis. Much of the heat input to the outside dewar shell is radiative heat transfer from the solar panel. To lower the shell temperature, radiative cooled shields were placed between the solar panel and the dewar shell and between the bus and the dewar shell. Analysis showed that placing a radiator on the outer vapor cooled shield had a significant effect on lifetime. Lengthening the distance between the outer shell and the point where the vapor cooled shields are attached to the support straps also improved lifetime.

Total Ambient Dose Equivalent Buildup Factor Determination for Nbs04 Concrete.

PubMed

Duckic, Paulina; Hayes, Robert B

2018-06-01

Buildup factors are dimensionless multiplicative factors required by the point kernel method to account for scattered radiation through a shielding material. The accuracy of the point kernel method is strongly affected by the correspondence of analyzed parameters to experimental configurations, which is attempted to be simplified here. The point kernel method has not been found to have widespread practical use for neutron shielding calculations due to the complex neutron transport behavior through shielding materials (i.e. the variety of interaction mechanisms that neutrons may undergo while traversing the shield) as well as non-linear neutron total cross section energy dependence. In this work, total ambient dose buildup factors for NBS04 concrete are calculated in terms of neutron and secondary gamma ray transmission factors. The neutron and secondary gamma ray transmission factors are calculated using MCNP6™ code with updated cross sections. Both transmission factors and buildup factors are given in a tabulated form. Practical use of neutron transmission and buildup factors warrants rigorously calculated results with all associated uncertainties. In this work, sensitivity analysis of neutron transmission factors and total buildup factors with varying water content has been conducted. The analysis showed significant impact of varying water content in concrete on both neutron transmission factors and total buildup factors. Finally, support vector regression, a machine learning technique, has been engaged to make a model based on the calculated data for calculation of the buildup factors. The developed model can predict most of the data with 20% relative error.

Improvement in magnetic field immunity of externally-coupled transcutaneous energy transmission system for a totally implantable artificial heart.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Takahiko; Koshiji, Kohji; Homma, Akihiko; Tatsumi, Eisuke; Taenaka, Yoshiyuki

2008-01-01

Transcutaneous energy transmission (TET) that uses electromagnetic induction between the external and internal coils of a transformer is the most promising method to supply driving energy to a totally implantable artificial heart without invasion. Induction-heating (IH) cookers generate magnetic flux, and if a cooker is operated near a transcutaneous transformer, the magnetic flux generated will link with the external and internal coils of the transcutaneous transformer. This will affect the performance of the TET and the artificial heart system. Hence, it is necessary to improve the magnetic field immunity of the TET system. During operation of the system, if the transcutaneous transformer is in close proximity to an IH cooker, the electric power generated by the cooker and coupled to the transformer can drive the artificial heart system. To prevent this coupling, the external coil was shielded with a conductive shield that had a slit in it. This reduces the coupling between the transformer and the magnetic field generated by the induction cooker. However, the temperature of the shield increased due to heating by eddy currents. The temperature of the shield can be reduced by separating the IH cooker and the shield.

Radiation effects in concrete for nuclear power plants Part I: Quantification of radiation exposure and radiation effects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Field, Kevin G; Pape, Yann Le; Remec, Igor

A large fraction of light water reactor (LWR) construction utilizes concrete, including safety-related structures such as the biological shielding and containment building. Concrete is an inherently complex material, with the properties of concrete structures changing over their lifetime due to the intrinsic nature of concrete and influences from local environment. As concrete structures within LWRs age, the total neutron fluence exposure of the components, in particular the biological shield, can increase to levels where deleterious effects are introduced as a result of neutron irradiation. This work summarizes the current state of the art on irradiated concrete, including a review ofmore » the current literature and estimates the total neutron fluence expected in biological shields in typical LWR configurations. It was found a first-order mechanism for loss of mechanical properties of irradiated concrete is due to radiation-induced swelling of aggregates, which leads to volumetric expansion of the concrete. This phenomena is estimated to occur near the end of life of biological shield components in LWRs based on calculations of estimated peak neutron fluence in the shield after 80 years of operation.« less

Parasitic heat loss reduction in AMTEC cells by heat shield optimization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Borkowski, C.A.; Svedberg, R.C.; Hendricks, T.J.

1997-12-31

Alkali metal thermal to electric conversion (AMTEC) cell performance can be increased by the proper design of thermal radiative shielding internal to the AMTEC cell. These heat shields essentially lower the radiative heat transfer between the heat input zone of the cell and the heat rejection zone of the cell. In addition to lowering the radiative heat transfer between the heat input and heat rejection surfaces of the cell, the shields raise the AMTEC cell performance by increasing the temperature of the beta alumina solid electrolyte (BASE). This increase in temperature of the BASE tube allows the evaporator temperature tomore » be increased without sodium condensing within the BASE tubes. Experimental testing and theoretical analysis have been performed to compare the relative merits of two candidate heat shield packages: (1) chevron, and (2) cylindrical heat shields. These two heat shield packages were compared to each other and a baseline cell which had no heat shields installed. For the two heat shield packages, the reduction in total heat transfer is between 17--27% for the heat input surface temperature varying from 700 C, 750 C, and 800 C with the heat rejection surface temperature kept at 300 C.« less

Magnet Architectures and Active Radiation Shielding Study - SR2S Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Westover, Shane; Meinke, Rainer; Burger, William; Ilin, Andrew; Nerolich, Shaun; Washburn, Scott

2014-01-01

Analyze new coil configurations with maturing superconductor technology -Develop vehicle-level concept solutions and identify engineering challenges and risks -Shielding performance analysis Recent advances in superconducting magnet technology and manufacturing have opened the door for re-evaluating active shielding solutions as an alternative to mass prohibitive passive shielding.Publications on static magnetic field environments and its bio-effects were reviewed. Short-term exposure information is available suggesting long term exposure may be okay. Further research likely needed. center dotMagnetic field safety requirements exist for controlled work environments. The following effects have been noted with little noted adverse effects -Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects on ionized fluids (e.g. blood) creating an aortic voltage change -MHD interaction elevates blood pressure (BP) center dot5 Tesla equates to 5% BP elevation -Prosthetic devises and pacemakers are an issue (access limit of 5 gauss).

Shields-1, A SmallSat Radiation Shielding Technology Demonstration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomsen, D. Laurence, III; Kim, Wousik; Cutler, James W.

2015-01-01

The NASA Langley Research Center Shields CubeSat initiative is to develop a configurable platform that would allow lower cost access to Space for materials durability experiments, and to foster a pathway for both emerging and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) radiation shielding technologies to gain spaceflight heritage in a relevant environment. The Shields-1 will be Langleys' first CubeSat platform to carry out this mission. Radiation shielding tests on Shields-1 are planned for the expected severe radiation environment in a geotransfer orbit (GTO), where advertised commercial rideshare opportunities and CubeSat missions exist, such as Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1). To meet this objective, atomic number (Z) graded radiation shields (Zshields) have been developed. The Z-shield properties have been estimated, using the Space Environment Information System (SPENVIS) radiation shielding computational modeling, to have 30% increased shielding effectiveness of electrons, at half the thickness of a corresponding single layer of aluminum. The Shields-1 research payload will be made with the Z-graded radiation shields of varying thicknesses to create dose-depth curves to be compared with baseline materials. Additionally, Shields-1 demonstrates an engineered Z-grade radiation shielding vault protecting the systems' electronic boards. The radiation shielding materials' performances will be characterized using total ionizing dose sensors. Completion of these experiments is expected to raise the technology readiness levels (TRLs) of the tested atomic number (Z) graded materials. The most significant contribution of the Z-shields for the SmallSat community will be that it enables cost effective shielding for small satellite systems, with significant volume constraints, while increasing the operational lifetime of ionizing radiation sensitive components. These results are anticipated to increase the development of CubeSat hardware design for increased mission lifetimes, and enable out of low earth orbit (LEO) missions by using these tested material concepts as shielding for sensitive components and new spaceflight hardware

GCR Transport in the Brain: Assessment of Self-Shielding, Columnar Damage, and Nuclear Reactions on Cell Inactivation Rates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shavers, M. R.; Atwell, W.; Cucinotta, F. A.; Badhwar, G. D. (Technical Monitor)

1999-01-01

Radiation shield design is driven by the need to limit radiation risks while optimizing risk reduction with launch mass/expense penalties. Both limitation and optimization objectives require the development of accurate and complete means for evaluating the effectiveness of various shield materials and body-self shielding. For galactic cosmic rays (GCR), biophysical response models indicate that track structure effects lead to substantially different assessments of shielding effectiveness relative to assessments based on LET-dependent quality factors. Methods for assessing risk to the central nervous system (CNS) from heavy ions are poorly understood at this time. High-energy and charge (HZE) ion can produce tissue events resulting in damage to clusters of cells in a columnar fashion, especially for stopping heavy ions. Grahn (1973) and Todd (1986) have discussed a microlesion concept or model of stochastic tissue events in analyzing damage from HZE's. Some tissues, including the CNS, maybe sensitive to microlesion's or stochastic tissue events in a manner not illuminated by either conventional dosimetry or fluence-based risk factors. HZE ions may also produce important lateral damage to adjacent cells. Fluences of high-energy proton and alpha particles in the GCR are many times higher than HZE ions. Behind spacecraft and body self-shielding the ratio of protons, alpha particles, and neutrons to HZE ions increases several-fold from free-space values. Models of GCR damage behind shielding have placed large concern on the role of target fragments produced from tissue atoms. The self-shielding of the brain reduces the number of heavy ions reaching the interior regions by a large amount and the remaining light particle environment (protons, neutrons, deuterons. and alpha particles) may be the greatest concern. Tracks of high-energy proton produce nuclear reactions in tissue, which can deposit doses of more than 1 Gv within 5 - 10 cell layers. Information on rates of cell killing from GCR, including patterns of cell killing from single particle tracks. can provide useful information on expected differences between proton and HZE tracks and clinical experiences with photon irradiation. To model effects on cells in the brain, it is important that transport models accurately describe changes in the GCR due to interactions in the cranium and proximate tissues. We describe calculations of the attenuated GCR particle fluxes at three dose-points in the brain and associated patterns of cell killing using biophysical models. The effects of the brain self-shielding and bone-tissue interface of the skull in modulating the GCR environment are considered. For each brain dose-point, the mass distribution in the surrounding 4(pi) solid angle is characterized using the CAM model to trace 512 rays. The CAM model describes the self-shielding by converting the tissue distribution to mass-equivalent aluminum, and nominal values of spacecraft shielding is considered. Particle transport is performed with the proton, neutron, and heavy-ion transport code HZETRN with the nuclear fragmentation model QMSFRG. The distribution of cells killed along the path of individual GCR ions is modeled using in vitro cell inactivation data for cells with varying sensitivity. Monte Carlo simulations of arrays of inactivated cells are considered for protons and heavy ions and used to describe the absolute number of cell killing events of various magnitude in the brain from the GCR. Included are simulations of positions of inactivated cells from stopping heavy ions and nuclear stars produced by high-energy ions most importantly, protons and neutrons.

Contribution of High Charge and Energy (HZE) Ions During Solar-Particle Event of September 29, 1989

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Myung-Hee Y.; Wilson, John W.; Cucinotta, Francis A.; Simonsen, Lisa C.; Atwell, William; Badavi, Francis F.; Miller, Jack

1999-01-01

The solar-particle event (SPE) of September 29, 1989, produced an iron-rich spectrum with energies approaching 1 A GeV with an approximate spectral slope parameter of 2.5. These high charge and energy (HZE) ions challenge conventional methods of shield design and assessment of astronaut risks. In the past, shield design and risk assessment have relied on proton shielding codes and biological response models derived from X-ray and neutron exposure data. Because the HZE spectra decline rapidly with energy and HZE attenuation in materials is limited by their penetration power, details of the mass distributions about the sensitive tissues (shielding materials and the astronaut's body) are important determining factors of the exposure levels and distributions of linear energy transfer. Local tissue environments during the SPE of September 29, 1989, with its f= components are examined to analyze the importance of these ions to human SPE exposure. Typical space suit and lightly shielded structures leave significant contributions from HZE components to certain critical body tissues and have important implications on the models for risk assessment. A heavily shielded equipment room of a space vehicle or habitat requires knowledge of the breakup of these ions into lighter components, including neutrons, for shield design specifications.

Experimental Evaluation of a Water Shield for a Surface Power Reactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pearson, J. Boise; Reid, Robert S.

2006-01-01

As part of the Vision for Space Exploration the end of the next decade will bring man back to the surface of the moon. One of the most critical issues for the establishment of human presence on the moon will be the availability of compact power sources. The establishment of man on the moon will require power from greater than 10's of kWt's in follow on years. Nuclear reactors are extremely we11 suited to meet the needs for power generation on the lunar or Martian surface. reactor system. Several competing concepts exist for lightweight, safe, robust shielding systems such as a water shield, lithium hydride (LiH), Boron Carbide, and others. Water offers several potential advantages, including reduced cost, reduced technical risk, and reduced mass. Water has not typically been considered for space reactor applications because of the need for gravity to remove the potential for radiation streaming paths. The water shield concept relies on predictions of passive circulation of the shield water by natural convection to adequately cool the shield. This prediction needs to be experimentally evaluated, especially for shields with complex geometries. MSFC has developed the experience and fac necessary to do this evaluation in the Early Flight Fission - Test Facility (EFF-TF).

The natural emergence of the correlation between H2 and star formation rate surface densities in galaxy simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lupi, Alessandro; Bovino, Stefano; Capelo, Pedro R.; Volonteri, Marta; Silk, Joseph

2018-03-01

In this study, we present a suite of high-resolution numerical simulations of an isolated galaxy to test a sub-grid framework to consistently follow the formation and dissociation of H2 with non-equilibrium chemistry. The latter is solved via the package KROME, coupled to the mesh-less hydrodynamic code GIZMO. We include the effect of star formation (SF), modelled with a physically motivated prescription independent of H2, supernova feedback and mass-losses from low-mass stars, extragalactic and local stellar radiation, and dust and H2 shielding, to investigate the emergence of the observed correlation between H2 and SF rate surface densities. We present two different sub-grid models and compare them with on-the-fly radiative transfer (RT) calculations, to assess the main differences and limits of the different approaches. We also discuss a sub-grid clumping factor model to enhance the H2 formation, consistent with our SF prescription, which is crucial, at the achieved resolution, to reproduce the correlation with H2. We find that both sub-grid models perform very well relative to the RT simulation, giving comparable results, with moderate differences, but at much lower computational cost. We also find that, while the Kennicutt-Schmidt relation for the total gas is not strongly affected by the different ingredients included in the simulations, the H2-based counterpart is much more sensitive, because of the crucial role played by the dissociating radiative flux and the gas shielding.

Inhibited Shaped Charge Launcher Testing of Spacecraft Shield Designs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grosch, Donald J.

1996-01-01

This report describes a test program in which several orbital debris shield designs were impact tested using the inhibited shaped charge launcher facility at Southwest Research Institute. This facility enables researchers to study the impact of one-gram aluminum projectiles on various shielding designs at velocities above 11 km/s. A total of twenty tests were conducted on targets provided by NASA-MSFC. This report discusses in detail the shield design, the projectile parameters and the test configuration used for each test. A brief discussion of the target damage is provided, as the detailed analysis of the target response will be done by NASA-MSFC.

Effects of micro-sized and nano-sized WO3 on mass attenauation coefficients of concrete by using MCNPX code.

PubMed

Tekin, H O; Singh, V P; Manici, T

2017-03-01

In the present work the effect of tungsten oxide (WO 3 ) nanoparticles on mass attenauation coefficients of concrete has been investigated by using MCNPX (version 2.4.0). The validation of generated MCNPX simulation geometry has been provided by comparing the results with standard XCOM data for mass attenuation coefficients of concrete. A very good agreement between XCOM and MCNPX have been obtained. The validated geometry has been used for definition of nano-WO 3 and micro-WO 3 into concrete sample. The mass attenuation coefficients of pure concrete and WO 3 added concrete with micro-sized and nano-sized have been compared. It was observed that shielding properties of concrete doped with WO 3 increased. The results of mass attenauation coefficients also showed that the concrete doped with nano-WO 3 significanlty improve shielding properties than micro-WO 3 . It can be concluded that addition of nano-sized particles can be considered as another mechanism to reduce radiation dose. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

RadWorks Storm Shelter Design for Solar Particle Event Shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Matthew A.; Cerro, Jeffrey; Clowdsley, Martha

2013-01-01

In order to enable long-duration human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, the risks associated with exposure of astronaut crews to space radiation must be mitigated with practical and affordable solutions. The space radiation environment beyond the magnetosphere is primarily a combination of two types of radiation: galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events (SPE). While mitigating GCR exposure remains an open issue, reducing astronaut exposure to SPEs is achievable through material shielding because they are made up primarily of medium-energy protons. In order to ensure astronaut safety for long durations beyond low-Earth orbit, SPE radiation exposure must be mitigated. However, the increasingly demanding spacecraft propulsive performance for these ambitious missions requires minimal mass and volume radiation shielding solutions which leverage available multi-functional habitat structures and logistics as much as possible. This paper describes the efforts of NASA's RadWorks Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Project to design minimal mass SPE radiation shelter concepts leveraging available resources. Discussion items include a description of the shelter trade space, the prioritization process used to identify the four primary shelter concepts chosen for maturation, a summary of each concept's design features, a description of the radiation analysis process, and an assessment of the parasitic mass of each concept.

EMI shielding performance of lead hexaferrite/polyaniline composite in 8-18 GHz frequency range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhary, Harish Kumar; Pawar, Shital Patangrao; Bose, Suryasarathi; Sahoo, Balaram

2018-05-01

EMI shielding properties of nanocomposite containing lead hexaferrite (PFO) and polyaniline (PANI), a conducting polymer, was studied in X and Ku band frequencies. The nanocomposite shows enhanced EMI shielding properties than that of the pure PANI. Incorporation of PFO particles in the PANI enhances the total shielding effectiveness (SET) up to -24 dB at 18 GHz. This means that these nanocomposites can shield ˜99 % of the incoming EM radiation. The PFO/PANI shows much higher attenuation constant values over the measured frequency range. By adding the PFO in the PANI we have created more interfaces between Wax-PFO, Wax-PANI, PANI-PFO and PFO-PANI. These enhanced interfaces lead to Maxwell-Wagner polarization which results in a higher dielectric loss than only PANI.

America’s Achilles Heel: Defense Against High-altitude Electromagnetic Pulse-policy vs. Practice

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-12

Directives SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems SHIELD Act Secure High-voltage Infrastructure for Electricity from Lethal Damage Act...take place, it is important to understand the effects of the components of EMP from a high-altitude nuclear detonation. The requirements for shielding ...Mass Ejection (CME). A massive, bubble-shaped burst of plasma expanding outward from the Sun’s corona, in which large amounts of superheated

Evaluation of Superconducting Magnet Shield Configurations for Long Duration Manned Space Missions.

PubMed

Ambroglini, Filippo; Battiston, Roberto; Burger, William J

2016-01-01

A manned mission to Mars would present an important long-term health risk to the crew members due to the prolonged exposure to the ionizing radiation of galactic cosmic-rays. The radiation levels would largely exceed those encountered in the Apollo missions. An increase in the passive shielding provided by the spacecraft implies a significant increase of the mass. The advent of superconducting magnets in the early 1960s was considered an attractive alternative. The technology allows to generate magnetic fields capable to deflect the cosmic-rays in a manner analogous to the reduction of the particle fluxes in the upper atmosphere due to the Earth's dipole magnetic field. A series of the three studies have been conducted over the last 5 years, funded successively by European Space Agency (ESA), the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program, and the Union European's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The shielding configurations studied are based on high-temperature superconductors, which eliminate the need to operate with liquid helium. The mass estimates of the coils and supporting structure of the engineering designs are based on the current and expected near-future performance of the superconducting materials. In each case, the shield performance, in terms of dose reduction, is provided by a 3-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation, which treats in detail the electromagnetic and hadronic interactions of the galactic-cosmic rays, and the secondary particles they produce in the materials of the shield and spacecraft. A summary of the results of the studies, representing one of the most detailed and comprehensive efforts made in the field, is presented.

Evaluation of Radiation Shielding Properties of the Polyvinyl Alcohol/Iron Oxide Polymer Composite

PubMed Central

Srinivasan, K.; Samuel, E. James Jabaseelan

2017-01-01

Context: Lead is the conventional shielding material against gamma/X-rays. It has some limitations such as toxic, high density, nonflexibility, and also bremsstrahlung production during electron interaction. It may affect the accuracy of radiotherapy outcome. Aims: To theoretically analyze the radiation shielding properties of flexible polyvinyl alcohol/iron oxide polymer composite with five different concentrations of magnetite over the energy range of 15 KeV–20 MeV. Subjects and Methods: Radiological properties were calculated based on the published literature. Attenuation coefficients of pure elements are generated with the help of WinXCOM database. Results: Effective atomic numbers and electron density are increased with the concentration of magnetite. On the other hand, the number of electrons per gram decreased. Mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ϼ) and linear attenuation coefficients (μ) are higher in the lower energy <100 KeV, and their values decreased when the energy increased. Computed tomography numbers (CT) show the significant variation between the concentrations in <60 KeV. Half-value layer and tenth-value layers are directly proportional to the energy and indirectly proportional to the concentration of magnetite. Transmission curve, relaxation length (ƛ), kinetic energy released in the matter, and elemental weight fraction are also calculated and the results are discussed. Conclusions: 0.5% of the magnetite gives superior shielding properties compared with other concentrations. It may be due to the presence of 0.3617% of Fe. Elemental weight fraction, atomic number, photon energy, and mass densities are the important parameters to understand the shielding behavior of any material. PMID:29296043

Erosion of carbon/carbon by solar wind charged particle radiation during a solar probe mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sokolowski, Witold; O'Donnell, Tim; Millard, Jerry

1991-01-01

The possible erosion of a carbon/carbon thermal shield by solar wind-charged particle radiation is reviewed. The present knowledge of erosion data for carbon and/or graphite is surveyed, and an explanation of erosion mechanisms under different charged particle environments is discussed. The highest erosion is expected at four solar radii. Erosion rates are analytically estimated under several conservative assumptions for a normal quiet and worst case solar wind storm conditions. Mass loss analyses and comparison studies surprisingly indicate that the predicted erosion rate by solar wind could be greater than by nominal free sublimation during solar wind storm conditions at four solar radii. The predicted overall mass loss of a carbon/carbon shield material during the critical four solar radii flyby can still meet the mass loss mission requirement of less than 0.0025 g/sec.

Gamma ray shielding and structural properties of PbO-P2O5-Na2WO4 glass system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogra, Mridula; Singh, K. J.; Kaur, Kulwinder; Anand, Vikas; Kaur, Parminder

2017-05-01

The present work has been undertaken to study the gamma ray shielding properties of PbO-P2O5-Na2WO4 glass system. The values of mass attenuation coefficient and half value layer parameter at photon energies 511, 662 and 1173 KeV have been determined using XCOM computer software developed by National Institute of Standards and Technology. The density, molar volume, XRD, UV-VIS and Raman studies have been performed to study the structural properties of the prepared glass system to check the possibility of the use of prepared samples as an alternate to conventional concrete for gamma ray shielding applications.

Why do mothers use nipple shields and how does this influence duration of exclusive breastfeeding?

PubMed

Kronborg, Hanne; Foverskov, Else; Nilsson, Ingrid; Maastrup, Ragnhild

2017-01-01

The present study addressed the contentious discussions about the benefits and risks of nipple shield use. The objective was to explore self-reported reasons for using a nipple shield and examine associations pertaining to the mother, the infant and duration of breastfeeding. Data were collected from 4815 Danish mothers (68%) who filled out a self-administered questionnaire with open and closed question. Data were analyzed by content and statistical descriptive and multivariable analysis. Results showed that 22% of the mothers used nipple shields in the beginning and 7% used it the entire breastfeeding period. Primiparae used nipple shields more often than multiparae, and early breastfeeding problems as well as background factors like lower age, education and higher body mass index were associated with a higher likelihood of using nipple shields. Characteristics of infants associated with introducing nipple shields were lower- gestational age and birthweight. The use of nipple shields was furthermore found to be associated with a threefold increased risk of earlier cessation of exclusive breastfeeding: among primiparae odds ratio = 3.80 (confidence interval 2.61-5.53); among multiparae odds ratio = 3.33 (confidence interval 1.88-5.93). Mothers' own descriptions underlined how various early breastfeeding problems led to the use of nipple shields. Some mothers were helped through a difficult period; others described the use creating a kind of dependence. The results highlight how nipple shields may help breastfeeding mothers in the early period but is not necessarily a supportive solution to the inexperienced mother who needs extra support in the early process of learning to breastfeed. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Differences in the stress distribution in the distal femur between patellofemoral joint replacement and total knee replacement: a finite element study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Patellofemoral joint replacement is a successful treatment option for isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis. However, results of later conversion to total knee replacement may be compromised by periprosthetic bone loss. Previous clinical studies have demonstrated a decrease in distal femoral bone mineral density after patellofemoral joint replacement. It is unclear whether this is due to periprosthetic stress shielding. The main objective of the current study was to evaluate the stress shielding effect of prosthetic replacement with 2 different patellofemoral prosthetic designs and with a total knee prosthesis. Methods We developed a finite element model of an intact patellofemoral joint, and finite element models of patellofemoral joint replacement with a Journey PFJ prosthesis, a Richards II prosthesis, and a Genesis II total knee prosthesis. For each of these 4 finite element models, the average Von Mises stress in 2 clinically relevant regions of interest were evaluated during a simulated squatting movement until 120 degrees of flexion. Results During deep knee flexion, in the anterior region of interest, the average Von Mises stress with the Journey PFJ design was comparable to the physiological knee, while reduced by almost 25% for both the Richards II design and the Genesis II total knee joint replacement design. The average Von Mises stress in the supracondylar region of interest was similar for both patellofemoral prosthetic designs and the physiological model, with slightly lower stress for the Genesis II design. Conclusions Patellofemoral joint replacement results in periprosthetic stress-shielding, although to a smaller degree than in total knee replacement. Specific patellofemoral prosthetic design properties may result in differences in femoral stress shielding. PMID:22704638

Radiation protection for human missions to the Moon and Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simonsen, Lisa C.; Nealy, John E.

1991-01-01

Radiation protection assessments are performed for advanced Lunar and Mars manned missions. The Langley cosmic ray transport code and the nucleon transport code are used to quantify the transport and attenuation of galactic cosmic rays and solar proton flares through various shielding media. Galactic cosmic radiation at solar maximum and minimum, as well as various flare scenarios are considered. Propagation data for water, aluminum, liquid hydrogen, lithium hydride, lead, and lunar and Martian regolith (soil) are included. Shield thickness and shield mass estimates required to maintain incurred doses below 30 day and annual limits (as set for Space Station Freedom and used as a guide for space exploration) are determined for simple geometry transfer vehicles. On the surface of Mars, dose estimates are presented for crews with their only protection being the carbon dioxide atmosphere and for crews protected by shielding provided by Martian regolith for a candidate habitat.

Superhydrophilic poly (styrene co acrylonitrile)-ZnO nanocomposite surfaces for UV shielding and self-cleaning applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Rajender; Sharma, Ramesh; Barman, P. B.; Sharma, Dheeraj

2017-11-01

UV shielding based super hydrophilic material is developed in the present formulation by in situ emulsion polymerization of poly (styrene-acrylonitrile) with ZnO nanoparticles. The ESI-MS technique confirms the structure of polymer nanocomposite by their mass fragments. The XRD study confirms the presence of ZnO phase in polymer matrix. PSAN/ZnO nanocomposite leads to give effective UV shielding (upto 375 nm) and visible luminescence with ZnO content in polymer matrix. The FESEM and TEM studies confirm the symmetrical, controlled growth of PNs. The incorporation of ZnO nanofillers into PSAN matrix lead to restructuring the PNs surfaces into superhydrophilic surfaces in water contact angle (WCA) from 70° to 10°. We believe our synthesized PSAN/ZnO nanocomposite could be potential as UV shielding, luminescent and super hydrophilic nature based materials in related commercial applications.

Preliminary Assessment of New Orbital Debris Shielding for Unmanned Satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilkinson, J.; Stokes, H.; Walker, R.

The numerous rocket launches and spacecraft deployments carried out since the dawn of the space age have generated a large orbiting population of man-made debris. Without the adoption of mitigation measures, it is likely that this population will continue to increase in the future. The ever-growing collision threat posed to operating spacecraft from these debris objects is therefore fast becoming a driver in the design of new spacecraft missions. DERA, under contract from the European Space Agency (ESA), is developing new techniques to provide mass- and cost-effective solutions to this spacecraft protection problem. Direct shielding methods such as enhancing a spacecraft's thermal blankets with strong materials and adapting the honeycomb panel structure are being investigated, as are indirect shielding methods such as reconfiguration of critical or susceptible units. This paper reports the latest results of the direct shielding research.

Investigation of ionizing radiation shielding effectiveness of decorative building materials used in Bangladeshi dwellings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yesmin, Sabina; Sonker Barua, Bijoy; Uddin Khandaker, Mayeen; Tareque Chowdhury, Mohammed; Kamal, Masud; Rashid, M. A.; Miah, M. M. H.; Bradley, D. A.

2017-11-01

Following the rapid growing per capita income, a major portion of Bangladeshi dwellers is upgrading their non-brick houses by rod-cement-concrete materials and simultaneously curious to decorate the houses using luxurious marble stones. Present study was undertaken to investigate the gamma-ray attenuation co-efficient of decorative marble materials leading to their suitability as shielding of ionizing radiation. A number of commercial grades decorative marble stones were collected from home and abroad following their large-scale uses. A well-shielded HPGe γ-ray spectrometer combined with associated electronics was used to evaluate the mass attenuation coefficients of the studied materials for high energy photons. Some allied parameters such as half-value layer and radiation protection efficacy of the investigated marbles were calculated. The results showed that among the studied samples, the marble 'Carrara' imported from Italy is suitable to be used as radiation shielding material.

Lunar Surface Reactor Shielding Study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kang, Shawn; McAlpine, William; Lipinski, Ronald

A nuclear reactor system could provide power to support long term human exploration of the moon. Such a system would require shielding to protect astronauts from its emitted radiations. Shielding studies have been performed for a Gas Cooled Reactor system because it is considered to be the most suitable nuclear reactor system available for lunar exploration, based on its tolerance of oxidizing lunar regolith and its good conversion efficiency. The goals of the shielding studies were to determine a material shielding configuration that reduces the dose (rem) to the required level in order to protect astronauts, and to estimate themore » mass of regolith that would provide an equivalent protective effect if it were used as the shielding material. All calculations were performed using MCNPX, a Monte Carlo transport code. Lithium hydride must be kept between 600 K and 700 K to prevent excessive swelling from large amounts of gamma or neutron irradiation. The issue is that radiation damage causes separation of the lithium and the hydrogen, resulting in lithium metal and hydrogen gas. The proposed design uses a layer of B4C to reduce the combined neutron and gamma dose to below 0.5Grads before the LiH is introduced. Below 0.5Grads the swelling in LiH is small (less than about 1%) for all temperatures. This approach causes the shield to be heavier than if the B4C were replaced by LiH, but it makes the shield much more robust and reliable.« less

Free jet feasibility study of a thermal acoustic shield concept for AST/VCE application: Dual stream nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janardan, B. A.; Brausch, J. F.; Majjigi, R. K.

1985-01-01

The influence of selected geometric and aerodynamic flow variables of an unsuppressed coannular plug nozzle and a coannular plug nozzle with a 20-chute outer stream suppressor were experimentally determined. A total of 136 static and simulated flight acoustic test points were conducted with 9 scale model nozzles. Also, aerodynamic measurements of four selected plumes were made with a laser velocimeter. The presence of the 180 deg shield produced different mixing characteristics on the shield side compared to the unshield side because of the reduced mixing with ambient air on the shielded side. This resulted in a stretching of the jet, yielding a higher peak mean velocity up to a length of 10 equivalent diameters from the nozzle exit. The 180 deg shield in community orientation around the suppressed coannular plug nozzle yielded acoustic benefit at all observer angles for a simulated takeoff. While the effect of shield-to-outer stream velocity ratio was small at angles up to 120 deg, beyond this angle significant acoustic benefit was realized with a shield-to-outer stream velocity ratio of 0.64.

Some folded issues related to over-shielded and unplanned rooms for medical linear accelerators - A case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muhammad, Wazir; Ullah, Asad; Hussain, Amjad; Ali, Nawab; Alam, Khan; Khan, Gulzar; Matiullah; Maeng, Seongjin; Lee, Sang Hoon

2015-08-01

A medical linear accelerator (LINAC) room must be properly shielded to limit the outside radiation exposure to an acceptable safe level defined by individual state and international regulations. However, along with this prime objective, some additional issues are also important. The current case-study was designed to unfold the issues related to over-shielded and unplanned treatment rooms for LINACs. In this connection, an apparently unplanned and over-shielded treatment room of 610 × 610 cm2 in size was compared with a properly designed treatment room of 762 × 762 cm2 in size ( i.e., by following the procedures and recommendations of the IAEA Safety Reports Series No. 47 and NCRP 151). Evaluation of the unplanned room indicated that it was over-shielded and that its size was not suitable for total body irradiation (TBI), although the license for such a treatment facility had been acquired for the installed machine. An overall 14.96% reduction in the total shielding volume ( i.e., concrete) for an optimally planned room as compared to a non-planned room was estimated. Furthermore, the inner room's dimensions were increased by 25%, in order to accommodate TBI patients. These results show that planning and design of the treatment rooms are imperative to avoid extra financial burden to the hospitals and to provide enough space for easy and safe handling of the patients. A spacious room is ideal for storing treatment accessories and facilitates TBI treatment.

Influences of the shielding cylinder on the length of radio-frequency cold atmospheric plasma jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, He-Ping; Li, Jing; Zhang, Xiao-Fei; Guo, Heng; Chen, Jian; Department of Engineering Physics Team

2017-10-01

Cold atmospheric plasma jets driven by a radio frequency power supply contain abundant species and complex chemical reactions, which have wide applications in the fields of materials processing and modifications, food engineering, bio-medical science, etc. Our previous experiments have shown that the total length of a radio-frequency cold atmospheric plasma (RF-CAP) jet can exceed 1 meter with the shielding of a quartz tube. However, the shielding mechanisms of the solid cylinder has not been studied systematically. In this study, a two-dimensional, quasi-steady fluid model is used to investigate the influences of the shielding tube on the length of the RF-CAP jets under different conditions. The simulation results show that the total jet length grows monotonously; while simultaneously, the jet length out of the tube shows a non-monotonic variation trend, with the increase of the tube length, which is in good agreement with the experimental observations. The shielding mechanisms of the solid cylinder on the RF-CAP jet is also discussed in detail based on the modeling results. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (11475103, 21627812), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFD0102106) and Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Program (20161080108).

Optimization of Shielding- Collimator Parameters for ING-27 Neutron Generator Using MCNP5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hegazy, Aya Hamdy; Skoy, V. R.; Hossny, K.

2018-04-01

Neutron generators are now used in various fields. They produce only fast neutrons; D-D neutron generator produces 2.45 MeV neutrons and D-T produces 14.1 MeV neutrons. In order to optimize shielding-collimator parameters to achieve higher neutron flux at the investigated sample (The signal) with lower neutron and gamma rays flux at the area of the detectors, design iterations are widely used. This work was applied to ROMASHA setup, TANGRA project, FLNP, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. The studied parameters were; (1) shielding-collimator material, (2) Distance between the shielding-collimator assembly first plate and center of the neutron beam, and (3) thickness of collimator sheets. MCNP5 was used to simulate ROMASHA setup after it was validated on the experimental results of irradiation of Carbon-12 sample for one hour to detect its 4.44 MeV characteristic gamma line. The ratio between the signal and total neutron flux that enters each detector was calculated and plotted, concluding that the optimum shielding-collimator assembly is Tungsten of 5 cm thickness for each plate, and a distance of 2.3 cm. Also, the ratio between the signal and total gamma rays flux was calculated and plotted for each detector, leading to the previous conclusion but the distance was 1 cm.

Enabling a Better Aft Heat Shield Solution for Future Mars Science Laboratory Class Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McGuire, Mary K.; Covington, Melmoth A.; Goldstein, Howard E.; Arnold, James O.; Beck, Robin

2013-01-01

System studies are described that compare masses and estimated manufacturing costs of options for the as-flown Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) aft body Thermal Light Weight Ablator (SLA) 561-V and its thickness was not optimized using the standard TPS Sizer Tool widely used for heat shield design. Use of the TPS sizing tool suggests that optimization of the SLA thickness could reduce the aft heat shield mass by 40 percent. Analysis of the predicted aft-shell aerothermodynamics suggests that the bulk of MSL class entry vehicle heat shields could incorporate Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation (AFRSI). AFRSI has a wellestablished record of relatively inexpensive manufacturing and flight certification based on its use on the lee side of the Space Shuttle. Runs with the TPS Sizer show that the AFRSI solution would be 60 percent lighter than the as-flown SLA. The issue of Reaction Control System (RCS) heating on the aft shell could be addressed by locally impregnating the AFRSI with silicone to enhance its robustness to short bursts ofheating. Stagnation point arcjet testing has shown that silicone impregnated AFRSI performs well at heat rates of 115 W/cm2 and 0.1 atmospheres for a duration of 40 seconds, far beyond conditions that are expected for MSL class vehicles. The paper concludes with a discussion of manufacturing processes for AFRSI, impregnation approaches and relative cost comparisons to the SLA solution.

Long term orbital storage of cryogenic propellants for advanced space transportation missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuster, John R.; Brown, Norman S.

1987-01-01

A comprehensive study has developed the major features of a large capacity orbital propellant depot for the space-based, cryogenic OTV. The study has treated both the Dual-Keel Space Station and co-orbiting platforms as the accommodations base for the propellant storage facilities, and trades have examined both tethered and hard-docked options. Five tank set concepts were developed for storing the propellants, and along with layout options for the station and platform, were evaluated from the standpoints of servicing, propellant delivery, boiloff, micrometeoroid/debris shielding, development requirements, and cost. These trades led to the recommendation that an all-passive storage concept be considered for the platform and an actively refrigerated concept providing for reliquefaction of all boiloff be considered for the Space Station. The tank sets are modular, each storing up to 45,400 kg of LO2/LH2, and employ many advanced features to provide for microgravity fluid management and to limit boiloff. The features include such technologies as zero-gravity mass gauging, total communication capillary liquid acquisition devices, autogenous pressurization, thermodynamic vent systems, thick multilayer insulation, vapor-cooled shields, solar-selective coatings, advanced micrometeoroid/debris protection systems, and long-lived cryogenic refrigeration systems.

Measurements of 32SO2, 33SO2, 34SO2 and 36SO2 high-resolution cross-sections and isotope effects by SO2 self-shielding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endo, Y.; Ogawa, M.; Danielache, S. O.; Ueno, Y.

2017-12-01

Archean sulfur mass-independent fractionation (S-MIF) is a unique proxy within the geological and geochemical records for studying the composition of the Archean atmosphere. S-MIF signatures are defined as Δ33S = δ33S - 0.515×δ34S and Δ36S = δ36S - 1.90×δ34S. Archean S-MIF is characterized as Δ36S/Δ33S = -1. Recent SO2 photochemical experiments under specific reducing conditions reproduced the Archean trend for the first time [1]. Self-shielding of SO2 photolysis and intersystem crossing in excited SO2 are probably key mechanisms for explaining Archean S-MIF. Self-shielding is originated from UV spectra changed by upper SO2 own absorption. Because 32S accounts for about 95% of all sulfur isotopes, the photolysis rate constant of only 32SO2 is lower than other isotopologue. Thus, SO2 photolysis in the bottom of the atmosphere undergoes mass-independent fractionation. Fractionation factors by SO2 photolysis reaction can be calculated by absorption cross-sections of 32SO2, 33SO2, 34SO2 and 36SO2 and respective quantum yields. Quantitative estimations self-shielding fractionation factors requires high-spectral resolution cross-sections, but they have not been reported yet. Here we report measurements of high-resolution cross-sections (1cm-1) and fractionation factors by SO2 photolysis including self-shielding. Moreover, because the absorption wavelength varies with each isotopologue, photolysis rate constants of all isotopologues (32S16O2, 32S16O18O, etc) should be different. Then self-shielding may affect the ratio of isotopologues such as clumped-isotopes. We calculated preliminary calculation clumped isotope enrichment in residual species by self-shielding. Reference: [1] Endo, Y., Ueno, Y., Aoyama, S., & Danielache, S. O. (2016). Sulfur isotope fractionation by broadband UV radiation to optically thin SO2 under reducing atmosphere. EPSL, 453, 9-22.

Development of BaO-ZnO-B2O3 glasses as a radiation shielding material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chanthima, N.; Kaewkhao, J.; Limkitjaroenporn, P.; Tuscharoen, S.; Kothan, S.; Tungjai, M.; Kaewjaeng, S.; Sarachai, S.; Limsuwan, P.

2017-08-01

The effects of the BaO on the optical, physical and radiation shielding properties of the xBaO: 20ZnO: (80-x)B2O3, where x=5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mol%, were investigated. The glasses were developed by the conventional melt-quenching technique at 1400 °C with high purity chemicals of H3BO3, ZnO, and BaSO4. The optical transparency of the glasses indicated that the glasses samples were high, as observed by visual inspections. The mass attenuation coefficients (μm), the effective atomic numbers (Zeff), and the effective electron densities (Ne) were increased with the increase of BaO concentrations, and the decrease of gamma-ray energy. The developed glass samples were investigated and compared with the shielding concretes and glasses in terms of half value layer (HVL). The overall results demonstrated that the developed glasses had good shielding properties, and highly practical potentials in the environmental friendly radiation shielding materials without an additional of Pb.

Design considerations for a Space Station radiation shield for protection from both man-made and natural sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bolch, Wesley E.; Peddicord, K. Lee; Felsher, Harry; Smith, Simon

1994-01-01

This study was conducted to analyze scenarios involving the use of nuclear-power vehicles in the vicinity of a manned Space Station (SS) in low-earth-orbit (LEO) to quantify their radiological impact to the station crew. In limiting the radiant dose to crew members, mission planners may (1) shut the reactor down prior to reentry, (2) position the vehicle at a prescribed parking distance, and (3) deploy radiation shield about the shutdown reactor. The current report focuses on the third option in which point-kernel gamma-ray shielding calculations were performed for a variety of shield configurations for both nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) and nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) vehicles. For a returning NTR vehicle, calculations indicate that a 14.9 MT shield would be needed to limit the integrated crew exposure to no more than 0.05 Sv over a period of six months (25 percent of the allowable exposure to man-made radiation sources). During periods of low vehicular activity in LEO, the shield may be redeployed about the SS habitation module in order to decrease crew exposures to trapped proton radiations by approximately a factor of 10. The corresponding shield mass required for deployment at a returning NEP vehicle is 2.21 MT. Additional scenarios examined include the radioactivation of various metals as might be found in tools used in EVA activities.

LDEF: Dosimetric measurement results (AO 138-7 experiment)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bourrieau, J.

1993-01-01

One of the objectives of the AO 138-7 experiment on board the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) was a total dose measurement with Thermo Luminescent Detectors (TLD 100). Two identical packages, both of them including five TLD's inside various aluminum shields, are exposed to the space environment in order to obtain the absorbed dose profile. Radiation fluence received during the total mission length was computed, taking into account the trapped particles (AE8 and AP8 models during solar maximum and minimum periods) and the cosmic rays; due to the magnetospheric shielding the solar proton fluences are negligible on the LDEF orbit. The total dose induced by these radiations inside a semi infinite plane shield of aluminum are computed with the radiation transport codes available at DERTS. The dose profile obtained is in good agreement with the evaluation by E.V. Benton. TLD readings are performed after flight; due to the mission duration increase a post flight calibration was necessary in order to cover the range of the in flight induced dose. The results obtained, similar (plus or minus 30 percent) for both packages, are compared with the dose profile computation. For thick shields it seems that the measurements exceed the forecast (about 40 percent). That can be due to a cosmic ray and trapped proton contributions coming from the backside (assumed as perfectly shielded by the LDEF structure in the computation), or to an underestimate of the proton or cosmic ray fluences. A fine structural shielding analysis should be necessary in order to determine the origin of this slight discrepancy between forecast and in flight measurements. For the less shielded dosimeters, mainly exposed to the trapped electron flux, a slight overestimation of the dose (less than 40 percent) appears. Due to the dispersion of the TLD's response, this cannot be confirmed. In practice these results obtained on board LDEF, with less than a factor 1.4 between measurements and forecast, reinforce the validity of the computation methods and models used for the long term evaluation of the radiation levels (flux and dose) encountered in space on low inclination and altitude Earth orbits.

LDEF: Dosimetric measurement results (AO 138-7 experiment)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourrieau, J.

1993-04-01

One of the objectives of the AO 138-7 experiment on board the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) was a total dose measurement with Thermo Luminescent Detectors (TLD 100). Two identical packages, both of them including five TLD's inside various aluminum shields, are exposed to the space environment in order to obtain the absorbed dose profile. Radiation fluence received during the total mission length was computed, taking into account the trapped particles (AE8 and AP8 models during solar maximum and minimum periods) and the cosmic rays; due to the magnetospheric shielding the solar proton fluences are negligible on the LDEF orbit. The total dose induced by these radiations inside a semi infinite plane shield of aluminum are computed with the radiation transport codes available at DERTS. The dose profile obtained is in good agreement with the evaluation by E.V. Benton. TLD readings are performed after flight; due to the mission duration increase a post flight calibration was necessary in order to cover the range of the in flight induced dose. The results obtained, similar (plus or minus 30 percent) for both packages, are compared with the dose profile computation. For thick shields it seems that the measurements exceed the forecast (about 40 percent). That can be due to a cosmic ray and trapped proton contributions coming from the backside (assumed as perfectly shielded by the LDEF structure in the computation), or to an underestimate of the proton or cosmic ray fluences. A fine structural shielding analysis should be necessary in order to determine the origin of this slight discrepancy between forecast and in flight measurements. For the less shielded dosimeters, mainly exposed to the trapped electron flux, a slight overestimation of the dose (less than 40 percent) appears. Due to the dispersion of the TLD's response, this cannot be confirmed. In practice these results obtained on board LDEF, with less than a factor 1.4 between measurements and forecast, reinforce the validity of the computation methods and models used for the long term evaluation of the radiation levels (flux and dose) encountered in space on low inclination and altitude Earth orbits.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding. Welding Module 4. Instructor's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Missouri Univ., Columbia. Instructional Materials Lab.

This guide is intended to assist vocational educators in teaching an eight-unit module in shielded metal arc welding. The module is part of a welding curriculum that has been designed to be totally integrated with Missouri's Vocational Instruction Management System. The following topics are covered in the module: safety; theory, power sources, and…

Performance of a Haynes 188 metallic standoff thermal protection system at Mach 7

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Avery, D. E.

1981-01-01

A flight weight, metallic thermal protection system (TPS) model applicable to reentry and hypersonic vehicles was subjected to multiple cycles of both radiant and aerothermal heating to evaluate its aerothermal performance and structural integrity. The TPS was designed for a maximum operating temperature of 1255 K and featured a shingled, corrugation stiffened corrugated skin heat shield of Haynes 188, a cobalt base alloy. The model was subjected to 3 radiant preheat/aerothermal tests for a total of 67 seconds and to 15 radiant heating tests for a total of 85.9 minutes at 1255 K. The TPS limited the primary structure to temperatures below 430 K in all tests. No catastrophic failures occurred in the heat shields, supports, or insulation system. The TPS continued to function even after exposure to a differential temperature 4 times the design value produced thermal buckles in the outer skin. The shingled thermal expansion joint effectively allowed for thermal expansion of the heat shield without allowing any appreciable hot gas flow into the model cavity, even though the overlap gap between shields increased after several thermal cycles.

