Thermally altered subsurface material of asteroid (162173) Ryugu

Kitazato, Kohei*; Milliken, R. E.*; Iwata, Takahiro*; Abe, Masanao*; Otake, Makiko*; Matsuura, Shuji*; Takagi, Yasuhiko*; Nakamura, Tomoki*; Hiroi, Takahiro*; Matsuoka, Moe*; et al.

Nature Astronomy (Internet), 5(3), p.246 - 250, 2021/03

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-020-01271-2

Here we report observations of Ryugu's subsurface material by the Near-Infrared Spectrometer (NIRS3) on the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. Reflectance spectra of excavated material exhibit a hydroxyl (OH) absorption feature that is slightly stronger and peak-shifted compared with that observed for the surface, indicating that space weathering and/or radiative heating have caused subtle spectral changes in the uppermost surface. However, the strength and shape of the OH feature still suggests that the subsurface material experienced heating above 300 C, similar to the surface. In contrast, thermophysical modeling indicates that radiative heating does not increase the temperature above 200 C at the estimated excavation depth of 1 m, even if the semimajor axis is reduced to 0.344 au. This supports the hypothesis that primary thermal alteration occurred due to radiogenic and/or impact heating on Ryugu's parent body.

Technical basis of accident tolerant fuel updated under a Japanese R&D project

Yamashita, Shinichiro; Nagase, Fumihisa; Kurata, Masaki; Nozawa, Takashi; Watanabe, Seiichi*; Kirimura, Kazuki*; Kakiuchi, Kazuo*; Kondo, Takao*; Sakamoto, Kan*; Kusagaya, Kazuyuki*; et al.

Proceedings of 2017 Water Reactor Fuel Performance Meeting (WRFPM 2017) (USB Flash Drive), 10 Pages, 2017/09

In Japan, the research and development (R&D) project on accident tolerant fuel and other components (ATFs) of light water reactors (LWRs) has been initiated in 2015 for establishing technical basis of ATFs. The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has coordinated and carried out this ATF R&D project in cooperation with power plant providers, fuel venders and universities for making the best use of the experiences, knowledges in commercial uses of zirconium-base alloys (Zircaloy) in LWRs. ATF candidate materials under consideration in the project are FeCrAl steel strengthened by dispersion of fine oxide particles(FeCrAl-ODS) and silicon carbide (SiC) composite, and are expecting to endure severe accident conditions in the reactor core for a longer period of time than the Zircaloy while maintaining or improving fuel performance during normal operations. In this paper, the progresses of the R&D project are reported.

NIRS3; The Near Infrared Spectrometer on Hayabusa2

Iwata, Takahiro*; Kitazato, Kohei*; Abe, Masanao*; Otake, Makiko*; Arai, Takehiko*; Arai, Tomoko*; Hirata, Naru*; Hiroi, Takahiro*; Honda, Chikatoshi*; Imae, Naoya*; et al.

Space Science Reviews, 208(1-4), p.317 - 337, 2017/07

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-017-0341-0

NIRS3: The Near Infrared Spectrometer is installed on the Hayabusa2 spacecraft to observe the target C-type asteroid 162173 Ryugu at near infrared wavelengths of 1.8 to 3.2 micrometer. It aims to obtain reflectance spectra in order to detect absorption bands of hydrated and hydroxide minerals in the 3 micrometer-band. We adopted a linear-image sensor with indium arsenide (InAs) photo diodes and a cooling system with a passive radiator to achieve an optics temperature of 188 K, which enables to retaining sufficient sensitivity and noise level in the 3 micrometer wavelength region. We conducted ground performance tests for the NIRS3 flight model (FM) to confirm its baseline specifications. The results imply that the properties such as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conform to scientific requirements to determine the degree of aqueous alteration, such as CM or CI chondrite, and the stage of thermal metamorphism on the asteroid surface.

