Publications

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Experimental results [1] for the reflection coefficient of shock compressed xenon are compared with results from quantum molecular dynamics calculations with density functional theory (DFT). The real part of the optical conductivity is calculated within the Kubo-Greenwood formalism and the Kramers-Kroenig relations are used to generate the reflectivity and other optical properties. Improved agreement over non-ideal plasma theory [2] is found with the DFT calculations, but significant differences with the data remain. Since DFT in the various local density approximations tends to underestimate the band gap and overestimate the free electron population, we have used the ionizations from [2] to correct the DFT band gaps. This results in much improved agreement with the xenon reflectivity data and demonstrates a new approach to correcting DFT band gaps.

INVICE (INVerse analysis of Isentropic Compression Experiments) is a FORTRAN computer code that implements the inverse finite-difference method to analyze velocity data from isentropic compression experiments. This report gives a brief description of the methods used and the options available in the first beta version of the code, as well as instructions for using the code.

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Agile ready-when-needed patterning of refractive index structures in photosensitive materials requires an understanding of the impact of local application environment on mechanisms contributing to the desired photoinduced index change. The present work examines the impact of atmosphere on the photosensitive response of poly(methylphenylsilane) (PMPS) thin films whose high photoinduced index'change under low incident optical fluence make them attractive candidates for such applications. Changes in optical absorption and refractive index are investigated after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light resonant with the lowest energy transition exhibited by the Si-Si backbone structure in the material. A comparison between photoinduced absorption changes for thin films exposed in an air atmosphere versus those observed for samples subjected to a nitrogen environment during photoexposure is made for the first time. The study reveals that the anaerobic conditions of the nitrogen atmosphere significantly reduce the photosensitive response of the material to light. These results are discussed in terms of photooxidation processes within the polysilane structure and in the context of the need for predictable photosensitive refractive index change in varied photoimprinting environments. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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Metallic Phases in extraterrestrial materials are composed of Fe-Ni with minor amounts of Co, P, Si, Cr, etc. Electron microscopy techniques (SEM, TEM, EPMA, AEM) have been used for almost 50 years to study micron and submicron microscopic features in the metal phases (Fig. 1) such as clear taenite, cloudy zone, plessite, etc [1,2]. However lack of instrumentation to prepare TEM thin foils in specific sample locations and to obtain micro-scale crystallographic data have limited these investigations. New techniques such as the focused ion beam (FIB) and the electron backscatter electron diffraction (EBSD) techniques have overcome these limitations. The application of the FIB instrument has allowed us to prepare {approx}10 um long by {approx} 5um deep TEM thin sections of metal phases from specific regions of metal particles, in chondrites, irons and stony iron meteorites, identified by optical and SEM observation. Using a FEI dual beam FIB we were able to study very small metal particles in samples of CH chondrites [3] and zoneless plessite (ZP) in ordinary chondrites. Fig. 2 shows a SEM photomicrograph of a {approx}40 um ZP particle in Kernouve, a H6 chondrite. Fig. 3a,b shows a TEM photograph of a section of the FIB prepared TEM foil of the ZP particle and a Ni trace through a tetrataenite/kamacite region of the particle. It has been proposed that the Widmanstatten pattern in low P iron meteorites forms by martensite decomposition, via the reaction {gamma} {yields} {alpha}{sub 2} + {gamma} {yields} {alpha} + {gamma} in which {alpha}{sub 2}, martensite, decomposes to the equilibrium {alpha} and {gamma} phases during the cooling process [4]. In order to show if this mechanism for Widmanstatten pattern formation is correct, crystallographic information is needed from the {gamma} or taenite phases throughout a given meteorite. The EBSD technique was employed in this study to obtain the orientation of the taenite surrounding the initial martensite phase and the kamacite which forms as {alpha}{sub 2} or as Widmanstatten plates in a series of IVB irons. Fig. 4a,b shows EBSD orientation maps of taenite and kamacite from the Tawallah Valley IVB iron. We observe that the orientation of the taenite in the IVB meteorites is the same throughout the sample consistent with the orientation of the high temperature single phase taenite before formation of the Widmanstatten pattern.

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The potential energy surface for the reaction between OH and acetylene has been calculated using the RQCISD(T) method and extrapolated to the complete basis-set limit. Rate coefficients were determined for a wide range of temperatures and pressures, based on this surface and the solution of the one-dimensional and two-dimensional master equations. With a small adjustment to the association energy barrier (1.1 kcal/mol), agreement with experiments is good, considering the discrepancies in such data. The rate coefficient for direct hydrogen abstraction is significantly smaller than that commonly used in combustion models. Also in contrast to previous models, ketene + H is found to be the main product at normal combustion conditions. At low temperatures and high pressures, stabilization of the C{sub 2}H{sub 2}OH adduct is the dominant process. Rate coefficient expressions for use in modeling are provided.

The National Spent Nuclear Fuel Program, located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), coordinates and integrates national efforts in management and disposal of US Department of Energy (DOE)-owned spent nuclear fuel. These management functions include development of standardised systems for long-term disposal in the proposed Yucca Mountain repository. Nuclear criticality control measures are needed in these systems to avoid restrictive fissile loading limits because of the enrichment and total quantity of fissile material in some types of the DOE spent nuclear fuel. This need is being addressed by development of corrosion-resistant, neutron-absorbing structural alloys for nuclear criticality control. This paper outlines results of a metallurgical development programme that is investigating the alloying of gadolinium into a nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy matrix. Gadolinium has been chosen as the neutron absorption alloying element due to its high thermal neutron absorption cross section and low solubility in the expected repository environment. The nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy family was chosen for its known corrosion performance, mechanical properties, and weldability. The workflow of this programme includes chemical composition definition, primary and secondary melting studies, ingot conversion processes, properties testing, and national consensus codes and standards work. The microstructural investigation of these alloys shows that the gadolinium addition is present in the alloy as a gadolinium-rich second phase. The mechanical strength values are similar to those expected for commercial Ni-Cr-Mo alloys. The alloys have been corrosion tested with acceptable results. The initial results of weldability tests have also been acceptable. Neutronic testing in a moderated critical array has generated favourable results. An American Society for Testing and Materials material specification has been issued for the alloy and a Code Case has been submitted to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for code qualification.

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