The 3D Radiation Dose Analysis For Satellite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Zhenbo; Lin, Guocheng; Chen, Guozhen; Liu, Xia

2002-01-01

the earth. These particles come from the Van Allen Belt, Solar Cosmic Ray and Galaxy Cosmic Ray. They have different energy and flux, varying with time and space, and correlating with solar activity tightly. These particles interact with electrical components and materials used on satellites, producing various space radiation effects, which will damage satellite to some extent, or even affect its safety. orbit. Space energy particles inject into components and materials used on satellites, and generate radiation dose by depositing partial or entire energy in them through ionization, which causes their characteristic degradation or even failure. As a consequence, the analysis and protection for radiation dose has been paid more attention during satellite design and manufacture. Designers of satellites need to analyze accurately the space radiation dose while satellites are on orbit, and use the results as the basis for radiation protection designs and ground experiments for satellites. can be calculated, using the model of the trapped proton and the trapped electron in the Van Allen Belt (AE8 and AP8). This is the 1D radiation dose analysis for satellites. Obviously, the mass shielding from the outside space to the computed point in all directions is regarded as a simple sphere shell. The actual structure of satellites, however, is very complex. When energy particles are injecting into a given equipment inside satellite from outside space, they will travel across satellite structure, other equipment, the shell of the given equipment, and so on, which depends greatly on actual layout of satellite. This complex radiation shielding has two characteristics. One is that the shielding masses for the computed point are different in different injecting directions. The other is that for different computed points, the shielding conditions vary in all space directions. Therefore, it is very difficult to tell the differences described above using the 1D radiation analysis, and hence, it is too simple to guide satellite radiation protection and ground experiments only based on the 1D radiation analysis results. To comprehend the radiation dose status of satellite adequately, it's essential to perform 3D radiation analysis for satellites. using computer software. From this 3D layout, the satellite model can be simplified appropriately. First select the point to be analyzed in the simplified satellite model, and extend many lines to the outside space, which divides the 4 space into many corresponding small areas with a certain solid angle. Then the shielding masses through the satellite equipment and structures along each direction are calculated, resulting in the shielding mass distribution in all space directions based on the satellite layout. Finally, using the relationship between radiation dose and shielding thickness from the 1D analysis, calculate the radiation dose in each area represented by each line. After we obtain the radiation dose and its space distribution for the point of interest, the 3D satellite radiation analysis is completed. radiation analysis based on satellite 3D CAD layout has larger benefit for engineering applications than the 1D analysis based on the solid sphere shielding model. With the 3D model, the analysis of space environment and its effect is combined closely with actual satellite engineering. The 3D radiation analysis not only provides valuable engineering data for satellite radiation design and protection, but also provides possibility to apply new radiation protection approaches, which expands technology horizon and broadens ways for technology development.

Shielding Structures for Interplanetary Human Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tracino, Emanuele; Lobascio, Cesare

2012-07-01

Since the end of Apollo missions, human spaceflight has been limited to the Low Earth Orbit (LEO), inside the protective magnetic field of the Earth, because astronauts are, to the largest degree, protected from the harsh radiation environment of the interplanetary space. However, this situation will change when space exploration missions beyond LEO will become the real challenge of the human exploration program. The feasibility of these missions in the solar system is thus strongly connected to the capability to mitigate the radiation-induced biological effects on the crew during the journey and the permanence on the intended planet surface. Inside the International Space Station (ISS), the volumes in which the crew spends most of the time, namely the crew quarters are the only parts that implement dedicated additional radiation shielding made of polyethylene tiles designed for mitigating SPE effects. Furthermore, specific radiation shielding materials are often added to the described configuration to shield crew quarters or the entire habitat example of these materials are polyethylene, liquid hydrogen, etc. but, increasing the size of the exploration vehicles to bring humans beyond LEO, and without the magnetosphere protection, such approach is unsustainable because the mass involved is a huge limiting factor with the actual launcher engine technology. Moreover, shielding against GCR with materials that have a low probability of nuclear interactions and in parallel a high ionizing energy loss is not always the best solution. In particular there is the risk to increase the LET of ions arriving at the spacecraft shell, increasing their Radio-Biological Effectiveness. Besides, the production of secondary nuclei by projectile and target fragmentation is an important issue when performing an engineering assessment of materials to be used for radiation shielding. The goal of this work is to analyze different shielding solutions to increase as much as possible the radiation shielding power of the interplanetary habitat structures, like the spacecraft shell, minimizing the amount of mass used. From the radiation protection point of view the spacecraft shell is an interesting spacecraft system because it surrounds almost homogeneously all the habitat and it is typically composed by the Micrometeorites and Debris Protection Systems (MDPS), the Multilayer Insulation (MLI) for thermal control purposes, and the primary structure that offers the pressure containment functionality. Nevertheless, the spacecraft internal outfitting is important to evaluate the different shielded areas in the habitat. Using Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations toolkit through GRAS (Geant4 Radiation Analysis for Space) tool, different spacecraft structures will be analyzed for their shielding behavior in terms of fluxes, dose reduction and radiation quality, and for their implementation in a real pressurized module. Effects on astronauts and electronic equipments will be also assessed with respect to the standard aluminum structures.

Evaluation of Superconducting Magnet Shield Configurations for Long Duration Manned Space Missions

PubMed Central

Ambroglini, Filippo; Battiston, Roberto; Burger, William J.

2016-01-01

A manned mission to Mars would present an important long-term health risk to the crew members due to the prolonged exposure to the ionizing radiation of galactic cosmic-rays. The radiation levels would largely exceed those encountered in the Apollo missions. An increase in the passive shielding provided by the spacecraft implies a significant increase of the mass. The advent of superconducting magnets in the early 1960s was considered an attractive alternative. The technology allows to generate magnetic fields capable to deflect the cosmic-rays in a manner analogous to the reduction of the particle fluxes in the upper atmosphere due to the Earth’s dipole magnetic field. A series of the three studies have been conducted over the last 5 years, funded successively by European Space Agency (ESA), the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program, and the Union European’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The shielding configurations studied are based on high-temperature superconductors, which eliminate the need to operate with liquid helium. The mass estimates of the coils and supporting structure of the engineering designs are based on the current and expected near-future performance of the superconducting materials. In each case, the shield performance, in terms of dose reduction, is provided by a 3-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation, which treats in detail the electromagnetic and hadronic interactions of the galactic-cosmic rays, and the secondary particles they produce in the materials of the shield and spacecraft. A summary of the results of the studies, representing one of the most detailed and comprehensive efforts made in the field, is presented. PMID:27376023

The relationship of body mass index to diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidaemia: comparison of data from two national surveys

PubMed Central

Bays, H E; Chapman, R H; Grandy, S

2007-01-01

The objectives of this study were to explore the relation between body mass index (BMI) and prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidaemia; examine BMI distributions among patients with these conditions; and compare results from two national surveys. The Study to Help Improve Early evaluation and management of risk factors Leading to Diabetes (SHIELD) 2004 screening questionnaire (mailed survey) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 1999–2002 (interview, clinical and laboratory data) were conducted in nationally representative samples ≥ 18 years old. Responses were received from 127,420 of 200,000 households (64%, representing 211,097 adults) for SHIELD, and 4257 participants for NHANES. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidaemia was estimated within BMI categories, as was distribution of BMI levels among individuals with these diseases. Mean BMI was 27.8 kg/m2 for SHIELD and 27.9 kg/m2 for NHANES. Increased BMI was associated with increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidaemia in both studies (p < 0.001). For each condition, more than 75% of patients had BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Estimated prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension was similar in both studies, while dyslipidaemia was substantially higher in NHANES than SHIELD. In both studies, prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidaemia occurred across all ranges of BMI, but increased with higher BMI. However, not all overweight or obese patients had these metabolic diseases and not all with these conditions were overweight or obese. Except for dyslipidaemia prevalence, SHIELD was comparable with NHANES. Consumer panel surveys may be an alternative method to collect data on the relationship of BMI and metabolic diseases. PMID:17493087

Design of Two RadWorks Storm Shelters for Solar Particle Event Shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Matthew; Cerro, Jeffery; Latorella, Kara; Clowdsley, Martha; Watson, Judith; Albertson, Cindy; Norman, Ryan; Le Boffe, Vincent; Walker, Steven

2014-01-01

In order to enable long-duration human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, the risks associated with exposure of astronaut crews to space radiation must be mitigated with practical and affordable solutions. The space radiation environment beyond the magnetosphere is primarily a combination of two types of radiation: galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events (SPE). While mitigating GCR exposure remains an open issue, reducing astronaut exposure to SPEs is achievable through material shielding because they are made up primarily of medium-energy protons. In order to ensure astronaut safety for long durations beyond low-Earth orbit, SPE radiation exposure must be mitigated. However, the increasingly demanding spacecraft propulsive performance for these ambitious missions requires minimal mass and volume radiation shielding solutions which leverage available multi-functional habitat structures and logistics as much as possible. This paper describes the efforts of NASA's RadWorks Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Project to design two minimal mass SPE radiation shelter concepts leveraging available resources: one based upon reconfiguring habitat interiors to create a centralized protection area and one based upon augmenting individual crew quarters with waterwalls and logistics. Discussion items include the design features of the concepts, a radiation analysis of their implementations, an assessment of the parasitic mass of each concept, and the result of a human in the loop evaluation performed to drive out design and operational issues.

A deployable high temperature superconducting coil (DHTSC) - A novel concept for producing magnetic shields against both solar flare and Galactic radiation during manned interplanetary missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cocks, F. Hadley

1991-01-01

The discovery of materials which are superconducting above 100 K makes possible the use of superconducting coils deployed beyong the hull of an interplanetary spacecraft to produce a magnetic shield capable of giving protection not only against solar flare radiation, but also even against Galactic radiation. Such deployed coils can be of very large size and can thus achieve the great magnetic moments required using only relatively low currents. Deployable high-temperature-superconducting coil magnetic shields appear to offer very substantial reductions in mass and energy compared to other concepts and could readily provide the radiation protection needed for a Mars mission or space colonies.

Novel shielding materials for space and air travel.

PubMed

Vana, N; Hajek, M; Berger, T; Fugger, M; Hofmann, P

2006-01-01

The reduction of dose onboard spacecraft and aircraft by appropriate shielding measures plays an essential role in the future development of space exploration and air travel. The design of novel shielding strategies and materials may involve hydrogenous composites, as it is well known that liquid hydrogen is most effective in attenuating charged particle radiation. As precursor for a later flight experiment, the shielding properties of newly developed hydrogen-rich polymers and rare earth-doped high-density rubber were tested in various ground-based neutron and heavy ion fields and compared with aluminium and polyethylene as reference materials. Absorbed dose, average linear energy transfer and gamma-equivalent neutron absorbed dose were determined by means of LiF:Mg,Ti thermoluminescence dosemeters and CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors. First results for samples of equal aerial density indicate that selected hydrogen-rich plastics and rare-earth-doped rubber may be more effective in attenuating cosmic rays by up to 10% compared with conventional aluminium shielding. The appropriate adaptation of shielding thicknesses may thus allow reducing the biologically relevant dose. Owing to the lower density of the plastic composites, mass savings shall result in a significant reduction of launch costs. The experiment was flown as part of the European Space Agency's Biopan-5 mission in May 2005.

The Extremely Metal-Poor Dwarf Galaxy AGC 198691

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirschauer, Alec S.; Salzer, John Joseph; Cannon, John M.; Skillman, Evan D.; SHIELD II Team

2016-01-01

We present spectroscopic observations of the nearby dwarf irregular galaxy AGC 198691. This object is part of the Survey of HI in Extremely Low-Mass Dwarfs (SHIELD) sample, which consists of ultra-low HI mass galaxies discovered by the Arecibo Legacy Fast-Acting ALFA (ALFALFA) survey. SHIELD is a multi-configuration Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA) study of the neutral gas content and dynamics of galaxies with HI masses in the range of 106-107 M⊙. Our spectral data were obtained using the new high-throughput KPNO Ohio State Multi-Object Spectrograph (KOSMOS) on the Mayall 4-m telescope as part of a systematic study of the nebular abundances in the SHIELD galaxy sample. These observations enable measurement of the temperature sensitive [OIII]λ4363 line and hence the determination of a "direct" oxygen abundance for AGC 198691. We find this system to be an extremely metal-deficient (XMD) galaxy with an oxygen abundance comparable to such objects as I Zw 18, SBS 0335-052W, Leo P, and DDO 68 - the lowest metallicity star-forming systems known. It is worth noting that two of the five lowest-abundance galaxies currently recognized were discovered via the ALFALFA blind HI survey. These XMD galaxies are potential analogues to the first star-forming systems, which through hierarchical accretion processes built up the large galaxies we observe today in the local Universe. Detailed analysis of such XMD systems offers observational constraint to models of galactic evolution and star formation histories to allow a better understanding of the processes that govern the chemical evolution of low-mass galaxies.

Shielding calculation and criticality safety analysis of spent fuel transportation cask in research reactors.

PubMed

Mohammadi, A; Hassanzadeh, M; Gharib, M

2016-02-01

In this study, shielding calculation and criticality safety analysis were carried out for general material testing reactor (MTR) research reactors interim storage and relevant transportation cask. During these processes, three major terms were considered: source term, shielding, and criticality calculations. The Monte Carlo transport code MCNP5 was used for shielding calculation and criticality safety analysis and ORIGEN2.1 code for source term calculation. According to the results obtained, a cylindrical cask with body, top, and bottom thicknesses of 18, 13, and 13 cm, respectively, was accepted as the dual-purpose cask. Furthermore, it is shown that the total dose rates are below the normal transport criteria that meet the standards specified. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Changes in entrance surface dose in relation to the location of shielding material in chest computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Y. M.; Cho, J. H.; Kim, S. C.

2015-07-01

This study examined the effects of entrance surface dose (ESD) on the abdomen and pelvis of the patient when undergoing chest computed tomography (CT) procedure, and evaluated the effects of ESD reduction depending on the location of radiation shield. For CT scanner, the 64-slice multi-detector computed tomography was used. The alderson radiation therapy phantom and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD), which enabled measurement from low to high dose, were also used. For measurement of radiation dose, the slice number from 9 to 21 of the phantom was set as the test range, which included apex up to both costophrenic angles. A total of 10 OSLD nanoDots were attached for measurement of the front and rear ESD. Cyclic tests were performed using the low-dose chest CT and high-resolution CT (HRCT) protocol on the following set-ups: without shielding; shielding only on the front side; shielding only on the rear side; and shielding for both front and rear sides. According to the test results, ESD for both front and rear sides was higher in HRCT than low-dose CT when radiation shielding was not used. It was also determined that, compared to the set-up that did not use the radiation shield, locating the radiation shield on the front side was effective in reducing front ESD, while locating the radiation shield on the rear side reduced rear ESD level. Shielding both the front and rear sides resulted in ESD reduction. In conclusion, it was confirmed that shielding the front and rear sides was the most effective method to reduce the ESD effect caused by scatter ray during radiography.

The processing of enriched germanium for the Majorana Demonstrator and R&D for a next generation double-beta decay experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone III, F. T.

The Majorana Demonstrator is an array of point-contact Ge detectors fabricated from Ge isotopically enriched to 88% in 76Ge to search for neutrinoless double beta decay. The processing of Ge for germanium detectors is a well-known technology. However, because of the high cost of Ge enriched in 76Ge special procedures were required to maximize the yield of detector mass and to minimize exposure to cosmic rays. These procedures include careful accounting for the material; shielding it to reduce cosmogenic generation of radioactive isotopes; and development of special reprocessing techniques for contaminated solid germanium, shavings, grindings, acid etchant and cutting fluidsmore » from detector fabrication. Processing procedures were developed that resulted in a total yield in detector mass of 70%. However, none of the acid-etch solution and only 50% of the cutting fluids from detector fabrication were reprocessed. Had they been processed, the projections for the recovery yield would be between 80% and 85%. Maximizing yield is critical to justify a possible future ton-scale experiment. A process for recovery of germanium from the acid-etch solution was developed with yield of about 90%. All material was shielded or stored underground whenever possible to minimize the formation of 68Ge by cosmic rays, which contributes background in the double-beta decay region of interest and cannot be removed by zone refinement and crystal growth. Formation of 68Ge was reduced by a significant factor over that in natural abundance detectors not protected from cosmic rays.« less

The processing of enriched germanium for the Majorana   Demonstrator  and R&D for a next generation double-beta decay experiment

DOE PAGES

Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone III, F. T.; ...

2017-10-07

The Majorana Demonstrator is an array of point-contact Ge detectors fabricated from Ge isotopically enriched to 88% in 76Ge to search for neutrinoless double beta decay. The processing of Ge for germanium detectors is a well-known technology. However, because of the high cost of Ge enriched in 76Ge special procedures were required to maximize the yield of detector mass and to minimize exposure to cosmic rays. These procedures include careful accounting for the material; shielding it to reduce cosmogenic generation of radioactive isotopes; and development of special reprocessing techniques for contaminated solid germanium, shavings, grindings, acid etchant and cutting fluidsmore » from detector fabrication. Processing procedures were developed that resulted in a total yield in detector mass of 70%. However, none of the acid-etch solution and only 50% of the cutting fluids from detector fabrication were reprocessed. Had they been processed, the projections for the recovery yield would be between 80% and 85%. Maximizing yield is critical to justify a possible future ton-scale experiment. A process for recovery of germanium from the acid-etch solution was developed with yield of about 90%. All material was shielded or stored underground whenever possible to minimize the formation of 68Ge by cosmic rays, which contributes background in the double-beta decay region of interest and cannot be removed by zone refinement and crystal growth. Formation of 68Ge was reduced by a significant factor over that in natural abundance detectors not protected from cosmic rays.« less

The processing of enriched germanium for the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR and R&D for a next generation double-beta decay experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone, F. T., III; Barabash, A. S.; Bertrand, F. E.; Bradley, A. W.; Brudanin, V.; Busch, M.; Buuck, M.; Caja, J.; Caja, M.; Caldwell, T. S.; Christofferson, C. D.; Chu, P.-H.; Cuesta, C.; Detwiler, J. A.; Dunagan, C.; Dunstan, D. T.; Efremenko, Yu.; Ejiri, H.; Elliott, S. R.; Gilliss, T.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Goett, J.; Green, M. P.; Gruszko, J.; Guinn, I. S.; Guiseppe, V. E.; Haufe, C. R. S.; Henning, R.; Hoppe, E. W.; Jasinski, B. R.; Kidd, M. F.; Konovalov, S. I.; Kouzes, R. T.; Lopez, A. M.; MacMullin, J.; Martin, R. D.; Massarczyk, R.; Meijer, S. J.; Mertens, S.; Meyer, J. H.; Myslik, J.; O'Shaughnessy, C.; Poon, A. W. P.; Radford, D. C.; Rager, J.; Reine, A. L.; Reising, J. A.; Rielage, K.; Robertson, R. G. H.; Shanks, B.; Shirchenko, M.; Suriano, A. M.; Tedeschi, D.; Toth, L. M.; Trimble, J. E.; Varner, R. L.; Vasilyev, S.; Vetter, K.; Vorren, K.; White, B. R.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Wiseman, C.; Xu, W.; Yakushev, E.; Yu, C.-H.; Yumatov, V.; Zhitnikov, I.; Zhu, B. X.

2018-01-01

The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR is an array of point-contact Ge detectors fabricated from Ge isotopically enriched to 88% in 76 Ge to search for neutrinoless double beta decay. The processing of Ge for germanium detectors is a well-known technology. However, because of the high cost of Ge enriched in 76 Ge special procedures were required to maximize the yield of detector mass and to minimize exposure to cosmic rays. These procedures include careful accounting for the material; shielding it to reduce cosmogenic generation of radioactive isotopes; and development of special reprocessing techniques for contaminated solid germanium, shavings, grindings, acid etchant and cutting fluids from detector fabrication. Processing procedures were developed that resulted in a total yield in detector mass of 70%. However, none of the acid-etch solution and only 50% of the cutting fluids from detector fabrication were reprocessed. Had they been processed, the projections for the recovery yield would be between 80% and 85%. Maximizing yield is critical to justify a possible future ton-scale experiment. A process for recovery of germanium from the acid-etch solution was developed with yield of about 90%. All material was shielded or stored underground whenever possible to minimize the formation of 68Ge by cosmic rays, which contributes background in the double-beta decay region of interest and cannot be removed by zone refinement and crystal growth. Formation of 68Ge was reduced by a significant factor over that in natural abundance detectors not protected from cosmic rays.

The processing of enriched germanium for the Majorana Demonstrator and R&D for a next generation double-beta decay experiment

DOE PAGES

Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone III, F. T.; ...

2017-10-07

The Majorana Demonstrator is an array of point-contact Ge detectors fabricated from Ge isotopically enriched to 88% in 76Ge to search for neutrinoless double beta decay. The processing of Ge for germanium detectors is a well-known technology. However, because of the high cost of Ge enriched in 76Ge special procedures were required to maximize the yield of detector mass and to minimize exposure to cosmic rays. These procedures include careful accounting for the material; shielding it to reduce cosmogenic generation of radioactive isotopes; and development of special reprocessing techniques for contaminated solid germanium, shavings, grindings, acid etchant and cutting fluidsmore » from detector fabrication. Processing procedures were developed that resulted in a total yield in detector mass of 70%. However, none of the acid-etch solution and only 50% of the cutting fluids from detector fabrication were reprocessed. Had they been processed, the projections for the recovery yield would be between 80% and 85%. Maximizing yield is critical to justify a possible future ton-scale experiment. A process for recovery of germanium from the acid-etch solution was developed with yield of about 90%. All material was shielded or stored underground whenever possible to minimize the formation of 68Ge by cosmic rays, which contributes background in the double-beta decay region of interest and cannot be removed by zone refinement and crystal growth. Formation of 68Ge was reduced by a significant factor over that in natural abundance detectors not protected from cosmic rays.« less

Comparing Trash Disposal and Reuse Options for Deep Space Gateway and Mars Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ewert, Michael; Broyan, James; Goodliff, Kandyce; Clowdsley, Martha; Singleterry, Robert

2017-01-01

Taking out the trash at NASA's newly proposed Deep Space Gateway (DSG) will not be a trivial task. While not the most important aspect of planning this cislunar outpost, there are several options that should be carefully considered since they may affect the crew as well as mission mass and volume. This study extends an earlier one, which focused on waste disposal options for a Mars Transit Vehicle. In that study, gasifying and venting trash along the way was found to noticeably reduce propellant needs and launch mass, whereas keeping processed trash on board in the form of radiation shielding tiles would significantly lower the crew's radiation dose during a solar particle event. Another favorable strategy was packing trash in a used logistics module for disposal. Since the DSG does not need much propulsion to maintain its orbit and Orion will be present with its own radiation storm shelter at the Gateway, the driving factors of the waste disposal trade study are different than for the Mars mission. Besides reviewing the propulsion and radiation shielding factors, potential drivers such as mass, power, volume, crew time, and human factors (e.g. smell) were studied. Disposal options for DSG include jettison of a used logistics module containing waste after every human stay, jettison of the same logistics module after several missions once it is full, regular disposal of trash via an airlock, or gasifying waste products for easier disposal or reuse. Conversely, a heat melt compactor device could be used to remove water and stabilize trash into tiles which could be more compactly stored on board and used as radiation shielding. Equivalent system mass analysis is used to tally the benefits and costs (mass, volume, power, crew time) of each case on an equivalent mass basis. Other more subjective factors are also discussed. Recommendations are made for DSG and Mars mission waste disposal.

Distribution of culturable microorganisms in Fennoscandian Shield groundwater.

PubMed

Haveman, Shelley A; Pedersen, Karsten

2002-02-01

Microbial populations in 16 groundwater samples from six Fennoscandian Shield sites in Finland and Sweden were investigated. The average total cell number was 3.7x10(5) cells ml(-1), and there was no change in the mean of the total cell numbers to a depth of 1390 m. Culture media were designed based on the chemical composition of each groundwater sample and used successfully to culture anaerobic microorganisms from all samples between 65 and 1350 m depth. Between 0.0084 and 14.8% of total cells were cultured from groundwater samples. Sulfate-reducing bacteria, iron-reducing bacteria and heterotrophic acetogenic bacteria were cultured from groundwater sampled at 65-686 m depth in geographically distant sites. Different microbial populations were cultured from deeper, older and more saline groundwater from 863 to 1350 m depth. Principal component analysis of groundwater chemistry data showed that sulfate- and iron-reducing bacteria were not detected in the most saline groundwater. Iron-reducing bacteria and acetogens were cultured from deep groundwater that contained 0.35-3.5 mM sulfate, while methanogens and acetogens were cultured from deep sulfate-depleted groundwater. In one borehole from which autotrophic methanogens were cultured, dissolved inorganic carbon was enriched in (13)C compared to other Fennoscandian Shield groundwater samples, suggesting that autotrophs were active. It can be concluded that a diverse microbial community is present from the surface to over 1300 m depth in the Fennoscandian Shield.

On the Mechanism for a Gravity Effect Using Type 2 Superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robertson, Glen A.

1999-01-01

In this paper, we formulate a percent mass change equation based on Woodward's transient mass shift and the Cavendish balance equations applied to superconductor Josephson junctions, A correction to the transient mass shift equation is presented due to the emission of the mass energy from the superconductor. The percentage of mass change predicted by the equation was estimated against the maximum percent mass change reported by Podkletnov in his gravity shielding experiments. An experiment is then discussed, which could shed light on the transient mass shift near superconductor and verify the corrected gravitational potential.

Reduction of scatter radiation during transradial percutaneous coronary angiography: a randomized trial using a lead-free radiation shield.

PubMed

Politi, Luigi; Biondi-Zoccai, Giuseppe; Nocetti, Luca; Costi, Tiziana; Monopoli, Daniel; Rossi, Rosario; Sgura, Fabio; Modena, Maria Grazia; Sangiorgi, Giuseppe M

2012-01-01

Occupational radiation exposure is a growing problem due to the increasing number and complexity of interventional procedures performed. Radial artery access has reduced the number of complications at the price of longer procedure duration. Radpad® scatter protection is a sterile, disposable bismuth-barium radiation shield drape that should be able to decrease the dose of operator radiation during diagnostic and interventional procedures. Such radiation shield has never been tested in a randomized study in humans. Sixty consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography by radial approach were randomized 1:1 to Radpad use versus no radiation shield protection. The sterile shield was placed around the area of right radial artery sheath insertion and extended medially to the patient trunk. All diagnostic procedures were performed by the same operator to reduce variability in radiation absorption. Radiation exposure was measured blindly using thermoluminescence dosimeters positioned at the operator's chest, left eye, left wrist, and thyroid. Despite similar fluoroscopy time (3.52 ± 2.71 min vs. 3.46 ± 2.77 min, P = 0.898) and total examination dose (50.5 ± 30.7 vs. 45.8 ± 18.0 Gycm(2), P = 0.231), the mean total radiation exposure to the operator was significantly lower when Radpad was utilized (282.8 ± 32.55 μSv vs. 367.8 ± 105.4 μSv, P < 0.0001) corresponding to a 23% total reduction. Moreover, mean radiation exposure was lower with Radpad utilization at all body locations ranging from 13 to 34% reduction. This first-in-men randomized trial demonstrates that Radpad significantly reduces occupational radiation exposure during coronary angiography performed through right radial artery access. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Stress shielding of the humerus in press-fit anatomic shoulder arthroplasty: review and recommendations for evaluation.

PubMed

Denard, Patrick J; Raiss, Patric; Gobezie, Reuben; Edwards, T Bradley; Lederman, Evan

2018-06-01

Uncemented press-fit humeral stems were developed with the goal of decreasing operative time, preserving bone stock, and easing revision. In recent years, short stems and stemless humeral implants have also become available. These press-fit humeral implants have varying designs that can lead to changes in stress distribution in the proximal humerus. Such stress shielding manifests as bony adaptations and may affect long-term functional outcome and the ability to perform revision. However, current studies of humeral fixation during total shoulder arthroplasty are complicated because a variety of classification systems have been used to report findings. The purpose of this report is to review the current literature on press-fit fixation of the humeral component during total shoulder arthroplasty and propose minimum requirements for radiographic descriptions of stress shielding. Copyright © 2017 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An evaluation of radiation damage to solid state components flown in low earth orbit satellites.

PubMed

Shin, Myung-Won; Kim, Myung-Hyun

2004-01-01

The effects of total ionising radiation dose upon commercial off-the-shelf semiconductors fitted to satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO) conditions was evaluated. The evaluation was performed for the Korea Institute of Technology SATellite-1, (KITSAT-1) which was equipped with commercial solid state components. Two approximate calculation models for space radiation shielding were developed. Verification was performed by comparing the results with detailed three-dimensional calculations using the Monte-Carlo method and measured data from KITSAT-1. It was confirmed that the developed approximate models were reliable for satellite shielding calculations. It was also found that commercial semiconductor devices, which were not radiation hardened, could be damaged within their lifetime due to the total ionising dose they are subject to in the LEO environment. To conclude, an intensive shielding analysis should be considered when commercial devices are used.

Scanning of vehicles for nuclear materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katz, J. I.

2014-05-01

Might a nuclear-armed terrorist group or state use ordinary commerce to deliver a nuclear weapon by smuggling it in a cargo container or vehicle? This delivery method would be the only one available to a sub-state actor, and it might enable a state to make an unattributed attack. Detection of a weapon or fissile material smuggled in this manner is difficult because of the large volume and mass available for shielding. Here I review methods for screening cargo containers to detect the possible presence of nuclear threats. Because of the large volume of innocent international commerce, and the cost and disruption of secondary screening by opening and inspection, it is essential that the method be rapid and have a low false-positive rate. Shielding can prevent the detection of neutrons emitted spontaneously or by induced fission. The two promising methods are muon tomography and high energy X-radiography. If they do not detect a shielded threat object they can detect the shield itself.

Scanning of vehicles for nuclear materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Katz, J. I.

2014-05-09

Might a nuclear-armed terrorist group or state use ordinary commerce to deliver a nuclear weapon by smuggling it in a cargo container or vehicle? This delivery method would be the only one available to a sub-state actor, and it might enable a state to make an unattributed attack. Detection of a weapon or fissile material smuggled in this manner is difficult because of the large volume and mass available for shielding. Here I review methods for screening cargo containers to detect the possible presence of nuclear threats. Because of the large volume of innocent international commerce, and the cost andmore » disruption of secondary screening by opening and inspection, it is essential that the method be rapid and have a low false-positive rate. Shielding can prevent the detection of neutrons emitted spontaneously or by induced fission. The two promising methods are muon tomography and high energy X-radiography. If they do not detect a shielded threat object they can detect the shield itself.« less

VUV pressure-broadening in sulfur dioxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyons, J. R.; Herde, H.; Stark, G.; Blackie, D. S.; Pickering, J. C.; de Oliveira, N.

2018-05-01

In the pre-oxygenated ancient Earth atmosphere, the lack of O3 absorption allowed ultraviolet photodissociation of numerous molecules in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. For molecules with narrow line-type absorption spectra, optically thick columns would have produced isotope fractionation due to self-shielding of the most abundant isotopologues. In the lower atmosphere pressure broadening would modify, and in some cases, eliminate these isotope signatures. Shielding is particularly important for quantifying or constraining photolysis-derived isotope effects, such as those believed to explain the sulfur mass-independent fractionation in Archean sedimentary rocks. Here, we report pressure broadening coefficients for natural abundance SO2 in theC˜1B2 ←X˜1A1 band system at 215 nm. For gas bath pressures up to 750 mbar, we find broadening coefficients of 0.30 ± 0.03 cm-1 atm-1 and 0.40 ± 0.04 cm-1 atm-1 for N2 and CO2, respectively. These broadening coefficients are ∼30% larger than SO2 broadening coefficients previously measured in the B˜ -X˜ bands at 308 nm. Because of the highly congested nature of the C˜ -X˜ bands, pressure broadening in the early Earth troposphere will cause line profile overlap that will diminish the self-shielding-derived mass-independent isotope fractionation for optically thick SO2 columns. Thus, non-explosive volcanic eruptions may not have left a signature of SO2 self-shielding in the ancient sedimentary rock record.

A Review of Radiolysis Concerns for Water Shielding in Fission Surface Power Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schoenfeld, Michael P.

2008-01-01

This paper presents an overview of radiolysis concerns with regard to water shields for fission surface power. A review of the radiolysis process is presented and key parameters and trends are identified. From this understanding of the radiolytic decomposition of water, shield pressurization and corrosion are identified as the primary concerns. Existing experimental and modeling data addressing concerns are summarized. It was found that radiolysis of pure water in a closed volume results in minimal, if any net decomposition, and therefore reduces the potential for shield pressurization and corrosion. With the space program focus m emphasize more on permanent return to the Moon and eventually manned exploration of Mars, there has been a renewed look at fission power to meet the difficult technical & design challenges associated with this effort. This is due to the ability of fission power to provide a power rich environment that is insensitive to solar intensity and related aspects such as duration of night, dusty environments, and distance from the sun, etc. One critical aspect in the utilization of fission power for these applications of manned exploration is shielding. Although not typically considered for space applications, water shields have been identified as one potential option due to benefits in mass savings and reduced development cost and technical risk (Poston, 2006). However, the water shield option requires demonstration of its ability to meet key technical challenges including such things as adequate natural circulation for thermal management and capability for operational periods up to 8 years. Thermal management concerns have begun to be addressed and are not expected to be a problem (Pearson, 2007). One significant concern remaining is the ability to maintain the shield integrity through its operational lifetime. Shield integrity could be compromised through shield pressurization and corrosion resulting from the radiolytic decomposition of water.

Effect of Alternate Supply of Shielding Gases of Tungsten Inert Gas Welding on Mechanical Properties of Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinde, Neelam Vilas; Telsang, Martand Tamanacharya

2016-07-01

In the present study, an attempt is made to study the effect of alternate supply of the shielding gas in comparison with the conventional method of TIG welding with pure argon gas. The two sets of combination are used as 10-10 and 40-20 s for alternate supply of the Argon and Helium shielding gas respectively. The effect of alternate supply of shielding gas is studied on the mechanical properties like bend test, tensile test and impact test. The full factorial experimental design is applied for three set of combinations. The ANOVA is used to find significant parameters for the process and regression analysis used to develop the mathematical model. The result shows that the alternate supply of the shielding gas for 10-10 s provides better result for the bend, tensile and impact test as compared with the conventional argon gas and the alternate supply of 40-20 s argon and helium gas respectively. Welding speed can be increased for alternate supply of the shielding gas that can reduce the total welding cost.

Fiber-optic temperature profiling for thermal protection system heat shields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Black, Richard J.; Costa, Joannes M.; Zarnescu, Livia; Hackney, Drew A.; Moslehi, Behzad; Peters, Kara J.

2016-11-01

To achieve better designs for spacecraft heat shields for missions requiring atmospheric aero-capture or entry/reentry, reliable thermal protection system (TPS) sensors are needed. Such sensors will provide both risk reduction and heat-shield mass minimization, which will facilitate more missions and enable increased payloads and returns. This paper discusses TPS thermal measurements provided by a temperature monitoring system involving lightweight, electromagnetic interference-immune, high-temperature resistant fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors with a thermal mass near that of TPS materials together with fast FBG sensor interrogation. Such fiber-optic sensing technology is highly sensitive and accurate, as well as suitable for high-volume production. Multiple sensing FBGs can be fabricated as arrays on a single fiber for simplified design and reduced cost. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the temperature monitoring system using multisensor FBG arrays embedded in a small-size super-light ablator (SLA) coupon which was thermally loaded to temperatures in the vicinity of the SLA charring temperature. In addition, a high-temperature FBG array was fabricated and tested for 1000°C operation, and the temperature dependence considered over the full range (cryogenic to high temperature) for which silica fiber FBGs have been subjected.

TID Effects of High-Z Material Spot Shields on FPGA Using MPTB Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hardage, Donna (Technical Monitor); Crain, S. H.; Mazur, J. E.; Looper, M. D.

2003-01-01

An experiment on the Microelectronics and Photonics Test Bed (MPTB) was testing lield programmable gate arrays using spot shields to extend the life of some of the devices being tested. It was expected that the unshielded parts would fail from a total ionizing dose (TID) and yet the opposite occurred. The data show that the devices failing from the TID effects are those with the spot shields attached. This effort is to determine the mechanism by which the environment is interacting with the high-Z material to enhance the TID in these field programmable gate arrays.

Foam core shield (FCS) systems : a new dual - purpose technology for shielding against meteoroid strike damage and for thermal control of spacecrafts/satellite components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Marc A.; Zwissler, James G.; Hayes, Charles; Fabensky, Beth; Cornelison, Charles; Alexander, Lesley; Bishop, Karen

2005-01-01

A new technology is being developed that can protect spacecraft and satellite components against damage from meteoroid strikes and control the thermal environment of the protected components. This technology, called Foam Core Shield (FCS) systems, has the potential to replace the multi-layer insulation blankets (MLI) that have been used on spacecraft for decades. In order to be an attractive candidate for replacing MLI, FCS systems should not only provide superior protection against meteoroid strikes but also provide an equal or superior ability to control the temperature of the protected component. Properly designed FCS systems can provide these principal functions, meteoroid strike protection and thermal control, with lower system mass and a smaller system envelope than ML.

Free jet feasibility study of a thermal acoustic shield concept for AST/VCE application-dual flow. Comprehensive data report. Volume 1: Test nozzles and acoustic data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janardan, B. A.; Brausch, J. F.; Price, A. O.

1984-01-01

Acoustic and diagnostic data that were obtained to determine the influence of selected geometric and aerodynamic flow variables of coannular nozzles with thermal acoustic shields are summarized in this comprehensive data report. A total of 136 static and simulated flight acoustic test points were conducted with 9 scale-model nozzles The tested nozzles included baseline (unshielded), 180 deg shielded, and 360 deg shielded dual flow coannular plug configurations. The baseline configurations include a high radius ratio unsuppressed coannular plug nozzle and a coanuular plug nozzle and a coannular plug nozzle with a 20-chute outer stream suppressor. The tests were conducted at nozzle temperatures and pressure typical of operating conditions of variable cycle engine.

Aerothermodynamic optimization of Earth entry blunt body heat shields for Lunar and Mars return

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Joshua E.

A differential evolutionary algorithm has been executed to optimize the hypersonic aerodynamic and stagnation-point heat transfer performance of Earth entry heat shields for Lunar and Mars return manned missions with entry velocities of 11 and 12.5 km/s respectively. The aerothermodynamic performance of heat shield geometries with lift-to-drag ratios up to 1.0 is studied. Each considered heat shield geometry is composed of an axial profile tailored to fit a base cross section. Axial profiles consist of spherical segments, spherically blunted cones, and power laws. Heat shield cross sections include oblate and prolate ellipses, rounded-edge parallelograms, and blendings of the two. Aerothermodynamic models are based on modified Newtonian impact theory with semi-empirical correlations for convection and radiation. Multi-objective function optimization is performed to determine optimal trade-offs between performance parameters. Objective functions consist of minimizing heat load and heat flux and maximizing down range and cross range. Results indicate that skipping trajectories allow for vehicles with L/D = 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 at lunar return flight conditions to produce maximum cross ranges of 950, 1500, and 3000 km respectively before Qs,tot increases dramatically. Maximum cross range increases by ˜20% with an increase in entry velocity from 11 to 12.5 km/s. Optimal configurations for all three lift-to-drag ratios produce down ranges up to approximately 26,000 km for both lunar and Mars return. Assuming a 10,000 kg mass and L/D = 0.27, the current Orion configuration is projected to experience a heat load of approximately 68 kJ/cm2 for Mars return flight conditions. For both L/D = 0.3 and 0.5, a 30% increase in entry vehicle mass from 10,000 kg produces a 20-30% increase in Qs,tot. For a given L/D, highly-eccentric heat shields do not produce greater cross range or down range. With a 5 g deceleration limit and L/D = 0.3, a highly oblate cross section with an eccentricity of 0.968 produces a 35% reduction in heat load over designs with zero eccentricity due to the eccentric heat shield's greater drag area that allows the vehicle to decelerate higher in the atmosphere. In this case, the heat shield's drag area is traded off with volumetric efficiency while fulfilling the given set of mission requirements. Additionally, the high radius-of-curvature of the spherical segment axial profile provides the best combination of heat transfer and aerodynamic performance for both entry velocities and a 5 g deceleration limit.

Spacecraft Shielding: An Experimental Comparison Between Open Cell Aluminium Foam Core Sandwich Panel Structures and Whipple Shielding.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasini, D. L. S.; Price, M. C.; Burchell, M. J.; Cole, M. J.

2013-09-01

Spacecraft shielding is generally provided by metallic plates in a Whipple shield type configuration [1] where possible. However, mission restrictions such as spacecraft payload mass, can prevent the inclusion of a dedicated protective structure for prevention against impact damage from micrometeoroids. Due to this, often the spacecraft's primary structure will act as the de facto shield. This is commonly an aluminium honeycomb backed with either glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) or aluminium faceplates [2]. Such materials are strong, lightweight and relatively cheap due to their abundance used within the aerospace industry. However, these materials do not offer the best protection (per unit weight) against hypervelocity impact damage. A new material for shielding (porous aluminium foam [3]) is suggested for low risk space missions. Previous studies by NASA [4] have been performed to test this new material against hypervelocity impacts using spherical aluminium projectiles. This showed its potential for protection for satellites in Earth orbit, against metallic space debris. Here we demonstrate the material's protective capabilities against micrometeoroids, using soda-lime glass spheres as projectiles to accurately gauge its potential with relation to silicatious materials, such as micrometeoroids and natural solar system debris. This is useful for spacecraft missions beyond Earth orbit where solar system materials are the dominant threat (via hypervelocity impacts) to the spacecraft, rather than manmade debris.

Naphthalene Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging of Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Heat Shield Ablation Products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Combs, Christopher S.; Clemens, Noel T.; Danehy, Paul M.

2013-11-01

The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) calls for an ablative heat shield. In order to better design this heat shield and others that will undergo planetary entry, an improved understanding of the ablation process is required. Given that ablation is a multi-physics process involving heat and mass transfer, codes aiming to predict heat shield ablation are in need of experimental data pertaining to the turbulent transport of ablation products for validation. At The University of Texas at Austin, a technique is being developed that uses planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) of a low-temperature sublimating ablator (naphthalene) to visualize the transport of ablation products in a supersonic flow. Since ablation at reentry temperatures can be difficult to recreate in a laboratory setting it is desirable to create a limited physics problem and simulate the ablation process at relatively low temperature conditions using naphthalene. A scaled Orion MPCV model with a solid naphthalene heat shield has been tested in a Mach 5 wind tunnel at various angles of attack in the current work. PLIF images have shown high concentrations of scalar in the capsule wake region, intermittent turbulent structures on the heat shield surface, and interesting details of the capsule shear layer structure. This work was supported by a NASA Office of the Chief Technologist's Space Technology Research Fellowship (NNX11AN55H).

Mass attenuation coefficients of X-rays in different barite concrete used in radiation protection as shielding against ionizing radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almeida Junior, T. Airton; Nogueira, M. S.; Vivolo, V.; Potiens, M. P. A.; Campos, L. L.

2017-11-01

The probability of a photon interacting in a particular way with a given material, per unit path length, is usually called the linear attenuation coefficient (μ), and it is of great importance in radiation shielding. Plates of barite concrete with different thickness were fabricated in order to determining their mass attenuation coefficients at different energies. The plates were irradiated with ISO X-ray beams (N60, N80, N110 and N150), generated by Pantak HF320 X-ray equipment, at the IPEN laboratory. The mass attenuation coefficients of barite concrete have been measured using X-ray attenuation for different thicknesses of barite concrete qualities of the ISO. The attenuator material issued from different regions of Brazil. The experimental procedure in this research was validated by comparison between the experimental measurements of mass attenuation coefficients and coefficients determined by the same atomic composition, using as a tool to XCOM. The highest value of (μ/ρ) found experimentally was in the energy of 48 keV, in ISO 60 N quality, being 1.32(±0.49) for purple barite; 1.47(±0.41) for white barite and 1.75(±0.41) for cream barite. The determination of the chemical composition of the barite samples was of fundamental importance for the characterization of these materials. It can be seen that both calculated and measured data for the linear attenuation coefficients increase with the increasing materials density, as it is expected. It can be concluded that the photon attenuation coefficients depends on the photon energy and the materials density is the main contribution to the photon attenuation coefficients, which is important for radiation shielding.

Metallic orthopaedic implants and airport metal detectors.

PubMed

Kamineni, S; Legge, S; Ware, H

2002-01-01

Airport security can detect in vivo metallic implants. We hypothesized that a soft tissue shield and fast transit through archway detectors would decrease implant detectability, whereas greater implant mass would increase detectability. Twelve patients with 8 orthopaedic implants in vivo and 60 trauma and arthroplasty implants in vitro were subjected to standard airport security measures at Stanstead Airport (British Airports Authority), including arch and standard and nonstandard hand-held detectors. Archway detectors failed to detect some implants; hand-held detectors detected almost all implants except an ankle arthroplasty. Positive archway detection was related to implant transit speed through the detection field. The implant mass consistently affected detection in stainless steel and titanium implants, and a 1-inch wax shield had no effect. Patients with metallic implants should prepare routinely with documentation of their implant before traveling through security ports.

Bone preserving level of osteotomy in short-stem total hip arthroplasty does not influence stress shielding dimensions - a comparing finite elements analysis.

PubMed

Burchard, Rene; Braas, Sabrina; Soost, Christian; Graw, Jan Adriaan; Schmitt, Jan

2017-08-07

The main objective of every new development in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the longest possible survival of the implant. Periprosthetic stress shielding is a scientifically proven phenomenon which leads to inadvertent bone loss. So far, many studies have analysed whether implanting different hip stem prostheses result in significant preservation of bone stock. The aim of this preclinical study was to investigate design-depended differences of the stress shielding effect after implantation of a selection of short-stem THA-prostheses that are currently available. Based on computerised tomography (CT), a finite elements (FE) model was generated and a virtual THA was performed with different stem designs of the implant. Stems were chosen by osteotomy level at the femoral neck (collum, partial collum, trochanter sparing, trochanter harming). Analyses were performed with previously validated FE models to identify changes in the strain energy density (SED). In the trochanteric region, only the collum-type stem demonstrated a biomechanical behaviour similar to the native femur. In contrast, no difference in biomechanical behaviour was found between partial collum, trochanter harming and trochanter sparing models. All of the short stem-prostheses showed lower stress-shielding than a standard stem. Based on the results of this study, we cannot confirm that the design of current short stem THA-implants leads to a different stress shielding effect with regard to the level of osteotomy. Somehow unexpected, we found a bone stock protection in metadiaphyseal bone by simulating a more distal approach for osteotomy. Further clinical and biomechanical research including long-term results is needed to understand the influence of short-stem THA on bone remodelling and to find the optimal stem-design for a reduction of the stress shielding effect.

Jupiter: Cosmic Jekyll and Hyde.

PubMed

Grazier, Kevin R

2016-01-01

It has been widely reported that Jupiter has a profound role in shielding the terrestrial planets from comet impacts in the Solar System, and that a jovian planet is a requirement for the evolution of life on Earth. To evaluate whether jovians, in fact, shield habitable planets from impacts (a phenomenon often referred to as the "Jupiter as shield" concept), this study simulated the evolution of 10,000 particles in each of the jovian inter-planet gaps for the cases of full-mass and embryo planets for up to 100 My. The results of these simulations predict a number of phenomena that not only discount the "Jupiter as shield" concept, they also predict that in a Solar System like ours, large gas giants like Saturn and Jupiter had a different, and potentially even more important, role in the evolution of life on our planet by delivering the volatile-laden material required for the formation of life. The simulations illustrate that, although all particles occupied "non-life threatening" orbits at their onset of the simulations, a significant fraction of the 30,000 particles evolved into Earth-crossing orbits. A comparison of multiple runs with different planetary configurations revealed that Jupiter was responsible for the vast majority of the encounters that "kicked" outer planet material into the terrestrial planet region, and that Saturn assisted in the process far more than has previously been acknowledged. Jupiter also tends to "fix" the aphelion of planetesimals at its orbit irrespective of their initial starting zones, which has the effect of slowing their passages through the inner Solar System, and thus potentially improving the odds of accretion of cometary material by terrestrial planets. As expected, the simulations indicate that the full-mass planets perturb many objects into the deep outer Solar System, or eject them entirely; however, planetary embryos also did this with surprising efficiency. Finally, the simulations predict that Jupiter's capacity to shield or intercept Earth-bound comets originating in the outer Solar System is poor, and that the importance of jovian planets on the formation of life is not that they act as shields, but rather that they deliver life-enabling volatiles to the terrestrial planets.

Timescales for the evolution of oxygen isotope compositions in the solar nebula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyons, J. R.; Bergin, E. A.; Ciesla, F. J.; Davis, A. M.; Desch, S. J.; Hashizume, K.; Lee, J.-E.