Basic Radiation Knowledge for School Education Course; Nuclear Technology Seminar 2014 (Contract program)

Watanabe, Yoko; Arai, Nobuyoshi; Sawada, Makoto; Kanaizuka, Seiichi; Shimada, Mayuka*; Ishikawa, Tomomi*; Nakamura, Kazuyuki

JAEA-Review 2015-026, 38 Pages, 2015/11

JAEA-Review-2015-026.pdf:10.55MB

JAEA has conducted Nuclear Technology Seminar for Asian countries which plan to introduce NPP, in order to increase the number of engineers and specialists. The Nuclear Technology Seminar on the Basic Radiation Knowledge for School Education Course was launched in 2012 due to increased recognition of the dissemination of the basic knowledge of radiation in public and education sectors as an important issue in the aftermath of the Fukushima Dai-ichi NPP Accident. In response to the requests of past participants, a new exercise "Joint experiment with high school students" was introduced from 2014 to provide an international learning experience for the course participants and the local Japanese students. A new learning material was also developed to help participants to study the basics of radiation in English. All the course activities including the details of preparatory process and course evaluation were described in this report.

Positron lifetimes and mechanical properties of -irradiated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene

Kobayashi, Yoshinori*; Yamawaki, Masato*; Oka, Toshitaka; Saiki, Seiichi; Mohamed, H.*; Hattori, Kanehisa*; Watanabe, Yoshihiro*

Materials Science Forum, 733, p.147 - 150, 2013/00

https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.733.147

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) has widely been used for probing open volume defects in various materials. PALS is in principle non-destructive, yet conventional PALS is not strictly non-destructive because cutting out of two specimens from the material is required. Recently we developed a novel method of PALS, which is potentially applicable to non-destructive, onsite material inspection. In order to explore the possibility of onsite monitoring of polymer degradation by this novel method of PALS, we studied variations of positron lifetime and mechanical properties of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) subjected to -irradiation. Correlations were found between the mechanical properties and o-Ps lifetimes, suggesting the feasibility of non-destructive, onsite monitoring of polymer degradation by PALS. The effect of -irradiation on positronium formation is discussed.

Tolerance of anhydrobiotic eggs of the tardigrade to extreme environments

Horikawa, Daiki*; Yamaguchi, Ayami*; Sakashita, Tetsuya; Tanaka, Daisuke*; Hamada, Nobuyuki*; Yukuhiro, Fumiko*; Kuwahara, Hirokazu*; Kunieda, Takekazu*; Watanabe, Masahiko*; Nakahara, Yuichi*; et al.

Astrobiology, 12(4), p.283 - 289, 2012/04

https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2011.0669

We examined the hatchability of hydrated and anhydrobiotic eggs of the tardigrade to hatch after ionizing irradiation (helium ions), extremely low and high temperatures, and high vacuum. Anhydrobiotic eggs (50% lethal dose; 1690 Gy) were substantially more radioresistant than hydrated ones (50% lethal dose; 509 Gy). Anhydrobiotic eggs also have a broader temperature resistance compared with hydrated ones. Over 70% of the anhydrobiotic eggs treated at high and low temperatures, but all of the hydrated eggs failed to hatch. After exposure to high vacuum conditions, the hatchability of the anhydrobiotic eggs was comparable to that of untreated control eggs.

Information basis for developing comprehensive waste management system; US-Japan Joint Nuclear Energy Action Plan Waste Management Working Group Phase I report (Joint research)

Yui, Mikazu; Ishikawa, Hirohisa; Watanabe, Atsuo*; Yoshino, Kyoji*; Umeki, Hiroyuki; Hioki, Kazumasa; Naito, Morimasa; Seo, Toshihiro; Makino, Hitoshi; Oda, Chie; et al.

