An indirect method for determining cross sections for reactions proceeding through a compound nucleus is presented. The appropriate theoretical framework for applications of this method is reviewed and theoretical and experimental challenges that need to be addressed in applications of the method are outlined. Two approximations are considered and their advantages and limitations are discussed.

We present evidence that the simplest particle-physics scalar-field models of dynamical dark energy can be separated into distinct behaviors based on the acceleration or deceleration of the field as it evolves down its potential towards a zero minimum. We show that these models occupy narrow regions in the phase-plane of w and w', the dark energy equation-of-state and its time-derivative in units of the Hubble time. Restricting an energy scale of the dark energy microphysics limits how closely a scalar field can resemble a cosmological constant. These results, indicating a desired measurement resolution of order \sigma(w')\approx (1+w), define firm targets for observational tests of the physics of dark energy.

This paper presents a numerical technique for analyzing the containment vessel subjected to the combined loading of closure-bolt torque and internal pressure. The detailed stress distributions in the O-rings generated by both the torque load and the internal pressure can be evaluated by using this method. Consequently, the sealing performance of the O-rings can be determined. The material of the O-rings can be represented by any available constitutive equation for hyperelastic material. In the numerical calculation of this paper, the form of the Mooney-Rivlin strain energy potential is used. The technique treats both the preloading process of bolt tightening and the application of internal pressure as slow dynamic loads. Consequently, the problem can be evaluated using explicit numerical integration scheme.

Recent gyrokinetic simulations of electron temperature gradient (ETG) turbulence with flux-tube continuum codes vs. the global particle-in-cell (PIC) code GTC yielded different results despite similar plasma parameters. Differences between the simulations results were attributed to insufficient phase-space resolution and novel physics associated with toroidicity and/or global simulations. We have reproduced the results of the global PIC code using the flux-tube PIC code PG3EQ, thereby eliminating global effects as the cause of the discrepancy. We show that the late-time decay of ETG turbulence and the steady-state heat transport observed in these PIC simulations results from discrete particle noise. Discrete particle noise is a numerical artifact, so both these PG3EQ simulations and the previous GTC simulations have nothing to say about steady-state ETG turbulence and the associated anomalous heat transport. In the course of this work we develop three diagnostics which can help to determine if a particular PIC simulation has become dominated by discrete particle noise.

DC745 is a commercially available silicone elastomer consisting of dimethyl, methylphenyl, and vinyl-methyl siloxane monomers crosslinked with a peroxide vinyl specific curing agent. It is generally considered to age gracefully and to be resistant to chemical and thermally harsh environments. However, little data exists on the radiation resistance of this commonly used silicone elastomer. We report static {sup 1}H NMR studies of residual dipolar couplings in DC745 solid elastomers subject to exposure to ionizing gamma radiation. {sup 1}H spin-echo NMR data shows that with increasing dose, the segmental dynamics decrease is consistent with radiatively induced crosslinking. {sup 1}H multiple quantum NMR was used to assess changes in the network structure and observed the presence of a bimodal distribution of residual dipolar couplings, <{Omega}{sub d}>, that were dose dependent. The domain with the lower <{Omega}{sub d}> has been assigned to the polymer network while the domain with the higher <{Omega}{sub d}> has been assigned to polymer chains interacting with the inorganic filler surfaces. In samples exposed to radiation, the residual dipolar couplings in both reservoirs were observed to increase and the populations were observed to be dose dependent. The NMR results are compared to Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and a two-step …

This paper presents a quasi-static technique to evaluate the structural deformation of the four stacked B-25 boxes subjected to the static loads of overlaying soil and to determine the effect of corrosion on the deformation. Although the boxes are subjected to a static load, the structural responses of the boxes vary with time. The analytical results indeed show that the deflection, buckling and post buckling of the components of the stacked boxes occur in sequence rather than simultaneously. Therefore, it is more appropriate to treat the problems considered as quasistatic rather than static; namely, the structural response of the stacked boxes are dynamic but with very long duration. Furthermore, the finite-element model has complex contact and slide conditions between the interfaces of the adjoining components, and thus its numerical solution is more tractable by using explicit time integration schemes. The analysis covers the three corrosion scenarios following various time lengths of initial burial under an interim soil cover. The results qualitatively agree with expected differences in deformation for different degrees of corrosion subsidence potential reduction that can be achieved.

This article discusses nucleation of β-FeSi2 nanostructures at pinned step bunches on the Si(111) surface.