2009-09-01

We review two models for the origin of the calcium-, aluminum-rich inclusion (CAI) oxygen isotope mixing line in the solar nebula: (1) CO self-shielding, and (2) chemical mass-independent fractionation (MIF). We consider the timescales associated with formation of an isotopically anomalous water reservoir derived from CO self-shielding, and also the vertical and radial transport timescales of gas and solids in the nebula. The timescales for chemical MIF are very rapid. CO self-shielding models predict that the Sun has Δ 17O SMOW ˜ -20‰ (Clayton, 2002), and chemical mass-independent fractionation models predict Δ 17O SMOW ˜0‰. Preliminary Genesis results have been reported by McKeegan et al. (McKeegan K. D., Coath C. D., Heber, V., Jarzebinski G., Kallio A. P., Kunihiro T., Mao P. H. and Burnett D. S. (2008b) The oxygen isotopic composition of captured solar wind: first results from the Genesis. EOS Trans. AGU 89(53), Fall Meet. Suppl., P42A-07 (abstr)) and yield a Δ 17O SMOW of ˜ -25‰, consistent with a CO self-shielding scenario. Assuming that subsequent Genesis analyses support the preliminary results, it then remains to determine the relative contributions of CO self-shielding from the X-point, the surface of the solar nebula and the parent molecular cloud. The relative formation ages of chondritic components can be related to several timescales in the self-shielding theories. Most importantly the age difference of ˜1-3 My between CAIs and chondrules is consistent with radial transport from the outer solar nebula (>10 AU) to the meteorite-forming region, which supports both the nebular surface and parent cloud self-shielding scenarios. An elevated radiation field intensity is predicted by the surface shielding model, and yields substantial CO photolysis (˜50%) on timescales of 0.1-1 My. An elevated radiation field is also consistent with the parent cloud model. The elevated radiation intensities may indicate solar nebula birth in a medium to large cluster, and may be consistent with the injection of 60Fe from a nearby supernova and with the photoevaporative truncation of the solar nebula at KBO orbital distances (˜47 AU). CO self-shielding is operative at the X-point even when H 2 absorption is included, but it is not yet clear whether the self-shielding signature can be imparted to silicates. A simple analysis of diffusion times shows that oxygen isotope exchange between 16O-depleted nebular H 2O and chondrules during chondrule formation events is rapid (˜minutes), but is also expected to be rapid for most components of CAIs, with the exception of spinel. This is consistent with the observation that spinel grains are often the most 16O-rich component of CAIs, but is only broadly consistent with the greater degree of exchange in other CAI components. Preliminary disk model calculations of self-shielding by N 2 demonstrate that large δ 15N enrichments (˜ +800‰) are possible in HCN formed by reaction of N atoms with organic radicals (e.g., CH 2), which may account for 15N-rich hotspots observed in lithic clasts in some carbonaceous chondrites and which lends support to the CO self-shielding model for oxygen isotopes.

The Equivalence Principle Experiment for Spin-Polarized Bodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsieh, Chang-Huain; Jen, Pin-Yun; Ko, Kai-Li; Li, Keh-Yann; Ni, Wei-Tou; Pan, Sheau-Shi; Shih, Yung-Hui; Tyan, Rong-Jung

We perform an equivalence principle experiment for a magnetically shielded spin-polarized body of Dy6Fe23. We use a single-pan mass comparator to compare the spin-polarized body with an unpolarized group of masses. The equivalence of spin-up and spin-down positions is good to (1.1 ±7.8)×10-9 in earth gravitational field.

Rovibrational bound states of SO2 isotopologues. II: Total angular momentum J = 11-20

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Praveen; Poirier, Bill

2015-11-01

In a two-part series, the rovibrational bound states of SO2 are investigated in comprehensive detail, for all four stable sulfur isotopes 32-34,36S. All low-lying rovibrational energy levels-both permutation-symmetry-allowed and not allowed-are computed, for all values of total angular momentum in the range J = 0-20. The calculations have carried out using the ScalIT suite of parallel codes. The present study (Paper II) examines the J = 11-20 rovibrational levels, providing symmetry and rovibrational labels for every computed state, relying on a new lambda-doublet splitting technique to make completely unambiguous assignments. Isotope shifts are analyzed, as is the validity of ;J-shifting; as a predictor of rotational fine structure. Among other ramifications, this work will facilitate understanding of mass-independent fractionation of sulfur isotopes (S-MIF) observed in the Archean rock record-particularly as this may have arisen from self shielding. S-MIF, in turn is highly relevant in the broader context of understanding the ;oxygen revolution;.

Free-jet feasibility study of a thermal acoustic shield concept for AST/VCE application-dual stream nozzles. Comprehensive data report. Volume 2: Laser velocimeter and suppressor. Base pressure data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janardan, B. A.; Brausch, J. F.; Price, A. O.

1984-01-01

Acoustic and diagnostic data that were obtained to determine the influence of selected geometric and aerodynamic flow variables of coannular nozzles with thermal acoustic shields are summarized in this comprehensive data report. A total of 136 static and simulated flight acoustic test points were conducted with 9 scale-model nozzles. Aerodynamic laser velocimeter measurements were made for four selected plumes. In addition, static pressure data in the chute base region of the suppressor configurations were obtained to assess the influence of the shield stream on the suppressor base drag.

Open Rotor Noise Shielding by Blended-Wing-Body Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guo, Yueping; Czech, Michael J.; Thomas, Russell H.

2015-01-01

This paper presents an analysis of open rotor noise shielding by Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft by using model scale test data acquired in the Boeing Low Speed Aeroacoustic Facility (LSAF) with a legacy F7/A7 rotor model and a simplified BWB platform. The objective of the analysis is the understanding of the shielding features of the BWB and the method of application of the shielding data for noise studies of BWB aircraft with open rotor propulsion. By studying the directivity patterns of individual tones, it is shown that though the tonal energy distribution and the spectral content of the wind tunnel test model, and thus its total noise, may differ from those of more advanced rotor designs, the individual tones follow directivity patterns that characterize far field radiations of modern open rotors, ensuring the validity of the use of this shielding data. Thus, open rotor tonal noise shielding should be categorized into front rotor tones, aft rotor tones and interaction tones, not only because of the different directivities of the three groups of tones, but also due to the differences in their source locations and coherence features, which make the respective shielding characteristics of the three groups of tones distinctly different from each other. To reveal the parametric trends of the BWB shielding effects, results are presented with variations in frequency, far field emission angle, rotor operational condition, engine installation geometry, and local airframe features. These results prepare the way for the development of parametric models for the shielding effects in prediction tools.

Enhanced conductive loss in nickel–cobalt sulfide nanostructures for highly efficient microwave absorption and shielding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wanrong; Zhou, Min; Lu, Fei; Liu, Hongfei; Zhou, Yuxue; Zhu, Jun; Zeng, Xianghua

2018-06-01

Microwave-absorbing materials with light weight and high efficiency are desirable in addressing electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems. Herein, a nickel–cobalt sulfide (NCS) nanostructure was employed as a robust microwave absorber, which displayed an optimized reflection loss of  ‑49.1 dB in the gigahertz range with a loading of only 20 wt% in an NCS/paraffin wax composite. High electrical conductivity was found to contribute prominent conductive loss in NCS, leading to intense dielectric loss within a relatively low mass loading. Furthermore, owing to its high electrical conductivity and remarkable dielectric loss to microwaves, the prepared NCS exhibited excellent performance in EMI shielding. The EMI shielding efficiency of the 50 wt% NCS/paraffin composite exceeded 55 dB at the X-band, demonstrating NCS is a versatile candidate for solving EMI problems.

Designing Spacecraft and Mission Operations Plans to Meet Flight Crew Radiation Dose Requirements: Why is this an "Epic Challenge" for Long-Term Manned Interplanetary Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koontz, Steven

2012-01-01

Outline of presentation: (1) Radiation Shielding Concepts and Performance - Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) (1a) Some general considerations (1b) Galactic Cosmic Rays (2)GCR Shielding I: What material should I use and how much do I need? (2a) GCR shielding materials design and verification (2b) Spacecraft materials point dose cosmic ray shielding performance - hydrogen content and atomic number (2c) Accelerator point dose materials testing (2d) Material ranking and selection guidelines (2e) Development directions and return on investment (point dose metric) (2f) Secondary particle showers in the human body (2f-1) limited return of investment for low-Z, high-hydrogen content materials (3) GCR shielding II: How much will it cost? (3a) Spacecraft design and verification for mission radiation dose to the crew (3b) Habitat volume, shielding areal density, total weight, and launch cost for two habitat volumes (3c) It's All about the Money - Historical NASA budgets and budget limits (4) So, what can I do about all this? (4a) Program Design Architecture Trade Space (4b) The Vehicle Design Trade Space (4c) Some Near Term Recommendations

SU-E-T-264: New Concrete Designed and Evaluation for Megavoltage X Radiotherapy Facilities (CONTEK-RFH2).

PubMed

Mera, M; Pereira, L; Mera, M; Pereira, L; Meilán, E; Moral, F Del; Teijeiro, A; Salgado, M; Andrade, B; Gomez, F; Fuentes-Vázquez, V; Caruncho, J; Medina, A

2012-06-01

The most common material for shielding is concrete, which can be made using various materials of different densities as aggregates. New techniques in radiotherapy, as IMRT and VMAT, require more monitor units and it is important to develop specifically designed shielding materials. Arraela S.L. has developed new concrete (CONTEK®-RFH2), which is made from an arid with a high percentage in iron (> 60%), and using the suitable sieve size, enables optimum compaction of the material and a high mass density, about 4.1-4.2 g/cm 3 . Moreover, aluminate cement, used as base, gives high resistance to high temperatures what makes this product be structurally resistant to temperatures up to 1200 ° C. The measurements were made in a LINAC Elekta SL18 to energies 6MV and 15 MV with a field size of 10×10 cm 2 for concrete samples in the form of tile 25cm×25cm with variable thickness. The linear attenuation coefficient, μm, was determined for each energy by fitting the data to Eq. 1, where Xxm is the exposure in air behind a thickness xm of the material, and X0 is the exposure in the absence of shielding. These results are compared with the ordinary concrete (2.35 g cm-3) for 6MV and 15MV energies (Ref. NCRP Report No.151). Results are tabulated in Table1. Results of attenuation are compared with ordinary concrete in Fig. 1. The new concrete CONTEK®-RFH2 increases photon attenuation and reduces the size of a shielded wall. A very high percentage in iron and a suitablesieve size approximately double the density of ordinary concrete. High mass attenuation coefficient makes this concrete an extremely desirable material for use in radiation facilities as shielding material for photon beam, and for upgrading facilities designed for less energy or less workload. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Dust density and mass distribution near comet Halley from Giotto observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdonnell, J. A. M.; Alexander, W. M.; Burton, W. M.; Bussoletti, E.; Clark, D. H.; Grard, J. L.; Gruen, E.; Hanner, M. S.; Sekanina, Z.; Hughes, D. W.

1986-01-01

The density and the mass spectrum of the dust near comet Halley have been measured by the Giotto space probe's dust impact detection system. The dust spectrum obtained at 291,000 km from the comet nucleus show depletion in small and intermediate masses; at about 600 km from the nucleus, however, the dust activity rises and the spectrum is dominated by larger masses. Most of the mass striking Giotto is noted to reside in the few large particles penetrating the dust shield. Momentum balances and energy considerations applied to an observed deceleration suggest that a large mass of the spacecraft was detached by an impact.

LDEF: Dosimetric measurement results (AO 138-7 experiment)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bourrieau, J.

1992-01-01

One of the objectives of the AO 138-7 experiment on board the LDEF was a total dose measurement with Thermo Luminescent Detectors (TLD 100). Two identical cases, both including 5 TLDs inside various aluminum shields, are exposed to the space environment in order to obtain the absorbed dose profile induced. Radiation fluence received during the total mission length was computed, taking into account the trapped particles (solar maximum and solar minimum periods) and the cosmic rays; due to the magnetospheric shielding, the solar proton fluences are negligible on the LDEF orbit. The total dose induced by these radiations inside a semi-infinite plane shield of Al are computed with radiation transport codes. TLD reading are performed after flight; due to the mission duration increase, a post-flight calibration was necessary in order to cover the range of the flight induced dose. The results obtained, similar (+ or - 30 pct.) in both cases, are compared with the dose profile computation. In practice, these LDEF results, with less than a factor 1.4 between measurements and forecasts, reinforce the validity of the computation methods and models used for the long term evaluation of space radiation intensity on low inclination Earth orbits.

Ground-Based Testing of TiB2 and Al2O3/TiB2 Response to Space Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jefferies, Sharon A.; Logan, Kathryn V.

2007-01-01

Two materials, titanium diboride and an alumina/titanium diboride composite, exhibit characteristics favorable for use in multiple space applications. These characteristics include low mass (4.52 gm/cc), high strain rate impact resistance, high temperature use (3000oC M.P.), thermal and electrical conductivity, thermal shock resistance, and high visible-range reflectivity. Additionally, the presence of boron in these materials gives them the potential to shield against neutron radiation as well as charged radiation. These materials are flying on MISSE 6 to assess material changes resulting from exposure to the space environment. This study provides a preliminary, ground-based examination of these materials' interactions with individual components of the space environment, in particular atomic oxygen (AO) and neutron radiation, in order to better predict and understand post-flight results. Individual specimens are exposed to ground state AO and surface oxidation is measured. Equivalent exposures of up to 13 months show no rapid oxidation, however evidence indicates some surface oxidation occurring. Other samples are placed near a polyethylene moderated, one Ci Am/Be neutron source to determine their shielding capability. Comparisons between exposed and shielded indium foil, which is activated by transmitted neutrons, measure each material's ability to shield neutrons. Preliminary results indicate a significant shielding benefit provided by both materials.

Structural and optical properties of Bi2O3-B2O3-CdO-Na2O glass system for gamma ray shielding applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogra, Mridula; Singh, K. J.; Kaur, Kulwinder

2018-05-01

Quaternary system of the composition (0.15+x) Bi2O3-(0.55-x) B2O3-0.15CdO-0.15Na2O (where x=0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mole fraction) has been synthesized using melt-quenching technique. Gamma ray shielding properties are measured in terms of mass attenuation coefficient and half value layer at photon energies 662, 1173 and 1332 keV. These parameters are compared with standard nuclear radiation shielding `barite and ferrite' concretes. The results reflect better radiation shielding properties as compared to barite and ferrite concretes. Effective atomic number is calculated at photon energies 662 and 1173 keV. Density, molar volume and XRD studies are analyzed to know physical and structural properties of the glass system. Optical band gap, refractive index and molar refraction are calculated from UV-Visible measurements. Decrease in optical band gap and increase in molar refraction have been observed indicating the increase of non-bridging oxygens in the structure.

Thermal resistance, tensile properties, and gamma radiation shielding performance of unsaturated polyester/nanoclay/PbO composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagheri, Kobra; Razavi, Seyed Mohammad; Ahmadi, Seyed Javad; Kosari, Mohammadreza; Abolghasemi, Hossein

2018-05-01

Composites of unsaturated polyester containing 5 wt% nanoclay and different amounts of lead monoxide particles (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%) were prepared. XRD patterns showed the exfoliation of nanoclay layers in the polymer. Morphological properties of the composites were studied using SEM micrographs. The prepared composites were investigated for their thermal resistance and mechanical properties using thermogravimetric analysis and tensile testing method, respectively. Addition of lead monoxide to the polymer worsened its thermal resistance and tensile properties, whereas the observed negative effects could be moderated by the clay nanoparticle. Gamma attenuation performance of the composites was evaluated by 192Ir, 137Cs, and 60Co gamma radiation sources. Linear attenuation coefficient and mass attenuation coefficient of the composites were found to be increased with the increase of PbO content. Shielding efficiency of the prepared composites was compared with some conventional shielding materials regarding their half value layer thickness. UP/nanoclay/PbO composites were found to be suitable materials for the low-energy gamma radiation shielding applications.

Probing Sub-GeV Mass Strongly Interacting Dark Matter with a Low-Threshold Surface Experiment.

PubMed

Davis, Jonathan H

2017-11-24

Using data from the ν-cleus detector, based on the surface of Earth, we place constraints on dark matter in the form of strongly interacting massive particles (SIMPs) which interact with nucleons via nuclear-scale cross sections. For large SIMP-nucleon cross sections, the sensitivity of traditional direct dark matter searches using underground experiments is limited by the energy loss experienced by SIMPs, due to scattering with the rock overburden and experimental shielding on their way to the detector apparatus. Hence, a surface-based experiment is ideal for a SIMP search, despite the much larger background resulting from the lack of shielding. We show using data from a recent surface run of a low-threshold cryogenic detector that values of the SIMP-nucleon cross section up to approximately 10^{-27}  cm^{2} can be excluded for SIMPs with masses above 100 MeV.

Dual Use of Packaging on the Moon: Logistics-2-Living

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howe, A. Scott; Howard, Robert

2010-01-01

This paper describes a modular packaging system for logistics that can be reconfigured into internal outfitting for a lunar outpost, including desks, chairs, partitions, cabinets, and radiation shielding. Logistics include clothes, equipment, food, and other consumables needed to sustain the crew for the duration of the mission. A significant mass penalty is required for the packaging and handling of logistics for re-supply of short to long-term space missions that must be brought out of the gravity well on a launch vehicle. Once the supplies have been exhausted, the packaging material is typically of no further use and is discarded. If a scheme can be developed that reuses the logistics packaging, the mass penalty can be reduced. In this research, a modular packaging system has been devised as a kit-of-parts that can be used for both handling logistics supplies, and then reconfigured into desks, chairs, partitions, cabinets, and radiation shielding. The system is derived from a standard International Space Station (ISS)-type Cargo Transfer Bag (CTB), using soft, unfoldable box-like containers with stiff metal inserts. The empty hydrogen-impregnated CTBs can be used as-is for cabinets, opened up for use as partitions, or draped over the habitat as layers of radiation shielding. Stiff metal inserts can be reconfigured into desks and other useful outfitting.

Radio for hidden-photon dark matter detection

DOE PAGES

Chaudhuri, Saptarshi; Graham, Peter W.; Irwin, Kent; ...

2015-10-08

We propose a resonant electromagnetic detector to search for hidden-photon dark matter over an extensive range of masses. Hidden-photon dark matter can be described as a weakly coupled “hidden electric field,” oscillating at a frequency fixed by the mass, and able to penetrate any shielding. At low frequencies (compared to the inverse size of the shielding), we find that the observable effect of the hidden photon inside any shielding is a real, oscillating magnetic field. We outline experimental setups designed to search for hidden-photon dark matter, using a tunable, resonant LC circuit designed to couple to this magnetic field. Ourmore » “straw man” setups take into consideration resonator design, readout architecture and noise estimates. At high frequencies, there is an upper limit to the useful size of a single resonator set by 1/ν. However, many resonators may be multiplexed within a hidden-photon coherence length to increase the sensitivity in this regime. Hidden-photon dark matter has an enormous range of possible frequencies, but current experiments search only over a few narrow pieces of that range. As a result, we find the potential sensitivity of our proposal is many orders of magnitude beyond current limits over an extensive range of frequencies, from 100 Hz up to 700 GHz and potentially higher.« less

CO abundance variations in the Orion Molecular Cloud

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ripple, F.; Heyer, M. H.; Gutermuth, R.; Snell, R. L.; Brunt, C. M.

2013-05-01

Infrared stellar photometry from the Two Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) and spectral line imaging observations of 12CO and 13CO J = 1-0 line emission from the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory (FCRAO) 14-m telescope are analysed to assess the variation of the CO abundance with physical conditions throughout the Orion A and Orion B molecular clouds. Three distinct Av regimes are identified in which the ratio between the 13CO column density and visual extinction changes corresponding to the photon-dominated envelope, the strongly self-shielded interior, and the cold, dense volumes of the clouds. Within the strongly self-shielded interior of the Orion A cloud, the 13CO abundance varies by 100 per cent with a peak value located near regions of enhanced star formation activity. The effect of CO depletion on to the ice mantles of dust grains is limited to regions with Av > 10 mag and gas temperatures less than ˜20 K as predicted by chemical models that consider thermal evaporation to desorb molecules from grain surfaces. Values of the molecular mass of each cloud are independently derived from the distributions of Av and 13CO column densities with a constant 13CO-to-H2 abundance over various extinction ranges. Within the strongly self-shielded interior of the cloud (Av> 3 mag), 13CO provides a reliable tracer of H2 mass with the exception of the cold, dense volumes where depletion is important. However, owing to its reduced abundance, 13CO does not trace the H2 mass that resides in the extended cloud envelope, which comprises 40-50 per cent of the molecular mass of each cloud. The implied CO luminosity to mass ratios, M/LCO, are 3.2 and 2.9 for Orion A and Orion B, respectively, which are comparable to the value (2.9), derived from γ-ray observations of the Orion region. Our results emphasize the need to consider local conditions when applying CO observations to derive H2 column densities.

Bismuth-Silicon and Bismuth-Polyurethane Composite Shields for Breast Protection in Chest Computed Tomography Examinations

PubMed Central

Mehnati, Parinaz; Arash, Mehran; Akhlaghi, Parisa

2018-01-01

The article aims at constructing protective composite shields for breasts in chest computed tomography and investigating the effects of applying these new bismuth composites on dose and image quality. Polyurethane and silicon with 5% of bismuth were fabricated as a protective shield. At first, their efficiency in attenuating the X-ray beam was investigated by calculating the total attenuation coefficients at diagnostic energy range. Then, a physical chest phantom was scanned without and with these shields at tube voltage of 120 kVp, and image parameters together with dose values were studied. The results showed that these two shields have great effects on attenuating the X-ray beam, especially for lower energies (<40 kV), and in average, the attenuation coefficients of bismuth-polyurethane composite are higher in this energy range. The maximum relative differences between the average Hounsfield units (HUs) and noises of images without and with shield for both composites in 13 regions of interest were 4.5% and 15.7%, respectively. Moreover, primary investigation confirmed the ability of both shields (especially polyurethane-bismuth composite) in dose reduction. Comparing these two composites regarding the amount of dose reduction, the changes in HU and noise, and attenuation coefficients in diagnostic energy range, it seems that polyurethane composite is more useful for dose reduction, especially for higher tube voltages. PMID:29628636

Gamma shielding properties of Tamoxifen drug

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanberoglu, Gulsah Saydan; Oto, Berna; Gulebaglan, Sinem Erden

2017-02-01

Tamoxifen (MW=371 g/mol) is an endocrine therapeutic drug widely prescribed as chemopreventive in women to prevent and to treat all stages of breast cancer. It is also being studied for other types of cancer. In this study, we have calculated some gamma shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (μρ), effective atomic number (Zeff) and electron density (Nel) for Tamoxifen drug. The values of μρ were calculated using WinXCom computer program and then the values of Zeff and Nel were derived using μρ values in the wide energy range (1 keV - 100 GeV).

Extension of the BRYNTRN code to monoenergetic light ion beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cucinotta, Francis A.; Wilson, John W.; Badavi, Francis F.

1994-01-01

A monoenergetic version of the BRYNTRN transport code is extended to beam transport of light ions (H-2, H-3, He-3, and He-4) in shielding materials (thick targets). The redistribution of energy in nuclear reactions is included in transport solutions that use nuclear fragmentation models. We also consider an equilibrium target-fragment spectrum for nuclei with mass number greater than four to include target fragmentation effects in the linear energy transfer (LET) spectrum. Illustrative results for water and aluminum shielding, including energy and LET spectra, are discussed for high-energy beams of H-2 and He-4.

A simplified analytical solution for thermal response of a one-dimensional, steady state transpiration cooling system in radiative and convective environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kubota, H.

1976-01-01

A simplified analytical method for calculation of thermal response within a transpiration-cooled porous heat shield material in an intense radiative-convective heating environment is presented. The essential assumptions of the radiative and convective transfer processes in the heat shield matrix are the two-temperature approximation and the specified radiative-convective heatings of the front surface. Sample calculations for porous silica with CO2 injection are presented for some typical parameters of mass injection rate, porosity, and material thickness. The effect of these parameters on the cooling system is discussed.

Identifying potential habitat for the endangered Aleutian shield fern using topographical characteristics

USGS Publications Warehouse

Duarte, Adam; Wolcott, Daniel M.; Chow, T. Edwin

2012-01-01

The Aleutian shield fern Polystichum aleuticum is endemic to the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska and is listed as endangered pursuant to the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Despite numerous efforts to discover new populations of this species, only four known populations are documented to date, and information is needed to prioritize locations for future surveys. Therefore, we incorporated topographical habitat characteristics (elevation, slope, aspect, distance from coastline, and anthropogenic footprint) found at known Aleutian shield fern locations into a Geographical Information System (GIS) model to create a habitat suitability map for the entirety of the Andreaonof Islands. A total of 18 islands contained 489.26 km2 of highly suitable and moderately suitable habitat when weighting each factor equally. This study reports a habitat suitability map for the endangered Aleutian shield fern using topographical characteristics, which can be used to assist current and future recovery efforts for the species.

Recovery and radiation corrections and time constants of several sizes of shielded and unshielded thermocouple probes for measuring gas temperature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glawe, G. E.; Holanda, R.; Krause, L. N.

1978-01-01

Performance characteristics were experimentally determined for several sizes of a shielded and unshielded thermocouple probe design. The probes are of swaged construction and were made of type K wire with a stainless steel sheath and shield and MgO insulation. The wire sizes ranged from 0.03- to 1.02-mm diameter for the unshielded design and from 0.16- to 0.81-mm diameter for the shielded design. The probes were tested through a Mach number range of 0.2 to 0.9, through a temperature range of room ambient to 1420 K, and through a total-pressure range of 0.03 to 0.2.2 MPa (0.3 to 22 atm). Tables and graphs are presented to aid in selecting a particular type and size. Recovery corrections, radiation corrections, and time constants were determined.

The radiation dosimeter on-board the FY-4 Satellite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, B.; Sun, Y.; Zhang, S.; Zhang, X.; Sun, Y.; Jing, T.

2017-12-01

The total radiation dose effect can lead to a decrease in the performance of satellite devices or materials. Accurately obtaining the total radiation dose during satellite operation could help to analyze the abnormality of payloads in orbit and optimize the design of radiation shielding. The radiation dosimeter is one of the space environmental monitoring devices on the "FY-4" satellite, which is a new generation of geostationary meteorological satellite. The dosimeter consists of 8 detectors, which are installed in different locations of the satellite, to obtain the total radiation dose with different shielding thickness and different orientations. To measure a total radiation dose up to 2000krad(Si), 100nm ion implantation RADFET was used. To improve the sensitivity of the dosimeter, the bias voltage of RADFET is set to 15V, and a 10V, 15-bit A/D is adopted to digitalize the RADFET's threshold voltage, which is increased as the total radiation dose grows. In addition, the temperature effect of RADFET is corrected from the measured temperature on orbit. The preliminary monitoring results show that the radiation dose is less than 35rad (Si) per day at 0.87 mm shielding thickness of equivalent aluminum in the geostationary orbit, and the dose in Y direction of the satellite is less than those in the X and Z directions. The radiation dose at the thickness of 3.87 mm equivalent aluminum is less than 1rad(Si)/day. It is found that the daily total dose measured by the dosimeter has a strong correlation with the flux of high energy electrons.

Active magnetic radiation shielding system analysis and key technologies.

PubMed

Washburn, S A; Blattnig, S R; Singleterry, R C; Westover, S C

2015-01-01

Many active magnetic shielding designs have been proposed in order to reduce the radiation exposure received by astronauts on long duration, deep space missions. While these designs are promising, they pose significant engineering challenges. This work presents a survey of the major systems required for such unconfined magnetic field design, allowing the identification of key technologies for future development. Basic mass calculations are developed for each system and are used to determine the resulting galactic cosmic radiation exposure for a generic solenoid design, using a range of magnetic field strength and thickness values, allowing some of the basic characteristics of such a design to be observed. This study focuses on a solenoid shaped, active magnetic shield design; however, many of the principles discussed are applicable regardless of the exact design configuration, particularly the key technologies cited. Copyright © 2015 The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). All rights reserved.

Thyroid Dose During Neurointerventional Procedures: Does Lead Shielding Reduce the Dose?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shortt, C. P.; Fanning, N. F.; Malone, L.

2007-09-15

Purpose. To assess radiation dose to the thyroid in patients undergoing neurointerventional procedures and to evaluate dose reduction to the thyroid by lead shielding. Methods and Materials. A randomized patient study was undertaken to evaluate the dose reduction by thyroid lead shields and assess their practicality in a clinical setting. Sixty-five patients attending for endovascular treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and aneurysms were randomized into one of 2 groups a) No Thyroid Shield and b) Thyroid Lead Shield. Two thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were placed over the thyroid gland (1 on each side) at constant positions on each patient in bothmore » groups. A thyroid lead shield (Pb eq. 0.5 mm) was placed around the neck of patients in the thyroid lead shield group after the neurointerventional radiologist had obtained satisfactory working access above the neck. The total dose-area-product (DAP) value, number and type of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) runs and fluoroscopy time were recorded for all patients. Results. Of the 72 patients who initially attended for neurointerventional procedures, 7 were excluded due to failure to consent or because of procedures involving access to the external carotid circulation. Of the remaining 65 who were randomized, a further 9 were excluded due to; procedureabandonment, unfeasible shield placement or shield interference with the procedure. Patient demographics included mean age of 47.9 yrs (15-74), F:M=1.4:1. Mean fluoroscopy time was 25.9 min. Mean DAP value was 13,134.8 cGy.cm{sup 2} and mean number of DSA runs was 13.4. The mean relative thyroid doses were significantly different (p< 0.001) between the unshielded (7.23 mSv/cGy2 x 105) and shielded groups (3.77 mSv/cGy2 x 105). A mean thyroid dose reduction of 48% was seen in the shielded group versus the unshielded group. Conclusion. Considerable doses to the thyroid are incurred during neurointerventional procedures, highlighting the need for increased awareness of patient radiation protection. Thyroid lead shielding yields significant radiation protection, is inexpensive and when not obscuring the field of view, should be used routinely.« less

Dust Flux Monitor Instrument for the Stardust mission to comet Wild 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuzzolino, A. J.; Economou, T. E.; McKibben, R. B.; Simpson, J. A.; McDonnell, J. A. M.; Burchell, M. J.; Vaughan, B. A. M.; Tsou, P.; Hanner, M. S.; Clark, B. C.; Brownlee, D. E.

2003-10-01

The Dust Flux Monitor Instrument (DFMI) is part of the Stardust instrument payload. The prime goal of the DFMI is to measure the particle flux, intensity profile, and mass distribution during passage through the coma of comet Wild 2 in January 2004. This information is valuable for assessment of spacecraft risk and health and also for interpretation of the laboratory analysis of dust captured by the Aerogel dust collectors and returned to Earth. At the encounter speed of 6.1 km/s, the DFMI measurements will extend over the particle mass range of 8 decades, from 10-11 to >10-3 g. A secondary science goal is to measure the particle flux and mass distribution during the ~7 year interplanetary portions of the mission, where, in addition to measurements of the background interplanetary dust over the radial range 0.98 AU to 2.7 AU, multiple opportunities exist for possible detection by the DFMI of interplanetary meteor-stream particles and interstellar dust. The DFMI consists of two different dust detector systems: a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) Dust Sensor Unit (SU), which measures particles with mass <~10-4 g, and a Dual Acoustic Sensor System (DASS), which utilizes two quartz piezoelectric accelerometers mounted on the first two layers of the spacecraft Whipple dust shield to measure the flux of particles with mass >10-4 g. The large Whipple shield structures provide the large effective sensitive area required for detection of the expected low flux of high-mass particles.

Radiation protection in interventional radiology: survey results of attitudes and use.

PubMed

Lynskey, G Emmett; Powell, Daniel K; Dixon, Robert G; Silberzweig, James E

2013-10-01

To assess attitudes of interventional radiologists toward personal radiation protection and the use of radiation protection devices. Invitations to an anonymous online survey that comprised eight questions focused on operator attitudes toward radiation protection devices were sent via e-mail to the active membership of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR): a total of 3,158 e-mail invitations. A single reminder e-mail was sent. There were 504 survey responders (16% response rate). Reported radiation safety device use included lead apron (99%), thyroid shield (94%), leaded eyeglasses (54%), ceiling-suspended leaded shield (44%), rolling leaded shields (12%), ceiling-suspended/rolling lead-equivalent apron (4%), radiation-attenuating sterile surgical gloves (1%), and sterile lead-equivalent patient-mounted drape (4%). Reasons commonly cited for not using certain devices were comfort (eyewear), ease of use (mounted shields), and lack of availability (rolling/hanging shields and patient-mounted shields). Interventionalists have an array of tools from which to choose for personal radiation protection; however, for a variety of reasons related to lack of availability or choice, these tools are not universally employed. Further study may be of value to clarify why comfort was cited most often as the primary barrier to the use of protective eyewear and difficulty of use was cited as the primary barrier to use of mounted shields (despite reporting that concern for radiation-induced injury to the eye is paramount). It may also be of interest to further study why certain devices with demonstrable protection effects are not readily available, such as rolling/hanging and patient-mounted shields. © SIR, 2013.

A promising biotechnical approach to pest management of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in Illinois maize fields under kairomonal shielding with the new MSD technique.

PubMed

Hummel, H E; Shaw, J T; Hein, D F

2005-01-01

Environmentally compatible and sustainable plant protection requires novel approaches to pest management characterized by minimal emphasis on toxicants. Classical toxicants traditionally dominated economic entomology for half a century. But worldwide problems with environmental pollution and with increasing resistance levels in all major pesticide classes and in many key insect species including Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (D.v.v.) strongly advocate a rethinking and a change in management paradigms used. Soft, minimally invasive, biological, biotechnical and cultural approaches should replace hard pesticides which are in favor up to now. Fortunately, pheromones, kairomones, plant attractants, better traps, new plant varieties and cultural methods like crop rotation, in short more sophisticated methods are now available as pressure for finding and exploring novel strategies increases. Facing this situation, a new biotechnical approach of population reduction of D.v.v., called "MSD" technique, is introduced. MSD is characterized as an approach combining mass trapping, shielding and deflecting of adult insects along an invisible odor barrier of synthetic kairomone which diminishes the flux of insects across a high capacity trap line baited with kairomone, thus reducing both the population fluctuation and number and its reproductive success within the shielded area. In the case of D.v.v. in Zea mays fields, effects realized by the MSD technique have been measured simultaneously by a number of independent criteria during the summers of 2003 and 2004 at 2 different locations in Illinois maize fields of up to one half hectare size. Results observed are statistically significant and cannot be explained by mass trapping alone. There is also an additional shielding and deflection, in short "diversion" effect whose basic sensory and behavioral mechanisms call for future exploration.

The Ionizing Radiation Environment on the International Space Station: Performance vs. Expectations for Avionics and Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koontz, Steven L.; Boeder, Paul A.; Pankop, Courtney; Reddell, Brandon

2005-01-01

The role of structural shielding mass in the design, verification, and in-flight performance of International Space Station (ISS), in both the natural and induced orbital ionizing radiation (IR) environments, is reported.

Speciation Analysis of Arsenic by Selective Hydride Generation-Cryotrapping-Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry with Flame-in-Gas-Shield Atomizer: Achieving Extremely Low Detection Limits with Inexpensive Instrumentation

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

This work describes the method of a selective hydride generation-cryotrapping (HG-CT) coupled to an extremely sensitive but simple in-house assembled and designed atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) instrument for determination of toxicologically important As species. Here, an advanced flame-in-gas-shield atomizer (FIGS) was interfaced to HG-CT and its performance was compared to a standard miniature diffusion flame (MDF) atomizer. A significant improvement both in sensitivity and baseline noise was found that was reflected in improved (4 times) limits of detection (LODs). The yielded LODs with the FIGS atomizer were 0.44, 0.74, 0.15, 0.17 and 0.67 ng L–1 for arsenite, total inorganic, mono-, dimethylated As and trimethylarsine oxide, respectively. Moreover, the sensitivities with FIGS and MDF were equal for all As species, allowing for the possibility of single species standardization with arsenate standard for accurate quantification of all other As species. The accuracy of HG-CT-AFS with FIGS was verified by speciation analysis in two samples of bottled drinking water and certified reference materials, NRC CASS-5 (nearshore seawater) and SLRS-5 (river water) that contain traces of methylated As species. As speciation was in agreement with results previously reported and sums of all quantified species corresponded with the certified total As. The feasibility of HG-CT-AFS with FIGS was also demonstrated by the speciation analysis in microsamples of exfoliated bladder epithelial cells isolated from human urine. The results for the sums of trivalent and pentavalent As species corresponded well with the reference results obtained by HG-CT-ICPMS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). PMID:25300934

Speciation analysis of arsenic by selective hydride generation-cryotrapping-atomic fluorescence spectrometry with flame-in-gas-shield atomizer: achieving extremely low detection limits with inexpensive instrumentation.

PubMed

Musil, Stanislav; Matoušek, Tomáš; Currier, Jenna M; Stýblo, Miroslav; Dědina, Jiří

2014-10-21

This work describes the method of a selective hydride generation-cryotrapping (HG-CT) coupled to an extremely sensitive but simple in-house assembled and designed atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) instrument for determination of toxicologically important As species. Here, an advanced flame-in-gas-shield atomizer (FIGS) was interfaced to HG-CT and its performance was compared to a standard miniature diffusion flame (MDF) atomizer. A significant improvement both in sensitivity and baseline noise was found that was reflected in improved (4 times) limits of detection (LODs). The yielded LODs with the FIGS atomizer were 0.44, 0.74, 0.15, 0.17 and 0.67 ng L(-1) for arsenite, total inorganic, mono-, dimethylated As and trimethylarsine oxide, respectively. Moreover, the sensitivities with FIGS and MDF were equal for all As species, allowing for the possibility of single species standardization with arsenate standard for accurate quantification of all other As species. The accuracy of HG-CT-AFS with FIGS was verified by speciation analysis in two samples of bottled drinking water and certified reference materials, NRC CASS-5 (nearshore seawater) and SLRS-5 (river water) that contain traces of methylated As species. As speciation was in agreement with results previously reported and sums of all quantified species corresponded with the certified total As. The feasibility of HG-CT-AFS with FIGS was also demonstrated by the speciation analysis in microsamples of exfoliated bladder epithelial cells isolated from human urine. The results for the sums of trivalent and pentavalent As species corresponded well with the reference results obtained by HG-CT-ICPMS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry).

Evaluation of Shielding Performance for Newly Developed Composite Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Beren Richard

This work details an investigation into the contributing factors behind the success of newly developed composite neutron shield materials. Monte Carlo simulation methods were utilized to assess the neutron shielding capabilities and secondary radiation production characteristics of aluminum boron carbide, tungsten boron carbide, bismuth borosilicate glass, and Metathene within various neutron energy spectra. Shielding performance and secondary radiation data suggested that tungsten boron carbide was the most effective composite material. An analysis of the macroscopic cross-section contributions from constituent materials and interaction mechanisms was then performed in an attempt to determine the reasons for tungsten boron carbide's success over the other investigated materials. This analysis determined that there was a positive correlation between a non-elastic interaction contribution towards a material's total cross-section and shielding performance within the thermal and epi-thermal energy regimes. This finding was assumed to be a result of the boron-10 absorption reaction. The analysis also determined that within the faster energy regions, materials featuring higher non-elastic interaction contributions were comparable to those exhibiting primarily elastic scattering via low Z elements. This allowed for the conclusion that composite shield success within higher energy neutron spectra does not necessitate the use elastic scattering via low Z elements. These findings suggest that the inclusion of materials featuring high thermal absorption properties is more critical to composite neutron shield performance than the presence of constituent materials more inclined to maximize elastic scattering energy loss.

A Compact, High-Performance Continuous Magnetic Refrigerator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shirron, Peter; Canavan, Edgar; DiPirro, Michael; Jackson, Michael; King, Todd; Panek, John; Tuttle, James; Brodeur, Stephen J. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

We present test results of the first adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) that can produce continuous cooling at sub-kelvin temperatures. This system uses multiple stages that operate in sequence to cascade heat from a continuous stage up to a heat sink. Continuous operation aids the usual constraints of long hold times and short recycle times that lead to the generally large mass of single-shot ADRs, and allows us to achieve much higher cooling power per unit mass. Our design goal is 10 microW of cooling at 50 mK while rejecting heat to a 6-10 K heat sink. The total cold mass is estimated to be less than 10 kg, including magnetic shielding of each stage. These parameters envelop the requirements for currently planned astronomy missions. The relatively high heat rejection capability allows it to operate with a mechanical cryocooler as part of a cryogen-free, low temperature cooling system. This has the advantages of long, mission life and reduced complexity and cost. At present, we have assembled a three-stage ADR that operates with a superfluid helium bath. Additional work is underway to develop magnetocaloric materials that can extend its heat rejection capability up to 10 K. This paper discusses the design and operation of the ADR, as well as interface requirements for cryocooler-based operation.

Investigation of radiation shielding properties for MeO-PbCl2-TeO2 (MeO = Bi2O3, MoO3, Sb2O3, WO3, ZnO) glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sayyed, M. I.; Çelikbilek Ersundu, M.; Ersundu, A. E.; Lakshminarayana, G.; Kostka, P.

2018-03-01

In this work, glasses in the MeO-PbCl2-TeO2 (MeO = Bi2O3, MoO3, Sb2O3, WO3, ZnO) system, which show a great potential for optoelectronic applications, were used to evaluate their resistance under high energy ionizing radiations. The basic shielding quantities for determining the penetration of radiation in glass, such as mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP) and exposure buildup factor (EBF) values were investigated within the energy range 0.015 MeV ‒ 15 MeV using XCOM program and variation of shielding parameters were compared with different glass systems and ordinary concrete. From the derived results, it was determined that MeO-PbCl2-TeO2 (MeO = Bi2O3, MoO3, Sb2O3, WO3, ZnO) glasses show great potentiality to be used under high energy radiations. Among the studied glass compositions, Bi2O3 and WO3 containing glasses were found to possess superior gamma-ray shielding effectiveness.

EFFECT OF ABDOMINAL SHIELDING ON THE METABOLISM OF HYDROCORTISONE BY LIVER TISSUE OF X-IRRADIATED RATS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lott, J.R.

Liver slices removed from adult rats at various times following whole body x-irradiations of 850, 1500, and 2000 r were tested for their ability to metabolize hydrocortisone ( free alcohol). The animals were divided into a non- irradiated control group, an irradiated unshielded group, and an abdominal- shielded irradiated group. It was found that the irradiated unshielded liver slices metabo lized the hydrocortisone at a lower rate than control slices. Liver slices removed from animals whose abdominal regions were shielded during irradiation were found to metabolize hydrocortisone at a higher rate than control slices. The effects observed appeared to bemore » dependent on total dosage and time of removal of the liver post-irradiation. (auth)« less

Aquarius, a reusable water-based interplanetary human spaceflight transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamo, Daniel R.; Logan, James S.

2016-11-01

Attributes of a reusable interplanetary human spaceflight transport are proposed and applied to example transits between the Earth/Moon system and Deimos, the outer moon of Mars. Because the transport is 54% water by mass at an interplanetary departure, it is christened Aquarius. In addition to supporting crew hydration/hygiene, water aboard Aquarius serves as propellant and as enhanced crew habitat radiation shielding during interplanetary transit. Key infrastructure and technology supporting Aquarius operations include pre-emplaced consumables and subsurface habitat at Deimos with crew radiation shielding equivalent to sea level on Earth, resupply in a selenocentric distant retrograde orbit, and nuclear thermal propulsion.

Comparison of organ dose and dose equivalent using ray tracing of male and female Voxel phantoms to space flight phantom torso data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Myung-Hee; Qualls, Garry; Slaba, Tony; Cucinotta, Francis A.

Phantom torso experiments have been flown on the space shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) providing validation data for radiation transport models of organ dose and dose equivalents. We describe results for space radiation organ doses using a new human geometry model based on detailed Voxel phantoms models denoted for males and females as MAX (Male Adult voXel) and Fax (Female Adult voXel), respectively. These models represent the human body with much higher fidelity than the CAMERA model currently used at NASA. The MAX and FAX models were implemented for the evaluation of directional body shielding mass for over 1500 target points of major organs. Radiation exposure to solar particle events (SPE), trapped protons, and galactic cosmic rays (GCR) were assessed at each specific site in the human body by coupling space radiation transport models with the detailed body shielding mass of MAX/FAX phantom. The development of multiple-point body-shielding distributions at each organ site made it possible to estimate the mean and variance of space dose equivalents at the specific organ. For the estimate of doses to the blood forming organs (BFOs), active marrow distributions in adult were accounted at bone marrow sites over the human body. We compared the current model results to space shuttle and ISS phantom torso experiments and to calculations using the CAMERA model.

Tethered nuclear power for the Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bents, D. J.

1985-01-01

A nuclear space power system the SP-100 is being developed for future missions where large amounts of electrical power will be required. Although it is primarily intended for unmanned spacecraft, it can be adapted to a manned space platform by tethering it above the station through an electrical transmission line which isolates the reactor far away from the inhabited platform and conveys its power back to where it is needed. The transmission line, used in conjunction with an instrument rate shield, attenuates reactor radiation in the vicinity of the space station to less than one-one hundredth of the natural background which is already there. This combination of shielding and distance attenuation is less than one-tenth the mass of boom-mounted or onboard man-rated shields that are required when the reactor is mounted nearby. This paper describes how connection is made to the platform (configuration, operational requirements) and introduces a new element the coaxial transmission tube which enables efficient transmission of electrical power through long tethers in space. Design methodology for transmission tubes and tube arrays is discussed. An example conceptual design is presented that shows SP-100 at three power levels 100 kWe, 300 kWe, and 1000 kWe connected to space station via a 2 km HVDC transmission line/tether. Power system performance, mass, and radiation hazard are estimated with impacts on space station architecture and operation.

Comparison of Organ Dose and Dose Equivalent Using Ray Tracing of Male and Female Voxel Phantoms to Space Flight Phantom Torso Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Myung-Hee Y.; Qualls, Garry D.; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2008-01-01

Phantom torso experiments have been flown on the space shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) providing validation data for radiation transport models of organ dose and dose equivalents. We describe results for space radiation organ doses using a new human geometry model based on detailed Voxel phantoms models denoted for males and females as MAX (Male Adult voXel) and Fax (Female Adult voXel), respectively. These models represent the human body with much higher fidelity than the CAMERA model currently used at NASA. The MAX and FAX models were implemented for the evaluation of directional body shielding mass for over 1500 target points of major organs. Radiation exposure to solar particle events (SPE), trapped protons, and galactic cosmic rays (GCR) were assessed at each specific site in the human body by coupling space radiation transport models with the detailed body shielding mass of MAX/FAX phantom. The development of multiple-point body-shielding distributions at each organ site made it possible to estimate the mean and variance of space dose equivalents at the specific organ. For the estimate of doses to the blood forming organs (BFOs), active marrow distributions in adult were accounted at bone marrow sites over the human body. We compared the current model results to space shuttle and ISS phantom torso experiments and to calculations using the CAMERA model.

Tethered nuclear power for the space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bents, D. J.

1985-01-01

A nuclear space power system the SP-100 is being developed for future missions where large amounts of electrical power will be required. Although it is primarily intended for unmanned spacecraft, it can be adapted to a manned space platform by tethering it above the station through an electrical transmission line which isolates the reactor far away from the inhabited platform and conveys its power back to where it is needed. The transmission line, used in conjunction with an instrument rate shield, attenuates reactor radiation in the vicinity of the space station to less than one-one hundredth of the natural background which is already there. This combination of shielding and distance attenuation is less than one-tenth the mass of boom-mounted or onboard man-rated shields that are required when the reactor is mounted nearby. This paper describes how connection is made to the platform (configuration, operational requirements) and introduces a new element the coaxial transmission tube which enables efficient transmission of electrical power through long tethers in space. Design methodology for transmission tubes and tube arrays is discussed. An example conceptual design is presented that shows SP-100 at three power levels 100 kWe, 300 kWe, and 1000 kWe connected to space station via a 2 km HVDC transmission line/tether. Power system performance, mass, and radiation hazard are estimated with impacts on space station architecture and operation.

Cryogenic Boil-Off Reduction System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plachta, David W.; Guzik, Monica C.

2014-03-01

A computational model of the cryogenic boil-off reduction system being developed by NASA as part of the Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer technology maturation project has been applied to a range of propellant storage tanks sizes for high-performing in-space cryogenic propulsion applications. This effort focuses on the scaling of multi-layer insulation (MLI), cryocoolers, broad area cooling shields, radiators, solar arrays, and tanks for liquid hydrogen propellant storage tanks ranging from 2 to 10 m in diameter. Component scaling equations were incorporated into the Cryogenic Analysis Tool, a spreadsheet-based tool used to perform system-level parametric studies. The primary addition to the evolution of this updated tool is the integration of a scaling method for reverse turbo-Brayton cycle cryocoolers, as well as the development and inclusion of Self-Supporting Multi-Layer Insulation. Mass, power, and sizing relationships are traded parametrically to establish the appropriate loiter period beyond which this boil-off reduction system application reduces mass. The projected benefit compares passive thermal control to active thermal control, where active thermal control is evaluated for reduced boil-off with a 90 K shield, zero boil-off with a single heat interception stage at the tank wall, and zero boil-off with a second interception stage at a 90 K shield. Parametric studies show a benefit over passive storage at loiter durations under one month, in addition to showing a benefit for two-stage zero boil-off in terms of reducing power and mass as compared to single stage zero boil-off. Furthermore, active cooling reduces the effect of varied multi-layer insulation performance, which, historically, has been shown to be significant.

Analyses of risks associated with radiation exposure from past major solar particle events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weyland, Mark D.; Atwell, William; Cucinotta, Francis A.; Wilson, John W.; Hardy, Alva C.