JAEA-Research 2010-015, 106 Pages, 2010/05

JAEA-Research-2010-015.pdf:13.58MB

This report summarizes the activity of Phase I of Waste Management Working Group of the United States - Japan Joint Nuclear Energy Action Plan started in 2007. The working group focused on consolidation of the existing technical basis between the U.S. and Japan and the joint development of a plan for future collaborative activities. Firstly, the political/regulatory frameworks related to nuclear fuel cycles in both countries were reviewed. The various advanced fuel cycle scenarios in both countries were surveyed and summarized. Secondly, the waste management/disposal system optimization was discussed. Repository system concepts for the various classifications of nuclear waste were reviewed and summarized, then disposal system optimization processes and techniques were reviewed, and factors to consider in future repository design optimization activities were also discussed. Finally the potential collaboration areas and activities related to the optimization problem were extracted.

Establishment of a rearing system of the extremotolerant tardigrade ; A New model animal for astrobiology

Horikawa, Daiki*; Kunieda, Takekazu*; Abe, Wataru*; Watanabe, Masahiko*; Nakahara, Yuichi*; Yukuhiro, Fumiko*; Sakashita, Tetsuya; Hamada, Nobuyuki*; Wada, Seiichi*; Funayama, Tomoo; et al.

Astrobiology, 8(3), p.549 - 556, 2008/06

https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2007.0139

We report the successful rearing of the herbivorous tardigrade, , by supplying the green alga as food. The life span was 35 d, deposited eggs required 5.7 d to hatch, and animals began to deposit eggs 9 d after hatching. The reared individuals of this species had an anhydrobiotic capacity throughout their life cycle in egg, juvenile, and adult stages. Furthermore, the reared adults in an anhydrobiotic state were tolerant of temperatures of 90C and -196C and exposure to 99.8% acetonitrile or irradiation with 4000 Gy He ions. Based on their life history traits and tolerance to extreme stresses, might be a suitable model for astrobiological studies of multicellular organisms.

Heavy-ion microbeam system at JAEA-Takasaki for microbeam biology

Funayama, Tomoo; Wada, Seiichi*; Yokota, Yuichiro; Fukamoto, Kana; Sakashita, Tetsuya; Taguchi, Mitsumasa; Kakizaki, Takehiko*; Hamada, Nobuyuki*; Suzuki, Michiyo; Furusawa, Yoshiya*; et al.

Journal of Radiation Research, 49(1), p.71 - 82, 2008/01

https://doi.org/10.1269/jrr.07085

Research concerning cellular responses to low dose irradiation, radiation-induced bystander effects, and the biological track structure of charged particles has recently received particular attention in the field of radiation biology. Target irradiation employing a microbeam represents a useful means of advancing this research by obviating some of the disadvantages associated with the conventional irradiation strategies. The heavy-ion microbeam system at JAEA-Takasaki can provide target irradiation of heavy charged particles to biological material at atmospheric pressure using a minimum beam size 5 m in diameter. The system can be applied to the investigation of mechanisms within biological organisms not only in the context of radiation biology, but also in the fields of general biology such as physiology, developmental biology and neurobiology, and should help to establish and contribute to the field of "microbeam biology".

Mechanical properties and microstructural stability of advanced ferritic/martensitic steel under irradiation

Yano, Yasuhide; Yamashita, Shinichiro; Akasaka, Naoaki; Watanabe, Seiichi*; Takahashi, Heishichiro

Proceedings of 9th China-Japan Symposium on Materials for Advanced Energy Systems and Fission & Fusion Engineering jointed with CAS-JSPS Core-university Program Seminar on Fusion Materials, System and Design Integration, p.2 - 5, 2007/10

Ferritic/martensitic (F/M) steels are expected to be prospective not only for the long life core material of fast reactors but also for the blanket materials of fusion reactor because of their superior swelling resistance. Japan Atomic Energy Agency has developed a 11Cr-0.5Mo-2W-V, Nb F/M steel (PNC-FMS) for core materials of next fast reactor. In order to evaluate the effect of structural change due to irradiation on mechanical properties of PNC-FMS, neutron irradiations were carried out between 773 and 1013 K to doses of from 11 to 102 dpa in JOYO reactor. Post irradiation tensile tests were performed at 773-1013 K with a strain rate of 0.510/s. The stability of microstructures under irradiation was also compared with those of electron irradiation using HVEM.