Modeling of shape-memory alloys in scramjet engine applications

This work consists of a theoretical-analytical modeling using applications of intelligent materials, called shape-memory alloy (SMA), in scramjet engines varying the speed from Mach 7 to 14. Through the shockwave relationships, the angles, the Mach number and the recoil distance at the leading edge of the cowl were found out, to select the SMA that has the best deformation recovery. After using the theoretical Auricchio model, the superelastic behavior of the alloys was observed for different elastic properties in the austenite and martensite phases to perform a computational simulation, using the finite element method in Solver ANSYS, in order to represent the performance of the material in a simpler way.

Lifetime measurements in 110Cd

Mean lifetimes for the lowest 6 yrast band members have been measured using the Recoil Distance Doppler Shift technique (RDDS). The data have been analyzed via the Differential Decay Curve Method (DDCM). The transition probabilities deduced from the data for the ground band E2 γ-rays are in rather good agreement with the predictions of the U(5)-limit of interacting boson model-1 (IBM-1).

Search for E(5) Symmetry in 102Pd

Lifetimes of the excited states in the yrast band of 102Pd have been deter- mined using the Recoil-Distance Doppler Shift experiment at INFN, Labo- ratori Nazionali di Legnaro. Excited states in 102Pd were populated by the 92Zr(13C,3n)102Pd fusion-evaporation reaction. Lifetimes were deduced using the Differential Decay Curve method and the corresponding B(E2) values were compared to the E(5) critical-point symmetry, and also the U(5) and O(6) limits of the Interacting Boson Model-1. It is evident that 102Pd agrees poorly with the predicted E(5) symmetry but has a very good (and somewhat surprising) agreement with the O(6) limit.

Shape transitions between and within Zr isotopes

The Zirconium isotopes across the N=56,58 neutron sub­shell closures have been of special interest since years, sparked by the near doubly-magic features of 96Zr and the subsequent rapid onset of collectivity with a deformed ground-state structure already in 100Zr. Recent state-of-the-art shell model approaches did not only correctly describe this shape-phase transition in the Zr isotopic chain, but alsothe coexistence of non-collective structures and pronounced collectivity especially in 96,98Zr. Theisotope 98Zr is located on the transition from spherical to deformed ground state structures. We summarize recent experimental work to obtain the B(E2) excitation strengths of the first 2+ state of98Zr, including a new experiment employing the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method following a two-neutron transfer reaction.

Preliminary results of lifetime measurements in neutron-rich 53Ti

To study the nuclear structure of neutron-rich titanium isotopes, a lifetime measurement was performed at the Grand Accélérateur National d'Ions Lourds (GANIL) facility in Caen, France. The nucleiwere produced in a multinucleon-transfer reaction by using a 6.76 MeV/u 238U beam. The Advanced Gamma Tracking Array (AGATA) was employed for the γ-ray detection and target-like recoils were identified event-by-event by the large-acceptance variable mode spectrometer (VAMOS++). Preliminary level lifetimes of the (5/2−) to 13/2− states of the yrast band in the neutron-rich nucleus 53Ti were measured for the first time employing the recoil distance Doppler-shift (RDDS) method and the compact plunger for deep inelastic reactions. The differential decay curve method (DDCM) was used to obtain the lifetimes from the RDDS data.

Lifetime measurements in 105Sn: the puzzle of B(E2) strengths in Sn isotopes

One of the most studied case to explore the evolution of shell closures far from stability is the doubly-magic and self-conjugated 100Sn nucleus. Information on its doubly-magic nature can be extracted fromthe systematic study of the tin isotopic chain. In this context, the lifetimes of the neutron deficient 105Sn have been investigated with the coincidence Recoil Distance Doppler Shift (RDDS) technique throughthe reaction 50Cr(58Ni,2pn)105Sn. Preliminary results concerning the lifetimesof 105In excited states are in good agreement with the adopted lifetimes, demonstrating the feasibility to extract lifetimes with this experimental technique.

Nuclear structure in the neutron-deficient Sn nuclei TKEL effects on lifetime measurements

The presence of seniority-like isomers along the Z = 50 isotopic chain have been an experimental limitation to the investigation of the electromagnetic properties of the low-lying states in the light Sn nuclei. Combining a multi-nucleon transfer reaction with the Recoil-Distance Doppler-Shift technique, the lifetimes of the 21+ and 41+ excited states have been directly measured in the neutron-deficient 106, 108Sn isotopes for the very first time. The emitted γ rays were detected by the AGATA array, while the reactionproducts were uniquely identified by the VAMOS++ magnetic spectrometer. The control of the direct feeding of the statesby gating on the Total Kinetic Energy Loss, together with the unique capabilities of the two spectrometers, was crucial for the measurementin 108Sn.

Structural investigation of neutron-deficient Pt isotopes: the case of 178Pt

Lifetime measurements with the recoil distance Doppler-shift technique have been performed to determine yrast E2 transition strengths in 178Pt. The experimental data are related to those on neighboring Pt isotopes, especially recent data on 180Pt, and compared to calculations within the interacting boson model and a Hartree-Fock Bogoliubov approach. These models predict prolate deformed ground states in Pt isotopes close to neutron midshell consistent with the experimental findings. Further, evidence was found that the prolate intruder structure observed in neutron-deficient Hg isotopes that is minimum in energy in 182Hg becomes the ground state configuration in 178Pt and neighboring 180Pt with nearly identical transition quadrupole moments. The new data on 178Pt are further discussed in the context of the systematics along the Pt isotopic chain with respect to a possible sharp shape transition towards a weakly deformed or a quasi-vibrational ground state whereas the prolate structure increases in energy in 174,176Pt and becomes an intruder configuration similar to, for example, 180,182Hg.