1991-01-01

Radiation exposures and cancer induction/mortality risks were investigated for several major solar particle events (SPE's). The SPE's included are: February 1956, November 1960, August 1972, October 1989, and the September, August, and October 1989 events combined. The three 1989 events were treated as one since all three could affect a single lunar or Mars mission. A baryon transport code was used to propagate particles through aluminum and tissue shield materials. A free space environment was utilized for all calculations. Results show the 30-day blood forming organs (BFO) limit of 25 rem was surpassed by all five events using 10 g/sq cm of shielding. The BFO limit is based on a depth dose of 5 cm of tissue, while a more detailed shield distribution of the BFO's was utilized. A comparison between the 5 cm depth dose and the dose found using the BFO shield distribution shows that the 5 cm depth value slightly higher than the BFO dose. The annual limit of 50 rem was exceeded by the August 1972, October 1989, and the three combined 1989 events with 5 g/sq cm of shielding. Cancer mortality risks ranged from 1.5 to 17 percent at 1 g/sq cm and 0.5 to 1.1 percent behind 10 g/sq cm of shielding for five events. These ranges correspond to those for a 45 year old male. It is shown that secondary particles comprise about 1/3 of the total risk at 10 g/sq cm of shielding. Utilizing a computerized Space Shuttle shielding model to represent a typical spacecraft configuration in free space at the August 1972 SPE, average crew doses exceeded the BFO dose limit.

A versatile program for the calculation of linear accelerator room shielding.

PubMed

Hassan, Zeinab El-Taher; Farag, Nehad M; Elshemey, Wael M

2018-03-22

This work aims at designing a computer program to calculate the necessary amount of shielding for a given or proposed linear accelerator room design in radiotherapy. The program (Shield Calculation in Radiotherapy, SCR) has been developed using Microsoft Visual Basic. It applies the treatment room shielding calculations of NCRP report no. 151 to calculate proper shielding thicknesses for a given linear accelerator treatment room design. The program is composed of six main user-friendly interfaces. The first enables the user to upload their choice of treatment room design and to measure the distances required for shielding calculations. The second interface enables the user to calculate the primary barrier thickness in case of three-dimensional conventional radiotherapy (3D-CRT), intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and total body irradiation (TBI). The third interface calculates the required secondary barrier thickness due to both scattered and leakage radiation. The fourth and fifth interfaces provide a means to calculate the photon dose equivalent for low and high energy radiation, respectively, in door and maze areas. The sixth interface enables the user to calculate the skyshine radiation for photons and neutrons. The SCR program has been successfully validated, precisely reproducing all of the calculated examples presented in NCRP report no. 151 in a simple and fast manner. Moreover, it easily performed the same calculations for a test design that was also calculated manually, and produced the same results. The program includes a new and important feature that is the ability to calculate required treatment room thickness in case of IMRT and TBI. It is characterised by simplicity, precision, data saving, printing and retrieval, in addition to providing a means for uploading and testing any proposed treatment room shielding design. The SCR program provides comprehensive, simple, fast and accurate room shielding calculations in radiotherapy.

The dust distribution within the inner coma of comet P/Halley 1982i - Encounter by Giotto's impact detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdonnell, J. A. M.; Evans, G. C.; Evans, S. T.; Alexander, W. M.; Burton, W. M.; Firth, J. G.; Bussoletti, E.; Grard, R. J. L.; Hanner, M. S.; Sekanina, Z.

1987-01-01

Analyses are presented of Giotto's Dust Impact Detection System experiment measurements of dust grains incident on the Giotto dust shield along its trajectory through the coma of comet P/Halley on March 13 and 14, 1986. Ground-based CCD imagery of the inner coma dust continuum at the time of the encounter are used to derive the area of grains intercepted by Giotto. Data obtained at large masses show clear evidence of a decrease in the mass distribution index at these masses within the coma; it is shown that such a value of the mass index can furnish sufficient mass for consistency with an observed deceleration.

Application Prospects of Multilayer Film Shields for Space Research Instrumentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyunt, P. W.; Vlasik, K. F.; Grachev, V. M.; Dmitrenko, V. V.; Novikov, A. S.; Petrenko, D. V.; Ulin, S. E.; Uteshev, Z. M.; Chernysheva, I. V.; Shustov, A. E.

We have studied the magnetic properties of multilayer film cylindrical configuration shields (MFS) based on NiFe / Cu. The studied samples were prepared by electrode position. MFS were constituted by alternating layers of NiFe and Cu, deposited on an aluminum cylinder with diameter of 4 cm, length of 13 cm and 0.5 cm thickness. The thickness of each ferromagnetic layer varied from 10 to 150 μm, and the thickness of Cu layers was 5 μm. Five-samples in which the number of ferromagnetic layers varied from 3 to 45 and copper - from 2 to 44 were tested. The best shielding efficiency was achieved at the maximum number of layers and comprised about 102. Permalloy multilayer foil shield at the same total thickness has several times less efficiency in comparison with MFS. The description of a prototype of the charged particles telescope for space application is presented. Results of its testing regarding sensitivity to the constant magnetic field are described.

HI-to-H2 Transitions in the Perseus Molecular Cloud

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bialy, Shmuel; Sternberg, Amiel; Lee, Min-Young; Le Petit, Franck; Roueff, Evelyne

2015-08-01

We use the Sternberg et al. theory for interstellar atomic to molecular hydrogen (H i-to-H2) conversion to analyze H i-to-H2 transitions in five (low-mass) star-forming and dark regions in the Perseus molecular cloud, B1, B1E, B5, IC348, and NGC1333. The observed H i mass surface densities of 6.3-9.2 {M}⊙ {{pc}}-2 are consistent with H i-to-H2 transitions dominated by H i-dust shielding in predominantly atomic envelopes. For each source, we constrain the dimensionless parameter α G, and the ratio {I}{UV}/n, of the FUV intensity to hydrogen gas density. We find α G values from 5.0 to 26.1, implying characteristic atomic hydrogen densities 11.8-1.8 cm-3, for {I}{UV}≈ 1 appropriate for Perseus. Our analysis implies that the dusty H i shielding layers are probably multiphased, with thermally unstable UNM gas in addition to cold CNM within the 21 cm kinematic radius.

Preparation of high-content hexagonal boron nitride composite film and characterization of atomic oxygen erosion resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yu; Li, Min; Gu, Yizhuo; Wang, Shaokai; Zhang, Zuoguang

2017-04-01

Space aircrafts circling in low earth orbit are suffered from highly reactive atomic oxygen (AO). To shield AO, a flexible thin film with 80 wt.% hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and h-BN/epoxy film were fabricated through vacuum filtration and adding nanofibrillated cellulose fibers. H-BN nanosheets were hydroxylated for enhancing interaction in the films. Mass loss and erosion yield at accumulated AO fluence about 3.04 × 1020 atoms/cm2 were adopted to evaluate the AO resistance properties of the films. A carpet-like rough surface, chemical oxidations and change in crystal structure of h-BN were found after AO treatment, and the degrading mechanism was proposed. The mass loss and erosion yield under AO attack were compared between h-BN film and h-BN/epoxy film, and the comparison was also done for various types of shielding AO materials. Excellent AO resistance property of h-BN film is shown, and the reasons are analyzed.

The design of a multimegawatt heat pipe radiator for an inertial fusion rocket powered manned Mars mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murray, K. A.

1988-01-01

A system of heat pipe radiators has been designed to provide waste heat rejection for an inertial fusion powered spacecraft capable of manned missions to other planets. The radiators are arrays of unfinned, arterial heat pipes operating at 1500 and 900 K. Liquid metal coolant carries up to 8000 MW of waste heat through feed pipes from on-board components (laser drivers and coil shield). The radiators do not rely on armor for protection from micrometeoroid penetration. An armored radiator design for this application with a 99 percent survivability would have a specific mass of 0.06 to 0.11 kg/kW at 1500 K. Instead, a segmentation of heat pipes is used, and bumpers are utilized to protect the feed pipes. This design reduces the specific mass to 0.015 to 0.04 kg/kW for the coil shield radiator (1500 K) and 0.06 to 0.12 kg/kW for the laser driver radiator (900 K).

Shielding effects in the laser-generated copper plasma under reduced pressures of He atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burger, M.; Pantić, D.; Nikolić, Z.; Djeniže, S.

2016-02-01

Irradiation of samples was performed with 6 ns, 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. For an applied irradiance range (108-1010 W/cm2), the ablation process exhibits non-linear dependance. Ablated mass of the sample was directly determined using 100 ng resolution mass comparator after ablation under various pressures of helium. The ablation rates were dictated by plasma formation mechanisms as well as ambient conditions. However, the surrounding atmosphere did not significantly affect the value of threshold irradiance of about 2 ×109 W /cm2 for the onset of ablation mechanism change. This value is additionally verified via spectroscopic information from Cu I lines in the range from 0.4 to 1 μs after the laser pulse. Behaviour of spectral lines was monitored with respect to the laser pulse energy. Plasma diagnostics of axial electron density and excitation temperature distributions was performed under He pressure of 200 Torr. An influence of the possible shielding mechanisms responsible for the plasma absorption is discussed.

A lumped parameter method of characteristics approach and multigroup kernels applied to the subgroup self-shielding calculation in MPACT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stimpson, Shane G.; Liu, Yuxuan; Collins, Benjamin S.

An essential component of the neutron transport solver is the resonance self-shielding calculation used to determine equivalence cross sections. The neutron transport code, MPACT, is currently using the subgroup self-shielding method, in which the method of characteristics (MOC) is used to solve purely absorbing fixed-source problems. Recent efforts incorporating multigroup kernels to the MOC solvers in MPACT have reduced runtime by roughly 2×. Applying the same concepts for self-shielding and developing a novel lumped parameter approach to MOC, substantial improvements have also been made to the self-shielding computational efficiency without sacrificing any accuracy. These new multigroup and lumped parameter capabilitiesmore » have been demonstrated on two test cases: (1) a single lattice with quarter symmetry known as VERA (Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications) Progression Problem 2a and (2) a two-dimensional quarter-core slice known as Problem 5a-2D. From these cases, self-shielding computational time was reduced by roughly 3–4×, with a corresponding 15–20% increase in overall memory burden. An azimuthal angle sensitivity study also shows that only half as many angles are needed, yielding an additional speedup of 2×. In total, the improvements yield roughly a 7–8× speedup. Furthermore given these performance benefits, these approaches have been adopted as the default in MPACT.« less

A lumped parameter method of characteristics approach and multigroup kernels applied to the subgroup self-shielding calculation in MPACT

DOE PAGES

Stimpson, Shane G.; Liu, Yuxuan; Collins, Benjamin S.; ...

2017-07-17

An essential component of the neutron transport solver is the resonance self-shielding calculation used to determine equivalence cross sections. The neutron transport code, MPACT, is currently using the subgroup self-shielding method, in which the method of characteristics (MOC) is used to solve purely absorbing fixed-source problems. Recent efforts incorporating multigroup kernels to the MOC solvers in MPACT have reduced runtime by roughly 2×. Applying the same concepts for self-shielding and developing a novel lumped parameter approach to MOC, substantial improvements have also been made to the self-shielding computational efficiency without sacrificing any accuracy. These new multigroup and lumped parameter capabilitiesmore » have been demonstrated on two test cases: (1) a single lattice with quarter symmetry known as VERA (Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications) Progression Problem 2a and (2) a two-dimensional quarter-core slice known as Problem 5a-2D. From these cases, self-shielding computational time was reduced by roughly 3–4×, with a corresponding 15–20% increase in overall memory burden. An azimuthal angle sensitivity study also shows that only half as many angles are needed, yielding an additional speedup of 2×. In total, the improvements yield roughly a 7–8× speedup. Furthermore given these performance benefits, these approaches have been adopted as the default in MPACT.« less

Baryons Matter: Why Luminous Satellite Galaxies have Reduced Central Masses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zolotov, Adi; Brooks, Alyson M.; Willman, Beth; Governato, Fabio; Pontzen, Andrew; Christensen, Charlotte; Dekel, Avishai; Quinn, Tom; Shen, Sijing; Wadsley, James

2012-12-01

Using high-resolution cosmological hydrodynamical simulations of Milky Way-massed disk galaxies, we demonstrate that supernovae feedback and tidal stripping lower the central masses of bright (-15 < MV < -8) satellite galaxies. These simulations resolve high-density regions, comparable to giant molecular clouds, where stars form. This resolution allows us to adopt a prescription for H2 formation and destruction that ties star formation to the presence of shielded, molecular gas. Before infall, supernova feedback from the clumpy, bursty star formation captured by this physically motivated model leads to reduced dark matter (DM) densities and shallower inner density profiles in the massive satellite progenitors (M vir >= 109 M ⊙, M * >= 107 M ⊙) compared with DM-only simulations. The progenitors of the lower mass satellites are unable to maintain bursty star formation histories, due to both heating at reionization and gas loss from initial star-forming events, preserving the steep inner density profile predicted by DM-only simulations. After infall, gas stripping from satellites reduces the total central masses of satellites simulated with DM+baryons relative to DM-only satellites. Additionally, enhanced tidal stripping after infall due to the baryonic disk acts to further reduce the central DM densities of the luminous satellites. Satellites that enter with cored DM halos are particularly vulnerable to the tidal effects of the disk, exacerbating the discrepancy in the central masses predicted by baryon+DM and DM-only simulations. We show that DM-only simulations, which neglect the highly non-adiabatic evolution of baryons described in this work, produce denser satellites with larger central velocities. We provide a simple correction to the central DM mass predicted for satellites by DM-only simulations. We conclude that DM-only simulations should be used with great caution when interpreting kinematic observations of the Milky Way's dwarf satellites.

Lightweight reduced graphene oxide-Fe3O4 nanoparticle composite in the quest for an excellent electromagnetic interference shielding material.

PubMed

Singh, Ashwani Kumar; Kumar, Ajit; Haldar, Krishna Kamal; Gupta, Vinay; Singh, Kedar

2018-06-15

This work reports a detailed study of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle composite as an excellent electromagnetic (EM) interference shielding material in GHz range. A rGO-Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle composite was synthesized using a facile, one step, and modified solvothermal method with the reaction of FeCl 3 , ethylenediamine and graphite oxide powder in the presence of ethylene glycol. Various structural, microstructural and optical characterization tools were used to determine its synthesis and various properties. Dielectric, magnetic and EM shielding parameters were also evaluated to estimate its performance as a shielding material for EM waves. X-ray diffraction patterns have provided information about the structural and crystallographic properties of the as-synthesized material. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed the information regarding the exfoliation of graphite into rGO. Well-dispersed Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles over the surface of the graphene can easily be seen by employing transmission electron microscopy. For comparison, rGO nanosheets and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles have also been synthesized and characterized in a similar fashion. A plot of the dielectric and magnetic characterizations provides some useful information related to various losses and the relaxation process. Shielding effectiveness due to reflection (SE R ), shielding effectiveness due to absorption (SE A ), and total shielding effectiveness (SE T ) were also plotted against frequency over a broad range (8-12 GHz). A significant change in all parameters (SE A value from 5 dB to 35 dB for Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles to rGO-Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle composite) was found. An actual shielding effectiveness (SE T ) up to 55 dB was found in the rGO-Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle composite. These graphs give glimpses of how significantly this material shows shielding effectiveness over a broad range of frequency.

Lightweight reduced graphene oxide-Fe3O4 nanoparticle composite in the quest for an excellent electromagnetic interference shielding material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Ashwani Kumar; Kumar, Ajit; Kamal Haldar, Krishna; Gupta, Vinay; Singh, Kedar

2018-06-01

This work reports a detailed study of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-Fe3O4 nanoparticle composite as an excellent electromagnetic (EM) interference shielding material in GHz range. A rGO-Fe3O4 nanoparticle composite was synthesized using a facile, one step, and modified solvothermal method with the reaction of FeCl3, ethylenediamine and graphite oxide powder in the presence of ethylene glycol. Various structural, microstructural and optical characterization tools were used to determine its synthesis and various properties. Dielectric, magnetic and EM shielding parameters were also evaluated to estimate its performance as a shielding material for EM waves. X-ray diffraction patterns have provided information about the structural and crystallographic properties of the as-synthesized material. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed the information regarding the exfoliation of graphite into rGO. Well-dispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles over the surface of the graphene can easily be seen by employing transmission electron microscopy. For comparison, rGO nanosheets and Fe3O4 nanoparticles have also been synthesized and characterized in a similar fashion. A plot of the dielectric and magnetic characterizations provides some useful information related to various losses and the relaxation process. Shielding effectiveness due to reflection (SER), shielding effectiveness due to absorption (SEA), and total shielding effectiveness (SET) were also plotted against frequency over a broad range (8–12 GHz). A significant change in all parameters (SEA value from 5 dB to 35 dB for Fe3O4 nanoparticles to rGO-Fe3O4 nanoparticle composite) was found. An actual shielding effectiveness (SET) up to 55 dB was found in the rGO-Fe3O4 nanoparticle composite. These graphs give glimpses of how significantly this material shows shielding effectiveness over a broad range of frequency.

High Speed Link Radiated Emission Reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bisognin, P.; Pelissou, P.; Cissou, R.; Giniaux, M.; Vargas, O.

2016-05-01

To control the radiated emission of high-speed link and associated unit, the current approach is to implement overall harness shielding on cables bundles. This method is very efficient in the HF/ VHF (high frequency/ very high frequency) and UHF (ultra-high frequency) ranges when the overall harness shielding is properly bonded on EMC back-shell. Unfortunately, with the increasing frequency, the associated half wavelength matches with the size of Sub-D connector that is the case for the L band. Therefore, the unit connectors become the main source of interference emission. For the L-band and S-band, the current technology of EMC back-shell leaves thin aperture matched with the L band half wavelength and therefore, the shielding effectiveness is drastically reduced. In addition, overall harness shielding means significant increases of the harness mass.Airbus D&S Toulouse and Elancourt investigated a new solution to avoid the need of overall harness shielding. The objective is to procure EM (Electro-Magnetic) clean unit connected to cables bundles free of any overall harness shielding. The proposed solution is to implement EMC common mode filtering on signal interfaces directly on unit PCB as close as possible the unit connector.Airbus D&S Elancourt designed and manufactured eight mock-ups of LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) interface PCBs' with different solutions of filtering. After verification of the signal integrity, three mock-ups were retained (RC filter and two common mode choke coil) in addition to the reference one (without EMC filter).Airbus D&S Toulouse manufactured associated LVDS cable bundles and integrated the RX (Receiver) and TX (Transmitter) LVDS boards in shielded boxes.Then Airbus D&S performed radiated emission measurement of the LVDS links subassemblies (e.g. RX and TX boxes linked by LVDS cables) according to the standard test method. This paper presents the different tested solutions and main conclusions on the feasibility of such approach.

Material Science

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-02-09

Materials with a smaller mean atomic mass, such as lithium (Li) hydride and polyethylene, make the best radiation shields for astronauts. The materials have a higher density of nuclei and are better able to block incoming radiation. Also, they tend to produce fewer and less dangerous secondary particles after impact with incoming radiation.

The LZ Dark Matter Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernard, Ethan; LZ Collaboration

2013-10-01

Astrophysical and cosmological observations show that dark matter is concentrated in halos around galaxies and is approximately five times more abundant than baryonic matter. Dark matter has evaded direct detection despite a series of increasingly sensitive experiments. The LZ (LUX-ZEPLIN) experiment will use a two-phase liquid-xenon time projection chamber to search for elastic scattering of xenon nuclei by WIMP (weakly interactive massive particle) dark matter. The detector will contain seven tons of liquid xenon shielded by an active organic scintillator veto and a water tank within the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota. The LZ detector scales up the demonstrated light-sensing, cryogenic, radiopurity and shielding technologies of the LUX experiment. Active shielding, position fiducialization, radiopurity control and signal discrimination will reduce backgrounds to levels subdominant to solar neutrino scattering. This experiment will reach a sensitivity to the WIMP-nucleon spin-independent cross section approaching ~ 2 .10-48 cm2 for a 50 GeV WIMP mass, which is about three orders of magnitude smaller than current limits.

Optimisation of composite bone plates for ulnar transverse fractures.

PubMed

Chakladar, N D; Harper, L T; Parsons, A J

2016-04-01

Metallic bone plates are commonly used for arm bone fractures where conservative treatment (casts) cannot provide adequate support and compression at the fracture site. These plates, made of stainless steel or titanium alloys, tend to shield stress transfer at the fracture site and delay the bone healing rate. This study investigates the feasibility of adopting advanced composite materials to overcome stress shielding effects by optimising the geometry and mechanical properties of the plate to match more closely to the bone. An ulnar transverse fracture is characterised and finite element techniques are employed to investigate the feasibility of a composite-plated fractured bone construct over a stainless steel equivalent. Numerical models of intact and fractured bones are analysed and the mechanical behaviour is found to agree with experimental data. The mechanical properties are tailored to produce an optimised composite plate, offering a 25% reduction in length and a 70% reduction in mass. The optimised design may help to reduce stress shielding and increase bone healing rates. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel Hybrid Ablative/Ceramic Heatshield for Earth Atmospheric Re-Entry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barcena, J.; Florez, S.; Perez, B.; Pinaud, G.; Bouilly, J.-M.; Fischer, W. P. P.; de Montburn, A.; Descomps, M.; Zuber, C.; Rotaermel, W.; Hald, H.; Pereira, C.; Mergia, K.; Triantou, K.; Marinou, A.; Vekinis, G.; Ionescu, G.; Ban, C.; Stefan, A.; Leroy, V.; Bernard, D.; Massuti, B.; Herdrich, G.

2014-06-01

Original approaches based on ablative materials and novel TPS solutions are required for space applications, where resistance to extreme oxidative environments and high temperatures are required. For future space exploration the demands for the thermal shield go beyond the current state-of-the-art. Therefore, the development of new thermal protection materials and systems at a reasonable mass budget is absolutely essential to ensure European non-dependence on corresponding restricted technologies. The three year long FP7 project HYDRA aims at the development of a novel thermal protection system through the integration of a low density ablative outer-shield on top of an advanced thermo-structural ceramic composite layer and will provide an innovative technology solution consistent with the capabilities of European technologies and material providers. This paper summarizes the current status of the scientific activities carried out after two years of progress in terms of design, integration and verification of a robust and lightweight thermal shield solution for atmospheric earth re-entry.

Physical basis of radiation protection in space travel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durante, Marco; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2011-10-01

The health risks of space radiation are arguably the most serious challenge to space exploration, possibly preventing these missions due to safety concerns or increasing their costs to amounts beyond what would be acceptable. Radiation in space is substantially different from Earth: high-energy (E) and charge (Z) particles (HZE) provide the main contribution to the equivalent dose in deep space, whereas γ rays and low-energy α particles are major contributors on Earth. This difference causes a high uncertainty on the estimated radiation health risk (including cancer and noncancer effects), and makes protection extremely difficult. In fact, shielding is very difficult in space: the very high energy of the cosmic rays and the severe mass constraints in spaceflight represent a serious hindrance to effective shielding. Here the physical basis of space radiation protection is described, including the most recent achievements in space radiation transport codes and shielding approaches. Although deterministic and Monte Carlo transport codes can now describe well the interaction of cosmic rays with matter, more accurate double-differential nuclear cross sections are needed to improve the codes. Energy deposition in biological molecules and related effects should also be developed to achieve accurate risk models for long-term exploratory missions. Passive shielding can be effective for solar particle events; however, it is limited for galactic cosmic rays (GCR). Active shielding would have to overcome challenging technical hurdles to protect against GCR. Thus, improved risk assessment and genetic and biomedical approaches are a more likely solution to GCR radiation protection issues.

Design and Development of an In-Space Deployable Sun Shield for the Atlas Centaur

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dew, Michael; Allwein, Kirk; Kutter, Bernard; Ware, Joanne; Lin, John; Madlangbayan, Albert; Willey, Cliff; Pitchford, Brian; O'Neil, Gary

2008-01-01

The Centaur, by virtue of its use of high specific-impulse (Isp) LO2/LH2 propellants, has initial mass-to-orbit launch requirements less than half of those upper stages using storable propellants. That is, for Earth escape or GSO missions the Centaur is half the launch weight of a storable propellant upper stage. A drawback to the use of Liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, at 90 K and 20 K respectively, over storable propellants is the necessity of efficient cryogen storage techniques that minimize boil-off from thermal radiation in space. Thermal blankets have been used successfully to shield both the Atlas Centaur and Titan Centaur. These blankets are protected from atmospheric air loads during launch by virtue of the fact that the Centaur is enclosed within the payload fairing. The smaller Atlas V vehicle, the Atlas 400, has the Centaur exposed to the atmosphere during launch, and therefore, to date has not flown with thermal blankets shielding the Centaur. A design and development effort is underway to fly a thermal shield on the Atlas V 400 vehicle that is not put in place until after the payload fairing jettisons. This can be accomplished by the use of an inflatable and deployable thermal blanket referred to as the Centaur Sun Shield (CSS). The CSS design is also scalable for use on a Delta upper stage, and the technology potentially could be used for telescope shades, re-entry shields, solar sails and propellant depots. A Phase I effort took place during 2007 in a partnership between ULA and ILC Dover which resulted in a deployable proof-of-concept Sun Shield being demonstrated at a test facility in Denver. A Phase H effort is underway during 2008 with a partnership between ULA, ILC, NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) and NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to define requirements, determine materials and fabrication techniques, and to test components in a vacuum chamber at cold temperatures. This paper describes the Sun Shield development work to date, and the future plans leading up to a flight test in the 2011 time frame.

Properties of Ejecta Generated at High-Velocity Perforation of Thin Bumpers made from Different Constructional Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myagkov, N. N.; Shumikhin, T. A.; Bezrukov, L. N.

2013-08-01

The series of impact experiments were performed to study the properties of ejecta generated at high-velocity perforation of thin bumpers. The bumpers were aluminum plates, fiber-glass plastic plates, and meshes weaved of steel wire. The projectiles were 6.35 mm diameter aluminum spheres. The impact velocities ranged from 1.95 to 3.52 km/s. In the experiments the ejecta particles were captured with low-density foam collectors or registered with the use of aluminum foils. The processing of the experimental results allowed us to estimate the total masses, spatial and size distributions, and perforating abilities of the ejecta produced from these different bumpers. As applied to the problem of reducing the near-Earth space pollution caused by the ejecta, the results obtained argue against the use of aluminum plates as first (outer) bumper in spacecraft shield protection.

Search for Dark Matter with DEAP-3600

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jillings, Chris; DEAP-3600 Collaboration Collaboration

2017-01-01

DEAP-3600 is a single-phase liquid argon detector, which searches for dark matter particle interactions with 1 tonne fiducial target mass (3.6 tonnes total) contained in an ultra-pure acrylic vessel viewed by 255 high quantum efficiency photomultiplier tubes. It is located 2 km underground at SNOLAB, in Sudbury, Ontario. Radioactive backgrounds are controlled through pulse-shape discrimination in case of electromagnetic backgrounds (demonstrated with a smaller 7-kg prototype DEAP-1) and with a combination of excellent radiopurity, shielding and fiducialization for neutron and alpha backgrounds. The target sensitivity to spin-independent scattering of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) on nucleons is 10-46 cm2 at 100 GeV/c2. Commissioning of the DEAP-3600 detector is now complete and physics data taking is starting. This talk will present an overview and status of the project, including early results demonstrating the detector performance.

Suppression of sun interference in the star sensor baffling stray light by total internal reflection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawano, Hiroyuki; Shimoji, Haruhiko; Yoshikawa, Shoji; Miyatake, Katsumasa; Hama, Kazumori; Nakamura, Shuji

2005-09-01

We have developed a star sensor as an experimental device onboard the SERVIS-1 satellite launched in October 2003. The in-orbit data have verified its fundamental performance. One of the advantages of our star sensor is that the baffle has a small length of 120 mm instead of 182 mm in the conventional two-stage baffle design. The key concepts for light shielding are total internal reflection phenomena inside a nearly half sphere (NHS) lens and scattering light control by gloss black paint. However, undesirable background noise by the sun outside of the field of view (FOV) was observed in the corner of the FOV in the orbital experiment. Ray trace simulations revealed that slight scattering light on the specular baffle wall entered the NHS lens and reached the corner of the image sensor through the multi-reflection path inside the lens. It was found that the stray light path can be shielded effectively if the diameter of the aperture under the NHS lens was reduced. We redesigned the baffle and evaluated the light shielding ability with our sun interference test facility on the ground, and confirmed that the stray light was reduced below the acceptable level. As a result, the light shielding technique which we have proposed was proved to be effective for a small-size baffle. The redesigned star sensor is planned to be installed as a main attitude sensor for the SERVIS-2 satellite scheduled to be launched in February 2008.

Thermoluminescence dosimetry applied to in vivo dose measurements for total body irradiation techniques.

PubMed

Duch, M A; Ginjaume, M; Chakkor, H; Ortega, X; Jornet, N; Ribas, M

1998-06-01

In total body irradiation (TBI) treatments in vivo dosimetry is recommended because it makes it possible to ensure the accuracy and quality control of dose delivery. The aim of this work is to set up an in vivo thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) system to measure the dose distribution during the TBI technique used prior to bone marrow transplant. Some technical problems due to the presence of lung shielding blocks are discussed. Irradiations were performed in the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau by means of a Varian Clinac-1800 linear accelerator with 18 MV X-ray beams. Different TLD calibration experiments were set up to optimize in vivo dose assessment and to analyze the influence on dose measurement of shielding blocks. An algorithm to estimate midplane doses from entrance and exit doses is proposed and the estimated dose in critical organs is compared to internal dose measurements performed in an Alderson anthropomorphic phantom. The predictions of the dose algorithm, even in heterogeneous zones of the body such as the lungs, are in good agreement with the experimental results obtained with and without shielding blocks. The differences between measured and predicted values are in all cases lower than 2%. The TLD system described in this work has been proven to be appropriate for in vivo dosimetry in TBI irradiations. The described calibration experiments point out the difficulty of calibrating an in vivo dosimetry system when lung shielding blocks are used.

American War and Military Operations Casualties: Lists and Statistics

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-14

War — Casualty Summary Desert Shield/Desert Storm (as of June 15, 2004) Casualty Type Total Army Air Force Marines Navya ,b Killed in Action 143 96 20...Through April 5, 2008 Casualty Type Totals Army Navya Marines Air Force Hostile 3,158 2,304 60 770 24 Nonhostile 708 521 29 141 17 Total 3,866 2,825 89

Deriving a multivariate αCO conversion function using the [C II]/CO (1-0) ratio and its application to molecular gas scaling relations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Accurso, G.; Saintonge, A.; Catinella, B.; Cortese, L.; Davé, R.; Dunsheath, S. H.; Genzel, R.; Gracia-Carpio, J.; Heckman, T. M.; Jimmy; Kramer, C.; Li, Cheng; Lutz, K.; Schiminovich, D.; Schuster, K.; Sternberg, A.; Sturm, E.; Tacconi, L. J.; Tran, K. V.; Wang, J.

2017-10-01

We present Herschel PACS observations of the [C II] 158 μm emission line in a sample of 24 intermediate mass (9 < log M*/M⊙ < 10) and low metallicity (0.4 < Z/Z⊙ < 1.0) galaxies from the xCOLD GASS survey. In combination with IRAM CO (1-0) measurements, we establish scaling relations between integrated and molecular region L_{[C II]}/LCO (1-0) ratios as a function of integrated galaxy properties. A Bayesian analysis reveals that only two parameters, metallicity and offset from the main sequence, Δ(MS), are needed to quantify variations in the luminosity ratio; metallicity describes the total dust content available to shield CO from UV radiation, while Δ(MS) describes the strength of this radiation field. We connect the L_{[C II]}/LCO (1-0) ratio to the CO-to-H2 conversion factor and find a multivariate conversion function, which can be used up to z ˜ 2.5. This function depends primarily on metallicity, with a second-order dependence on Δ(MS). We apply this to the full xCOLD GASS and PHIBSS1 surveys and investigate molecular gas scaling relations. We find a flattening of the relation between gas mass fraction and stellar mass at log M* < 10.0. While the molecular gas depletion time varies with sSFR, it is mostly independent of mass, indicating that the low LCO/SFR ratios long observed in low-mass galaxies are entirely due to photodissociation of CO and not to an enhanced star formation efficiency.

Compact E x B mass separator for heavy ion beams.

PubMed

Wada, M; Hashino, T; Hirata, F; Kasuya, T; Sakamoto, Y; Nishiura, M

2008-02-01

A compact E x B mass separator that deflects beam by 30 degrees has been designed and built to prove its principle of operation. The main part of the separator is contained in a shielding box of 11 cm long, 9 cm wide, and 1.5 cm high. An electromagnet of 7 cm pole diameter produced variable magnetic field in the mass separation region instead of a couple of permanent magnets which is to be used in the final design. The experimental result agreed well with the theoretical prediction, and larger mass ions is bent with less magnetic field with the aid of the deflection electric field. The reduction in resolving power for mass separation due to the deflection electric field has been investigated experimentally.

M-dwarf stellar winds: the effects of realistic magnetic geometry on rotational evolution and planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vidotto, A. A.; Jardine, M.; Morin, J.; Donati, J. F.; Opher, M.; Gombosi, T. I.

2014-02-01

We perform three-dimensional numerical simulations of stellar winds of early-M-dwarf stars. Our simulations incorporate observationally reconstructed large-scale surface magnetic maps, suggesting that the complexity of the magnetic field can play an important role in the angular momentum evolution of the star, possibly explaining the large distribution of periods in field dM stars, as reported in recent works. In spite of the diversity of the magnetic field topologies among the stars in our sample, we find that stellar wind flowing near the (rotational) equatorial plane carries most of the stellar angular momentum, but there is no preferred colatitude contributing to mass-loss, as the mass flux is maximum at different colatitudes for different stars. We find that more non-axisymmetric magnetic fields result in more asymmetric mass fluxes and wind total pressures ptot (defined as the sum of thermal, magnetic and ram pressures). Because planetary magnetospheric sizes are set by pressure equilibrium between the planet's magnetic field and ptot, variations of up to a factor of 3 in ptot (as found in the case of a planet orbiting at several stellar radii away from the star) lead to variations in magnetospheric radii of about 20 per cent along the planetary orbital path. In analogy to the flux of cosmic rays that impact the Earth, which is inversely modulated with the non-axisymmetric component of the total open solar magnetic flux, we conclude that planets orbiting M-dwarf stars like DT Vir, DS Leo and GJ 182, which have significant non-axisymmetric field components, should be the more efficiently shielded from galactic cosmic rays, even if the planets lack a protective thick atmosphere/large magnetosphere of their own.

Investigation of Natural and Man-Made Radiation Effects on Crews on Long Duration Space Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bolch, Wesley E.; Parlos, Alexander

1996-01-01

Over the past several years, NASA has studied a variety of mission scenarios designed to establish a permanent human presence on the surface of Mars. Nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) is one of the possible elements in this program. During the initial stages of vehicle design work, careful consideration must be given to not only the shielding requirements of natural space radiation, but to the shielding and configuration requirements of the on-board reactors. In this work, the radiation transport code MCNP has been used to make initial estimates of crew exposures to reactor radiation fields for a specific manned NEP vehicle design. In this design, three 25 MW(sub th), scaled SP-100-class reactors are shielded by three identical shields. Each shield has layers of beryllium, tungsten, and lithium hydride between the reactor and the crew compartment. Separate calculations are made of both the exiting neutron and gamma fluxes from the reactors during beginning-of-life, full-power operation. This data is then used as the source terms for particle transport in MCNP. The total gamma and neutron fluxes exiting the reactor shields are recorded and separate transport calculations are then performed for a 10 g/sq cm crew compartment aluminum thickness. Estimates of crew exposures have been assessed for various thicknesses of the shield tungsten and lithium hydride layers. A minimal tungsten thickness of 20 cm is required to shield the reactor photons below the 0.05 Sv/y man-made radiation limit. In addition to a 20-cm thick tungsten layer, a 40-cm thick lithium hydride layer is required to shield the reactor neutrons below the annual limit. If the tungsten layer is 30-cm thick, the lithium hydride layer should be at least 30-cm thick. These estimates do not take into account the photons generated by neutron interactions inside the shield because the MCNP neutron cross sections did not allow reliable estimates of photon production in these materials. These results, along with natural space radiation shielding estimates calculated by NASA Langley Research Center, have been used to provide preliminary input data into a new Macintosh-based software tool. A skeletal version of this tool being developed will allow rapid radiation exposure and risk analyses to be performed on a variety of Lunar and Mars missions utilizing nuclear-powered vehicles.

Preparation and properties of plate-like titanate (PLT)/calcia-doped ceria (CDC) composites by sol-gel coating method.

PubMed

Liu, Xiangwen; Liu, Jingxiao; Dong, Xiaoli; Yin, Shu; Sato, Tsugio

2009-08-01

In order to obtain UV-shielding materials with good comfort, higher safety and effective UV-shielding ability, lepidocrocite type plate-like titanate (K(0.8)Li(0.27)Ti(1.73)O(4), donated as: PLT)/calcia-doped ceria (donated as: CDC) composites were synthesized by a sol-gel method. After dissolving Ce(NO(3))(3).6H(2)O and Ca(NO(3))(2).4H(2)O into absolute ethanol at 40 degrees C, glacial acetic acid (HAc) and PLT particles dispersed into absolute ethanol were added. Then, the solution was heated at 60 degrees C to get gel-like substance. This gel was dried in a vacuum oven at 333 K for 5 h, and then, the product was collected and ground in an agate mortar followed by calcination at 1073 K for 2 h to form PLT/CDC composites. By optimization, 20 mass% of CDC was coated by one operation. PLT/CDC composites with higher CDC content were obtained by repeating the coating process. The morphology, catalytic activity for the oxidation of organic material, UV-shielding ability and dynamic friction coefficient of as-obtained PLT/CDC composites were characterized. As a result, broad-spectrum UV-shielding composite materials with good comfort and low oxidation catalytic activity were successfully synthesized.

Improved Nuclear Reactor and Shield Mass Model for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robb, Kevin

2004-01-01

New technologies are being developed to explore the distant reaches of the solar system. Beyond Mars, solar energy is inadequate to power advanced scientific instruments. One technology that can meet the energy requirements is the space nuclear reactor. The nuclear reactor is used as a heat source for which a heat-to-electricity conversion system is needed. Examples of such conversion systems are the Brayton, Rankine, and Stirling cycles. Since launch cost is proportional to the amount of mass to lift, mass is always a concern in designing spacecraft. Estimations of system masses are an important part in determining the feasibility of a design. I worked under Michael Barrett in the Thermal Energy Conversion Branch of the Power & Electric Propulsion Division. An in-house Closed Cycle Engine Program (CCEP) is used for the design and performance analysis of closed-Brayton-cycle energy conversion systems for space applications. This program also calculates the system mass including the heat source. CCEP uses the subroutine RSMASS, which has been updated to RSMASS-D, to estimate the mass of the reactor. RSMASS was developed in 1986 at Sandia National Laboratories to quickly estimate the mass of multi-megawatt nuclear reactors for space applications. In response to an emphasis for lower power reactors, RSMASS-D was developed in 1997 and is based off of the SP-100 liquid metal cooled reactor. The subroutine calculates the mass of reactor components such as the safety systems, instrumentation and control, radiation shield, structure, reflector, and core. The major improvements in RSMASS-D are that it uses higher fidelity calculations, is easier to use, and automatically optimizes the systems mass. RSMASS-D is accurate within 15% of actual data while RSMASS is only accurate within 50%. My goal this summer was to learn FORTRAN 77 programming language and update the CCEP program with the RSMASS-D model.

LENS: Light Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokley, Zachary

2013-04-01

The LENS detector uses an optically segmented 3D lattice, a scintillation lattice (SL), that channels light via total internal reflection from a scintillation event down channels parallel to the 3 primary Cartesian axes to the edge of the detector. This unique design provides spatial and temporal resolution required to distinguish the internal background of ^115In from the neutrino signal. Optical segmentation is achieved with Teflon films. Currently a 400 liter prototype, miniLENS, is being developed to demonstrate the internal background rejection techniques needed for LENS. This requires that miniLENS be shielded from external backgrounds from the surrounding materials and the photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). This shielding is provided by a water tank that surrounds miniLENS. In order to retain the channel information and separate the PMTs from the detector the LENS collaboration has developed light guides (LGs) made from multilayer films. These LGs transport light both by total internal and specular reflection providing an efficient means of coupling the SL through the water shield to the PMTs outside the water tank. This talk will discuss light transport in the SL as well as the design and construction of the LGs in the context of miniLENS.

Comfort Assessment of Personal Protection Systems During Total Joint Arthroplasty Using a Novel Multidimensional Evaluation Tool

PubMed Central

Malik, MHA; Handford, Elizabeth; Staniford, Elaine; Gambhir, AK; Kay, PR

2006-01-01

INTRODUCTION A number of studies have assessed the usefulness of surgical gowns and exhaust suits with regards to barrier function and protection afforded to healthcare workers from blood strike-through, splashes and aerosols. PATIENTS AND METHODS We have performed a comfort assessment comparison between the Charnley exhaust suit, disposable gown plus visor and the Stryker Steri-Shield system using a newly developed objective multidimensional ergonomic tool designed to measure wearable comfort across the dimensions of emotion, attachment, harm, perceived change, movement and anxiety. RESULTS The total mean Comfort Rating Scale value for a disposable gown plus visor was 16.1 with a mean dimensional score of 2.7 (range, 0.2–8.4), for the Charnley system the values were 51.4 and 8.6 (range, 5.9–12.8), respectively, and for the Stryker Steri-Shield 15.4 and 2.6 (range, 0.8–5.6). CONCLUSIONS The Steri-Shield system provides the least variation in comfort and, as such, may offer the best combination of comfort, protective qualities and form or style of personal protection equipment for lower limb arthroplasty operations. PMID:17002852

Summary of Surface Swipe Sampling for Beryllium on Lead Bricks and Shielding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Paik, S Y; Barron, D A

2011-08-03

Approximately 25,000 lbs of lead bricks at Site 300 were assessed by the Site 300 Industrial Hygienis tand Health Physicist for potential contamination of beryllium and radiation for reuse. These lead bricks and shielding had been used as shielding material during explosives tests that included beryllium and depleted uranium. Based on surface swipe sampling that was performed between July 26 and October 11, 2010, specifically for beryllium, the use of a spray encapsulant was found to be an effective means to limit removable surface contamination to levels below the DOE release limit for beryllium, which is 0.2 mcg/100 cm{sup 2}.more » All the surface swipe sampling data for beryllium and a timeline of when the samples were collected (and a brief description) are presented in this report. On December 15, 2010, the lead bricks and shielding were surveyed with an ion chamber and indicated dose rates less than 0.05 mrem per hour on contact. This represents a dose rate consistent with natural background. An additional suevey was performed on February 8, 2011, using a GM survey instrument to estimate total activity on the lead bricks and shielding, confirming safe levels of radioactivity. The vendor is licensed to possess and work with radioactive material.« less

Transport calculation of neutrons leaked to the surroundings of the facilities by the JCO criticality accident in Tokai-mura.

PubMed

Imanaka, T

2001-09-01

A transport calculation of the neutrons leaked to the environment by the JCO criticality accident was carried out based on three-dimensional geometrical models of the buildings within the JCO territory. Our work started from an initial step to simulate the leakage process of neutrons from the precipitation tank, and proceeded to a step to calculate the neutron propagation throughout the JCO facilities. The total fission number during the accident in the precipitation tank was evaluated to be 2.5 x 10(18) by comparing the calculated neutron-induced activities per 235U fission with the measured values in a stainless-steel net sample taken 2 m from the precipitation tank. Shield effects by various structures within the JCO facilities were evaluated by comparing the present results with a previous calculation using two-dimensional models which suppose a point source of the fission spectrum in the air above the ground without any shield structures. The shield effect by the precipitation tank, itself, was obtained to be a factor of 3. The shield factor by the conversion building varied between 1.1 and 2, depending on the direction from the building. The shield effect by the surrounding buildings within the JCO territory was between I and 5, also depending on the direction.

Cosmic Ray Exposure & Linear-Energy-Transfer Evaluations for the COBE Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stassinopoulos, E. G.; Barth, J. M.

1984-01-01

Magnetospherically attenuated, orbit integrated, surface incident cosmic ray fluxes of galactic origin were determined for the COBE mission. All heavy ions up to Nickel (z=28) were considered in this, evaluation. In order to provide worst case approximations, estimates were based on solar minimum conditions. Transport and material shielding calculations were then performed for these vehicle encountered particles, for a simple spherical 3-D aluminum geometry, and the materially attenuated cosmic ray distributions emerging behind selected shield thicknesses were obtained. Finally, Linear-Energy-Transfer (LET) spectra were evaluated for the energy spectra of each ion specie and these were, in turn, integrated into the sum-total LET distribution contained in this report. The results are presented in tabular and graphical form for eight (8) different shield thicknesses from.01 to 10.0 gm/cm2 of aluminum. They show most conclusively, and not unexpectedly, that material shielding has virtually no 'effect on the final LET spectrum, at least not for aluminum shields. This was predictable. Please note that in the LET graphs, two curves were plotted. Of these, please ignore the one labeled "grazing" and use only the one labeled "normal". Again, it should be remembered that the end results contain contributions from all elements up to Nickel (z=28).

Gathering dust: A galaxy-wide study of dust emission from cloud complexes in NGC 300

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riener, M.; Faesi, C. M.; Forbrich, J.; Lada, C. J.

2018-05-01

Aims: We use multi-band observations by the Herschel Space Observatory to study the dust emission properties of the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 300. We compile a first catalogue of the population of giant dust clouds (GDCs) in NGC 300, including temperature and mass estimates, and give an estimate of the total dust mass of the galaxy. Methods: We carried out source detection with the multiwavelength source extraction algorithm getsources. We calculated physical properties, including mass and temperature, of the GDCs from five-band Herschel PACS and SPIRE observations from 100 to 500 μm; the final size and mass estimates are based on the observations at 250 μm that have an effective spatial resolution of 170 pc. We correlated our final catalogue of GDCs to pre-existing catalogues of HII regions to infer the number of GDCs associated with high-mass star formation and determined the Hα emission of the GDCs. Results: Our final catalogue of GDCs includes 146 sources, 90 of which are associated with known HII regions. We find that the dust masses of the GDCs are completely dominated by the cold dust component and range from 1.1 × 103 to 1.4 × 104 M⊙. The GDCs have effective temperatures of 13-23 K and show a distinct cold dust effective temperature gradient from the centre towards the outer parts of the stellar disk. We find that the population of GDCs in our catalogue constitutes 16% of the total dust mass of NGC 300, which we estimate to be about 5.4 × 106 M⊙. At least about 87% of our GDCs have a high enough average dust mass surface density to provide sufficient shielding to harbour molecular clouds. We compare our results to previous pointed molecular gas observations in NGC 300 and results from other nearby galaxies and also conclude that it is very likely that most of our GDCs are associated with complexes of giant molecular clouds. The catalogue is only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/612/A81Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.

Evaluation of a combined electrostatic and magnetostatic configuration for active space-radiation shielding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Ravindra P.; Qiu, Hao; Tripathi, Ram K.

2013-05-01

Developing successful and optimal solutions to mitigating the hazards of severe space radiation in deep space long duration missions is critical for the success of deep-space explorations. A recent report (Tripathi et al., 2008) had explored the feasibility of using electrostatic shielding. Here, we continue to extend the electrostatic shielding strategy and examine a hybrid configuration that utilizes both electrostatic and magnetostatic fields. The main advantages of this system are shown to be: (i) a much better shielding and repulsion of incident ions from both solar particle events (SPE) and galactic cosmic rays (GCR), (ii) reductions in the power requirement for re-charging the electrostatic sub-system, and (iii) low requirements of the magnetic fields that are well below the thresholds set for health and safety for long-term exposures. Furthermore, our results show transmission levels reduced to levels as low as 30% for energies around 1000 MeV, and near total elimination of SPE radiation by these hybrid configurations. It is also shown that the power needed to replenish the electrostatic charges due to particle hits from the GCR and SPE radiation is minimal.

Air core poloidal magnetic field system for a toroidal plasma producing device

DOEpatents

Marcus, Frederick B.

1978-01-01

A poloidal magnetics system for a plasma producing device of toroidal configuration is provided that reduces both the total volt-seconds requirement and the magnitude of the field change at the toroidal field coils. The system utilizes an air core transformer wound between the toroidal field (TF) coils and the major axis outside the TF coils. Electric current in the primary windings of this transformer is distributed and the magnetic flux returned by air core windings wrapped outside the toroidal field coils. A shield winding that is closely coupled to the plasma carries a current equal and opposite to the plasma current. This winding provides the shielding function and in addition serves in a fashion similar to a driven conducting shell to provide the equilibrium vertical field for the plasma. The shield winding is in series with a power supply and a decoupling coil located outside the TF coil at the primary winding locations. The present invention requires much less energy than the usual air core transformer and is capable of substantially shielding the toroidal field coils from poloidal field flux.

Investigation of Main Radiation Source above Shield Plug of Unit 3 at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiratama, Hideo; Kondo, Kenjiro; Suzuki, Seishiro; Tanimura, Yoshihiko; Iwanaga, Kohei; Nagata, Hiroshi

2017-09-01

Pulse height distributions were measured using a CdZnTe detector inside a lead collimator to investigate main source producing high dose rates above the shield plugs of Unit 3 at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. It was confirmed that low energy photons are dominant. Concentrations of Cs-137 under 60 cm concrete of the shield plug were estimated to be between 8.1E+9 and 5.7E+10 Bq/cm2 from the measured peak count rate of 0.662 MeV photons. If Cs-137 was distributed on the surfaces of the gaps with radius 6m and with the averaged concentration of 5 points, 2.6E+10 Bq/cm2, total amount of Cs-137 is estimated to be 30 PBq.

Application of SIR-B data for groundwater exploration in the Arabian shield and sand-drift monitoring in the AN Nafud and Al Jafurah fringe areas, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berlin, G. L.; Tarabzouni, M. A.; Munshi, Z. M. N.; Chavez, P. S., Jr.

1984-01-01

The primary objectives of the investigation are to determine fully the utility of Shuttle Imaging Radar-B (SIR-B) images for providing valuable surface indicators for ground-water prospecting in the Arabian shield and to identify and assess defining characteristics of sand sheets, sand streaks, and sand dunes in the fringe areas of An Nafud and Al Jafurah. Specific objectives include the determination of the incremental contribution of incidence angle to the total information that can be extracted from SIR-B standard and digitally-enhanced images in the AL Jafurah fringe area; the determination of the incremental contribution of digitally-registered multisensor images; and the development of a groundwater exploration plan for the Ha'il test area in the Arabian Shield.

Early experience in using and 18 Me V linear accelerator for mycosis fungoides at Howard University Hospital.

PubMed

Kumar, P P; Henschke, K; Mandal, K P; Nibhanupudy, J R; Patel, I S

1977-04-01

This paper describes the problems and solutions in using 18 MeV linear accelerator, with minimum 6 MeV electron capability, for total skin irradiation for mycosis fungoides. The 6 MeV electron energy can be degraded to acceptable electron energy of 3.2 MeV by interposing a plexiglass sheet of 9.6 mm in the beam. To minimize the bremsstrahlung, the degrading plexiglass should be kept away from the machine head. A wide area with uniform dose distribution over single plane can be achieved by using dual fields but homogenous dose distribution over irregular body surface cannot be achieved mainly because of self-shielding. The nails and the ocular lens can be easily shielded from the low energy electrons with 1.5 mm lead shield.

Role of Outgassing of ITER Vacuum Vessel In-Wall Shielding Materials in Leak Detection of ITER Vacuum Vessel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maheshwari, A.; Pathak, H. A.; Mehta, B. K.; Phull, G. S.; Laad, R.; Shaikh, M. S.; George, S.; Joshi, K.; Khan, Z.

2017-04-01

ITER Vacuum Vessel is a torus-shaped, double wall structure. The space between the double walls of the VV is filled with In-Wall Shielding Blocks (IWS) and Water. The main purpose of IWS is to provide neutron shielding during ITER plasma operation and to reduce ripple of Toroidal Magnetic Field (TF). Although In-Wall Shield Blocks (IWS) will be submerged in water in between the walls of the ITER Vacuum Vessel (VV), Outgassing Rate (OGR) of IWS materials plays a significant role in leak detection of Vacuum Vessel of ITER. Thermal Outgassing Rate of a material critically depends on the Surface Roughness of material. During leak detection process using RGA equipped Leak detector and tracer gas Helium, there will be a spill over of mass 3 and mass 2 to mass 4 which creates a background reading. Helium background will have contribution of Hydrogen too. So it is necessary to ensure the low OGR of Hydrogen. To achieve an effective leak test it is required to obtain a background below 1 × 10-8 mbar 1 s-1 and hence the maximum Outgassing rate of IWS Materials should comply with the maximum Outgassing rate required for hydrogen i.e. 1 x 10-10 mbar 1 s-1 cm-2 at room temperature. As IWS Materials are special materials developed for ITER project, it is necessary to ensure the compliance of Outgassing rate with the requirement. There is a possibility of diffusing the gasses in material at the time of production. So, to validate the production process of materials as well as manufacturing of final product from this material, three coupons of each IWS material have been manufactured with the same technique which is being used in manufacturing of IWS blocks. Manufacturing records of these coupons have been approved by ITER-IO (International Organization). Outgassing rates of these coupons have been measured at room temperature and found in acceptable limit to obtain the required Helium Background. On the basis of these measurements, test reports have been generated and got approved by IO. This paper will describe the preparation, characteristics and cleaning procedure of samples, description of the system, Outgassing rate Measurement of these samples to ensure the accurate leak detection.

Influence of a Commercial Lead Apron on Patient Skin Dose Delivered During Oral and Maxillofacial Examinations under Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

PubMed

Schulze, Ralf Kurt Willy; Sazgar, Mahssa; Karle, Heiko; de Las Heras Gala, Hugo

2017-08-01

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of a commercial lead apron on patient skin dose delivered during maxillofacial CBCT in five critical regions by means of solid-state-dosimetry. Five anatomical regions (thyroid gland, left and right breast, gonads, back of the phantom torso) in an adult female anthropomorphic phantom were selected for dose measurement by means of the highly sensitive solid-state dosimeter QUART didoSVM. Ten repeated single exposures were assessed for each patient body region for a total of five commercial CBCT devices with and without a lead apron present. Shielded and non-shielded exposures were compared under the paired Wilcoxon test, with absolute and relative differences computed. Reproducibility was expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV) between the 10 repeated assessments. The highest doses observed at skin level were found at the thyroid (mean shielded ± SD: 450.5 ± 346.7 μGy; non-shielded: 339.2 ± 348.8 μGy, p = 0.4922). Shielding resulted in a highly significant (p < 0.001) 93% dose reduction in skin dose in the female breast region with a mean non-shielded dose of approximately 35 μGy. Dose reduction was also significantly lower for the back-region (mean: -65%, p < 0.0001) as well as for the gonad-region (mean: -98%, p < 0.0001) in the shielded situation. Reproducibility was inversely correlated to skin dose (Rspearman = -0.748, p < 0.0001) with a mean CV of 10.45% (SD: 24.53 %). Skin dose in the thyroid region of the simulated patient was relatively high and not influenced by the lead apron, which did not shield this region. Dose reduction by means of a commercial lead apron was significant in all other regions, particularly in the region of the female breast.

SU-E-T-270: Optimized Shielding Calculations for Medical Linear Accelerators (LINACs).

PubMed

Muhammad, W; Lee, S; Hussain, A

2012-06-01

The purpose of radiation shielding is to reduce the effective equivalent dose from a medical linear accelerator (LINAC) to a point outside the room to a level determined by individual state/international regulations. The study was performed to design LINAC's room for newly planned radiotherapy centers. Optimized shielding calculations were performed for LINACs having maximum photon energy of 20 MV based on NCRP 151. The maximum permissible dose limits were kept 0.04 mSv/week and 0.002 mSv/week for controlled and uncontrolled areas respectively by following ALARA principle. The planned LINAC's room was compared to the already constructed (non-optimized) LINAC's room to evaluate the shielding costs and the other facilities those are directly related to the room design. In the evaluation process it was noted that the non-optimized room size (i.e., 610 × 610 cm 2 or 20 feet × 20 feet) is not suitable for total body irradiation (TBI) although the machine installed inside was having not only the facility of TBI but the license was acquired. By keeping this point in view, the optimized INAC's room size was kept 762 × 762 cm 2. Although, the area of the optimized rooms was greater than the non-planned room (i.e., 762 × 762 cm 2 instead of 610 × 610 cm 2), the shielding cost for the optimized LINAC's rooms was reduced by 15%. When optimized shielding calculations were re-performed for non-optimized shielding room (i.e., keeping room size, occupancy factors, workload etc. same), it was found that the shielding cost may be lower to 41 %. In conclusion, non- optimized LINAC's room can not only put extra financial burden on the hospital but also can cause of some serious issues related to providing health care facilities for patients. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Jupiter - Friend or Foe?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horner, J.; Jones, B. W.

2008-09-01

It has long been believed that the planet Jupiter has played a beneficial role in the development of life on the Earth, acting as a shield from objects which would otherwise go on to significantly raise the impact flux experienced by our planet. Without Jupiter, the story goes, the Earth would have experienced a far greater number of impacts, making it far less hospitable to burgeoning life. In an on-going series of separate studies[1,2], we have examined the effects of varying the mass of Jupiter on the impact flux that the Earth would experience from Near-Earth Objects sourced from the Asteroid belt, short-period comets sourced from the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt, and long-period comets sourced from the Oort cloud. The results are remarkable - it seems that, far from being a shield, Jupiter actually acts to increase the impact flux experienced by the Earth over that which would be expected without the planet. Still more surprising, in the cases of the asteroids and Edgeworth-Kuiper belt objects, it seems that a Jupiter around 0.2 times the mass of "our Jupiter" would be even more threatening, sending a still greater number of objects our way. In order to simulate such disparate populations, different approaches to population construction were needed. The asteroidal and short-period comet populations each contained 100,000 test particles, moving on orbits typical of their class. The asteroids were initially distributed between 2 and 4 AU, with orbits of varying eccentricity and inclination, with number density varying as a function of semi-major axis. The short-period cometary flux was obtained through simulation of a population based on the subset of known Centaurs and Scattered Disk Objects which are Neptune-crossing, and have perihelia beyond the orbit of Uranus. These objects are the parents of the short-period comets, and were chosen since they are a population beyond the current influence of the planet Jupiter. Since our goal was to study the effect of Jupiter's mass on the impact flux at the Earth from the two populations, we followed our 100,000 particle populations for 10 million years, under the influence of the giant planets. Each particle was followed until it either hit something, or was ejected from the system. In this manner, we were able to follow the flux of objects onto the Earth as a function of time. The simulations were repeated over a wide range of Jupiter masses, with all other variables being held constant, allowing us to observe the variations in impact flux as a function of Jovian mass. In the cases of the asteroids and the short-period comets, Jupiter was observed to significantly modify the impact flux which would be experienced by the planet Earth. It was immediately obvious, however, that the old idea that Jupiter shields us from impacts no longer holds. For both of these populations, the lowest impact rates were experienced when the Jupiter-like planet in the system had the lowest mass, rose rapidly to a peak flux at around 0.2 Jupiter masses, before falling away more slowly. Therefore, for the asteroids and short-period comets, it seems that our Jupiter does offer some shielding, when compared to the case where the planet has a mass of around 0.2 MJ, but, compared to the scenario where no Jupiter is present at all (or the Jupiter in question has very low mass), Jupiter actually acts to increase the Earth-bound flux. Simulations are currently underway with the goal of analysing the effects of Jupiter's mass on the impact flux from the long-period comets (deflected inward towards the Earth from the Oort cloud). Further into the future, we intend to study the effects of Jovian position of the impact flux, with the goal of answering, once and for all, the question - "Jupiter - Friend or Foe?".

Low-cost, compact, cooled photomultiplier assembly for use in magnetic fields up to 1400 Gauss

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patch, R. W.; Tashjian, R. A.; Jentner, T. A.

1975-01-01

Use of vortex tube for cooling and concentric shielding have produced smaller and more compact unit than was previously available. Future uses of device could include installation in gas chromatographs and mass spectrometers. Additional uses would include measurements and controls in magnetohydrodynamic power generators and fusion reactors.

Deployment of the Telstar communications satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

Deployment of the Telstar communications satellite by the STS 41-D crew. The cylindrical spacecraft spins and rises past the shuttle stabilizer from its protective shield in the space shuttle payload bay. Behind it is another, closed protective cradle. Heavy clouds cover much of the water and land mass of earth in the background.

The Origin and Significance of the CCAM Line: Evidence from Chondrules and Dark Inclusions in Allende (CV3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenwood, R. C.; Franchi, I. A.; Zolensky, M. E.; Buchanan, P. C.

2016-01-01

The process responsible for the mass independent oxygen isotope variation observed in Solar System materials remains poorly understood. While self-shielding of CO, either in the early solar nebula, or precursor molecular cloud, appears to be a viable mechanism, alternative models have also been proposed.

Enhanced High-Rate Shockwave Lithotripsy Stone Comminution in an In Vivo Porcine Model Using Acoustic Bubble Coalescence.

PubMed

Alavi Tamaddoni, Hedieh; Roberts, William W; Duryea, Alexander P; Cain, Charles A; Hall, Timothy L

2016-12-01

Cavitation plays a significant role in the efficacy of stone comminution during shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). Although cavitation on the surface of urinary stones helps to improve fragmentation, cavitation bubbles along the propagation path may shield or block subsequent shockwaves (SWs) and potentially induce collateral tissue damage. Previous in vitro work has shown that applying low-amplitude acoustic waves after each SW can force bubbles to consolidate and enhance SWL efficacy. In this study, the feasibility of applying acoustic bubble coalescence (ABC) in vivo was tested. Model stones were percutaneously implanted and treated with 2500 lithotripsy SWs at 120 SW/minute with or without ABC. Comparing the results of stone comminution, a significant improvement was observed in the stone fragmentation process when ABC was used. Without ABC, only 25% of the mass of the stone was fragmented to particles <2 mm in size. With ABC, 75% of the mass was fragmented to particles <2 mm in size. These results suggest that ABC can reduce the shielding effect of residual bubble nuclei, resulting in a more efficient SWL treatment.

Shielding from Solar Particle Event Exposures in Deep Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, John W.; Cucinotta, F. A.; Shinn, J. L.; Simonsen, L. C.; Dubey, R. R.; Jordan, W. R.; Jones, T. D.; Chang, C. K.; Kim, M. Y.

1999-01-01

The physical composition and intensities of solar particle event exposures or sensitive astronaut tissues are examined under conditions approximating an astronaut in deep space. Response functions for conversion of particle fluence into dose and dose equivalent averaged over organ tissue, are used to establish significant fluence levels and the expected dose and dose rates of the most important events from past observations. The BRYNTRN transport code is used to evaluate the local environment experienced by sensitive tissues and used to evaluate bioresponse models developed for use in tactical nuclear warfare. The present results will help to the biophysical aspects of such exposure in the assessment of RBE and dose rate effects and their impact on design of protection systems for the astronauts. The use of polymers as shielding material in place of an equal mass of aluminum would prowide a large safety factor without increasing the vehicle mass. This safety factor is sufficient to provide adequate protection if a factor of two larger event than has ever been observed in fact occurs during the mission.

The Tharsis Montes, Mars - Comparison of volcanic and modified landforms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zimbelman, James R.; Edgett, Kenneth S.

1992-01-01

The three Tharsis Montes shield volcanos, Arsia Mons, Pavonis Mons, and Ascraeus Mons, have broad similarities that have been recognized since the Mariner 9 reconnaissance in 1972. Upon closer examination the volcanos are seen to have significant differences that are due to individual volcanic histories. All three volcanos exhibit the following characteristics: gentle (less than 5 deg) flank slopes, entrants in the northwestern and southeastern flanks that were the source for lavas extending away from each shield, summit caldera(s), and enigmatic lobe-shaped features extending over the plains to the west of each volcano. The three volcanos display different degrees of circumferential graben and trough development in the summit regions, complexity of preserved caldera collapse events, secondary summit-region volcanic construction, and erosion on the lower western flanks due to mass wasting and the processes that formed the large lobe-shaped features. All three lobe-shaped features start at elevations of 10 to 11 km and terminate at 6 km. The complex morphology of the lobe deposits appear to involve some form of catastrophic mass movement followed by effusive and perhaps pyroclastic volcanism.

JAE: A Jupiter Atmospheric Entry Probe Heating Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wercinski, Paul F.; Tauber, Michael E.; Yang, Lily

1997-01-01

The strong gravitational attraction of Jupiter on probes approaching the planet results in very high atmospheric entry velocities. The values relative to the rotating atmosphere can vary from about 47 to 60 km/sec, depending on the latitude of the entry. Therefore, the peak heating rates and heat shield mass fractions exceed those for any other atmospheric entries. For example, the Galileo probe's heat shield mass fraction was 50%, of which 45% was devoted to the forebody. Although the Galileo probe's mission was very successful, many more scientific questions about the Jovian atmosphere remain to be answered and additional probe missions are being planned. Recent developments in microelectronics have raised the possibility of building smaller and less expensive probes than Galileo. Therefore, it was desirable to develop a code that could quickly compute the forebody entry heating environments when performing parametric probe sizing studies. The Jupiter Atmospheric Entry (JAE) code was developed to meet this requirement. The body geometry consists of a blunt-nosed conical shape of arbitrary nose and base radius and cone angles up to about 65 deg at zero angle of attack.

Radiation shielding for future space exploration missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeWitt, Joel Michael

Scope and Method of Study. The risk to space crew health and safety posed by exposure to space radiation is regarded as a significant obstacle to future human space exploration. To countermand this risk, engineers and designers in today's aerospace community will require detailed knowledge of a broad range of possible materials suitable for the construction of future spacecraft or planetary surface habitats that provide adequate protection from a harmful space radiation environment. This knowledge base can be supplied by developing an experimental method that provides quantitative information about a candidate material's space radiation shielding efficacy with the understanding that (1) shielding is currently the only practical countermeasure to mitigate the effects of space radiation on human interplanetary missions, (2) any mass of a spacecraft or planetary surface habitat necessarily alters the incident flux of ionizing radiation on it, and (3) the delivery of mass into LEO and beyond is expensive and therefore may benefit from the possible use of novel multifunctional materials that could in principle reduce cost as well as ionizing radiation exposure. The developed method has an experimental component using CR-39 PNTD and Al2O3:C OSLD that exposes candidate space radiation shielding materials of varying composition and depth to a representative sample of the GCR spectrum that includes 1 GeV 1H and 1 GeV/n 16O, 28Si, and 56Fe heavy ion beams at the BNL NSRL. The computer modeling component of the method used the Monte Carlo radiation transport code FLUKA to account for secondary neutrons that were not easily measured in the laboratory. Findings and Conclusions. This study developed a method that quantifies the efficacy of a candidate space radiation shielding material relative to the standard of polyethylene using a combination of experimental and computer modeling techniques. The study used established radiation dosimetry techniques to present an empirical weighted figure of merit (WFoM) approach that quantifies the effectiveness of a candidate material to shield space crews from the whole of the space radiation environment. The results of the WFoM approach should prove useful to designers and engineers in seeking alternative materials suitable for the construction of spacecraft or planetary surface habitats needed for long-term space exploration missions. The dosimetric measurements in this study have confirmed the principle of good space radiation shielding design by showing that low-Z¯ materials are most effective at reducing absorbed dose and dose equivalent while high-Z¯ materials are to be avoided. The relatively high WFoMs of carbon composite and lunar- and Martian-regolith composite could have important implications for the design and construction of future spacecraft or planetary surface habitats. The ground-based measurements conducted in this study have validated the heavy ion extension of FLUKA by producing normalized differential LET fluence spectra that are in good agreement with experiment.

The final results of the Mi-Beta Cryogenic Experiment towards the CUORICINO Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pirro, S.; Arnaboldi, C.; Brofferio, C.; Bucci, C.; Capelli, S.; Cremonesi, O.; Fiorini, E.; Giuliani, A.; McDonald, R. J.; Nucciotti, A.; Pavan, M.; Pedretti, M.; Pessina, G.; Pobes, C.; Previtali, E.; Sisti, M.; Vanzini, M.; Zanotti, L.

2002-02-01

We present the final results on neutrinoless Double Beta Decay (DBD) of 130Te obtained with an array of 20 cryogenic detectors. The Mi-Beta Experiment is operating since 3 years and was upgraded in March 2001. The background in the DBD energy region was reduced thanks to a new Roman lead shield framed inside the dilution unit and a neutron shield mounted outside the cryostat. We also improved the energy threshold using a cold electronic stage inside the cryostat. The new set-up represents also a good test for the CUORICINO Experiment. CUORICINO will start by the beginning of 2002 and will consist of 56 Tellurium Oxide Crystal with an overall bolometric mass of 42 kg. .

Radiation Risk and the Mission to Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durante, Marco

2014-06-01

Space radiation represents a major showstopper for human space exploration. While solar particle events and trapped protons can be effectively shielded, high-energy nuclei in the galactic cosmic radiation have a high biological effectiveness and cannot be shielded with the limited mass available on a spacecraft. A mission to Mars has been recently proposed (Inspiration Mars), consisting of a flyby with a crew of two astronauts starting in 2018 and lasting 501 days. Based on the recent measurements of the galactic cosmic ray dose on the Mars Science Laboratory and on the most recent update on the risk coefficients from the Atomic bomb survivors, it can be shown that the mission to Mars with current technology may expose the crew to a significant cancer risk.

Preliminary assessment of high power, NERVA-class dual-mode space nuclear propulsion and power systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buksa, John J.; Kirk, William L.; Cappiello, Michael W.

A preliminary assessment of the technical feasibility and mass competitiveness of a dual-mode nuclear propulsion and power system based on the NERVA rocket engine has been completed. Results indicate that the coupling of the Rover reactor to a direct Brayton power conversion system can be accomplished through a number of design features. Furthermore, based on previously published and independently calculated component masses, the dual-mode system was found to have the potential to be mass competitive with propulsion/power systems that use separate reactors. The uncertainties of reactor design modification and shielding requirements were identified as important issues requiring future investigation.

American War and Military Operations Casualties: Lists and Statistics

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-29

DesertShield/Desert Storm (as of June 15, 2004) Casualty Type Total Army Air Force Marines Navya ,b Killed in Action 143 96 20 22 5 Died of Wounds 4 2 2...Operation Iraqi Freedom — Military Deaths, May 1, 2003, Through June 2, 2007 (As of June 2, 2007) Casualty Type Totals Army Navya Marines Air Force

Development and application of a 3-D geometry/mass model for LDEF satellite ionizing radiation assessments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colborn, B. L.; Armstrong, T. W.

1992-01-01

A computer model of the three dimensional geometry and material distributions for the LDEF spacecraft, experiment trays, and, for selected trays, the components of experiments within a tray was developed for use in ionizing radiation assessments. The model is being applied to provide 3-D shielding distributions around radiation dosimeters to aid in data interpretation, particularly in assessing the directional properties of the radiation exposure. Also, the model has been interfaced with radiation transport codes for 3-D dosimetry response predictions and for calculations related to determining the accuracy of trapped proton and cosmic ray environment models. The methodology is described used in developing the 3-D LDEF model and the level of detail incorporated. Currently, the trays modeled in detail are F2, F8, and H12 and H3. Applications of the model which are discussed include the 3-D shielding distributions around various dosimeters, the influence of shielding on dosimetry responses, and comparisons of dose predictions based on the present 3-D model vs those from 1-D geometry model approximations used in initial estimates.

Analysis of a Lunar Base Electrostatic Radiation Shield Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buhler, Charles R.

2004-01-01

Space weather can be defined as the total ensemble of radiation in space, as well as on the surface of moons and asteroids. It consists of electromagnetic, charged-particle, and neutral particle radiation. The fundamental goal behind this NIAC Phase I research is to investigate methods of generating a static electric-field potential phi(x, y, z) in the volume above and around a "safe" or protected area on the lunar surface so that trajectories of harmful charged particle radiation are modified (deflected or reflected), thus creating a shadow over that region. Since the charged particles are not neutralized but merely redirected, there will be areas outside of the shadowed protected region that will have a higher flux concentration of radiation. One of the fundamental limitations of the static electric (electrostatic)-field approach to radiation shielding is that complete shadowing is accomplished only by complete reflection, which can only occur for shield voltages greater than or equal to the kinetic energy (in electron volts) of the incoming charged particles. Just as habitats on Earth are protected from severe weather events and conditions, such as extreme temperatures, high winds, and UV radiation, using multiple methods of shielding protection from severe space weather will undoubtedly require multiple strategies. The electrostatic shield concept may be one of many methods employed to protect astronaut habitats on the lunar surface from some of the harmful effects of space weather.

Passive dosimetry aboard the Mir Orbital Station: external measurements.

PubMed

Benton, E R; Benton, E V; Frank, A L

2002-10-01

This paper reports results from the first measurements made on the exterior of a LEO spacecraft of mean dose equivalent rate and average quality factor as functions of shielding depth for shielding less than 1 g/cm2 Al equivalent. Two sets of measurements were made on the outside of the Mir Orbital Station; one near solar maximum in June 1991 and one near solar minimum in 1997. Absorbed dose was measured using stacks of TLDs. LET spectrum from charged particles of LET infinity H2O > o r= 5keV/micrometers was measured using stacks of CR-39 PNTDs. Results from the TLD and PNTD measurements at a given shielding depth were combined to yield mean total dose rate, mean dose equivalent rate, and average quality factor. Measurements made near solar maximum tend to be greater than those made during solar minimum. Both mean dose rate and mean dose equivalent rate decrease by nearly four orders of magnitude within the first g/cm2 shielding illustrating the attenuation of both trapped electrons and low-energy trapped protons. In order to overcome problems with detector saturation after standard chemical processing, measurement of LET spectrum in the least shielded CR-39 PNTD layer (0.005 g/cm2 Al) was carried out using an atomic force microscope. c2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Passive dosimetry aboard the Mir Orbital Station: external measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benton, E. R.; Benton, E. V.; Frank, A. L.

2002-01-01

This paper reports results from the first measurements made on the exterior of a LEO spacecraft of mean dose equivalent rate and average quality factor as functions of shielding depth for shielding less than 1 g/cm2 Al equivalent. Two sets of measurements were made on the outside of the Mir Orbital Station; one near solar maximum in June 1991 and one near solar minimum in 1997. Absorbed dose was measured using stacks of TLDs. LET spectrum from charged particles of LET infinity H2O > o r= 5keV/micrometers was measured using stacks of CR-39 PNTDs. Results from the TLD and PNTD measurements at a given shielding depth were combined to yield mean total dose rate, mean dose equivalent rate, and average quality factor. Measurements made near solar maximum tend to be greater than those made during solar minimum. Both mean dose rate and mean dose equivalent rate decrease by nearly four orders of magnitude within the first g/cm2 shielding illustrating the attenuation of both trapped electrons and low-energy trapped protons. In order to overcome problems with detector saturation after standard chemical processing, measurement of LET spectrum in the least shielded CR-39 PNTD layer (0.005 g/cm2 Al) was carried out using an atomic force microscope. c2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Theory of Gravity and General Relativity based on Quantum Electromagnetism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng-Johansson, J. X.

2018-02-01

Based on first principles solutions in a unified framework of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism we predict the presence of a universal attractive depolarisation radiation (DR) Lorentz force (F) between quantum entities, each being either an IED matter particle or light quantum, in a polarisable dielectric vacuum. Given two quantum entities i = 1, 2 of either kind, of characteristic frequencies ν _i^0, masses m_i0 = hν _i^0/{c^2} and separated at a distance r 0, the solution for F is F = - G}m_1^0m_2^0/{≤ft( {{r^2}} \\right)^2}, where G} = χ _0^2{e^4}/12{π ^2} \\in _0^2{ρ _λ };{χ _0} is the susceptibility and π λ is the reduced linear mass density of the vacuum. This force F resembles in all respects Newton’s gravity and is accurate at the weak F limit; hence ℊ equals the gravitational constant G. The DR wave fields and hence the gravity are each propagated in the dielectric vacuum at the speed of light c; these can not be shielded by matter. A test particle µ of mass m 0 therefore interacts gravitationally with all of the building particles of a given large mass M at r 0 apart, by a total gravitational force F = -GMm 0/(r 0)2 and potential V = -∂F/∂r 0. For a finite V and hence a total Hamiltonian H = m 0 c 2 + V, solution for the eigenvalue equation of µ presents a red-shift in the eigen frequency ν = ν 0(1 - GM/r 0 c 2) and hence in other wave variables. The quantum solutions combined with the wave nature of the gravity further lead to dilated gravito optical distance r = r 0/(1 - GM/r 0 c 2) and time t = t 0/(1 - GM/r 0 c 2), and modified Newton’s gravity and Einstein’s mass energy relation. Applications of these give predictions of the general relativistic effects manifested in the four classical test experiments of Einstein’s general relativity (GR), in direct agreement with the experiments and the predictions given based on GR.

Determination of the neutron activation profile of core drill samples by gamma-ray spectrometry.

PubMed

Gurau, D; Boden, S; Sima, O; Stanga, D

2018-04-01

This paper provides guidance for determining the neutron activation profile of core drill samples taken from the biological shield of nuclear reactors using gamma spectrometry measurements. Thus, it provides guidance for selecting a model of the right form to fit data and using least squares methods for model fitting. The activity profiles of two core samples taken from the biological shield of a nuclear reactor were determined. The effective activation depth and the total activity of core samples along with their uncertainties were computed by Monte Carlo simulation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improved scaling laws for stage inert mass of space propulsion systems. Volume 2: System modeling and weight data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

Technical models and analytical approaches used to develop the weight data for vehicle system concepts using advanced technology are reported. Weight data are supplied for the following major system elements: engine, pressurization, propellant containers, structural shells and secondary structure, and environmental protection shields for the meteoroid and thermal design requirements. Scaling laws, improved and a simplified set, are developed from the system weight data. The laws consider the implications of the major design parameters and mission requirements on the stage inert mass.

A numerical investigation into the influence of the properties of cobalt chrome cellular structures on the load transfer to the periprosthetic femur following total hip arthroplasty.

PubMed

Hazlehurst, Kevin Brian; Wang, Chang Jiang; Stanford, Mark

2014-04-01

Stress shielding of the periprosthetic femur following total hip arthroplasty is a problem that can promote the premature loosening of femoral stems. In order to reduce the need for revision surgery it is thought that more flexible implant designs need to be considered. In this work, the mechanical properties of laser melted square pore cobalt chrome molybdenum cellular structures have been incorporated into the design of a traditional monoblock femoral stem. The influence of incorporating the properties of cellular structures on the load transfer to the periprosthetic femur was investigated using a three dimensional finite element model. Eleven different stiffness configurations were investigated by using fully porous and functionally graded approaches. This investigation confirms that the periprosthetic stress values depend on the stiffness configuration of the stem. The numerical results showed that stress shielding is reduced in the periprosthetic Gruen zones when the mechanical properties of cobalt chrome molybdenum cellular structures are used. This work identifies that monoblock femoral stems manufactured using a laser melting process, which are designed for reduced stiffness, have the potential to contribute towards reducing stress shielding. Copyright © 2014 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On Local Ionization Equilibrium and Disk Winds in QSOs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereyra, Nicolas A.

2014-11-01

We present theoretical C IV λλ1548,1550 absorption line profiles for QSOs calculated assuming the accretion disk wind (ADW) scenario. The results suggest that the multiple absorption troughs seen in many QSOs may be due to the discontinuities in the ion balance of the wind (caused by X-rays), rather than discontinuities in the density/velocity structure. The profiles are calculated from a 2.5-dimensional time-dependent hydrodynamic simulation of a line-driven disk wind for a typical QSO black hole mass, a typical QSO luminosity, and for a standard Shakura-Sunyaev disk. We include the effects of ionizing X-rays originating from within the inner disk radius by assuming that the wind is shielded from the X-rays from a certain viewing angle up to 90° ("edge on"). In the shielded region, we assume constant ionization equilibrium, and thus constant line-force parameters. In the non-shielded region, we assume that both the line-force and the C IV populations are nonexistent. The model can account for P-Cygni absorption troughs (produced at edge on viewing angles), multiple absorption troughs (produced at viewing angles close to the angle that separates the shielded region and the non-shielded region), and for detached absorption troughs (produced at an angle in between the first two absorption line types); that is, the model can account for the general types of broad absorption lines seen in QSOs as a viewing angle effect. The steady nature of ADWs, in turn, may account for the steady nature of the absorption structure observed in multiple-trough broad absorption line QSOs. The model parameters are M bh = 109 M ⊙ and L disk = 1047 erg s-1.

Changes of bone mineral density after cementless total hip arthroplasty with two different stems

PubMed Central

Ito, Kouji; Yamamoto, Kengo

2007-01-01

Cementless total hip arthroplasty has achieved reliable long-term results since porous coatings were developed, but postoperative changes around the stem remain poorly documented. In this study, changes of the bone mineral density (BMD) were compared between two types of cementless stem. In group B (28 patients with 31 hips), a straight tapered stem with porous plasma spray coating on the proximal 1/4 was used, while group S (24 patients with 26 hips) was given a fluted, tri-slot stem with porous hydroxyapatite coating on the proximal 1/3. In group B, there was an early decrease of BMD, which recovered after 12 months, indicating that stress shielding was minimal. In group S, however, BMD continued to decrease without recovery. The stem shape and radiological findings suggested that the cause of stress shielding in group S was distal fixation. PMID:17225187

Radiological operational scenario for a permanent lunar base

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCormack, Percival D.

An operational scenario for a lunar base is postulated based on 30 lunar base personnel and 2 year tours of duty plus stipulated numbers of EVA's and sorties in the lunar rover vehicles. It is also postulated that the main shielding material for the lunar base units (habitats, laboratories, etc.) will be lunar regolith. Using the solar minimum period as the basis, total accumulated dose equivalents for the galactic cosmic radiation over the two year period are computed at various shielding depths. Depths of regolith of over 20 g/sq cm are sufficient to reduce the total dose equivalents to well under the present limits. The second arm of the radiological health strategy -- continuous and all-encompassing radiation dosimetry -- is also discussed in some detail. It is also emphasized that monitoring of the base personnel for genetic mutations and chromosomal aberrations must be part of the radiological health program in the lunar base.

Radiation Shielding Study of Advanced Data and Power Management Systems (ADPMS) Housing Using Geant4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia, F.; Kurvinen, K.; Brander, T.; Orava, R.; Heino, J.; Virtanen, A.; Kettunen, H.; Tenhunen, M.

2008-02-01

A design goal for current space system is to reduce the mass used to enclose components of the spacecraft. One potential target is to reduce the mass of electronics and its housings. The use of composite materials, especially CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) is a well known and vastly used approach to mass reduction. A design goal, cost reduction, has increased the use of commercial (non-space qualified) electronics. These commercial circuits and other components cannot tolerate as high radiation levels as space qualified components. Therefore, the use of standard electronics components poses a challenge in terms of the radiation protection capability of the ADPMS housings. The main goal of this study is to provide insight on the radiation shielding protection produced by different configurations of CFRP tungsten laminates of epoxies and cyanate esters and then to compare them to the protection given by the commonly used aluminum. For a spacecraft operating in LEO and MEO orbits the main components of the space radiation environment are energetic electrons and protons, therefore in our study we will compare the experimental and simulation results of the radiation attenuation of different types of laminates for those particles. At the same time the experimental data has been used to validate the Geant4 model of the laminates, which can be used for future optimizations of the laminate structures.

Difference in Postoperative Periprosthetic Bone Mineral Density Changes Between 3 Major Designs of Uncemented Stems: A 3-Year Follow-Up Study.

PubMed

Inaba, Yutaka; Kobayashi, Naomi; Oba, Masatoshi; Ike, Hiroyuki; Kubota, So; Saito, Tomoyuki

2016-08-01

Although few studies have examined the direct effect of stress shielding on clinical outcomes, periprosthetic bone loss due to stress shielding is still an issue of concern, especially when physicians perform uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) in younger patients. Differences in femoral stem design may affect the degree of postoperative stress shielding. Therefore, the characteristics of the behavior for stress shielding of each type of femoral stem should be determined. This study compares differences in bone mineral density (BMD) change in the femur after primary THA between 3 major types of uncemented stems. Among a total of 89 hips, 26 hips received THA with a fit-and-fill type stem (VerSys Fiber Metal MidCoat; Zimmer, Inc, Warsaw, IN), 32 hips received a tapered rectangular Zweymüller-type stem (SL-Plus; Smith & Nephew Inc, Memphis, TN), and 31 received a tapered wedge-type stem (Accolade TMZF; Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ). BMD measurements were performed with a HOLOGIC Discovery device (Hologic Inc, Waltham, MA). BMD in the medial-proximal femur was maintained for 3 years after THA in the group with the tapered wedge-type stem. BMD in the lateral-proximal femur was maintained for 3 years after THA in the group with the Zweymüller-type stem. There were no significant differences in the Harris Hip Score among the 3 stem groups preoperatively and 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. There are clear differences in postoperative BMD loss of the proximal femur among these 3 commonly used uncemented stems. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cosmogenic rare gases and 10-Be in a cross section of Knyahinya

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wieler, R.; Signer, P.; Herpers, U.; Sarafin, R.; Bonani, G.; Hofmann, H. J.; Morenzoni, E.; Nessi, M.; Suter, M.; Woelfli, W.

1986-01-01

The concentrations of cosmogenic nuclides were studied as a function of shielding on samples from a cross section of the 293 kg main fragment of the L5 chondrite Knyahinya. The stone broke into two nearly symmetrical parts upon its fall in 1866. The planar cross section has diameters between 40 and 55 cm. He, Ne, and Ar were measured on about 20 samples by mass spectrometry and the 10-Be activities on aliquots of 10 selected samples were determined by AMS. The 10-Be data are presented and the abundances of spallogenic nuclides are compared with the model calculations reported by Reedy for spherical L chondrites. The 10-Be production rates in Knyahinya are shown versus the shielding parameter 22-Ne/21-Ne.

A Novel Polyaniline-Coated Bagasse Fiber Composite with Core-Shell Heterostructure Provides Effective Electromagnetic Shielding Performance.

PubMed

Zhang, Yang; Qiu, Munan; Yu, Ying; Wen, Bianying; Cheng, Lele

2017-01-11

A facile route was proposed to synthesize polyaniline (PANI) uniformly deposited on bagasse fiber (BF) via a one-step in situ polymerization of aniline in the dispersed system of BF. Correlations between the structural, electrical, and electromagnetic properties were extensively investigated. Scanning electron microscopy images confirm that the PANI was coated dominantly on the BF surface, indicating that the as-prepared BF/PANI composite adopted the natural and inexpensive BF as its core and the PANI as the shell. Fourier transform infrared spectra suggest significant interactions between the BF and PANI shell, and a high degree of doping in the PANI shell was achieved. X-ray diffraction results reveal that the crystallization of the PANI shell was improved. The dielectric behaviors are analyzed with respect to dielectric constant, loss tangent, and Cole-Cole plots. The BF/PANI composite exhibits superior electrical conductivity (2.01 ± 0.29 S·cm -1 ), which is higher than that of the pristine PANI with 1.35 ± 0.15 S·cm -1 . The complex permittivity, electromagnetic interference (EMI), shielding effectiveness (SE) values, and attenuation constants of the BF/PANI composite were larger than those of the pristine PANI. The EMI shielding mechanisms of the composite were experimentally and theoretically analyzed. The absorption-dominated total EMI SE of 28.8 dB at a thickness of 0.4 mm indicates the usefulness of the composite for electromagnetic shielding. Moreover, detailed comparison of electrical and EMI shielding properties with respect to the BF/PANI, dedoped BF/PANI composite, and the pristine PANI indicate that the enhancement of electromagnetic properties for the BF/PANI composite was due to the improved conductivity and the core-shell architecture. Thus, the composite has potential commercial applications for high-performance electromagnetic shielding materials and also could be used as a conductive filler to endow polymers with electromagnetic shielding ability.

Development of a Body Shield for Small Animal PET System to Reduce Random and Scatter Coincidences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wada, Yasuhiro; Yamamoto, Seiichi; Watanabe, Yasuyoshi

2015-02-01

For small animal positron emission tomography (PET) research using high radioactivity, such as dynamic studies, the resulting high random coincidence rate of the system degrades image quality. The random coincidence rate is increased not only by the gamma photons from inside the axial-field-of-view (axial-FOV) of the PET system but also by those from outside the axial-FOV. For brain imaging in small animal studies, significant interference is observed from gamma photons emitted from the body. Single gamma photons from the body enter the axial-FOV and increase the random and scatter coincidences. Shielding against the gamma photons from outside the axial-FOV would improve the image quality. For this purpose, we developed a body shield for a small animal PET system, the microPET Primate 4-ring system, and evaluated its performance. The body shield is made of 9-mm-thick lead and it surrounds most of a rat's body. We evaluated the effectiveness of the body shield using a head phantom and a body phantom with a radioactivity concentration ratio of 1:2 and a maximum total activity of approximately 250 MBq. The random coincidence rate was dramatically decreased to 1/10, and the noise equivalent count rate (NECR) was increased 6 times with an activity of 7 MBq in the head phantom. The true count rate was increased to 35% due to the decrease in system deadtime. The average scatter fraction was decreased to 1/2.5 with the body shield. Count rate measurements of rat were also conducted with an injection activity of approximately 25 MBq of [C-11]N,N-dimethyl-2-(2-amino-4-cyanophenylthio) benzylamine ([C-11]DASB) and approximately 70 and 310 MBq of 2-deoxy-2-(F-18)fluoro-D-glucose ([F-18]FDG). Using the body shield, [F-18]FDG images of rats were improved by increasing the amount of radioactivity injected. The body shield designed for small animal PET systems is a promising tool for improving image quality and quantitation accuracy in small animal molecular imaging research.

Accelerator shield design of KIPT neutron source facility

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhong, Z.; Gohar, Y.

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) of the United States and Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology (KIPT) of Ukraine have been collaborating on the design development of a neutron source facility at KIPT utilizing an electron-accelerator-driven subcritical assembly. Electron beam power is 100 kW, using 100 MeV electrons. The facility is designed to perform basic and applied nuclear research, produce medical isotopes, and train young nuclear specialists. The biological shield of the accelerator building is designed to reduce the biological dose to less than 0.5-mrem/hr during operation. The main source of the biological dose is the photons and the neutrons generatedmore » by interactions of leaked electrons from the electron gun and accelerator sections with the surrounding concrete and accelerator materials. The Monte Carlo code MCNPX serves as the calculation tool for the shield design, due to its capability to transport electrons, photons, and neutrons coupled problems. The direct photon dose can be tallied by MCNPX calculation, starting with the leaked electrons. However, it is difficult to accurately tally the neutron dose directly from the leaked electrons. The neutron yield per electron from the interactions with the surrounding components is less than 0.01 neutron per electron. This causes difficulties for Monte Carlo analyses and consumes tremendous computation time for tallying with acceptable statistics the neutron dose outside the shield boundary. To avoid these difficulties, the SOURCE and TALLYX user subroutines of MCNPX were developed for the study. The generated neutrons are banked, together with all related parameters, for a subsequent MCNPX calculation to obtain the neutron and secondary photon doses. The weight windows variance reduction technique is utilized for both neutron and photon dose calculations. Two shielding materials, i.e., heavy concrete and ordinary concrete, were considered for the shield design. The main goal is to maintain the total dose outside the shield boundary at less than 0.5-mrem/hr. The shield configuration and parameters of the accelerator building have been determined and are presented in this paper. (authors)« less

Background Studies in CZT Detectors at Balloon Altitudes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slavis, K. R.; Dowkontt, P. F.; Epstein, J. W.; Hink, P. L.; Matteson, J. L.; Duttweiler, F.; Huszar, G. L.; Leblanc, P. C.; Skelton, R. T.; Stephan, E. A.

1998-12-01

Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) is a room temperature semiconductor detector well suited for high energy X-ray astronomy. We have developed a CZT detector with crossed strip readout, 500 micron resolution, and an advanced electrode design that greatly improves energy resolution. The latter varies from 3 keV to 6 keV FWHM over the range from 14-184 keV. We have conducted two balloon flights using this cross-strip detector and a standard planar detector sensitive in the energy range of 20-350 keV. These flights utilized a total of seven shielding schemes: 3 passive (7, 2, and 0 mm thick Pb/Sn/Cu), 2 active (NaI-CsI with 2 opening angles) and 2 hybrid passive-active. In the active shielding modes, the shield pulse heights were telemetered for each CZT event, allowing us to study the effect of shield energy-loss threshold on the background. The flights were launched from Fort Sumner, NM in October 1997 and May 1998, and had float altitudes of 109,000 and 105,000 feet respectively. Periodic energy calibrations showed the detector performance to be identical to that in the laboratory. The long duration of the May flight, 22 hours, enables us to study activation effects in the background. We present results on the effectiveness of each of the shielding schemes, activation effects and two new background reduction techniques for the strip detector. These reduction techniques employ the depth of interaction, as indicated by the ratio of cathode to anode pulse height, and multiple-site signatures to reject events that are unlikely to be X-rays incident on the detector's face. The depth of interaction technique reduces the background by a factor of 4 in the 20-40 keV energy range with passive shielding. Our preliminary results indicate a background level of 8.6x10(-3) cts/cm(2) -s-keV using passive shielding and 6x10(-4) cts/cm(2) -s-keV using active shielding in the 20-40 keV range.

Skyglow changes over Tucson, Arizona, resulting from a municipal LED street lighting conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barentine, John C.; Walker, Constance E.; Kocifaj, Miroslav; Kundracik, František; Juan, Amy; Kanemoto, John; Monrad, Christian K.

2018-06-01

The transition from earlier lighting technologies to white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is a significant change in the use of artificial light at night. LEDs emit considerably more short-wavelength light into the environment than earlier technologies on a per-lumen basis. Radiative transfer models predict increased skyglow over cities transitioning to LED unless the total lumen output of new lighting systems is reduced. The City of Tucson, Arizona (U.S.), recently converted its municipal street lighting system from a mixture of fully shielded high- and low-pressure sodium (HPS/LPS) luminaires to fully shielded 3000 K white LED luminaires. The lighting design intended to minimize increases to skyglow in order to protect the sites of nearby astronomical observatories without compromising public safety. This involved the migration of over 445 million fully shielded HPS/LPS lumens to roughly 142 million fully shielded 3000 K white LED lumens and an expected concomitant reduction in the amount of visual skyglow over Tucson. SkyGlow Simulator models predict skyglow decreases on the order of 10-20% depending on whether fully shielded or partly shielded lights are in use. We tested this prediction using visual night sky brightness estimates and luminance-calibrated, panchromatic all-sky imagery at 15 locations in and near the city. Data were obtained in 2014, before the LED conversion began, and in mid-2017 after approximately 95% of ∼ 18,000 luminaires was converted. Skyglow differed marginally, and in all cases with valid data changed by < ± 20%. Over the same period, the city's upward-directed optical radiance detected from Earth orbit decreased by approximately 7%. While these results are not conclusive, they suggest that LED conversions paired with dimming can reduce skyglow over cities.

Efficacy of the RADPAD Protection Drape in Reducing Operators' Radiation Exposure in the Catheterization Laboratory: A Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Vlastra, Wieneke; Delewi, Ronak; Sjauw, Krischan D; Beijk, Marcel A; Claessen, Bimmer E; Streekstra, Geert J; Bekker, Robbert J; van Hattum, Juliette C; Wykrzykowska, Joanna J; Vis, Marije M; Koch, Karel T; de Winter, Robbert J; Piek, Jan J; Henriques, José P S

2017-11-01

Interventional cardiologists are increasingly exposed to radiation-induced diseases like cataract and the stochastic risk of left-sided brain tumors. The RADPAD is a sterile, disposable, lead-free shield placed on the patient with the aim to minimize operator-received scatter radiation. The objective of the trial was to examine the RADPAD's efficacy in a real-world situation. In the current, double-blind, sham-controlled, all-comer trial, patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization or percutaneous coronary interventions were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to a radiation absorbing shield (RADPAD), standard treatment (NOPAD), or a sham shield (SHAMPAD). The sham shield allowed testing for shield-induced radiation behavior. The primary outcome was the difference in relative exposure of the primary operator between the RADPAD and NOPAD arms and was defined as the ratio between operator's exposure (E in µSv) and patient exposure (dose area product in mGy·cm 2 ), measured per procedure. A total of 766 consecutive coronary procedures were randomized to the use of RADPAD (N=255), NOPAD (N=255), or SHAMPAD (N=256). The use of RADPAD was associated with a 20% reduction in relative operator exposure compared with that of NOPAD ( P =0.01) and a 44% relative exposure reduction compared with the use of a SHAMPAD ( P <0.001). Use of the SHAMPAD was associated with a 43% higher relative radiation exposure than procedures with NOPAD ( P =0.009). In clinical daily practice, the standard use of the RADPAD radiation shield reduced operator radiation exposure compared with procedures with NOPAD or SHAMPAD. This study supports the routine use of RADPAD in the catheterization laboratory. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03139968. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Control of Cr6+ emissions from gas metal arc welding using a silica precursor as a shielding gas additive.

PubMed

Topham, Nathan; Wang, Jun; Kalivoda, Mark; Huang, Joyce; Yu, Kuei-Min; Hsu, Yu-Mei; Wu, Chang-Yu; Oh, Sewon; Cho, Kuk; Paulson, Kathleen

2012-03-01

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(6+)) emitted from welding poses serious health risks to workers exposed to welding fumes. In this study, tetramethylsilane (TMS) was added to shielding gas to control hazardous air pollutants produced during stainless steel welding. The silica precursor acted as an oxidation inhibitor when it decomposed in the high-temperature welding arc, limiting Cr(6+) formation. Additionally, a film of amorphous SiO(2) was deposited on fume particles to insulate them from oxidation. Experiments were conducted following the American Welding Society (AWS) method for fume generation and sampling in an AWS fume hood. The results showed that total shielding gas flow rate impacted the effectiveness of the TMS process. Increasing shielding gas flow rate led to increased reductions in Cr(6+) concentration when TMS was used. When 4.2% of a 30-lpm shielding gas flow was used as TMS carrier gas, Cr(6+) concentration in gas metal arc welding (GMAW) fumes was reduced to below the 2006 Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard (5 μg m(-3)) and the efficiency was >90%. The process also increased fume particle size from a mode size of 20 nm under baseline conditions to 180-300 nm when TMS was added in all shielding gas flow rates tested. SiO(2) particles formed in the process scavenged nanosized fume particles through intercoagulation. Transmission electron microscopy imagery provided visual evidence of an amorphous film of SiO(2) on some fume particles along with the presence of amorphous SiO(2) agglomerates. These results demonstrate the ability of vapor phase silica precursors to increase welding fume particle size and minimize chromium oxidation, thereby preventing the formation of hexavalent chromium.

Sustainably Sourced, Thermally Resistant, Radiation Hard Biopolymer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pugel, Diane

2011-01-01

This material represents a breakthrough in the production, manufacturing, and application of thermal protection system (TPS) materials and radiation shielding, as this represents the first effort to develop a non-metallic, non-ceramic, biomaterial-based, sustainable TPS with the capability to also act as radiation shielding. Until now, the standing philosophy for radiation shielding involved carrying the shielding at liftoff or utilizing onboard water sources. This shielding material could be grown onboard and applied as needed prior to different radiation landscapes (commonly seen during missions involving gravitational assists). The material is a bioplastic material. Bioplastics are any combination of a biopolymer and a plasticizer. In this case, the biopolymer is a starch-based material and a commonly accessible plasticizer. Starch molecules are composed of two major polymers: amylase and amylopectin. The biopolymer phenolic compounds are common to the ablative thermal protection system family of materials. With similar constituents come similar chemical ablation processes, with the potential to have comparable, if not better, ablation characteristics. It can also be used as a flame-resistant barrier for commercial applications in buildings, homes, cars, and heater firewall material. The biopolymer is observed to undergo chemical transformations (oxidative and structural degradation) at radiation doses that are 1,000 times the maximum dose of an unmanned mission (10-25 Mrad), indicating that it would be a viable candidate for robust radiation shielding. As a comparison, the total integrated radiation dose for a three-year manned mission to Mars is 0.1 krad, far below the radiation limit at which starch molecules degrade. For electron radiation, the biopolymer starches show minimal deterioration when exposed to energies greater than 180 keV. This flame-resistant, thermal-insulating material is non-hazardous and may be sustainably sourced. It poses no hazardous waste threats during its lifecycle. The material composition is radiation-tolerant up to megarad doses, indicating its use as a radiation shielding material. It is lightweight, non-metallic, and able to be mechanically densified, permitting a tunable gradient of thermal and radiation protection as needed. The dual-use (thermal and radiation shielding), sustainable nature of this material makes it suitable for both industrial applications as a sustainable/green building material, and for space applications as thermal protection material and radiation shield.

Sustained Manned Mars Presence Enabled by E-sail Technology and Asteroid Water Mining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janhunen, Pekka; Merikallio, Sini; Toivanen, Petri; Envall, M. Jouni

The Electric Solar Wind Sail (E-sail) can produce 0.5-1 N of inexhaustible and controllable propellantless thrust [1]. The E-sail is based on electrostatic Coulomb interaction between charged thin tethers and solar wind ions. It was invented in 2006, was developed to TRL 4-5 in 2011-2013 with ESAIL FP7 project (http://www.electric-sailing.fi/fp7) and a CubeSat small-scale flight test is in course (ESTCube-1). The E-sail provides a flexible and efficient way of moving 0-2 tonne sized cargo payloads in the solar system without consuming propellant. Given the E-sail, one could use it to make manned exploration of the solar system more affordable by combining it with asteroid water mining. One first sends a miner spacecraft to an asteroid or asteroids, either by E-sail or traditional means. Many asteroids are known to contain water and liberating it only requires heating the material one piece at a time in a leak tight container. About 2 tonne miner can produce 50 tonnes of water per year which is sufficient to sustain continuous manned traffic between Earth and Mars. If the ice-bearing asteroid resides roughly at Mars distance, it takes 3 years for a 0.7 N E-sailer to transport a 10 tonne water/ice payload to Mars orbit or Earth C3 orbit. Thus one needs a fleet of 15 E-sail transport spacecraft plus replacements to ferry 50 tonnes of water yearly to Earth C3 (1/3) and Mars orbit (2/3). The mass of one transporter is 300 kg [2]. One needs to launch max 1.5 tonne mass of new E-sail transporters per year and in practice much less since it is simple to reuse them. This infrastructure is enough to supply 17 tonnes of water yearly at Earth C3 and 33 tonnes in Mars orbit. Orbital water can be used by manned exploration in three ways: (1) for potable water and for making oxygen, (2) for radiation shielding, (3) for LH2/LOX propellant. Up to 75 % of the wet mass of the manned module could be water (50 % propellant and 25 % radiation shield water). On top of this the total mass would be reduced because of intermediate tankings plus opening up the possibility of making the craft reusable for several back and forth trips. The manned spacecraft can be tanked first time at Earth C3, second time in Mars orbit for the return trip, and again in Earth C3 for the next trip if the spacecraft is reusable. When propellant is cheap in Mars orbit, it may also make sense to perform an all-propulsive landing which would make thermal shielding unnecessary. In this case the manned spacecraft would be tanked in Mars orbit two times plus once on the surface per each bidirectional mission. We estimate that the dry mass of cryogenic propellant factories and their associated temporary storage tanks that can process 50 tonnes of water per year is 20 tonnes. By developing the E-sail as enabling technology and by employing asteroid water mining, we think that sustained bidirectional Earth-Mars manned transportation could be created which would asymptotically require no more resources than what running the International Space Station requires today. References [1] Janhunen, P., et. al, Electric solar wind sail: Towards test missions (Invited article), Rev. Sci. Instrum., 81, 111301, 2010. [2] Janhunen, P., A. Quarta and G. Mengali G., Electric solar wind sail mass budget model, Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 2, 85-95, 2013.

Welding fumes from stainless steel gas metal arc processes contain multiple manganese chemical species.

PubMed

Keane, Michael; Stone, Samuel; Chen, Bean

2010-05-01

Fumes from a group of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) processes used on stainless steel were generated using three different metal transfer modes and four different shield gases. The objective was to identify and measure manganese (Mn) species in the fumes, and identify processes that are minimal generators of Mn species. The robotic welding system was operated in short-circuit (SC) mode (Ar/CO2 and He/Ar), axial spray (AXS) mode (Ar/O2 and Ar/CO2), and pulsed axial-spray (PAXS) mode (Ar/O2). The fumes were analyzed for Mn by a sequential extraction process followed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis, and by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Total elemental Mn, iron (Fe), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) were separately measured after aqua regia digestion and ICP-AES analysis. Soluble Mn2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, and Ni2+ in a simple biological buffer (phosphate-buffered saline) were determined at pH 7.2 and 5.0 after 2 h incubation at 37 C by ion chromatography. Results indicate that Mn was present in soluble form, acid-soluble form, and acid-soluble form after reduction by hydroxylamine, which represents soluble Mn0 and Mn2+ compounds, other Mn2+ compounds, and (Mn3+ and Mn4+) compounds, respectively. The dominant fraction was the acid-soluble Mn2+ fraction, but results varied with the process and shield gas. Soluble Mn mass percent in the fume ranged from 0.2 to 0.9%, acid-soluble Mn2+ compounds ranged from 2.6 to 9.3%, and acid plus reducing agent-soluble (Mn3+ and Mn4+) compounds ranged from 0.6 to 5.1%. Total Mn composition ranged from 7 to 15%. XRD results showed fumes had a crystalline content of 90-99% Fe3O4, and showed evidence of multiple Mn oxides, but overlaps and weak signals limited identification. Small amounts of the Mn2+ in the fume (<0.01 to ≈ 1% or <0.1 to ≈ 10 microg ml(-1)) and Ni2+ (<0.01 to ≈ 0.2% or <0.1 to ≈ 2 mg ml(-1)) ions were found in biological buffer media, but amounts were highly dependent on pH and the welding process. Mn generation rates for the fractions were tabulated, and the influence of ozone is discussed. The conclusions are that exposures to welding fumes include multiple Mn species, both soluble and insoluble, and that exposures to Mn species vary with specific processes and shield gases.

The role of mass removal mechanisms in the onset of ns-laser induced plasma formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Autrique, D.; Clair, G.; L'Hermite, D.; Alexiades, V.; Bogaerts, A.; Rethfeld, B.

2013-07-01

The present study focuses on the role of mass removal mechanisms in ns-laser ablation. A copper sample is placed in argon, initially set at standard pressure and temperature. Calculations are performed for a 6 ns laser pulse with a wavelength of 532 nm and laser fluences up to 10 J/cm2. The transient behavior in and above the copper target is described by a hydrodynamic model. Transmission profiles and ablation depths are compared with experimental results and similar trends are found. Our calculations reveal an interesting self-inhibiting mechanism: volumetric mass removal in the supercritical region triggers plasma shielding and therefore stops proceeding. This self-limiting process indicates that volumetric mass removal does not necessarily result in large ablation depths.

A semireusable launch vehicle concept as a reference system for reusability analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleinau, W.

A two-stage concept called AR-X1, which uses H2O2 propellant and the HM 60 engine is presented. The first stage is reusable, the second expendable. The use of LH2/LOX in the first stage reduces the number of stages for geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) missions because of the higher performance. An 8 Mg payload can be injected in GTO (launch mass = 435 Mg). The first stage comprises four parallel stretched second stage tanks with 320 Mg propellants (total) and eight HM 60 engines arranged within the heat shield, plus one central HM 60 thruster for the soft landing maneuver. Engine performance is increased by adapting the expansion ratio to the external pressure. Trajectory calculations show that the first stage flight range is 1 500 km. Braking before touchdown is performed by retro thrust, requiring 2.5 to 3 Mg propellants. First-stage reuse reduces cost per launch by 50% compared with an expendable three stage design.

Recent developments in indium phosphide space solar cell research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brinker, David J.; Weinberg, Irving

1987-01-01

Recent developments and progress in indium phosphide solar cell research for space application are reviewed. Indium phosphide homojunction cells were fabricated in both the n+p and p+n configurations with total area efficiencies of 17.9 and 15.9% (air mass 0 and 25 C) respectively. Organometallic chemical vapor deposition, liquid phase epitaxy, ion implantation and diffusion techniques were employed in InP cell fabrication. A theoretical model of a radiation tolerant, high efficiency homojunction cell was developed. A realistically attainable AMO efficiency of 20.5% was calculated using this model with emitter and base doping of 6 x 10 to the 17th power and 5 x 10 the the 16th power/cu cm respectively. Cells of both configurations were irradiated with 1 MeV electrons and 37 MeV protons. For both proton and electron irradiation, the n+p cells are more radiation resistant at higher fluences than the p+n cells. The first flight module of four InP cells was assembled for the Living Plume Shield III satellite.

Conceptual studies on the integration of a nuclear reactor system to a manned rover for Mars missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

El-Genk, Mohamed S.; Morley, Nicholas J.

1991-01-01

Multiyear civilian manned missions to explore the surface of Mars are thought by NASA to be possible early in the next century. Expeditions to Mars, as well as permanent bases, are envisioned to require enhanced piloted vehicles to conduct science and exploration activities. Piloted rovers, with 30 kWe user net power (for drilling, sampling and sample analysis, onboard computer and computer instrumentation, vehicle thermal management, and astronaut life support systems) in addition to mobility are being considered. The rover design, for this study, included a four car train type vehicle complete with a hybrid solar photovoltaic/regenerative fuel cell auxiliary power system (APS). This system was designed to power the primary control vehicle. The APS supplies life support power for four astronauts and a limited degree of mobility allowing the primary control vehicle to limp back to either a permanent base or an accent vehicle. The results showed that the APS described above, with a mass of 667 kg, was sufficient to provide live support power and a top speed of five km/h for 6 hours per day. It was also seen that the factors that had the largest effect on the APS mass were the life support power, the number of astronauts, and the PV cell efficiency. The topics covered include: (1) power system options; (2) rover layout and design; (3) parametric analysis of total mass and power requirements for a manned Mars rover; (4) radiation shield design; and (5) energy conversion systems.

Using artificial neural networks to constrain the halo baryon fraction during reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sullivan, David; Iliev, Ilian T.; Dixon, Keri L.

2018-01-01

Radiative feedback from stars and galaxies has been proposed as a potential solution to many of the tensions with simplistic galaxy formation models based on Λcold dark matter, such as the faint end of the ultraviolet (UV) luminosity function. The total energy budget of radiation could exceed that of galactic winds and supernovae combined, which has driven the development of sophisticated algorithms that evolve both the radiation field and the hydrodynamical response of gas simultaneously, in a cosmological context. We probe self-feedback on galactic scales using the adaptive mesh refinement, radiative transfer, hydrodynamics, and N-body code RAMSES-RT. Unlike previous studies which assume a homogeneous UV background, we self-consistently evolve both the radiation field and gas to constrain the halo baryon fraction during cosmic reionization. We demonstrate that the characteristic halo mass with mean baryon fraction half the cosmic mean, Mc(z), shows very little variation as a function of mass-weighted ionization fraction. Furthermore, we find that the inclusion of metal cooling and the ability to resolve scales small enough for self-shielding to become efficient leads to a significant drop in Mc when compared to recent studies. Finally, we develop an artificial neural network that is capable of predicting the baryon fraction of haloes based on recent tidal interactions, gas temperature, and mass-weighted ionization fraction. Such a model can be applied to any reionization history, and trivially incorporated into semi-analytical models of galaxy formation.

Preliminary results of radiation measurements on EURECA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benton, E. V.; Frank, A. L.

1995-01-01

The eleven-month duration of the EURECA mission allows long-term radiation effects to be studied similarly to those of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). Basic data can be generated for projections to crew doses and electronic and computer reliability on spacecraft missions. A radiation experiment has been designed for EURECA which uses passive integrating detectors to measure average radiation levels. The components include a Trackoscope, which employs fourteen plastic nuclear track detector (PNTD) stacks to measure the angular dependence of high LET (greater than or equal to 6 keV/micro m) radiation. Also included are TLD's for total absorbed doses, thermal/resonance neutron detectors (TRND's) for low energy neutron fluences and a thick PNTD stack for depth dependence measurements. LET spectra are derived from the PNTD measurements. Preliminary TLD results from seven levels within the detector array show that integrated does inside the flight canister varied from 18.8 +/- 0.6 cGy to 38.9 +/- 1.2 cGy. The TLD's oriented toward the least shielded direction averaged 53% higher in dose than those oriented away from the least shielded direction (minimum shielding toward the least shielded direction varied from 1.13 to 7.9 g/cm(exp 2), Al equivalent). The maximum dose rate on EURECA (1.16 mGy/day) was 37% of the maximum measured on LDEF and dose rates at all depths were less than measured on LDEF. The shielding external to the flight canister covered a greater solid angle about the canister than the LDEF experiments.

MOLECULAR GAS DISK STRUCTURES AROUND ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wada, Keiichi; Papadopoulos, Padeli P.; Spaans, Marco

We present new high-resolution numerical simulations of the interstellar medium (ISM) in a central R {<=} 32 parsecs region around a supermassive black hole (1.3 x 10{sup 7} M{sub sun}) at a galactic center. Three-dimensional hydrodynamic modeling of the ISM (Wada and Norman 2002) with the nuclear starburst now includes tracking of the formation of molecular hydrogen (H{sub 2}) out of the neutral hydrogen phase as a function of the evolving ambient ISM conditions with a finer spatial resolution (0.125 pc). In a quasi-equilibrium state, mass fraction of H{sub 2} is about 0.4 (total H{sub 2} mass is {approx_equal}1.5 xmore » 10{sup 6} M{sub sun}) of the total gas mass for the uniform far ultra-violet (FUV) with G {sub 0} = 10 in Habing unit. As shown in the previous model, the gas forms an inhomogeneous disk, whose scale height becomes larger in the outer region. H{sub 2} forms a thin nuclear disk in the inner {approx_equal}5 pc, which is surrounded by molecular clouds swelled up toward h {approx}< 10 pc. The velocity field of the disk is highly turbulent in the torus region, whose velocity dispersion is {approx_equal}20 km s{sup -1} on average. Average supernova (SN) rate of {approx_equal}5 x 10{sup -5} yr{sup -1} is large enough to energize these structures. Gas column densities toward the nucleus larger than 10{sup 22} cm{sup -2} are observed if the viewing angle is smaller than {theta} {sub v} {approx_equal} 50 deg. from the edge-on. However, the column densities are distributed over almost two orders of magnitude around the average for any given viewing angle due to the clumpy nature of the torus. For a stronger FUV (G {sub 0} = 100), the total H{sub 2} mass in an equilibrium is only slightly smaller ({approx_equal}0.35), a testimony to the strong self-shielding nature of H{sub 2}, and the molecular gas is somewhat more concentrated in a midplane. Other properties of the ISM are not very sensitive either to the FUV intensity or the SN rate. Finally, the morphology and kinematics of the circum nuclear molecular gas disks emerging from our models are similar to that revealed by recent near infrared observations using VLTI/Keck.« less

Fan-fold shielded electrical leads

DOEpatents

Rohatgi, Rajeev R.; Cowan, Thomas E.

1996-01-01

Fan-folded electrical leads made from copper cladded Kapton, for example, with the copper cladding on one side serving as a ground plane and the copper cladding on the other side being etched to form the leads. The Kapton is fan folded with the leads located at the bottom of the fan-folds. Electrical connections are made by partially opening the folds of the fan and soldering, for example, the connections directly to the ground plane and/or the lead. The fan folded arrangement produces a number of advantages, such as electrically shielding the leads from the environment, is totally non-magnetic, and has a very low thermal conductivity, while being easy to fabricate.

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (80th, Chicago, Illinois, July 30-August 2, 1997): Law.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

The Law section of the Proceedings contains the following 10 papers: "Protection without a Shield: Revisiting the Journalist's Common Law Privilege" (Laurence B. Alexander); "Burning the Global Village: The Constitutionality of State Laws Regulating Indecency in Cyberspace" (Dolores L. Flamiano); "Of Jellyfish and…

A miniature continuous adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator with compact shielded superconducting magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duval, Jean-Marc; Cain, Benjamin M.; Timbie, Peter T.

2004-10-01

Cryogenic detectors for astrophysics depend on cryocoolers capable of achieving temperatures below ~ 100 mK. In order to provide continuous cooling at 50 mK for space or laboratory applications, we are designing a miniature adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (MADR) anchored at a reservoir at 5 K. Continuous cooling is obtained by the use of several paramagnetic pills placed in series with heat switches. All operations are fully electronic and this technology can be adapted fairly easily for a wide range of temperatures and cooling powers. We are focusing on reducing the size and mass of the cooler. For that purpose we have developed and tested magnetoresistive heat switches based on single crystals of tungsten. Several superconducting magnets are required for this cooler and we have designed and manufactured compact magnets. A special focus has been put on the reduction of parasitic magnetic fields in the cold stage, while minimizing the mass of the shields. A prototype continuous MADR, using magnetoresistive heat switches, small paramagnetic pills and compact magnets has been tested. A design of MADR that will provide ~ 5 uW of continuous cooling down to 50 mK is described.

Material characterisation and preliminary mechanical design for the HL-LHC shielded beam screens operating at cryogenic temperatures.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garion, C.; Dufay-Chanat, L.; Koettig, T.; Machiocha, W.; Morrone, M.

2015-12-01

The High Luminosity LHC project (HL-LHC) aims at increasing the luminosity (rate of collisions) in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiments by a factor of 10 beyond the original design value (from 300 to 3000 fb-1). It relies on new superconducting magnets, installed close to the interaction points, equipped with new beam screen. This component has to ensure the vacuum performance together with shielding the cold mass from physics debris and screening the cold bore cryogenic system from beam induced heating. The beam screen operates in the range 40-60 K whereas the magnet cold bore temperature is 1.9 K. A tungsten-based material is used to absorb the energy of particles. In this paper, measurements of the mechanical and physical properties of such tungsten material are shown at room and cryogenic temperature. In addition, the design and the thermal mechanical behaviour of the beam screen assembly are presented also. They include the heat transfer from the tungsten absorbers to the cooling pipes and the supporting system that has to minimise the heat inleak into the cold mass. The behaviour during a magnet quench is also presented.

Sampling of Stochastic Input Parameters for Rockfall Calculations and for Structural Response Calculations Under Vibratory Ground Motion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

M. Gross

2004-09-01

The purpose of this scientific analysis is to define the sampled values of stochastic (random) input parameters for (1) rockfall calculations in the lithophysal and nonlithophysal zones under vibratory ground motions, and (2) structural response calculations for the drip shield and waste package under vibratory ground motions. This analysis supplies: (1) Sampled values of ground motion time history and synthetic fracture pattern for analysis of rockfall in emplacement drifts in nonlithophysal rock (Section 6.3 of ''Drift Degradation Analysis'', BSC 2004 [DIRS 166107]); (2) Sampled values of ground motion time history and rock mechanical properties category for analysis of rockfall inmore » emplacement drifts in lithophysal rock (Section 6.4 of ''Drift Degradation Analysis'', BSC 2004 [DIRS 166107]); (3) Sampled values of ground motion time history and metal to metal and metal to rock friction coefficient for analysis of waste package and drip shield damage to vibratory motion in ''Structural Calculations of Waste Package Exposed to Vibratory Ground Motion'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 167083]) and in ''Structural Calculations of Drip Shield Exposed to Vibratory Ground Motion'' (BSC 2003 [DIRS 163425]). The sampled values are indices representing the number of ground motion time histories, number of fracture patterns and rock mass properties categories. These indices are translated into actual values within the respective analysis and model reports or calculations. This report identifies the uncertain parameters and documents the sampled values for these parameters. The sampled values are determined by GoldSim V6.04.007 [DIRS 151202] calculations using appropriate distribution types and parameter ranges. No software development or model development was required for these calculations. The calculation of the sampled values allows parameter uncertainty to be incorporated into the rockfall and structural response calculations that support development of the seismic scenario for the Total System Performance Assessment for the License Application (TSPA-LA). The results from this scientific analysis also address project requirements related to parameter uncertainty, as specified in the acceptance criteria in ''Yucca Mountain Review Plan, Final Report'' (NRC 2003 [DIRS 163274]). This document was prepared under the direction of ''Technical Work Plan for: Regulatory Integration Modeling of Drift Degradation, Waste Package and Drip Shield Vibratory Motion and Seismic Consequences'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 170528]) which directed the work identified in work package ARTM05. This document was prepared under procedure AP-SIII.9Q, ''Scientific Analyses''. There are no specific known limitations to this analysis.« less

Development of deterministic transport methods for low energy neutrons for shielding in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ganapol, Barry

1993-01-01

Transport of low energy neutrons associated with the galactic cosmic ray cascade is analyzed in this dissertation. A benchmark quality analytical algorithm is demonstrated for use with BRYNTRN, a computer program written by the High Energy Physics Division of NASA Langley Research Center, which is used to design and analyze shielding against the radiation created by the cascade. BRYNTRN uses numerical methods to solve the integral transport equations for baryons with the straight-ahead approximation, and numerical and empirical methods to generate the interaction probabilities. The straight-ahead approximation is adequate for charged particles, but not for neutrons. As NASA Langley improves BRYNTRN to include low energy neutrons, a benchmark quality solution is needed for comparison. The neutron transport algorithm demonstrated in this dissertation uses the closed-form Green's function solution to the galactic cosmic ray cascade transport equations to generate a source of neutrons. A basis function expansion for finite heterogeneous and semi-infinite homogeneous slabs with multiple energy groups and isotropic scattering is used to generate neutron fluxes resulting from the cascade. This method, called the FN method, is used to solve the neutral particle linear Boltzmann transport equation. As a demonstration of the algorithm coded in the programs MGSLAB and MGSEMI, neutron and ion fluxes are shown for a beam of fluorine ions at 1000 MeV per nucleon incident on semi-infinite and finite aluminum slabs. Also, to demonstrate that the shielding effectiveness against the radiation from the galactic cosmic ray cascade is not directly proportional to shield thickness, a graph of transmitted total neutron scalar flux versus slab thickness is shown. A simple model based on the nuclear liquid drop assumption is used to generate cross sections for the galactic cosmic ray cascade. The ENDF/B V database is used to generate the total and scattering cross sections for neutrons in aluminum. As an external verification, the results from MGSLAB and MGSEMI were compared to ANISN/PC, a routinely used neutron transport code, showing excellent agreement. In an application to an aluminum shield, the FN method seems to generate reasonable results.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shaughnessy, D A; Moody, K J; Grant, P M

Collection of solid debris from the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is being developed both as a diagnostic tool and as a means for measuring nuclear reaction cross sections relevant to the Stockpile Stewardship Program and nuclear astrophysics. The concept is straightforward; following a NIF shot, the debris that is produced as a result of the capsule and hohlraum explosion would be collected and subsequently extracted from the chamber. The number of nuclear activations that occurred in the capsule would then be measured through a combination of radiation detection and radiochemical processing followed by mass spectrometry. Development of the catcher ismore » challenging due to the complex environment of the NIF target chamber. The collector surface is first exposed to a large photon flux, followed by the debris wind that is produced. The material used in the catcher must be mechanically strong in order to withstand the large amount of energy it is exposed to, as well as be chemically compatible with the form and composition of the debris. In addition, the location of the catcher is equally important. If it is positioned too close to the center of the target chamber, it will be significantly ablated, which could interfere with the ability of the debris to reach the surface and stick. If it is too far away, the fraction of the debris cloud collected will be too small to result in a statistically significant measurement. Material, geometric configuration, and location must all be tested in order to design the optimal debris collection system for NIF. One of the first ideas regarding solid debris collection at NIF was to use the disposable debris shields (DDS), which are fielded over the final optics assemblies (FOA) 7 m away from the center of the target chamber. The DDS are meant to be replaced after a certain number of shots, and if the shields could be subsequently analyzed after removal, it would serve as a mechanism for fielding a relatively large collection area through the use of a part meant to be replaced regularly. The solid angle covered by one of the shields is roughly 10{sup -4} of 4{pi}. If several shields were analyzed at once, it would increase the solid angle of the collection area accordingly. The glass shields consist of ammonia hardened silica with a sol gel coating and kapton tape around the edge. The square sheets are 14-inch on each side. The original shields were 1 mm thick, but it was determined that a thicker shield (3.3 mm) was more effective in preventing debris from reaching the FOA. The Solid Radchem group received two sets of DDS as part of our evaluation of the potential use of the DDS as solid debris collectors. The first set consisted of two 3.3 mm shields, one each from the top and bottom of the chamber (the '3mm set'). The second set consisted of four 1mm shields, one from the top of the chamber and the other three from the bottom (the 'IFSA set'). For each set, the shields were cut into smaller subsamples, which were then imaged using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) followed by chemical leaching and mass spectrometry. The purpose was to evaluate both the quantity and identity of the debris that was present on the DDS surfaces, and to determine if any of the capsule debris was reaching the chamber walls. In addition, potential enhancement due to gravity in the chamber was evaluated by directly comparing shields fielded in the top and bottom of the chamber. Based on the results, the use of the DDS as debris collectors would be evaluated. The results from both sets were presented to the DDS Working Group. The slides are attached to this document. The 3mm set results are presented first, followed by the results from the IFSA set. In both cases it was determined that a small fraction of the overall debris field was collected on the DDS. This means that the debris that is formed during a NIF shot is condensing out of the plasma and depositing on surfaces closer to the target chamber center, or else it is simply falling to the bottom of the chamber. In either case, it was determined that using the DDS, or fielding a debris collector at the chamber wall, was not feasible for solid debris collection at NIF due to the small amount of debris that had been collected. In addition, since the glass shields suffered quite a bit of damage from particles impacting the surface, glass was ruled out as a collection medium.« less

Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator Field Mapping and Shielding Models for a 70 mK Superconducting Transition Edge Sensor Array and Associated Electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladner, D. R.; Martinez-Galarce, D. S.; McCammon, D.

2006-04-01

An X-ray detection instrument to be flown on a sounding rocket experiment (the Advanced Technology Solar Spectroscopic Imager - ATSSI) for solar physics observations is being developed by the Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory (LMSAL). The detector is a novel class of microcalorimeter, a superconducting Transition-Edge Sensor (TES), that coupled with associated SQUID and feedback electronics requires high temperature stability at ~70 mK to resolve the energy of absorbed X-ray photons emitted from the solar corona. The cooling system incorporates an existing Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR) developed at the University of Wisconsin (UW), which was previously flown to study the diffuse cosmic X-ray background. The Si thermistor detectors for that project required 130 K shielded JFET electronic components that are much less sensitive to the external field of the ADR solenoid than are the 1st (~70 mK) and 2nd (~2 K) SQUID stages used with TESs for solar observations. Modification of the Wisconsin ADR design, including TES focal plane and electronics re-positioning, therefore requires a tradeoff between the existing ADR solenoid nulling coil geometry and a low mass passive solenoid shield, while preserving the vibration isolation features of the existing design. We have developed models to accurately compute the magnetic field with and without shielding or nulling coils at critical locations to guide the re-design of the detector subsystem. The models and their application are described.

Conditioning of the 4 Curies Radium-226 Sealed Radiation Source in Thailand

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Punnachaiya, M.; Sawangsri, T.; Wanabongse, P.

This paper describes the conditioning of the 4 curies Radium-226 (Ra-226) sealed radiation source using as a teletherapy unit for cancer treatment in Thailand. The conditioning was under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision and budgetary supports, comprised of 6 operational steps: the surface dose rate and actual dimension of radium unit measurements, the appropriate lead shielding design with IAEA approval, confirmation of radioactive contamination before conditioning (smear test and radon gas leakage test), transfer of radium source unit into the designed shielding, confirmation of radioactive contamination and dose rate measurement after conditioning, and transportation of Ra-226 conditioning wastemore » package to OAP interim waste storage. The Ra-226 unit was taken out of OAP temporary waste storage for the surface dose rate and the actual dimension measurements behind the 12 inches thick heavy concrete shielding. The maximum measured surface dose rate was 70 R/hr. The special lead container was designed according to its surface dose rate along the source unit which the maximum permissible dose limit for surface dose rate of waste package after conditioning at 2 mSv/hr was applied. The IAEA approved container had total weight of 2.4 ton. After the confirmation of radioactive contamination, Ra-226 source unit was transferred and loaded in the designed lead shielding within 2 minutes. The results of smear test before and after conditioning including radon gas leakage test revealed that there was no radioactive contamination. After conditioning, the surface dose rate measured on the top, bottom were 15,10 mR/hr and varied from 6 - 50 mR/hr around lead container. The Ra-226 conditioning waste package was safely transported to store in OAP interim waste storage. Total working time including the time consumed for radon gas leakage test was 3.5 hours. The total radiation dose received by 16 operators, were ranged from 1 - 69.84 {mu}Sv and the operational team completed the conditioning safely within the effective dose limit for occupational exposure of 50 mSv/year (200 {mu}Sv/day). (authors)« less

76 FR 53450 - Northland Power Mississippi River LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-26

... with the power grid. The proposed project would have an average annual generation of 394.0 gigawatt...; (2) the total capacity of the installation would be up to 45,000 kilowatts; (3) shielded underwater...

Selecting Processes to Minimize Hexavalent Chromium from Stainless Steel Welding: Eight welding processes/shielding gas combinations were assessed for generation of hexavalent chromium in stainless steel welding fumes.

PubMed

Keane, M; Siert, A; Stone, S; Chen, B; Slaven, J; Cumpston, A; Antonini, J

2012-09-01

Eight welding processes/shielding gas combinations were assessed for generation of hexavalent chromium (Cr 6+ ) in stainless steel welding fumes. The processes examined were gas metal arc welding (GMAW) (axial spray, short circuit, and pulsed spray modes), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). The Cr 6+ fractions were measured in the fumes; fume generation rates, Cr 6+ generation rates, and Cr 6+ generation rates per unit mass of welding wire were determined. A limited controlled comparison study was done in a welding shop including SMAW, FCAW, and three GMAW methods. The processes studied were compared for costs, including relative labor costs. Results indicate the Cr 6+ in the fume varied widely, from a low of 2800 to a high of 34,000 ppm. Generation rates of Cr 6+ ranged from 69 to 7800 μg/min, and Cr 6+ generation rates per unit of wire ranged from 1 to 270 μg/g. The results of field study were similar to the findings in the laboratory. The Cr 6+ (ppm) in the fume did not necessarily correlate with the Cr 6+ generation rate. Physical properties were similar for the processes, with mass median aerodynamic diameters ranging from 250 to 336 nm, while the FCAW and SMAW fumes were larger (360 and 670 nm, respectively). The pulsed axial spray method was the best choice of the processes studied based on minimal fume generation, minimal Cr 6+ generation, and cost per weld. This method is usable in any position, has a high metal deposition rate, and is relatively simple to learn and use.

Active Costorage of Cryogenic Propellants for Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Canavan, Edgar R.; Boyle, Rob; Mustafi, Shuvo

2008-01-01

Long-term storage of cryogenic propellants is a critical requirement for NASA's effort to return to the moon. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen provide the highest specific impulse of any practical chemical propulsion system, and thus provides the greatest payload mass per unit of launch mass. Future manned missions will require vehicles with the flexibility to remain in orbit for months, necessitating long-term storage of these cryogenic liquids. For decades cryogenic scientific satellites have used cryogens to cool instruments. In many cases, the lifetime of the primary cryogen tank has been extended by intercepting much of the heat incident on the tank at an intermediate-temperature shield cooled either by a second cryogen tank or a mechanical cryocooler. For an LH2/LO2 propellant system, a combination of these ideas can be used, in which the shield around the LO2 tank is attached to, and at the same temperature as, the LO2 tank, but is actively cooled so as to remove all heat impinging on the tank and shield. This configuration eliminates liquid oxygen boil-off and cuts the liquid hydrogen boil-off to a small fraction of the unshielded rate. This paper studies the concept of active costorage as a means of long-term cryogenic propellant storage. The paper describes the design impact of an active costorage system for the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). This paper also compares the spacecraft level impact of the active costorage concept with a passive storage option in relation to two different scales of spacecraft that will be used for the lunar exploration effort, the CEV and the Earth Departure Stage (EDS). Spacecraft level studies are performed to investigate the impact of scaling of the costorage technologies for the different components of the Lunar Architecture and for different mission durations.

Woven Thermal Protection System Based Heat-shield for Extreme Entry Environments Technology (HEEET)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellerby, Donald; Venkatapathy, Ethiraj; Stackpoole, Margaret; Chinnapongse, Ronald; Munk, Michelle; Dillman, Robert; Feldman, Jay; Prabhu, Dinesh; Beerman, Adam

2013-01-01

NASA's future robotic missions utilizing an entry system into Venus and the outer planets, namely, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, result in extremely high entry conditions that exceed the capabilities of state of the art low to mid density ablators such as PICA or Avcoat. Therefore mission planners typically assume the use of a fully dense carbon phenolic heat shield similar to what was flown on Pioneer Venus and Galileo. Carbon phenolic is a robust TPS material however its high density and relatively high thermal conductivity constrain mission planners to steep entries, with high heat fluxes and pressures and short entry durations, in order for CP to be feasible from a mass perspective. The high entry conditions pose challenges for certification in existing ground based test facilities and the longer-term sustainability of CP will continue to pose challenges. In 2012 the Game Changing Development Program (GCDP) in NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate funded NASA ARC to investigate the feasibility of a Woven Thermal Protection System (WTPS) to meet the needs of NASA's most challenging entry missions. This project was highly successful demonstrating that a Woven TPS solution compares favorably to CP in performance in simulated reentry environments and provides the opportunity to manufacture graded materials that should result in overall reduced mass solutions and enable a much broader set of missions than does CP. Building off the success of the WTPS project GCDP has funded a follow on project to further mature and scale up the WTPS concept for insertion into future NASA robotic missions. The matured WTPS will address the CP concerns associated with ground based test limitations and sustainability. This presentation will briefly discuss results from the WTPS Project and the plans for WTPS maturation into a heat-shield for extreme entry environment.

Woven Thermal Protection System Based Heat-shield for Extreme Entry Environments Technology (HEEET)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chinnapongse, Ronald; Ellerbe, Donald; Stackpoole, Maragaret; Venkatapathy, Ethiraj; Beerman, Adam; Feldman, Jay; Peterson Keith; Prabhu, Dinesh; Dillman, Robert; Munk, Michelle

2013-01-01

NASA's future robotic missions utilizing an entry system into Venus and the outer planets, namely, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, result in extremely severe entry conditions that exceed the capabilities of state of the art low to mid density ablators such as PICA or Avcoat. Therefore mission planners typically assume the use of a fully dense carbon phenolic heat shield similar to what was flown on Pioneer Venus and Galileo. Carbon phenolic (CP) is a robust TPS material however its high density and relatively high thermal conductivity constrain mission planners to steep entries, with high heat fluxes and pressures and short entry durations, in order for CP to be feasible from a mass perspective. The high entry conditions pose challenges for certification in existing ground based test facilities and the longer-­-term sustainability of CP will continue to pose challenges. In 2012 the Game Changing Development Program (GCDP) in NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate funded NASA ARC to investigate the feasibility of a Woven Thermal Protection System (WTPS) to meet the needs of NASA's most challenging entry missions. This project was highly successful demonstrating that a Woven TPS solution compares favorably to CP in performance in simulated reentry environments and provides the opportunity to manufacture graded materials that should result in overall reduced mass solutions and enable a much broader set of missions than does CP. Building off the success of the WTPS project GCDP has funded a follow on project to further mature and scale up the WTPS concept for insertion into future NASA robotic missions. The matured WTPS will address the CP concerns associated with ground based test limitations and sustainability. This presentation will briefly discuss results from the WTPS Project and the plans for WTPS maturation into a heat-­-shield for extreme entry environment.

Dual energy detection of weapons of mass destruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budner, Gregory J.

2006-03-01

There is continuing plans and actions from terrorists to use "violence to inculcate fear with intent to coerce or try to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious or ideological." (Joint Pub 3-07.2) One can characterize the types of attacks and plan to interdict terrorist actions before they become crises. This paper focuses on Radiological (RDD) and Nuclear (WMD) threats. The X-ray inspection process and the use of dual-energy imaging will interdict materials for WMDs. Listed herewith is "several major characteristics that one can exploit for the detection. First, both WMDs and RDDs are radioactive. Therefore, one can hope to detect radiation coming from the containers to identify the threat. However since uranium and plutonium are largely self-shielding and since lead can be used to shield and hide these substances, passive detection of emitted radiation can be easily defeated. An important second characteristic is that WMDs and shielded dirty bombs contain materials with very high atomic numbers. Since normal commerce rarely contains materials with atomic numbers higher than that of iron, dual-energy imaging technology can detect such materials automatically, for the successful interdiction of WMDs and dirty bombs". (Bjorkolm 2005)

The HIV glycan shield as a target for broadly neutralizing antibodies.

PubMed

Doores, Katie J

2015-12-01

The HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) is the sole target for HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). HIV Env is one of the most heavily glycosylated proteins known, with approximately half of its mass consisting of host-derived N-linked glycans. The high density of glycans creates a shield that impedes antibody recognition but, critically, some of the most potent and broadly active bnAbs have evolved to recognize epitopes formed by these glycans. Although the virus hijacks the host protein synthesis and glycosylation machinery to generate glycosylated HIV Env, studies have shown that HIV Env glycosylation diverges from that typically observed on host-derived glycoproteins. In particular, the high density of glycans leads to a nonself motif of underprocessed oligomannose-type glycans that forms the target of some of the most broad and potent HIV bnAbs. This review discusses the changing perception of the HIV glycan shield, and summarizes the protein-directed and cell-directed factors controlling HIV Env glycosylation that impact on HIV bnAb recognition and HIV vaccine design strategies. © The Author. The FEBS Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Nuclear thermal propulsion engine system design analysis code development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pelaccio, Dennis G.; Scheil, Christine M.; Petrosky, Lyman J.; Ivanenok, Joseph F.

1992-01-01

A Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) Engine System Design Analyis Code has recently been developed to characterize key NTP engine system design features. Such a versatile, standalone NTP system performance and engine design code is required to support ongoing and future engine system and vehicle design efforts associated with proposed Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) missions of interest. Key areas of interest in the engine system modeling effort were the reactor, shielding, and inclusion of an engine multi-redundant propellant pump feed system design option. A solid-core nuclear thermal reactor and internal shielding code model was developed to estimate the reactor's thermal-hydraulic and physical parameters based on a prescribed thermal output which was integrated into a state-of-the-art engine system design model. The reactor code module has the capability to model graphite, composite, or carbide fuels. Key output from the model consists of reactor parameters such as thermal power, pressure drop, thermal profile, and heat generation in cooled structures (reflector, shield, and core supports), as well as the engine system parameters such as weight, dimensions, pressures, temperatures, mass flows, and performance. The model's overall analysis methodology and its key assumptions and capabilities are summarized in this paper.

Preliminary design of a mobile lunar power supply

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmitz, Paul C.; Kenny, Barbara H.; Fulmer, Christopher R.

1991-01-01

A preliminary design for a Stirling isotope power system for use as a mobile lunar power supply is presented. Performance and mass of the components required for the system are estimated. These estimates are based on power requirements and the operating environment. Optimizations routines are used to determine minimum mass operational points. Shielding for the isotope system are given as a function of the allowed dose, distance from the source, and the time spent near the source. The technologies used in the power conversion and radiator systems are taken from ongoing research in the Civil Space Technology Initiative (CSTI) program.

Systems analysis of Mars solar electric propulsion vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hickman, J. M.; Curtis, H. B.; Kenny, B. H.; Sefcik, R. J.

1990-01-01

Mission performance, mass, initial power, and cost are determined for solar electric propulsion vehicles across a range of payload masses, reference powers, and mission trajectories. Thick radiation shielding is added to arrays using indium phosphide or III-V multijunction solar cells to reduce the damage incurred through the radiation belts. Special assessments of power management and distribution systems, atmospheric drag, and energy storage are made. It is determined that atmospheric drag is of no great concern and that the energy storage used in countering drag is unnecessary. A scheme to package the arrays, masts, and ion thrusters into a single fairing is presented.

Photon Interaction Parameters for Some Borate Glasses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mann, Nisha; Kaur, Updesh; Singh, Tejbir

2010-11-06

Some photon interaction parameters of dosimetric interest such as mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic number, electron density and KERMA relative to air have been computed in the wide energy range from 1 keV to 100 GeV for some borate glasses viz. barium-lead borate, bismuth-borate, calcium-strontium borate, lead borate and zinc-borate glass. It has been observed that lead borate glass and barium-lead borate glass have maximum values of mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number and KERMA relative to air. Hence, these borate glasses are suitable as gamma ray shielding material, packing of radioactive sources etc.

Low-Mass Dark Matter Search Results and Radiogenic Backgrounds for the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pepin, Mark David

An ever-increasing amount of evidence suggests that approximately one quarter of the energy in the universe is composed of some non-luminous, and hitherto unknown, “dark matter”. Physicists from numerous sub-fields have been working on and trying to solve the dark matter problem for decades. The common solution is the existence of some new type of elementary particle with particular focus on weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). One avenue of dark matter research is to create an extremely sensitive particle detector with the goal of directly observing the interaction of WIMPs with standard matter. The Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) projectmore » operated at the Soudan Underground Laboratory from 2003–2015, under the CDMS II and SuperCDMS Soudan experiments, with this goal of directly detecting dark matter. The next installation, SuperCDMS SNOLAB, is planned for near-future operation. The reason the dark-matter particle has not yet been observed in traditional particle physics experiments is that it must have very small cross sections, thus making such interactions extremely rare. In order to identify these rare events in the presence of a background of known particles and interactions, direct detection experiments employ various types and amounts of shielding to prevent known backgrounds from reaching the instrumented detector(s). CDMS utilized various gamma and neutron shielding to such an effect that the shielding, and other experimental components, themselves were sources of background. These radiogenic backgrounds must be understood to have confidence in any WIMP-search result. For this dissertation, radiogenic background studies and estimates were performed for various analyses covering CDMS II, SuperCDMS Soudan, and SuperCDMS SNOLAB. Lower-mass dark matter t c2 inent in the past few years. The CDMS detectors can be operated in an alternative, higher-biased, mode v to decrease their energy thresholds and correspondingly increase their sensitivity to low-mass WIMPs. This is the CDMS low ionization threshold experiment (CDMSlite), which has pushed the frontier at lower WIMP masses. This dissertation describes the second run of CDMSlite at Soudan: its hardware, operations, analysis, and results. The results include new WIMP mass-cross section upper limits on the spin-independent and spin-dependent WIMP-nucleon interactions. Thanks to the lower background and threshold in this run compared to the first CDMSlite run, these limits are the most sensitive in the world below WIMP masses of ~4 GeV/c 2. This demonstrates also the great promise and utility of the high-voltage operating mode in the SuperCDMS SNOLAB experiment.« less

Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Contact Pattern between the Cortical Bone and Femoral Prosthesis after Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty

PubMed Central

Mishima, Hajime; Sugaya, Hisashi; Nishino, Tomofumi; Yamazaki, Masashi

2016-01-01

The cementless stem Excia (B. Braun, Melsungen, Germany) implant has a rectangular cross-sectional shape with back-and-forth flanges and a plasma-sprayed, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate coating from the middle to proximal portion to increase initial fixation and early bone formation. Here, the conformity of the Excia stem to the femoral canal morphology was three-dimensionally assessed using computed tomography. Forty-three patients (45 hips) were examined after primary total hip arthroplasty with a mean follow-up of 27 ± 3 months (range: 24–36 months). Spot welds occurred at zone 2 in 16 hips and at zone 6 in 24 hips, with 83% (20/24 hips) of those occurring within 3 months after surgery. First- (n = 12 hips), second- (n = 32), and third- (n = 1) degree stress shielding were observed. The stem was typically in contact with the cortical bone in the anterolateral mid-portion (100%) and posteromedial distal portions (85%). Stress shielding did not progress, even in cases where the stems were in contact with the distal portions. The anterior flange was in contact with the bone in all cases. The stability of the mid-lateral portion with the dicalcium phosphate dihydrate coating and the anterior flange may have inhibited the progression of stress shielding beyond the second degree. PMID:26881087

Quiet Cruise Efficient Short Take-off and Landing Subsonic Transport System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kawai, Ron

2008-01-01

This NASA funded study conceived a revolutionary airplane concept to enable future traffic growth by using regional air space. This requires a very quiet airplane with STOL capability. Starting with a Blended Wing Body that is cruise efficient with inherent low noise characteristics from forward noise shielding and void of aft downward noise reflections, integration of embedded distributed propulsion enables incorporation of the revolutionary concept for jet noise shielding. Embedded distributed propulsion also enables incorporation of a fan bleed internally blown flap for quiet powered lift. The powered lift provides STOL capability for operation at regional airports with rapid take-off and descent to further reduce flyover noise. This study focused on configuring the total engine noise shielding STOL concept with a BWB airplane using the Boeing Phantom Works WingMOD multidisciplinary optimization code to define a planform that is pitch controllable. The configuration was then sized and mission data developed to enable NASA to assess the flyover and sideline noise. The foundational technologies needed are identified including military dual use benefits.

Magnetic Shielding of the Channel Walls in a Hall Plasma Accelerator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mikellides, Ioannis G.; Katz, Ira; Hofer, Richard R.; Goebel, Dan M.; deGrys, Kristi; Mathers, Alex

2011-01-01

In a qualification life test of a Hall thruster it was found that the erosion of the acceleration channel practically stopped after approx 5,600 h. Numerical simulations using a two-dimensional axisymmetric plasma solver with a magnetic field-aligned mesh reveal that when the channel receded from its early-in-life to its steady-state configuration the following changes occurred near the wall: (1) reduction of the electric field parallel to the wall that prohibited ions from acquiring significant impact kinetic energy before entering the sheath, (2) reduction of the potential fall in the sheath that further diminished the total energy ions gained before striking the material, and (3) reduction of the ion number density that decreased the flux of ions to the wall. All these changes, found to have been induced by the magnetic field, constituted collectively an effective shielding of the walls from any significant ion bombardment. Thus, we term this process in Hall thrusters "magnetic shielding."

Twin jet shielding. [for aircraft noise reduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parthasarathy, S. P.; Cuffel, R. F.; Massier, P. F.

1979-01-01

For an over-the-wing/under-the-wing engine configuration on an airplane, the noise produced by the upper jet flow is partially reflected by the lower jet. An analysis has been performed which can be used to predict the distribution of perceived noise levels along the ground plane at take-off for an airplane which is designed to take advantage of the over/under shielding concept. Typical contours of PNL, the shielding benefit in the shadow zone, and the EPNL values at 3.5 nautical miles from brake release as well as EPNL values at sideline at 0.35 nautical miles have been calculated. This has been done for a range of flow parameters characteristic of engines producing inverted velocity profile jets suitable for use in a supersonic cruise vehicle. Reductions up to 6.0 EPNdB in community noise levels can be realized when the over engines are operated at higher thrust and the lower engines simultaneously operated with reduced thrust keeping the total thrust constant.

Cellulose-derived carbon aerogels supported goethite (α-FeOOH) nanoneedles and nanoflowers for electromagnetic interference shielding.

PubMed

Wan, Caichao; Jiao, Yue; Qiang, Tiangang; Li, Jian

2017-01-20

We describe a rapid and facile chemical precipitation method to grow goethite (α-FeOOH) nanoneedles and nanoflowers on the carbon aerogels which was obtained from the pyrolysis of cellulose aerogels. When evaluated as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, the α-FeOOH/cellulose-derived carbon aerogels composite displays the highest SE total value of 34.0dB at the Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ concentration of 0.01M, which is about 4.8 times higher than that of the individual α-FeOOH (5.9dB). When the higher or lower Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ concentrations were used, the EMI shielding performance deterioration occurred. The integration of α-FeOOH with the carbon aerogels transforms the reflection-dominant mechanism for α-FeOOH into the adsorption-dominant mechanism for the composite. The adsorption-dominant mechanism undoubtedly makes contribution to alleviating secondary radiation, which is regarded as more attractive alternative for developing electromagnetic radiation protection products. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Planning Support for Maintenance and Overhaul of Gun Weapon Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-05-01

13 (shielded twin) gun mounts are targeted to receive ORDALTs 9335 and 9409. Sixty-seven ship hulls are involved in the program, for a total of 147...gun mounts (excluding four training mounts ). Seventy-three Mod 0 and seventy-four Mod 13 gun mounts are included in the program, for an estimated total ...of gun mounts included in the GWSIP. Each mount will receive one amplifier ORDALT, for a. a total of 147, and two upgraded oscillating assemblies

Forced Unfolding of Proteins Within Cells

PubMed Central

Johnson, Colin P.; Tang, Hsin-Yao; Carag, Christine; Speicher, David W.; Discher, Dennis E.

2009-01-01

To identify cytoskeletal proteins that change conformation or assembly within stressed cells, in situ labeling of sterically shielded cysteines with fluorophores was analyzed by fluorescence imaging, quantitative mass spectrometry, and sequential two-dye labeling. Within red blood cells, shotgun labeling showed that shielded cysteines in the two isoforms of the cytoskeletal protein spectrin were increasingly labeled as a function of shear stress and time, indicative of forced unfolding of specific domains. Within mesenchymal stem cells—as a prototypical adherent cell—nonmuscle myosin IIA and vimentin are just two of the cytoskeletal proteins identified that show differential labeling in tensed versus drug-relaxed cells. Cysteine labeling of proteins within live cells can thus be used to fluorescently map out sites of molecular-scale deformation, and the results also suggest means to colocalize signaling events such as phosphorylation with forced unfolding. PMID:17673662

Medial Tibial Stress Shielding: A Limitation of Cobalt Chromium Tibial Baseplates.

PubMed

Martin, J Ryan; Watts, Chad D; Levy, Daniel L; Kim, Raymond H

2017-02-01

Stress shielding is a well-recognized complication associated with total knee arthroplasty. However, this phenomenon has not been thoroughly described. Specifically, no study to our knowledge has evaluated the radiographic impact of utilizing various tibial component compositions on tibial stress shielding. We retrospectively reviewed 3 cohorts of 50 patients that had a preoperative varus deformity and were implanted with a titanium, cobalt chromium (CoCr), or an all polyethylene tibial implant. A radiographic comparative analysis was performed to evaluate the amount of medial tibial bone loss in each cohort. In addition, a clinical outcomes analysis was performed on the 3 cohorts. The CoCr was noted to have a statistically significant increase in medial tibial bone loss compared with the other 2 cohorts. The all polyethylene cohort had a statistically significantly higher final Knee Society Score and was associated with the least amount of stress shielding. The CoCr tray is the most rigid of 3 implants that were compared in this study. Interestingly, this cohort had the highest amount of medial tibial bone loss. In addition, 1 patient in the CoCr cohort had medial soft tissue irritation which was attributed to a prominent medial tibial tray which required revision surgery to mitigate the symptoms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fragmentation studies of relativistic iron ions using plastic nuclear track detectors.

PubMed

Scampoli, P; Durante, M; Grossi, G; Manti, L; Pugliese, M; Gialanella, G

2005-01-01

We measured fluence and fragmentation of high-energy (1 or 5 A GeV) 56Fe ions accelerated at the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron or at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (Brookhaven National Laboratory, NY, USA) using solid-state CR-39 nuclear track detectors. Different targets (polyethylene, PMMA, C, Al, Pb) were used to produce a large spectrum of charged fragments. CR-39 plastics were exposed both in front and behind the shielding block (thickness ranging from 5 to 30 g/cm2) at a normal incidence and low fluence. The radiation dose deposited by surviving Fe ions and charged fragments was measured behind the shield using an ionization chamber. The distribution of the measured track size was exploited to distinguish the primary 56Fe ions tracks from the lighter fragments. Measurements of projectile's fluence in front of the shield were used to determine the dose per incident particle behind the block. Simultaneous measurements of primary 56Fe ion tracks in front and behind the shield were used to evaluate the fraction of surviving iron projectiles and the total charge-changing fragmentation cross-section. These physical measurements will be used to characterize the beam used in parallel biological experiments. c2005 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background studies in gas ionizing x ray detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eldridge, Hudson B.

1989-01-01

The background response of a gas ionizing proportional x ray detector is estimated by solving the one dimensional photon transport equation for two regions using Monte Carlo techniques. The solution was effected using the SSL VAX 780 and the CRAY XMP computers at Marshall Space Flight Center. The isotropic photon energy spectrum encompassing the range from 1 to 1000 KeV incident onto the first region, the shield, is taken so as to represent the measured spectrum at an altitude of 3 mb over Palastine, Texas. The differential energy spectrum deposited in the gas region, xenon, over the range of 0 to 100 KeV is written to an output file. In addition, the photon flux emerging from the shield region, tin, over the range of 1 to 1000 KeV is also tabulated and written to a separate file. Published tabular cross sections for photoelectric, elastic and inelastic Compton scattering as well as the total absorption coefficient are used. Histories of each incident photon as well as secondary photons from Compton and photoelectric interactions are followed until the photon either is absorbed or exits from the regions under consideration. The effect of shielding thickness upon the energy spectrum deposited in the xenon region for this background spectrum incident upon the tin shield was studied.

Enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding properties of carbon fiber veil/Fe3O4 nanoparticles/epoxy multiscale composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wei; Wang, Jun; Zhang, Bin; Wu, Qilei; Su, Xiaogang

2017-12-01

The multiscale approach has been adapted to enhance the electromagnetic interference shielding properties of carbon fiber (CF) veil epoxy-based composites. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were homogeneously dispersed in the epoxy matrix after surface modification by using silane coupling agent. The CF veil/Fe3O4 NPs/epoxy multiscale composites were manufactured by impregnating the CF veils with Fe3O4 NPs/epoxy mixture to prepare prepreg followed by vacuum bagging process. The electromagnetic interference shielding properties combined with the complex permittivity and complex permeability of the composites were investigated in the X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz) range. The total shielding effectiveness (SET) increases with increasing Fe3O4 NPs loadings and the maximum SET is 51.5 dB at low thickness of 1 mm. The incorporation of Fe3O4 NPs into the composites enhances the complex permittivity and complex permeability thus enhancing the electromagnetic wave absorption capability. The increased SET dominated by absorption loss SEA is attributed to the enhanced magnetic loss and dielectric loss generated by Fe3O4 NPs and multilayer construction of the composites. The microwave conductivity increases and the skin depth decreases with increasing Fe3O4 NPs loadings.

76 FR 53447 - Northland Power Mississippi River LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-26

... with the power grid. The proposed project would have an average annual generation of 1,007.0 gigawatt...; (2) the total capacity of the installation would be up to 115,000 kilowatts; (3) shielded underwater...

76 FR 53437 - Free Flow Power Corporation; Northland Power Mississippi River LLC; Notice of Competing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-26

... a matrix on the bottom of the river; (2) the total capacity of the installation would be up to 35,000 kilowatts; (3) shielded underwater cables would convey each matrix power to a substation; and (4...

76 FR 53433 - Free Flow Power Corporation; Northland Power Mississippi River LLC; Notice of Competing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-26

... units installed in a matrix on the bottom of the river; (2) the total capacity of the installation would be up to 110,000 kilowatts; (3) shielded underwater cables would convey each matrix's power to a...

A low-volume, low-mass, low-power UHF proximity micro-transceiver for Mars Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuhn, William; Lay, Norman; Grigorian, Edwin

2005-01-01

UHF half-duplex micro-transceiver measuring 1 cubic centimeter, weighing less than 10 grams, and operating at 40 mW on receive and 50mW, 300mW, or 3W on transmit is described. The micro-transceiver is being designed for future Mars exploration missions, but can be adapted for other proximity links. It supports transmission rates up to 256 ksps and higher in BPSK or QPSK format for data return and receives command/control instructions at up to 8 ksps. In addition to its low mass/power features, temperature compensated circuit and system design and radiation tolerance allow operation outside of large shielded enclosures, further reducing the mass and complexity of exploration vehicles.

A Fifth Force: Generalized through Superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robertson, Glen A.

1999-01-01

The connection between the Biefield-Brown Effect, the recent repeat of the 1902 Trouton-Noble (TN) experiments, and the gravity shielding experiments was explored. This connection is visualized through high capacitive electron concentrations. From this connection, a theory is proposed that connects mass energy to gravity and a fifth force. The theory called the Gravi-Atomic Energy theory presents two new terms: Gravi-atomic energy and quantum vacuum pressure (QVP). Gravi-atomic energy is defined as the radiated mass energy, which acts on vacuum energy to create a QVP about a mass, resulting in gravity and the fifth force. The QVP emission from a superconductor was discussed followed by the description of a test for QVP from a superconductor using a Cavendish balance.

Heating up the Galaxy with hidden photons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dubovsky, Sergei; Hernández-Chifflet, Guzmán, E-mail: dubovsky@nyu.edu, E-mail: ghc236@nyu.edu

2015-12-01

We elaborate on the dynamics of ionized interstellar medium in the presence of hidden photon dark matter. Our main focus is the ultra-light regime, where the hidden photon mass is smaller than the plasma frequency in the Milky Way. We point out that as a result of the Galactic plasma shielding direct detection of ultra-light photons in this mass range is especially challenging. However, we demonstrate that ultra-light hidden photon dark matter provides a powerful heating source for the ionized interstellar medium. This results in a strong bound on the kinetic mixing between hidden and regular photons all the waymore » down to the hidden photon masses of order 10{sup −20} eV.« less

Heating up the Galaxy with hidden photons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dubovsky, Sergei; Hernández-Chifflet, Guzmán; Instituto de Física, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de la República,Montevideo, 11300

2015-12-29

We elaborate on the dynamics of ionized interstellar medium in the presence of hidden photon dark matter. Our main focus is the ultra-light regime, where the hidden photon mass is smaller than the plasma frequency in the Milky Way. We point out that as a result of the Galactic plasma shielding direct detection of ultra-light photons in this mass range is especially challenging. However, we demonstrate that ultra-light hidden photon dark matter provides a powerful heating source for the ionized interstellar medium. This results in a strong bound on the kinetic mixing between hidden and regular photons all the waymore » down to the hidden photon masses of order 10{sup −20} eV.« less

Bulk superconducting phase with a full energy gap in the doped topological insulator Cu(x)Bi₂Se₃.

PubMed

Kriener, M; Segawa, Kouji; Ren, Zhi; Sasaki, Satoshi; Ando, Yoichi

2011-03-25

The superconductivity recently found in the doped topological insulator Cu(x)Bi₂Se₃ offers a great opportunity to search for a topological superconductor. We have successfully prepared a single-crystal sample with a large shielding fraction and measured the specific-heat anomaly associated with the superconductivity. The temperature dependence of the specific heat suggests a fully gapped, strong-coupling superconducting state, but the BCS theory is not in full agreement with the data, which hints at a possible unconventional pairing in Cu(x)Bi₂Se₃. Also, the evaluated effective mass of 2.6m(e) (m(e) is the free electron mass) points to a large mass enhancement in this material.

Trade Study of System Level Ranked Radiation Protection Concepts for Deep Space Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cerro, Jeffrey A

2013-01-01

A strategic focus area for NASA is to pursue the development of technologies which support exploration in space beyond the current inhabited region of low earth orbit. An unresolved issue for crewed deep space exploration involves limiting crew radiation exposure to below acceptable levels, considering both solar particle events and galactic cosmic ray contributions to dosage. Galactic cosmic ray mitigation is not addressed in this paper, but by addressing credible, easily implemented, and mass efficient solutions for the possibility of solar particle events, additional margin is provided that can be used for cosmic ray dose accumulation. As a result, NASA s Advanced Engineering Systems project office initiated this Radiation Storm Shelter design activity. This paper reports on the first year results of an expected 3 year Storm Shelter study effort which will mature concepts and operational scenarios that protect exploration astronauts from solar particle radiation events. Large trade space definition, candidate concept ranking, and a planned demonstration comprised the majority of FY12 activities. A system key performance parameter is minimization of the required increase in mass needed to provide a safe environment. Total system mass along with operational assessments and other defined protection system metrics provide the guiding metrics to proceed with concept developments. After a downselect to four primary methods, the concepts were analyzed for dosage severity and the amount of shielding mass necessary to bring dosage to acceptable values. Besides analytical assessments, subscale models of several concepts and one full scale concept demonstrator were created. FY12 work terminated with a plan to demonstrate test articles of two selected approaches. The process of arriving at these selections and their current envisioned implementation are presented in this paper.

PACKAGING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING DOSE RATES FOR SMALL GRAM QUANTITIES IN SHIPPING PACKAGINGS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nathan, S.; Loftin, B.; Abramczyk, G.

The Small Gram Quantity (SGQ) concept is based on the understanding that small amounts of hazardous materials, in this case radioactive materials (RAM), are significantly less hazardous than large amounts of the same materials. This paper describes a methodology designed to estimate an SGQ for several neutron and gamma emitting isotopes that can be shipped in a package compliant with 10 CFR Part 71 external radiation level limits regulations. These regulations require packaging for the shipment of radioactive materials, under both normal and accident conditions, to perform the essential functions of material containment, subcriticality, and maintain external radiation levels withinmore » the specified limits. By placing the contents in a helium leak-tight containment vessel, and limiting the mass to ensure subcriticality, the first two essential functions are readily met. Some isotopes emit sufficiently strong photon radiation that small amounts of material can yield a large dose rate outside the package. Quantifying the dose rate for a proposed content is a challenging issue for the SGQ approach. It is essential to quantify external radiation levels from several common gamma and neutron sources that can be safely placed in a specific packaging, to ensure compliance with federal regulations. The Packaging Certification Program (PCP) Methodology for Determining Dose Rate for Small Gram Quantities in Shipping Packagings provides bounding shielding calculations that define mass limits compliant with 10 CFR 71.47 for a set of proposed SGQ isotopes. The approach is based on energy superposition with dose response calculated for a set of spectral groups for a baseline physical packaging configuration. The methodology includes using the MCNP radiation transport code to evaluate a family of neutron and photon spectral groups using the 9977 shipping package and its associated shielded containers as the base case. This results in a set of multipliers for 'dose per particle' for each spectral group. For a given isotope, the source spectrum is folded with the response for each group. The summed contribution from all isotopes determines the total dose from the RAM in the container.« less

Role of shielding in modulating the effects of solar particle events: Monte Carlo calculation of absorbed dose and DNA complex lesions in different organs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ballarini, F.; Biaggi, M.; De Biaggi, L.; Ferrari, A.; Ottolenghi, A.; Panzarasa, A.; Paretzke, H. G.; Pelliccioni, M.; Sala, P.; Scannicchio, D.;

Role of shielding in modulating the effects of solar particle events: Monte Carlo calculation of absorbed dose and DNA complex lesions in different organs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballarini, F.; Biaggi, M.; De Biaggi, L.; Ferrari, A.; Ottolenghi, A.; Panzarasa, A.; Paretzke, H. G.; Pelliccioni, M.; Sala, P.; Scannicchio, D.; Zankl, M.

2004-01-01

Distributions of absorbed dose and DNA clustered damage yields in various organs and tissues following the October 1989 solar particle event (SPE) were calculated by coupling the FLUKA Monte Carlo transport code with two anthropomorphic phantoms (a mathematical model and a voxel model), with the main aim of quantifying the role of the shielding features in modulating organ doses. The phantoms, which were assumed to be in deep space, were inserted into a shielding box of variable thickness and material and were irradiated with the proton spectra of the October 1989 event. Average numbers of DNA lesions per cell in different organs were calculated by adopting a technique already tested in previous works, consisting of integrating into "condensed-history" Monte Carlo transport codes - such as FLUKA - yields of radiobiological damage, either calculated with "event-by-event" track structure simulations, or taken from experimental works available in the literature. More specifically, the yields of "Complex Lesions" (or "CL", defined and calculated as a clustered DNA damage in a previous work) per unit dose and DNA mass (CL Gy -1 Da -1) due to the various beam components, including those derived from nuclear interactions with the shielding and the human body, were integrated in FLUKA. This provided spatial distributions of CL/cell yields in different organs, as well as distributions of absorbed doses. The contributions of primary protons and secondary hadrons were calculated separately, and the simulations were repeated for values of Al shielding thickness ranging between 1 and 20 g/cm 2. Slight differences were found between the two phantom types. Skin and eye lenses were found to receive larger doses with respect to internal organs; however, shielding was more effective for skin and lenses. Secondary particles arising from nuclear interactions were found to have a minor role, although their relative contribution was found to be larger for the Complex Lesions than for the absorbed dose, due to their higher LET and thus higher biological effectiveness.

Visualization of Capsule Reentry Vehicle Heat Shield Ablation Using Naphthalene PLIF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Combs, Christopher S.; Clemens, Noel T.; Danehy, Paul M.

2014-01-01

The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) will use an ablative heat shield and improved understanding of the ablation process would be beneficial for design purposes. Given that ablation is a multi-physics process involving heat and mass transfer, codes aiming to predict heat shield ablation are in need of experimental data pertaining to the turbulent transport of ablation products for validation. At The University of Texas at Austin, a technique is being developed that uses planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) of a low-temperature sublimating ablator (naphthalene) to visualize the transport of ablation products in a supersonic flow. Since ablation at reentry temperatures can be difficult to recreate in a laboratory setting it is desirable to create a limited physics problem and simulate the ablation process at relatively low temperature conditions using naphthalene. A scaled Orion MPCV model with a solid naphthalene heat shield has been tested in a Mach 5 wind tunnel at various angles of attack in the current work. PLIF imaging reveals the distribution of the ablation products as they are transported into the heat-shield boundary layer and over the capsule shoulders into the separated shear layer and backshell recirculation region. Visualizations of the capsule shear layer using both naphthalene PLIF and Schlieren imaging compared favorably. High concentrations of naphthalene in the capsule separated flow region, intermittent turbulent structures on the heat shield surface, and interesting details of the capsule shear layer structure were observed using the naphthalene PLIF technique. The capsule shear layer was also shown to generally appear to be more turbulent at lower angles of attack. Furthermore, the PLIF signal increased steadily over the course of a run indicating that during a wind tunnel run the model heated up and the rate of naphthalene ablation increased. The shear layer showed increasing signs of turbulence over the course of a wind tunnel run as well, likely because of the combination of increased surface roughness and surface blowing rate. PLIF imaging also detected regions with a relatively low concentration of naphthalene in the capsule backshell recirculation region that are most likely the result of cross-flow-induced vortices on the capsule afterbody.

The effect of the earth's and stray magnetic fields on mobile mass spectrometer systems.

PubMed

Bell, Ryan J; Davey, Nicholas G; Martinsen, Morten; Short, R Timothy; Gill, Chris G; Krogh, Erik T

2015-02-01

Development of small, field-portable mass spectrometers has enabled a rapid growth of in-field measurements on mobile platforms. In such in-field measurements, unexpected signal variability has been observed by the authors in portable ion traps with internal electron ionization. The orientation of magnetic fields (such as the Earth's) relative to the ionization electron beam trajectory can significantly alter the electron flux into a quadrupole ion trap, resulting in significant changes in the instrumental sensitivity. Instrument simulations and experiments were performed relative to the earth's magnetic field to assess the importance of (1) nonpoint-source electron sources, (2) vertical versus horizontal electron beam orientation, and (3) secondary magnetic fields created by the instrument itself. Electron lens focus effects were explored by additional simulations, and were paralleled by experiments performed with a mass spectrometer mounted on a rotating platform. Additionally, magnetically permeable metals were used to shield (1) the entire instrument from the Earth's magnetic field, and (2) the electron beam from both the Earth's and instrument's magnetic fields. Both simulation and experimental results suggest the predominant influence on directionally dependent signal variability is the result of the summation of two magnetic vectors. As such, the most effective method for reducing this effect is the shielding of the electron beam from both magnetic vectors, thus improving electron beam alignment and removing any directional dependency. The improved ionizing electron beam alignment also allows for significant improvements in overall instrument sensitivity.

The mechanical response of a polyetheretherketone femoral knee implant under a deep squatting loading condition.

PubMed

de Ruiter, Lennert; Janssen, Dennis; Briscoe, Adam; Verdonschot, Nico

2017-12-01

The current study was designed to investigate the mechanical response of a polyetheretherketone-on-polyethylene total knee replacement device during a deep squat. Application of this high-demand loading condition can identify weaknesses of the polyetheretherketone relative to cobalt-chromium. This study investigated whether the implant is strong enough for this type of loading, whether cement stresses are considerably changed and whether a polyetheretherketone femoral component is likely to lead to reduced periprosthetic bone loss as compared to a cobalt-chromium component. A finite element model of a total knee arthroplasty subjected to a deep squat loading condition, which was previously published, was adapted with an alternative total knee arthroplasty design made of either polyetheretherketone or cobalt-chromium. The maximum tensile and compressive stresses within the implant and cement mantle were analysed against their yield and fatigue stress levels. The amount of stress shielding within the bone was compared between the polyetheretherketone and cobalt-chromium cases. Relative to its material strength, tensile peak stresses were higher in the cobalt-chromium implant; compressive peak stresses were higher in the polyetheretherketone implant. The stress patterns differed substantially between polyetheretherketone and cobalt-chromium. The tensile stresses in the cement mantle supporting the polyetheretherketone implant were up to 33% lower than with the cobalt-chromium component, but twice as high for compression. Stress shielding was reduced to a median of 1% for the polyetheretherketone implant versus 56% for the cobalt-chromium implant. Both the polyetheretherketone implant and the underlying cement mantle should be able to cope with the stress levels present during a deep squat. Relative to the cobalt-chromium component, stress shielding of the periprosthetic femur was substantially less with a polyetheretherketone femoral component.

2007 Joint Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Conference and Exhibition - Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-27

Selected CB Defense Systems SHAPESENSE Joint Warning and Reporting Network JSLIST CB Protected Shelter Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program Joint Effects...military can operate in any environment, unconstrained by chemical or biological weapons. 21 SHIELD SUSTAIN Selected CB Defense Systems SHAPESENSE Joint...28070625_JCBRN_Conference_Reeves UNCLASSIFIED Decontamination Vision Strippable Barriers Self-Decontaminating Fabrics/Coatings Reduce Logistics Burden

American Journalism Historians Association Annual Convention (London, Ontario, Canada, October 3-5, 1996). Part II: Selecting Papers Covering the 20th Century.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Journalism Historians' Association.

The 17 papers in this collection all deal with 20th-century journalism, journalists, and mass media. The papers and their authors are: "Building One's Own Gallows: The Trade Publications' Reaction to a Federal Shield Law, 1972-1974" (Karla Gower); "The Useful Ogre: Sweden's Use and Views of American Television, 1956-62" (Ulf…

Benchmarking shielding simulations for an accelerator-driven spallation neutron source

DOE PAGES

Cherkashyna, Nataliia; Di Julio, Douglas D.; Panzner, Tobias; ...

2015-08-09

The shielding at an accelerator-driven spallation neutron facility plays a critical role in the performance of the neutron scattering instruments, the overall safety, and the total cost of the facility. Accurate simulation of shielding components is thus key for the design of upcoming facilities, such as the European Spallation Source (ESS), currently in construction in Lund, Sweden. In this paper, we present a comparative study between the measured and the simulated neutron background at the Swiss Spallation Neutron Source (SINQ), at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Villigen, Switzerland. The measurements were carried out at several positions along the SINQ monolithmore » wall with the neutron dosimeter WENDI-2, which has a well-characterized response up to 5 GeV. The simulations were performed using the Monte-Carlo radiation transport code Geant4, and include a complete transport from the proton beam to the measurement locations in a single calculation. An agreement between measurements and simulations is about a factor of 2 for the points where the measured radiation dose is above the background level, which is a satisfactory result for such simulations spanning many energy regimes, different physics processes and transport through several meters of shielding materials. The neutrons contributing to the radiation field emanating from the monolith were confirmed to originate from neutrons with energies above 1 MeV in the target region. The current work validates Geant4 as being well suited for deep-shielding calculations at accelerator-based spallation sources. We also extrapolate what the simulated flux levels might imply for short (several tens of meters) instruments at ESS.« less

Hybrid Wing Body Shielding Studies Using an Ultrasonic Configurable Fan Artificial Noise Source Generating Typical Turbofan Modes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sutliff, Daniel l.; Brown, Clifford A.; Walker, Bruce E.

2014-01-01

An Ultrasonic Configurable Fan Artificial Noise Source (UCFANS) was designed, built, and tested in support of the NASA Langley Research Center's 14- by 22-ft wind tunnel test of the Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) full 3-D 5.8 percent scale model. The UCFANS is a 5.8 percent rapid prototype scale model of a high-bypass turbofan engine that can generate the tonal signature of proposed engines using artificial sources (no flow). The purpose of the test was to provide an estimate of the acoustic shielding benefits possible from mounting the engine on the upper surface of an HWB aircraft using the projected signature of the engine currently proposed for the HWB. The modal structures at the rating points were generated from inlet and exhaust nacelle configurations--a flat plate model was used as the shielding surface and vertical control surfaces with correct plan form shapes were also tested to determine their additional impact on shielding. Radiated acoustic data were acquired from a traversing linear array of 13 microphones, spanning 36 in. Two planes perpendicular, and two planes parallel, to the axis of the nacelle were acquired from the array sweep. In each plane the linear array traversed four sweeps, for a total span of 168 in. acquired. The resolution of the sweep is variable, so that points closer to the model are taken at a higher resolution. Contour plots of Sound Pressure Levels, and integrated Power Levels, from nacelle alone and shielded configurations are presented in this paper; as well as the in-duct mode power levels

Hybrid Wing Body Shielding Studies Using an Ultrasonic Configurable Fan Artificial Noise Source Generating Typical Turbofan Modes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sutliff, Daniel L.; Brown, Cliff; Walker, Bruce E.

2014-01-01

An Ultrasonic Configurable Fan Artificial Noise Source (UCFANS) was designed, built, and tested in support of the NASA Langley Research Center's 14x22 wind tunnel test of the Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) full 3-D 5.8% scale model. The UCFANS is a 5.8% rapid prototype scale model of a high-bypass turbofan engine that can generate the tonal signature of proposed engines using artificial sources (no flow). The purpose of the test was to provide an estimate of the acoustic shielding benefits possible from mounting the engine on the upper surface of an HWB aircraft using the projected signature of the engine currently proposed for the HWB. The modal structures at the rating points were generated from inlet and exhaust nacelle configurations - a flat plate model was used as the shielding surface and vertical control surfaces with correct plan form shapes were also tested to determine their additional impact on shielding. Radiated acoustic data were acquired from a traversing linear array of 13 microphones, spanning 36 inches. Two planes perpendicular, and two planes parallel, to the axis of the nacelle were acquired from the array sweep. In each plane the linear array traversed 4 sweeps, for a total span of 168 inches acquired. The resolution of the sweep is variable, so that points closer to the model are taken at a higher resolution. Contour plots of Sound Pressure Levels, and integrated Power Levels, from nacelle alone and shielded configurations are presented in this paper; as well as the in-duct mode power levels.

The Influence of Shielding on the Biological Effectiveness of Accelerated Particles for the Induction of Chromosome Damage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goeorge, Kerry; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2007-01-01

Chromosome damage was assessed in human peripheral blood lymphocytes after in vitro exposure to the either Si-28 (490 or 600 MeV/n), Ti-48 (1000 MeV/n), or Fe-56 (600, 1000, or 5000 MeV/n). LET values for these ions ranged from 51 to 184 keV/micron and doses ranged from 10 to 200 cGy. The effect of either aluminum or polyethylene shielding on the induction of chromosome aberrations was investigated for each ion. Chromosome exchanges were measured using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with whole chromosome probes in cells collected at G2 and mitosis in first division post irradiation after chromosomes were prematurely condensed using calyculin-A. The yield of chromosomal aberrations increased linearly with dose and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for the primary beams, estimated from the initial slope of the dose response curve for total chromosomal exchanges with respect to gamma-rays, ranged from 9 to 35. The RBE values increased with LET, reaching a maximum for the 600 MeV/n Fe ions with LET of 184 keV/micron. When the LET of the primary beam was below approximately 100 keV/micron, the addition of shielding material increased the effectiveness per unit dose. Whereas shielding decreased the effectiveness per unit dose when the LET of primary beams was higher than 100 keV/micron. The yield of aberrations correlated with the dose-average LET of the beam after traversal through the shielding.

Full characterization of laser-accelerated ion beams using Faraday cup, silicon carbide, and single-crystal diamond detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Margarone, D.; Krása, J.; Giuffrida, L.; Picciotto, A.; Torrisi, L.; Nowak, T.; Musumeci, P.; Velyhan, A.; Prokůpek, J.; Láska, L.; Mocek, T.; Ullschmied, J.; Rus, B.

2011-05-01

Multi-MeV beams of light ions have been produced using the 300 picosecond, kJ-class iodine laser, operating at the Prague Asterix Laser System facility in Prague. Real-time ion diagnostics have been performed by the use of various time-of-flight (TOF) detectors: ion collectors (ICs) with and without absorber thin films, new prototypes of single-crystal diamond and silicon carbide detectors, and an electrostatic ion mass spectrometer (IEA). In order to suppress the long photopeak induced by soft X-rays and to avoid the overlap with the signal from ultrafast particles, the ICs have been shielded with Al foil filters. The application of large-bandgap semiconductor detectors (>3 eV) ensured cutting of the plasma-emitted visible and soft-UV radiation and enhancing the sensitivity to the very fast proton/ion beams. Employing the IEA spectrometer, various ion species and charge states in the expanding laser-plasma have been determined. Processing of the experimental data based on the TOF technique, including estimation of the plasma fast proton maximum and peak energy, ion beam currents and total charge, total number of fast protons, as well as deconvolution processes, ion stopping power, and ion/photon transmission calculations for the different metallic filters used, are reported.

Multihelix rotating shield brachytherapy for cervical cancer

PubMed Central

Dadkhah, Hossein; Kim, Yusung; Wu, Xiaodong; Flynn, Ryan T.

2015-01-01

Purpose: To present a novel brachytherapy technique, called multihelix rotating shield brachytherapy (H-RSBT), for the precise angular and linear positioning of a partial shield in a curved applicator. H-RSBT mechanically enables the dose delivery using only linear translational motion of the radiation source/shield combination. The previously proposed approach of serial rotating shield brachytherapy (S-RSBT), in which the partial shield is rotated to several angular positions at each source dwell position [W. Yang et al., “Rotating-shield brachytherapy for cervical cancer,” Phys. Med. Biol. 58, 3931–3941 (2013)], is mechanically challenging to implement in a curved applicator, and H-RSBT is proposed as a feasible solution. Methods: A Henschke-type applicator, designed for an electronic brachytherapy source (Xoft Axxent™) and a 0.5 mm thick tungsten partial shield with 180° or 45° azimuthal emission angles and 116° asymmetric zenith angle, is proposed. The interior wall of the applicator contains six evenly spaced helical keyways that rigidly define the emission direction of the partial radiation shield as a function of depth in the applicator. The shield contains three uniformly distributed protruding keys on its exterior wall and is attached to the source such that it rotates freely, thus longitudinal translational motion of the source is transferred to rotational motion of the shield. S-RSBT and H-RSBT treatment plans with 180° and 45° azimuthal emission angles were generated for five cervical cancer patients with a diverse range of high-risk target volume (HR-CTV) shapes and applicator positions. For each patient, the total number of emission angles was held nearly constant for S-RSBT and H-RSBT by using dwell positions separated by 5 and 1.7 mm, respectively, and emission directions separated by 22.5° and 60°, respectively. Treatment delivery time and tumor coverage (D90 of HR-CTV) were the two metrics used as the basis for evaluation and comparison. For all the generated treatment plans, the D90 of the HR-CTV in units of equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) was escalated until the D2cc (minimum dose to hottest 2 cm3) tolerance of either the bladder (90 Gy3), rectum (75 Gy3), or sigmoid colon (75 Gy3) was reached. Results: Treatment time changed for H-RSBT versus S-RSBT by −7.62% to 1.17% with an average change of −2.8%, thus H-RSBT treatments times tended to be shorter than for S-RSBT. The HR-CTV D90 also changed by −2.7% to 2.38% with an average of −0.65%. Conclusions: H-RSBT is a mechanically feasible delivery technique for use in the curved applicators needed for cervical cancer brachytherapy. S-RSBT and H-RSBT were clinically equivalent for all patients considered, with the H-RSBT technique tending to require less time for delivery. PMID:26520749

Electron Accelerator Shielding Design of KIPT Neutron Source Facility

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhong, Zhaopeng; Gohar, Yousry

The Argonne National Laboratory of the United States and the Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology of the Ukraine have been collaborating on the design, development and construction of a neutron source facility at Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology utilizing an electron-accelerator-driven subcritical assembly. The electron beam power is 100 kW using 100-MeV electrons. The facility was designed to perform basic and applied nuclear research, produce medical isotopes, and train nuclear specialists. The biological shield of the accelerator building was designed to reduce the biological dose to less than 5.0e-03 mSv/h during operation. The main source of the biologicalmore » dose for the accelerator building is the photons and neutrons generated from different interactions of leaked electrons from the electron gun and the accelerator sections with the surrounding components and materials. The Monte Carlo N-particle extended code (MCNPX) was used for the shielding calculations because of its capability to perform electron-, photon-, and neutron-coupled transport simulations. The photon dose was tallied using the MCNPX calculation, starting with the leaked electrons. However, it is difficult to accurately tally the neutron dose directly from the leaked electrons. The neutron yield per electron from the interactions with the surrounding components is very small, similar to 0.01 neutron for 100-MeV electron and even smaller for lower-energy electrons. This causes difficulties for the Monte Carlo analyses and consumes tremendous computation resources for tallying the neutron dose outside the shield boundary with an acceptable accuracy. To avoid these difficulties, the SOURCE and TALLYX user subroutines of MCNPX were utilized for this study. The generated neutrons were banked, together with all related parameters, for a subsequent MCNPX calculation to obtain the neutron dose. The weight windows variance reduction technique was also utilized for both neutron and photon dose calculations. Two shielding materials, heavy concrete and ordinary concrete, were considered for the shield design. The main goal is to maintain the total dose outside the shield boundary less than 5.0e-03 mSv/h during operation. The shield configuration and parameters of the accelerator building were determined and are presented in this paper. Copyright (C) 2016, Published by Elsevier Korea LLC on behalf of Korean Nuclear Society.« less

Saudi Arabian seismic-refraction profile: A traveltime interpretation of crustal and upper mantle structure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mooney, W.D.; Gettings, M.E.; Blank, H.R.; Healy, J.H.

1985-01-01

The crustal and upper mantle compressional-wave velocity structure across the southwestern Arabian Shield has been investigated by a 1000-km-long seismic refraction profile. The profile begins in Mesozoic cover rocks near Riyadh on the Arabian Platform, trends southwesterly across three major Precambrian tectonic provinces, traverses Cenozoic rocks of the coastal plain near Jizan, and terminates at the outer edge of the Farasan Bank in the southern Red Sea. More than 500 surveyed recording sites were occupied, and six shot points were used, including one in the Red Sea. Two-dimensional ray-tracing techniques, used to analyze amplitude-normalized record sections indicate that the Arabian Shield is composed, to first order, of two layers, each about 20 km thick, with average velocities of about 6.3 km/s and 7.0 km/s, respectively. West of the Shield-Red Sea margin, the crust thins to a total thickness of less than 20 km, beyond which the Red Sea shelf and coastal plain are interpreted to be underlain by oceanic crust. A major crustal inhomogeneity at the northeast end of the profile probably represents the suture zone between two crustal blocks of different composition. Elsewhere along the profile, several high-velocity anomalies in the upper crust correlate with mapped gneiss domes, the most prominent of which is the Khamis Mushayt gneiss. Based on their velocities, these domes may constitute areas where lower crustal rocks have been raised some 20 km. Two intracrustal reflectors in the center of the Shield at 13 km depth probably represent the tops of mafic intrusives. The Mohorovic??ic?? discontinuity beneath the Shield varies from a depth of 43 km and mantle velocity of 8.2 km/s in the northeast to a depth of 38 km and mantle velocity of 8.0 km/s depth in the southwest near the Shield-Red Sea transition. Two velocity discontinuities occur in the upper mantle, at 59 and 70 km depth. The crustal and upper mantle velocity structure of the Arabian Shield is interpreted as revealing a complex crust derived from the suturing of island arcs in the Precarnbrian. The Shield is currently flanked by the active spreading boundary in the Red Sea. ?? 1985.

Development of fused slurry silicide coatings for tantalum reentry heat shields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warnock, R. V.; Stetson, A. R.

1972-01-01

A fused slurry silicide coating was developed to provide atmospheric reentry protection for the 90Ta-lOW alloy. Overlaying the silicide with a highly refractory glass greatly improved total lifetime and reliability of the coating system. Low pressure, slow cycle lifetimes in excess of 100 cycles were consistently recorded for 1700 K - 13 and 1300 N/sq m test conditions. A minimum of 25 cycles was obtained for 1810 K - 1300 N/sq m conditions. About 50 simulated reentry cycles (variable temperature, pressure, and stress) were endured by coated 1-inch miniature heat shield panels when exposed to a maximum of 1700 K and either internal or external pressure conditions.

Method for fabricating fan-fold shielded electrical leads

DOEpatents

Rohatgi, R.R.; Cowan, T.E.

1994-12-27

Fan-folded electrical leads made from copper cladded Kapton, for example, with the copper cladding on one side serving as a ground plane and the copper cladding on the other side being etched to form the leads. The Kapton is fan folded with the leads located at the bottom of the fan-folds. Electrical connections are made by partially opening the folds of the fan and soldering, for example, the connections directly to the ground plane and/or the lead. The fan folded arrangement produces a number of advantages, such as electrically shielding the leads from the environment, is totally non-magnetic, and has a very low thermal conductivity, while being easy to fabricate. 3 figures.

NEUTRON PHYSICS DIVISION ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT. Period Ending September 1, 1962

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

1963-01-11

A total of 74 subsections are included in the report. The information in 4 subsections was previously abstracted in NSA. Separate abstracts were prepared for 38 of the subsections. Those sections for which no abstracts were prepared contain information on prompt neutron lifetime, Rover critical experiments, Pu/sup 239/ fission, neutron decay, the O5R code, alpha scattering, 8 and P wavelengths, proton scattering, deuteron scattering, local optical potentials, N. S. Savamah radiation leakage, reactor shielding, cross section data analysis, gamma transport, gamma energy deposition, gaussian integration, data interpolation, neutron scattering, neutron energy deposition, space vehicles, computer analyses, shielding, positron sources, andmore » secondary particles. (J.R.D.)« less

Method for fabricating fan-fold shielded electrical leads

DOEpatents

Rohatgi, Rajeev R.; Cowan, Thomas E.

1994-01-01

Fan-folded electrical leads made from copper cladded Kapton, for example, with the copper cladding on one side serving as a ground plane and the copper cladding on the other side being etched to form the leads. The Kapton is fan folded with the leads located at the bottom of the fan-folds. Electrical connections are made by partially opening the folds of the fan and soldering, for example, the connections directly to the ground plane and/or the lead. The fan folded arrangement produces a number of advantages, such as electrically shielding the leads from the environment, is totally non-magnetic, and has a very low thermal conductivity, while being easy to fabricate.

Fan-fold shielded electrical leads

DOEpatents

Rohatgi, R.R.; Cowan, T.E.

1996-06-11

Disclosed are fan-folded electrical leads made from copper cladded Kapton, for example, with the copper cladding on one side serving as a ground plane and the copper cladding on the other side being etched to form the leads. The Kapton is fan folded with the leads located at the bottom of the fan-folds. Electrical connections are made by partially opening the folds of the fan and soldering, for example, the connections directly to the ground plane and/or the lead. The fan folded arrangement produces a number of advantages, such as electrically shielding the leads from the environment, is totally non-magnetic, and has a very low thermal conductivity, while being easy to fabricate. 3 figs.

76 FR 53445 - Northland Power Mississippi River LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-26

... installed in a matrix on the bottom of the river; (2) the total capacity of the installation would be up to 75,000 kilowatts; (3) shielded underwater cables would convey each matrix power to a substation; and...

76 FR 53431 - Free Flow Power Corporation; Northland Power Mississippi River LLC; Notice of Competing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-26

... generating units installed in a matrix on the bottom of the river; (2) the total capacity of the installation would be up to 38,000 kilowatts; (3) shielded underwater cables would convey each matrix's power to a...

76 FR 53446 - Northland Power Mississippi River LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-26

... installed in a matrix on the bottom of the river; (2) the total capacity of the installation would be up to 35,000 kilowatts; (3) shielded underwater cables would convey each matrix power to a substation; and...

76 FR 53449 - Northland Power Mississippi River LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-26

... generating units installed in a matrix on the bottom of the river; (2) the total capacity of the installation would be up to 50,000 kilowatts; (3) shielded underwater cables would convey each matrix power to a...

MO-F-CAMPUS-I-04: Patient Eye-Lens Dose Reduction in Routine Brain CT Examinations Using Organ-Based Tube Current Modulation and In-Plane Bismuth Shielding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsai, Hui-Yu; Liao, Ying-Lan; Chang Gung University / Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyun, Taiwan

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess eye-lens dose for patients who underwent brain CT examinations using two dose reduction Methods: organ-based tube current modulation (OBTCM) and in-plane bismuth shielding method. Methods: This study received institutional review board approval; written informed consent to participate was obtained from all patients. Ninety patients who underwent the routine brain CT examination were randomly assigned to three groups, ie. routine, OBTCM, and bismuth shield. The OBTCM technique reduced the tube current when the X-ray tube rotates in front of patients’ eye-lens region. The patients in the bismuth shield group were covered one-plymore » bismuth shield in the eyes’ region. Eye-lens doses were measured using TLD-100H chips and the total effective doses were calculated using CT-Expo according to the CT scanning parameters. The surface doses for patients at off-center positions were assessed to evaluate the off-centering effect. Results: Phantom measurements indicates that OBTCM technique could reduced by 26% to 28% of the surface dose to the eye lens, and increased by 25% of the surface dose at the opposed incident direction at the angle of 180°. Patients’ eye-lens doses were reduced 16.9% and 30.5% dose of bismuth shield scan and OBTCM scan, respectively compared to the routine scan. The eye-lens doses were apparently increased when the table position was lower than isocenter. Conclusion: Reducing the dose to the radiosensitive organs, such as eye lens, during routine brain CT examinations could lower the radiation risks. The OBTCM technique and in-plane bismuth shielding could be used to reduce the eye-lens dose. The eye-lens dose could be effectively reduced using OBTCM scan without interfering the diagnostic image quality. Patient position relative the CT gantry also affects the dose level of the eye lens. This study was supported by the grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan (MOST103-2314-B-182-009-MY2), and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CMRPD1C0682)« less

Terrestrial Background Reduction in RPM Systems by Direct Internal Shielding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Robinson, Sean M.; Ashbaker, Eric D.; Schweppe, John E.

2008-11-19

Gamma-ray detection systems that are close to the earth or other sources of background radiation often require shielding, especially when trying to detect a relatively weak source. One particular case of interest that we address in this paper is that encountered by the Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs) systems placed at border-crossing Ports of Entry (POE). These RPM systems are used to screen for illicit radiological materials, and they are often placed in situations where terrestrial background is large. In such environments, it is desirable to consider simple physical modifications that could be implemented to reduce the effects from background radiationmore » without affecting the flow of traffic and the normal operation of the portal. Simple modifications include adding additional shielding to the environment, either inside or outside the apparatus. Previous work [2] has shown the utility of some of these shielding configurations for increasing the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of gross-counting RPMs. Because the total cost for purchasing and installing RPM systems can be quite expensive, in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars for each cargo-screening installation, these shielding variations may offer increases in detection capability for relatively small cost. Several modifications are considered here in regard to their real-world applicability, and are meant to give a general idea of the effectiveness of the schemes used to reduce background for both gross-counting and spectroscopic detectors. These scenarios are modeled via the Monte-Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code package [1] for ease of altering shielding configurations, as well as enacting unusual scenarios prior to prototyping in the field. The objective of this paper is to provide results representative of real modifications that could enhance the sensitivity of this, as well as the next generation of radiation detectors. The models used in this work were designed to provide the most general results for an RPM. These results are therefore presented as general guidance on what shielding configurations will be the most valuable for a generalized RPM, considered in light of their economic and geometric possibility in the real world.« less

NASA Crew Exploration Vehicle, Thermal Protection System, Lessons Learned

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venkatapathy, Ethiraj; Reuther, James

2008-01-01

The Orion (CEV) thermal protection system (TPS) advanced development project (ADP) was initiated in late 2006 to reduce developmental risk by significant investment in multiple heat shield architectural solutions that can meet the needs both the Low Earth orbit (LEO) and Lunar return missions. At the same time, the CEV TPS ADP was also charged with developing a preliminary design for the heat shield to meet the PDR requirement and at the time of the PDR, transfer the design to Lockheed- Martin, the prime contractor. We reported on the developmental activities of the first 18 months at the IPPW5 in Bordeaux, France, last summer. In June 08, at the time of the IPPW6, the CEV TPS ADP would have nearly completed the preparation for the Orion PDR and would be close to the original three-year mark. We plan to report on the progress at the Atlanta workshop. In the past year, Orion TPS ADP investment in TPS Technology, especially in PICA ablative Heat-shield design, development, testing and engineering (DDTE) has paid off in enabling MSL mission to switch from SLA 561 V heat shield to PICA heat shield. CEV TPS ADP considered SLA 561 V as a candidate for LEO missions and our testing identified failure modes in SLA and as a result, we dropped SLA for further evaluation. This close synergy between two projects is a highly visible example of how investment in technology areas can and does benefit multiple missions. In addition, CEV TPS ADP has been able to revive the Apollo ablative system namely AVCOAT honeycomb architecture as an alternate to the baseline PICA architecture and we plan to report the progress we have made in AVCOAT. CEV TPS ADP has invested considerable resources in developing analytical models for PICA and AVCOAT, material property measurements that is essential to the design of the heat-shield, in arcjet testing, in understanding the differences between different arc jet facilities, namely NASA Ames, NASA JSC and Air Force's AEDC, and in Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE), and in integration of and manufacturing heat shield as a system. The capabilities of the two heat shield systems including failure modes via testing and analysis, once established, can serve the Probe Community and future mission designers to inner and outer planetary exploration very well. For example, missions to Venus, Mars and Titan can use either one of the system by selecting the mission design parameters that utilizes the full characteristics of these system to make use of system efficiency that will result in reduced heat shield mass, system robustness that will enhance mission success and cost. We plan to present significant progresses of the past three years and highlight the significant contributions CEV TPS ADP Project has made to advance the state of the art in Thermal Protection System technology that has and will continue to benefit future entry probe missions.

Nuclear Shield: A Multi-Enzyme Task-Force for Nucleus Protection

PubMed Central

Pallottini, Valentina; Canuti, Lorena; De Canio, Michele; Urbani, Andrea; Marzano, Valeria; Cornetta, Tommaso; Stano, Pasquale; Giovanetti, Anna; Stella, Lorenzo; Canini, Antonella; Federici, Giorgio; Ricci, Giorgio

2010-01-01

Background In eukaryotic cells the nuclear envelope isolates and protects DNA from molecules that could damage its structure or interfere with its processing. Moreover, selected protection enzymes and vitamins act as efficient guardians against toxic compounds both in the nucleoplasm and in the cytosol. The observation that a cytosolic detoxifying and antioxidant enzyme i.e. glutathione transferase is accumulated in the perinuclear region of the rat hepatocytes suggests that other unrecognized modalities of nuclear protection may exist. Here we show evidence for the existence of a safeguard enzyme machinery formed by an hyper-crowding of cationic enzymes and proteins encompassing the nuclear membrane and promoted by electrostatic interactions. Methodology/Principal Findings Electron spectroscopic imaging, zeta potential measurements, isoelectrofocusing, comet assay and mass spectrometry have been used to characterize this surprising structure that is present in the cells of all rat tissues examined (liver, kidney, heart, lung and brain), and that behaves as a “nuclear shield”. In hepatocytes, this hyper-crowding structure is about 300 nm thick, it is mainly formed by cationic enzymes and the local concentration of key protection enzymes, such as glutathione transferase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase is up to seven times higher than in the cytosol. The catalytic activity of these enzymes, when packed in the shield, is not modified and their relative concentrations vary remarkably in different tissues. Removal of this protective shield renders chromosomes more sensitive to damage by oxidative stress. Specific nuclear proteins anchored to the outer nuclear envelope are likely involved in the shield formation and stabilization. Conclusions/Significance The characterization of this previously unrecognized nuclear shield in different tissues opens a new interesting scenario for physiological and protection processes in eukaryotic cells. Selection and accumulation of protection enzymes near sensitive targets represents a new safeguard modality which deeply differs from the adaptive response which is based on expression of specific enzymes. PMID:21170318

Development and trial manufacturing of 1/2-scale partial mock-up of blanket box structure for fusion experimental reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashimoto, Toshiyuki; Takatsu, Hideyuki; Sato, Satoshi

1994-07-01

Conceptual design of breeding blanket has been discussed during the CDA (Conceptual Design Activities) of ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor). Structural concept of breeding blanket is based on box structure integrated with first wall and shield, which consists of three coolant manifolds for first wall, breeding and shield regions. The first wall must have cooling channels to remove surface heat flux and nuclear heating. The box structure includes plates to form the manifolds and stiffening ribs to withstand enormous electromagnetic load, coolant pressure and blanket internal (purge gas) pressure. A 1/2-scale partial model of the blanket box structure for the outboard side module near midplane is manufactured to estimate the fabrication technology, i.e. diffusion bonding by HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) and EBW (Electron Beam Welding) procedure. Fabrication accuracy is a key issue to manufacture first wall panel because bending deformation during HIP may not be small for a large size structure. Data on bending deformation during HIP was obtained by preliminary manufacturing of HIP elements. For the shield structure, it is necessary to reduce the welding strain and residual stress of the weldment to establish the fabrication procedure. Optimal shape of the parts forming the manifolds, welding locations and welding sequence have been investigated. In addition, preliminary EBW tests have been performed in order to select the EBW conditions, and fundamental data on built-up shield have been obtained. Especially, welding deformation by joining the first wall panel to the shield has been measured, and total deformation to build-up shield by EBW has been found to be smaller than 2 mm. Consequently, the feasibility of fabrication technologies has been successfully demonstrated for a 1m-scaled box structure including the first wall with cooling channels by means of HIP, EBW and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas arc)-welding.

Experiment K-6-24, K-6-25, K-6-26. Radiation dosimetry and spectrometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benton, E. V.; Frank, A.; Benton, E. R.; Dudkin, V.; Marennyi, A.

1990-01-01

Radiation experiments flown by the University of San Francisco on the Cosmos 1887 spacecraft were designed to measure the depth dependence of both total dose and heavy particle flux, dose and dose equivalent, down to very thin shielding. Three experiments were flown and were located both inside and outside the Cosmos 1887 spacecraft. Tissue absorbed dose rates of 264 to 0.028 rad d(-1) under shielding of 0.013 to 3.4 g/sq cm of (7)LiF were found outside the spacecraft and 0.025 rad d(-1) inside. Heavy particle fluxes of 3.43 to 1.03 x 10 to the minus 3rd power cm -2 sub s -1 sub sr -1 under shielding of 0.195 to 1.33 g/sq cm plastic were found outside the spacecraft and 4.25 times 10 to the minus 4th power cm -2 sub s -1 sub sr -1 inside (LET infinity H2O greater than or equal to 4 keV/micron m). The corresponding heavy particle dose equivalent rates outside the spacecraft were 30.8 to 19.8 mrem d(-1) and 11.4 mrem d(-1) inside. The large dose and particle fluxes found at small shielding thicknesses emphasize the importance of these and future measurements at low shielding, for predicting radiation effects on space materials and experiments where shielding is minimal and on astronauts during EVA. The Cosmos 1887 mission contained a variety of international radiobiological investigations to which the measurements apply. The high inclination orbit (62 degrees) of this mission provided a radiation environment which is seldom available to U.S. investigators. The radiation measurements will be compared with those of other research groups and also with those performed on the Shuttle, and will be used to refine computer models employed to calculate radiation exposures on other spacecraft, including the Space Station.

Spectral analysis of shielded gamma ray sources using precalculated library data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmes, Thomas Wesley; Gardner, Robin P.

2015-11-01

In this work, an approach has been developed for determining the intensity of a shielded source by first determining the thicknesses of three different shielding materials from a passively collected gamma-ray spectrum by making comparisons with predetermined shielded spectra. These evaluations are dependent on the accuracy and validity of the predetermined library spectra which were created by changing the thicknesses of the three chosen materials lead, aluminum and wood that are used to simulate any actual shielding. Each of the spectra produced was generated using MCNP5 with a sufficiently large number of histories to ensure a low relative error at each channel. The materials were held in the same respective order from source to detector, where each material consisted of three individual thicknesses and a null condition. This then produced two separate data sets of 27 total shielding material situations and subsequent predetermined libraries that were created for each radionuclide source used. The technique used to calculate the thicknesses of the materials implements a Levenberg-Marquardt nonlinear search that employs a tri-linear interpolation with the respective predetermined libraries within each channel for the supplied input unknown spectrum. Given that the nonlinear parameters require an initial guess for the calculations, the approach demonstrates first that when the correct values are input, the correct thicknesses are found. It then demonstrates that when multiple trials of random values are input for each of the nonlinear parameters, the average of the calculated solutions that successfully converges also produced the correct thicknesses. Under situations with sufficient information known about the detection situation at hand, the method was shown to behave in a manner that produces reasonable results and can serve as a good preliminary solution. This technique has the capability to be used in a variety of full spectrum inverse analysis problems including homeland security issues.

The EAGLE simulations: atomic hydrogen associated with galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crain, Robert A.; Bahé, Yannick M.; Lagos, Claudia del P.; Rahmati, Alireza; Schaye, Joop; McCarthy, Ian G.; Marasco, Antonino; Bower, Richard G.; Schaller, Matthieu; Theuns, Tom; van der Hulst, Thijs

2017-02-01

We examine the properties of atomic hydrogen (H I) associated with galaxies in the Evolution and Assembly of GaLaxies and their Environments (EAGLE) simulations of galaxy formation. EAGLE's feedback parameters were calibrated to reproduce the stellar mass function and galaxy sizes at z = 0.1, and we assess whether this calibration also yields realistic H I properties. We estimate the self-shielding density with a fitting function calibrated using radiation transport simulations, and correct for molecular hydrogen with empirical or theoretical relations. The `standard-resolution' simulations systematically underestimate H I column densities, leading to an H I deficiency in low-mass (M⋆ < 1010 M⊙) galaxies and poor reproduction of the observed H I mass function. These shortcomings are largely absent from EAGLE simulations featuring a factor of 8 (2) better mass (spatial) resolution, within which the H I mass of galaxies evolves more mildly from z = 1 to 0 than in the standard-resolution simulations. The largest volume simulation reproduces the observed clustering of H I systems, and its dependence on H I richness. At fixed M⋆, galaxies acquire more H I in simulations with stronger feedback, as they become associated with more massive haloes and higher infall rates. They acquire less H I in simulations with a greater star formation efficiency, since the star formation and feedback necessary to balance the infall rate is produced by smaller gas reservoirs. The simulations indicate that the H I of present-day galaxies was acquired primarily by the smooth accretion of ionized, intergalactic gas at z ≃ 1, which later self-shields, and that only a small fraction is contributed by the reincorporation of gas previously heated strongly by feedback. H I reservoirs are highly dynamic: over 40 per cent of H I associated with z = 0.1 galaxies is converted to stars or ejected by z = 0.

Explosive eruption, flank collapse and megatsunami at Tenerife ca. 170 ka.

PubMed

Paris, Raphaël; Bravo, Juan J Coello; González, María E Martín; Kelfoun, Karim; Nauret, François

2017-05-15

Giant mass failures of oceanic shield volcanoes that generate tsunamis potentially represent a high-magnitude but low-frequency hazard, and it is actually difficult to infer the mechanisms and dynamics controlling them. Here we document tsunami deposits at high elevation (up to 132 m) on the north-western slopes of Tenerife, Canary Islands, as a new evidence of megatsunami generated by volcano flank failure. Analyses of the tsunami deposits demonstrate that two main tsunamis impacted the coasts of Tenerife 170 kyr ago. The first tsunami was generated during the submarine stage of a retrogressive failure of the northern flank of the island, whereas the second one followed the debris avalanche of the subaerial edifice and incorporated pumices from an on-going ignimbrite-forming eruption. Coupling between a massive retrogressive flank failure and a large explosive eruption represents a new type of volcano-tectonic event on oceanic shield volcanoes and a new hazard scenario.

Foam Core Shielding for Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Marc

2007-01-01

A foam core shield (FCS) system is now being developed to supplant multilayer insulation (MLI) systems heretofore installed on spacecraft for thermal management and protection against meteoroid impacts. A typical FCS system consists of a core sandwiched between a face sheet and a back sheet. The core can consist of any of a variety of low-to-medium-density polymeric or inorganic foams chosen to satisfy application-specific requirements regarding heat transfer and temperature. The face sheet serves to shock and thereby shatter incident meteoroids, and is coated on its outer surface to optimize its absorptance and emittance for regulation of temperature. The back sheet can be dimpled to minimize undesired thermal contact with the underlying spacecraft component and can be metallized on the surface facing the component to optimize its absorptance and emittance. The FCS systems can perform better than do MLI systems, at lower mass and lower cost and with greater volumetric efficiency.

Investigation of gamma ray shielding, structural and dissolution rate properties of Bi2O3-BaO-B2O3-Na2O glass system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogra, Mridula; Singh, K. J.; Kaur, Kulwinder; Anand, Vikas; Kaur, Parminder; Singh, Prabhjot; Bajwa, B. S.

2018-03-01

In the present study, quaternary system of the composition (0.45 + x) Bi2O3-(0.25 - x) BaO-0.15 B2O3-0.15 Na2O (where 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2 mol fraction) has been prepared by using melt-quenching technique for investigation of gamma ray shielding properties. Mass attenuation coefficients and half value layer parameters have been determined experimentally at 662 keV by using 137Cs source. It has been found that experimental results of these parameters hold good agreement with theoretical values. The density, molar volume, XRD, FTIR, Raman and UV-visible studies have been used to determine structural properties of the prepared glass samples. Dissolution rate of the samples has also been measured to check their utility as long term durable glasses.

Fused silica reflecting heat shields for outer planet entry probes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Congdon, W. M.; Peterson, D. L.

1975-01-01

The development of slip-cast fused silica is discussed as a heat shield designed to meet the needs of outer-planet entry probes. The distinguishing feature of silica is its ability to reflect the radiation imposed by planetary-entry environments. This reflectivity is particularly sensitive to degradation by the presence of trace amounts of contaminants introduced by the starting materials or by processing. The microstructure of a silica configuration also significantly influences the reflectivity and other thermomechanical properties. The processing techniques attendant on controlling microstructure while maintaining purity are discussed. The selection of a starting material of essential purity precludes the use of purified natural quartz and requires the use of synthetic fused silica. The silica is characterized in a limited combined heating test environment. The surface mass loss is controlled by liquid runoff from a relatively low-temperature melt layer; the reflectance is basically maintained and the material achieves a surprisingly high heat of ablation.

Oxidation and emittance of superalloys in heat shield applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiedemann, K. E.; Clark, R. K.; Unnam, J.

1986-01-01

Recently developed superalloys that form alumina coatings have a high potential for heat shield applications for advanced aerospace vehicles at temperatures above 1095C. Both INCOLOY alloy MA 956 (of the Inco Alloys International, Inc.), an iron-base oxide-dispersion-strengthened alloy, and CABOT alloy No. 214 (of the Cabot Corporation), an alumina-forming nickel-chromium alloy, have good oxidation resistance and good elevated temperature strength. The oxidation resistance of both alloys has been attributed to the formation of a thin alumina layer (alpha-Al2O3) at the surface. Emittance and oxidation data were obtained for simulated Space Shuttle reentry conditions using a hypersonic arc-heated wind tunnel. The surface oxides and substrate alloys were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive X-ray analysis unit. The mass loss and emittance characteristics of the two alloys are discussed.

Performance and Thermal Characterization of the NASA-300MS 20 kW Hall Effect Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamhawi, Hani; Huang, Wensheng; Haag, Thomas; Shastry, Rohit; Soulas, George; Smith, Timothy; Mikellides, Ioannis; Hofer, Richard

2013-01-01

NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate is sponsoring the development of a high fidelity 15 kW-class long-life high performance Hall thruster for candidate NASA technology demonstration missions. An essential element of the development process is demonstration that incorporation of magnetic shielding on a 20 kW-class Hall thruster will yield significant improvements in the throughput capability of the thruster without any significant reduction in thruster performance. As such, NASA Glenn Research Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory collaborated on modifying the NASA-300M 20 kW Hall thruster to improve its propellant throughput capability. JPL and NASA Glenn researchers performed plasma numerical simulations with JPL's Hall2De and a commercially available magnetic modeling code that indicated significant enhancement in the throughput capability of the NASA-300M can be attained by modifying the thruster's magnetic circuit. This led to modifying the NASA-300M magnetic topology to a magnetically shielded topology. This paper presents performance evaluation results of the two NASA-300M magnetically shielded thruster configurations, designated 300MS and 300MS-2. The 300MS and 300MS-2 were operated at power levels between 2.5 and 20 kW at discharge voltages between 200 and 700 V. Discharge channel deposition from back-sputtered facility wall flux, and plasma potential and electron temperature measurements made on the inner and outer discharge channel surfaces confirmed that magnetic shielding was achieved. Peak total thrust efficiency of 64% and total specific impulse of 3,050 sec were demonstrated with the 300MS-2 at 20 kW. Thermal characterization results indicate that the boron nitride discharge chamber walls temperatures are approximately 100 C lower for the 300MS when compared to the NASA- 300M at the same thruster operating discharge power.

The Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction: Report to the President of the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-03-31

What We Don’t Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506 The United States Response: The Biodefense Shield . . . . . . . 508 Going Forward: Improving... Going Forward: A Different Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 524 Protecting our Borders: The Department of Homeland Security...headquarters are felt only lightly. We understand the limits of organizational change, and many of our recommendations go beyond organizational issues and

Evaluation of gamma-ray attenuation properties of bismuth borate glass systems using Monte Carlo method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarim, Urkiye Akar; Ozmutlu, Emin N.; Yalcin, Sezai; Gundogdu, Ozcan; Bradley, D. A.; Gurler, Orhan

2017-11-01

A Monte Carlo method was developed to investigate radiation shielding properties of bismuth borate glass. The mass attenuation coefficients and half-value layer parameters were determined for different fractional amounts of Bi2O3 in the glass samples for the 356, 662, 1173 and 1332 keV photon energies. A comparison of the theoretical and experimental attenuation coefficients is presented.

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (86th, Kansas City, Missouri, July 30-August 2, 2003). Entertainment Studies Interest Group.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

2003

The Entertainment Studies Interest Group of the proceedings contains the following 9 papers: "Beyond Modern Racism: Backlash and Brutality on 'The Shield'" (John D. Richardson); "Big Brother and the T-Group: How We Might Learn from Reality Television" (Rod Allen and Nod Miller); "Hegemony and Counterhegemony in Bravo's…

Nuclear reactions induced by high-energy alpha particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shen, B. S. P.

1974-01-01

Experimental and theoretical studies of nuclear reactions induced by high energy protons and heavier ions are included. Fundamental data needed in the shielding, dosimetry, and radiobiology of high energy particles produced by accelerators were generated, along with data on cosmic ray interaction with matter. The mechanism of high energy nucleon-nucleus reactions is also examined, especially for light target nuclei of mass number comparable to that of biological tissue.

Survival after total body irradiation: Effects of irradiation of exteriorized small intestine. (Reannouncement with new availability information)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vriesendorp, H.M.; Vigneulle, R.M.; Kitto, G.

1993-12-31

Rats receiving lethal irradiation to their exteriorized small intestine with pulsed 18 MVp bremsstrahlung radiation live about 4 days longer than rats receiving a dose of total-body irradiation (TBI) causing intestinal death. The LD50 for intestinal irradiation is approximately 6 Gy higher than the LD50 for intestinal death after TBI. Survival time after exteriorized intestinal irradiation can be decreased, by adding abdominal irradiation. Adding thoracic or pelvic irradiation does not alter survival time. Shielding of large intestine improves survival after irradiation of the rest of the abdomen while the small intestine is also shielded. The kinetics of histological changes inmore » small intestinal tissues implicate the release of humoral factors after irradiation of the abdomen. Radiation injury develops faster in the first (proximal) 40 cm of the small intestine and is expressed predominantly as shortening in villus height. In the last (distal) 40 cm of the small intestine, the most pronounced radiation effect is a decrease in the number of crypts per millimeter. Irradiation (20 Gy) of the proximal small intestine causes 92 % mortality (median survival 10 days). Irradiation (20 Gy) of the distal small intestine causes 27% mortality (median survival > 30 days). In addition to depletion of crypt stem cells in the small intestine, other issues (humoral factors, irradiated subsection of the small intestine and shielding of the large intestine) appear to influence radiation-induced intestinal mortality.« less

Matrix formalism of electromagnetic wave propagation through multiple layers in the near-field region: application to the flat panel display.

PubMed

Lee, C Y; Lee, D E; Hong, Y K; Shim, J H; Jeong, C K; Joo, J; Zang, D S; Shim, M G; Lee, J J; Cha, J K; Yang, H G

2003-04-01

We have developed an electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation theory through a single layer and multiple layers in the near-field and far-field regions, and have constructed a matrix formalism in terms of the boundary conditions of the EM waves. From the shielding efficiency (SE) against EM radiation in the near-field region calculated by using the matrix formalism, we propose that the effect of multiple layers yields enhanced shielding capability compared to a single layer with the same total thickness in conducting layers as the multiple layers. We compare the intensities of an EM wave propagating through glass coated with conducting indium tin oxide (ITO) on one side and on both sides, applying it to the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding filter in a flat panel display such as a plasma display panel (PDP). From the measured intensities of EMI noise generated by a PDP loaded with ITO coated glass samples, the two-side coated glass shows a lower intensity of EMI noise compared to the one-side coated glass. The result confirms the enhancement of the SE due to the effect of multiple layers, as expected in the matrix formalism of EM wave propagation in the near-field region. In the far-field region, the two-side coated glass with ITO in multiple layers has a higher SE than the one-side coated glass with ITO, when the total thickness of ITO in both cases is the same.

A Survey of the Rapidly Emerging Field of Nanotechnology: Potential Applications for Scientific Instruments and Technologies for Atmospheric Entry Probes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyyappan, M.; Arnold, J. O.

2005-01-01

The field of Nanotechnology is well funded worldwide and innovations applicable to Solar System Exploration are emerging much more rapidly than thought possible just a few years ago. This presentation will survey recent innovations from nanotechnololgy with a focus on novel applications to atmospheric entry science and probe technology, in a fashion similar to that presented by Arnold and Venkatapathy at the previous workshop forum at Lisbon Portugal, October 6-9, 2003. Nanotechnology is a rapidly emerging field that builds systems, devices and materials from the bottom up, atom by atom, and in so doing provides them with novel and remarkable macro-scale performance. This technology has the potential to revolutionize space exploration by reducing mass and simultaneously increasing capability. Thermal, Radiation, Impact Protective Shields: Atmospheric probes and humans on long duration deep space missions involved in Solar System Exploration must safely endure 3 significant hazards: (i) atmospheric entry; (ii) radiation; and (iii) micrometeorite or debris impact. Nanostructured materials could be developed to address all three hazards with a single protective shield, which would involve much less mass than a traditional approach. The concept can be ready in time for incorporation into NASA s Crew Exploration Vehicle, and possible entry probes to fly on the Jupiter Icy Moons

Radiation Design of Ion Mass Spectrometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sittler, Ed; Cooper, John; Christian, Eric; Moore, Tom; Sturner, Steve; Paschalidis, Nick

2011-01-01

In the harsh radiation environment of Jupiter and with the JUpiter ICy moon Explorer (JUICE) mission including two Europa flybys where local intensities are approx. 150 krad/month behind 100 mils of Al shielding, so background from penetrating radiation can be a serious issue for detectors inside an Ion Mass Spectrometer (IMS). This can especially be important for minor ion detection designs. Detectors of choice for time-of-flight (TOF) designs are microchannel plates (MCP) and some designs may include solid state detectors (SSD). The standard approach is to use shielding designs so background event rates are low enough that the detector max rates and lifetimes are first not exceeded and then the more stringent requirement that the desired measurement can successfully be made (i.e., desired signal is sufficiently greater than background noise after background subtraction is made). GEANT codes are typically used along with various electronic techniques, but such designs need to know how the detectors will respond to the simulated primary and secondary radiations produced within the instrument. We will be presenting some preliminary measurements made on the response of MCPs to energetic electrons (20 ke V to 1400 ke V) using a Miniature TOF (MTOF) device and the High Energy Facility at Goddard Space Flight Center which has a Van de Graaff accelerator.

Processing of thermionic power on an electrically propelled spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macie, T. W.

1973-01-01

A study to define the power processing equipment required between a thermionic reactor and an array of mercury-ion thrusters for a nuclear electric propulsion system is reported. Observations and recommendations that resulted from this study were: (1) the preferred thermionic-fuel-element source voltages are 23 V or higher; (2) transistor characteristics exert a strong effect on power processor mass; (3) the power processor mass could be considerably reduced should the magnetic materials that exhibit low losses at high frequencies, that have a high Curie point, and that can operate at 15 to 20 kG become avaliable; (4) electrical component packaging on the radiator could reduce the area that is sensitive to meteoroid penetration, thereby reducing the meteoroid shielding mass requirement; (5) an experimental model of the power processor design should be built and tested to verify the efficiencies, masses, and all the automatic operational aspects of the design.

A numerically optimized active shield for improved TMS targeting

PubMed Central

Hernandez-Garcia, Luis; Hall, Timothy; Gomez, Luis; Michielssen, Eric

2010-01-01

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices suffer of poor targeting and penetration depth. A new approach to designing TMS coils is introduced in order to improve the focus of the stimulation region through the use of actively shielded probes. Iterative optimization techniques were used to design different active shielding coils for TMS probes. The new approach aims to increase the amount of energy deposited in a thin cylindrical region below the probe relative to the energy deposited elsewhere in the region (“sharpness”), while simultaneously increase the induced electric field deep in the target region relative to the surface (“penetration”). After convergence, the resulting designs showed that there is a clear tradeoff between sharpness and penetration that can be controlled by the choice of a tuning parameter. The resulting designs were tested on a realistic human head conductivity model, taking the contribution from surface charges into account. The design of choice reduced penetration depths by 16.7%. The activated surface area was reduced by 24.1 % and the volume of the activation was reduced from 42.6% by the shield. Restoring the lost penetration could be achieved by increasing the total power to the coil by 16.3%, but in that case, the stimulated volume reduction was only 13.1% and there was a slight increase in the stimulated surface area (2.9 %) PMID:20965451

A numerically optimized active shield for improved transcranial magnetic stimulation targeting.

PubMed

Hernandez-Garcia, Luis; Hall, Timothy; Gomez, Luis; Michielssen, Eric

2010-10-01

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices suffer of poor targeting and penetration depth. A new approach to designing TMS coils is introduced in order to improve the focus of the stimulation region through the use of actively shielded probes. Iterative optimization techniques were used to design different active shielding coils for TMS probes. The new approach aims to increase the amount of energy deposited in a thin cylindrical region below the probe relative to the energy deposited elsewhere in the region ("sharpness"), whereas, simultaneously increase the induced electric field deep in the target region relative to the surface ("penetration"). After convergence, the resulting designs showed that there is a clear tradeoff between sharpness and penetration that can be controlled by the choice of a tuning parameter. The resulting designs were tested on a realistic human head conductivity model, taking the contribution from surface charges into account. The design of choice reduced penetration depths by 16.7%. The activated surface area was reduced by 24.1% and the volume of the activation was reduced from 42.6% by the shield. Restoring the lost penetration could be achieved by increasing the total power to the coil by 16.3%, but in that case, the stimulated volume reduction was only 13.1% and there was a slight increase in the stimulated surface area (2.9%). Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Radiation measurements aboard the fourth Gemini flight.

PubMed

Janni, J F; Schneider, M F

1967-01-01

Two special tissue-equivalent ionization chambers and 5 highly sensitive passive dosimetry packages were flown aboard the recent Gemini 4 flight for the purpose of obtaining precise values of instantaneous dose rate, accumulated dose. and shielding effectiveness. This experiment marked the first time that well-defined tissue dose and radiation survey measurements have been carried out in manned spaceflight operations. Since all measurements were accomplished under normal spacecraft environmental conditions, the biological dose resulted primarily from trapped inner Van Allen Belt radiation encountered by the spacecraft in the South Atlantic Anomaly. The experiment determined the particle type, ionizing and penetrating power, and variation with time and position within the Gemini spacecraft. Measured dose rates ranged from 100 mrad/hr for passes penetrating deeply into the South Atlantic Anomaly to less than 0.1 mrad/hr from lower latitude cosmic radiation. The accumulated tissue dose measured by the active ionization chambers, shielded by 0.4 gm/cm2 for the 4-day mission, was 82 mrad. Since the 5 passive dosimetry packages were each located in different positions within the spacecraft, the total mission surface dose measured by these detectors varied from 73 to 27 mrad, depending upon location and shielding. The particles within the spacecraft were recorded in nuclear emulsion, which established that over 90% of the tissue dose was attributable to penetrating protons. This experiment indicates that the radiation environment under shielded conditions at Gemini altitudes was not hazardous.

Critical Analysis of Cluster Models and Exchange-Correlation Functionals for Calculating Magnetic Shielding in Molecular Solids.

PubMed

Holmes, Sean T; Iuliucci, Robbie J; Mueller, Karl T; Dybowski, Cecil

2015-11-10

Calculations of the principal components of magnetic-shielding tensors in crystalline solids require the inclusion of the effects of lattice structure on the local electronic environment to obtain significant agreement with experimental NMR measurements. We assess periodic (GIPAW) and GIAO/symmetry-adapted cluster (SAC) models for computing magnetic-shielding tensors by calculations on a test set containing 72 insulating molecular solids, with a total of 393 principal components of chemical-shift tensors from 13C, 15N, 19F, and 31P sites. When clusters are carefully designed to represent the local solid-state environment and when periodic calculations include sufficient variability, both methods predict magnetic-shielding tensors that agree well with experimental chemical-shift values, demonstrating the correspondence of the two computational techniques. At the basis-set limit, we find that the small differences in the computed values have no statistical significance for three of the four nuclides considered. Subsequently, we explore the effects of additional DFT methods available only with the GIAO/cluster approach, particularly the use of hybrid-GGA functionals, meta-GGA functionals, and hybrid meta-GGA functionals that demonstrate improved agreement in calculations on symmetry-adapted clusters. We demonstrate that meta-GGA functionals improve computed NMR parameters over those obtained by GGA functionals in all cases, and that hybrid functionals improve computed results over the respective pure DFT functional for all nuclides except 15N.

Double-layer neutron shield design as neutron shielding application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sariyer, Demet; Küçer, Rahmi

2018-02-01

The shield design in particle accelerators and other high energy facilities are mainly connected to the high-energy neutrons. The deep penetration of neutrons through massive shield has become a very serious problem. For shielding to be efficient, most of these neutrons should be confined to the shielding volume. If the interior space will become limited, the sufficient thickness of multilayer shield must be used. Concrete and iron are widely used as a multilayer shield material. Two layers shield material was selected to guarantee radiation safety outside of the shield against neutrons generated in the interaction of the different proton energies. One of them was one meter of concrete, the other was iron-contained material (FeB, Fe2B and stainless-steel) to be determined shield thicknesses. FLUKA Monte Carlo code was used for shield design geometry and required neutron dose distributions. The resulting two layered shields are shown better performance than single used concrete, thus the shield design could leave more space in the interior shielded areas.

UPLC-MS-MS Method for the Determination of Vilazodone in Human Plasma: Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study.

PubMed

El-Bagary, Ramzia; Hashem, Hanaa; Fouad, Marwa; Tarek, Sally

2016-09-01

A sensitive, rapid and simple liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (LC-ESI-MS-MS) method was developed for the quantitative determination of vilazodone in human plasma and for the study of the pharmacokinetic behavior of vilazodone in healthy Egyptian volunteers. With escitalopram as internal standard (IS), liquid-liquid extraction was used for the purification and preconcentration of analytes from human plasma matrix using diethyl ether. The separation was performed on an Acquity UPLC BEH shield RP C18 column (1.7 µm, 2.1 × 150 mm). Isocratic elution was applied using methanol-0.2% formic acid (90:10, v/v). Detection was performed on a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer with multiple reaction monitoring mode via an electrospray ionization source at m/z 442.21 → 155.23 for vilazodone and m/z 325.14 → 109.2 for escitalopram. Linear calibration curves were obtained over the range of 1-200 ng/mL with the lower limit of quantification at 1 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precision showed relative standard deviation ≤3.3%. The total run time was 1.5 min. This method was successfully applied for clinical pharmacokinetic investigation, and a preliminary metabolic study was also carried out. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Discrete multi-physics simulations of diffusive and convective mass transfer in boundary layers containing motile cilia in lungs.

PubMed

Ariane, Mostapha; Kassinos, Stavros; Velaga, Sitaram; Alexiadis, Alessio

2018-04-01

In this paper, the mass transfer coefficient (permeability) of boundary layers containing motile cilia is investigated by means of discrete multi-physics. The idea is to understand the main mechanisms of mass transport occurring in a ciliated-layer; one specific application being inhaled drugs in the respiratory epithelium. The effect of drug diffusivity, cilia beat frequency and cilia flexibility is studied. Our results show the existence of three mass transfer regimes. A low frequency regime, which we called shielding regime, where the presence of the cilia hinders mass transport; an intermediate frequency regime, which we have called diffusive regime, where diffusion is the controlling mechanism; and a high frequency regime, which we have called convective regime, where the degree of bending of the cilia seems to be the most important factor controlling mass transfer in the ciliated-layer. Since the flexibility of the cilia and the frequency of the beat changes with age and health conditions, the knowledge of these three regimes allows prediction of how mass transfer varies with these factors. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Short-term associations of fine particulate matter components and emergency hospital admissions among a privately insured population in Greater Houston

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Suyang; Ganduglia, Cecilia M.; Li, Xiao; Delclos, George L.; Franzini, Luisa; Zhang, Kai

2016-12-01

A number of time-series studies have associated PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm) mass and components with various health outcomes. No studies have yet examined the associations between PM2.5 components and hospital admissions among a privately insured population. We estimated the short-term associations between exposure to PM2.5 mass and components and emergency hospital admissions for all-cause and cause-specific diseases in Greater Houston, Texas, during 2008-2013 using Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas claims data. A total of 90,085 emergency hospital admissions were included in this study, with an average of 34 ± 10 admissions per day. We selected 20 PM2.5 components from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Chemical Speciation Network site located in Houston, and then applied Poisson regression models to assess the short-term effects of PM2.5 mass and species on emergency hospital admissions. Effects were estimated without adjustment for other airborne pollutants. PM2.5 mass was not statistically significantly associated with increased all-cause emergency hospital admissions and selected cause-specific admissions. For selected PM2.5 species, we found interquartile range increases in arsenic (0.001 μg/m3) and copper (0.017 μg/m3) were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with increased admissions for stroke, (5.98% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73, 11.50%]) and pneumonia (4.07% [95% CI: 0.37, 7.90%]), respectively. Seasonal analysis showed weak variation among PM2.5 mass and components, except that nickel significantly increased all-cause emergency hospital admissions (2.16% [95% CI: 0.21, 4.14%]) during the warm season. Our findings suggest that hospital admissions in the privately insured population are slightly affected by ambient fine particulate matter air pollution.

Introducing the Illustris Project: simulating the coevolution of dark and visible matter in the Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogelsberger, Mark; Genel, Shy; Springel, Volker; Torrey, Paul; Sijacki, Debora; Xu, Dandan; Snyder, Greg; Nelson, Dylan; Hernquist, Lars

2014-10-01

We introduce the Illustris Project, a series of large-scale hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy formation. The highest resolution simulation, Illustris-1, covers a volume of (106.5 Mpc)3, has a dark mass resolution of 6.26 × 106 M⊙, and an initial baryonic matter mass resolution of 1.26 × 106 M⊙. At z = 0 gravitational forces are softened on scales of 710 pc, and the smallest hydrodynamical gas cells have an extent of 48 pc. We follow the dynamical evolution of 2 × 18203 resolution elements and in addition passively evolve 18203 Monte Carlo tracer particles reaching a total particle count of more than 18 billion. The galaxy formation model includes: primordial and metal-line cooling with self-shielding corrections, stellar evolution, stellar feedback, gas recycling, chemical enrichment, supermassive black hole growth, and feedback from active galactic nuclei. Here we describe the simulation suite, and contrast basic predictions of our model for the present-day galaxy population with observations of the local universe. At z = 0 our simulation volume contains about 40 000 well-resolved galaxies covering a diverse range of morphologies and colours including early-type, late-type and irregular galaxies. The simulation reproduces reasonably well the cosmic star formation rate density, the galaxy luminosity function, and baryon conversion efficiency at z = 0. It also qualitatively captures the impact of galaxy environment on the red fractions of galaxies. The internal velocity structure of selected well-resolved disc galaxies obeys the stellar and baryonic Tully-Fisher relation together with flat circular velocity curves. In the well-resolved regime, the simulation reproduces the observed mix of early-type and late-type galaxies. Our model predicts a halo mass dependent impact of baryonic effects on the halo mass function and the masses of haloes caused by feedback from supernova and active galactic nuclei.

Simulations of Early Structure Formation: Primordial Gas Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Naoki; Abel, Tom; Hernquist, Lars; Sugiyama, Naoshi

2003-08-01

We use cosmological simulations to study the origin of primordial star-forming clouds in a ΛCDM universe, by following the formation of dark matter halos and the cooling of gas within them. To model the physics of chemically pristine gas, we employ a nonequilibrium treatment of the chemistry of nine species (e-, H, H+, He, He+, He++, H2, H+2, H-) and include cooling by molecular hydrogen. By considering cosmological volumes, we are able to study the statistical properties of primordial halos, and the high resolution of our simulations enables us to examine these objects in detail. In particular, we explore the hierarchical growth of bound structures forming at redshifts z~25-30 with total masses in the range ~105-106Msolar. We find that when the amount of molecular hydrogen in these objects reaches a critical level, cooling by rotational line emission is efficient, and dense clumps of cold gas form. We identify these ``gas clouds'' as sites for primordial star formation. In our simulations, the threshold for gas cloud formation by molecular cooling corresponds to a critical halo mass of ~5×105h-1Msolar, in agreement with earlier estimates, but with a weak dependence on redshift in the range z>16. The complex interplay between the gravitational formation of dark halos and the thermodynamic and chemical evolution of the gas clouds compromises analytic estimates of the critical H2 fraction. Dynamical heating from mass accretion and mergers opposes relatively inefficient cooling by molecular hydrogen, delaying the production of star-forming clouds in rapidly growing halos. We also investigate the effect of photodissociating ultraviolet radiation on the formation of primordial gas clouds. We consider two extreme cases, first by including a uniform radiation field in the optically thin limit and second by accounting for the maximum effect of gas self-shielding in virialized regions. For radiation with Lyman-Werner band flux J>10-23 ergs s-1 cm-2 Hz-1 sr-1, hydrogen molecules are rapidly dissociated, rendering gas cooling inefficient. In both the cases we consider, the overall effect can be described by computing an equilibrium H2 abundance for the radiation flux and defining an effective shielding factor. Based on our numerical results, we develop a semianalytic model of the formation of the first stars and demonstrate how it can be coupled with large N-body simulations to predict the star formation rate in the early universe.

Performance, Facility Pressure Effects, and Stability Characterization Tests of NASA's Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamhawi, Hani; Huang, Wensheng; Haag, Thomas; Yim, John; Herman, Daniel; Peterson, Peter Y.; Williams, George J.; Gilland, James; Hofer, Richard; Mikellides, Ioannis

2016-01-01

NASA's Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding (HERMeS) 12.5 kW Technology Demonstration Unit-1 (TDU-1) has been the subject of extensive technology maturation in preparation for flight system development. Part of the technology maturation effort included experimental evaluation of the TDU-1 thruster with conducting and dielectric front pole cover materials in two different electrical configurations. A graphite front magnetic pole cover thruster configuration with the thruster body electrically tied to cathode, and an alumina front pole cover thruster configuration with the thruster body floating were evaluated. Both configurations were also evaluated at different facility background pressure conditions to evaluate background pressure effects on thruster operation. Performance characterization tests found that higher thruster performance was attained with the graphite front pole cover configuration with the thruster electrically tied to cathode. A total thrust efficiency of 68% and a total specific impulse of 2,820 s was demonstrated at a discharge voltage of 600 V and a discharge power of 12.5 kW. Thruster stability regimes were characterized with respect to the thruster discharge current oscillations and with maps of the discharge current-voltage-magnetic field (IVB). Analysis of TDU-1 discharge current waveforms found that lower normalized discharge current peak-to-peak and root mean square magnitudes were attained when the thruster was electrically floated with alumina front pole covers. Background pressure effects characterization tests indicated that the thruster performance and stability were mostly invariant to changes in the facility background pressure for vacuum chamber pressure below 1×10-5 Torr-Xe (for thruster flow rates of 20.5 mg/s). Power spectral density analysis of the discharge current waveforms showed that increasing the vacuum chamber background pressure resulted in a higher discharge current dominant breathing mode frequency. Finally, IVB maps of the TDU-1 thruster indicated that the discharge current became more oscillatory with higher discharge current peak-to-peak and RMS values with increased facility background pressure at lower thruster mass flow rates; thruster operation at higher flow rates resulted in less change to the thruster's IVB characteristics with elevated background pressure.

Performance, Facility Pressure Effects, and Stability Characterization Tests of NASA's Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamhawi, Hani; Huang, Wensheng; Haag, Thomas; Yim, John; Herman, Daniel; Williams, George; Gilland, James; Peterson, Peter; Hofer, Richard; Mikellides, Ioannis

2016-01-01

NASAs Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding (HERMeS) 12.5 kW Technology Demonstration Unit-1 (TDU-1) Hall thruster has been the subject of extensive technology maturation in preparation for flight system development. Part of the technology maturation effort included experimental evaluation of the TDU-1 thruster with conducting and dielectric front pole cover materials in two different electrical configurations. A graphite front pole cover thruster configuration with the thruster body electrically tied to cathode and an alumina front pole cover thruster configuration with the thruster body floating were evaluated. Both configurations were also evaluated at different facility background pressure conditions to evaluate background pressure effects on thruster operation. Performance characterization tests found that higher thruster performance was attained with the graphite front pole cover configuration with the thruster electrically tied to cathode. A total thrust efficiency of 68 and a total specific impulse of 2,820 s was demonstrated at a discharge voltage of 600 V and a discharge power of 12.5 kW. Thruster stability regimes were characterized with respect to the thruster discharge current oscillations and with maps of the current-voltage-magnetic field (IVB). Analysis of TDU-1 discharge current waveforms found that lower normalized discharge current peak-to-peak and root mean square magnitudes were attained when the thruster was electrically floated with alumina front pole covers. Background pressure effects characterization tests indicated that the thruster performance and stability was mostly invariant to changes in the facility background pressure for vacuum chamber pressure below 110-5 Torr-Xe (for thruster flow rate above 8 mgs). Power spectral density analysis of the discharge current waveform showed that increasing the vacuum chamber background pressure resulted in a higher discharge current dominant frequency. Finally the IVB maps of the TDU-1 thruster taken at elevated magnetic fields indicated that the discharge current became more oscillatory with increased facility background pressure at lower thruster mass flow rates, where thruster operation at higher flow rates resulted in less change to the thrusters IVB characteristics.

Benefits of Time Correlation Measurements for Passive Screening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murer, David; Blackie, Douglas; Peerani, Paolo

2014-02-01

The “FLASH Portals Project” is a collaboration between Arktis Radiation Detectors Ltd (CH), the Atomic Weapons Establishment (UK), and the Joint Research Centre (European Commission), supported by the Technical Support Working Group (TSWG). The program's goal was to develop and demonstrate a technology to detect shielded special nuclear materials (SNM) more efficiently and less ambiguously by exploiting time correlation. This study presents experimental results of a two-sided portal monitor equipped with in total 16 4He fast neutron detectors as well as four polyvinyltoluene (PVT) plastic scintillators. All detectors have been synchronized to nanosecond precision, thereby allowing the resolution of time correlations from timescales of tens of microseconds (such as (n, γ) reactions) down to prompt fission correlations directly. Our results demonstrate that such correlations can be detected in a typical radiation portal monitor (RPM) geometry and within operationally acceptable time scales, and that exploiting these signatures significantly improves the performance of the RPM compared to neutron counting. Furthermore, the results show that some time structure remains even in the presence of heavy shielding, thus significantly improving the sensitivity of the detection system to shielded SNM.

Quantum Shielding Effects on the Eikonal Collision Cross Section in Strongly Coupled Two-temperature Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Myoung-Jae; Jung, Young-Dae

2017-05-01

The influence of nonisothermal and quantum shielding on the electron-ion collision process is investigated in strongly coupled two-temperature plasmas. The eikonal method is employed to obtain the eikonal scattering phase shift and eikonal cross section as functions of the impact parameter, collision energy, electron temperature, ion temperature, Debye length, and de Broglie wavelength. The results show that the quantum effect suppresses the eikonal scattering phase shift for the electron-ion collision in two-temperature dense plasmas. It is also found that the differential eikonal cross section decreases for small impact parameters. However, it increases for large impact parameters with increasing de Broglie wavelength. It is also found that the maximum position of the differential eikonal cross section is receded from the collision center with an increase in the nonisothermal character of the plasma. In addition, it is found that the total eikonal cross sections in isothermal plasmas are always greater than those in two-temperature plasmas. The variations of the eikonal cross section due to the two-temperature and quantum shielding effects are also discussed.

Designing of Multiphase Fly Ash/MWCNT/PU Composite Sheet Against Electromagnetic Environmental Pollution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gujral, Parth; Varshney, Swati; Dhawan, S. K.

2016-06-01

Fly ash and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) reinforced multiphase polyurethane (PU) composite sheets have been fabricated by using a solution casting technique. Utilization of fly ash was the prime objective in order to reduce environmental pollution and to enhance the shielding properties of PU polymer. Our study proves that fly ash particles with MWCNTs in a PU matrix leads to novel hybrid high performance electromagnetic shielding interference material. Scanning electron microscopy confirms the existence of fly ash particles along with MWCNTs in a PU matrix. This multiphase composite shows total shielding effectiveness of 35.8 dB (>99.99% attenuation) in the Ku-band (12.4-18 GHz) frequency range. This is attributed to high dielectric losses of reinforcement present in the polymers matrix. The Nicolson-Ross-Weir algorithm has been applied to calculate the electromagnetic attributes and dielectric parameters of the PU samples by using scattering parameters ( S 11, S 22, S 12, S 21). The synthesized multiphase composites were further characterized by using x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermo gravimetric analysis.

Organ shielding and doses in Low-Earth orbit calculated for spherical and anthropomorphic phantoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthiä, Daniel; Berger, Thomas; Reitz, Günther

2013-08-01

Humans in space are exposed to elevated levels of radiation compared to ground. Different sources contribute to the total exposure with galactic cosmic rays being the most important component. The application of numerical and anthropomorphic phantoms in simulations allows the estimation of dose rates from galactic cosmic rays in individual organs and whole body quantities such as the effective dose. The male and female reference phantoms defined by the International Commission on Radiological Protection and the hermaphrodite numerical RANDO phantom are voxel implementations of anthropomorphic phantoms and contain all organs relevant for radiation risk assessment. These anthropomorphic phantoms together with a spherical water phantom were used in this work to translate the mean shielding of organs in the different anthropomorphic voxel phantoms into positions in the spherical phantom. This relation allows using a water sphere as surrogate for the anthropomorphic phantoms in both simulations and measurements. Moreover, using spherical phantoms in the calculation of radiation exposure offers great advantages over anthropomorphic phantoms in terms of computational time. In this work, the mean shielding of organs in the different voxel phantoms exposed to isotropic irradiation is presented as well as the corresponding depth in a water sphere. Dose rates for Low-Earth orbit from galactic cosmic rays during solar minimum conditions were calculated using the different phantoms and are compared to the results for a spherical water phantom in combination with the mean organ shielding. For the spherical water phantom the impact of different aluminium shielding between 1 g/cm2 and 100 g/cm2 was calculated. The dose equivalent rates were used to estimate the effective dose rate.

GCR Environmental Models III: GCR Model Validation and Propagated Uncertainties in Effective Dose

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slaba, Tony C.; Xu, Xiaojing; Blattnig, Steve R.; Norman, Ryan B.

2014-01-01

This is the last of three papers focused on quantifying the uncertainty associated with galactic cosmic rays (GCR) models used for space radiation shielding applications. In the first paper, it was found that GCR ions with Z>2 and boundary energy below 500 MeV/nucleon induce less than 5% of the total effective dose behind shielding. This is an important finding since GCR model development and validation have been heavily biased toward Advanced Composition Explorer/Cosmic Ray Isotope Spectrometer measurements below 500 MeV/nucleon. Weights were also developed that quantify the relative contribution of defined GCR energy and charge groups to effective dose behind shielding. In the second paper, it was shown that these weights could be used to efficiently propagate GCR model uncertainties into effective dose behind shielding. In this work, uncertainties are quantified for a few commonly used GCR models. A validation metric is developed that accounts for measurements uncertainty, and the metric is coupled to the fast uncertainty propagation method. For this work, the Badhwar-O'Neill (BON) 2010 and 2011 and the Matthia GCR models are compared to an extensive measurement database. It is shown that BON2011 systematically overestimates heavy ion fluxes in the range 0.5-4 GeV/nucleon. The BON2010 and BON2011 also show moderate and large errors in reproducing past solar activity near the 2000 solar maximum and 2010 solar minimum. It is found that all three models induce relative errors in effective dose in the interval [-20%, 20%] at a 68% confidence level. The BON2010 and Matthia models are found to have similar overall uncertainty estimates and are preferred for space radiation shielding applications.

Fully porous 3D printed titanium femoral stem to reduce stress-shielding following total hip arthroplasty.

PubMed

Arabnejad, Sajad; Johnston, Burnett; Tanzer, Michael; Pasini, Damiano

2017-08-01

Current hip replacement femoral implants are made of fully solid materials which all have stiffness considerably higher than that of bone. This mechanical mismatch can cause significant bone resorption secondary to stress shielding, which can lead to serious complications such as peri-prosthetic fracture during or after revision surgery. In this work, a high strength fully porous material with tunable mechanical properties is introduced for use in hip replacement design. The implant macro geometry is based off of a short stem taper-wedge implant compatible with minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. The implant micro-architecture is fine-tuned to locally mimic bone tissue properties which results in minimum bone resorption secondary to stress shielding. We present a systematic approach for the design of a 3D printed fully porous hip implant that encompasses the whole activity spectrum of implant development, from concept generation, multiscale mechanics of porous materials, material architecture tailoring, to additive manufacturing, and performance assessment via in vitro experiments in composite femurs. We show that the fully porous implant with an optimized material micro-structure can reduce the amount of bone loss secondary to stress shielding by 75% compared to a fully solid implant. This result also agrees with those of the in vitro quasi-physiological experimental model and the corresponding finite element model for both the optimized fully porous and fully solid implant. These studies demonstrate the merit and the potential of tuning material architecture to achieve a substantial reduction of bone resorption secondary to stress shielding. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1774-1783, 2017. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rapid transcriptome responses of maize (Zea mays) to UV-B in irradiated and shielded tissues

PubMed Central

Casati, Paula; Walbot, Virginia

2004-01-01

Background Depletion of stratospheric ozone has raised terrestrial levels of ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B), an environmental change linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and with potentially deleterious consequences for plants. To better understand the processes of UV-B acclimation that result in altered plant morphology and physiology, we investigated gene expression in different organs of maize at several UV-B fluence rates and exposure times. Results Microarray hybridization was used to assess UV-B responses in directly exposed maize organs and organs shielded by a plastic that absorbs UV-B. After 8 hours of high UV-B, the abundance of 347 transcripts was altered: 285 were increased significantly in at least one organ and 80 were downregulated. More transcript changes occurred in directly exposed than in shielded organs, and the levels of more transcripts were changed in adult compared to seedling tissues. The time course of transcript abundance changes indicated that the response kinetics to UV-B is very rapid, as some transcript levels were altered within 1 hour of exposure. Conclusions Most of the UV-B regulated genes are organ-specific. Because shielded tissues, including roots, immature ears, and leaves, displayed altered transcriptome profiles after exposure of the plant to UV-B, some signal(s) must be transmitted from irradiated to shielded tissues. These results indicate that there are integrated responses to UV-B radiation above normal levels. As the same total UV-B irradiation dose applied at three intensities elicited different transcript profiles, the transcriptome changes exhibit threshold effects rather than a reciprocal dose-effect response. Transcriptome profiling highlights possible signaling pathways and molecules for future research. PMID:15003119