Category: Russian Universities

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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The results of the joint competition “X -ray, synchrotron, neutron methods for solving the problems of materials science” were summed up. This competition was organized by the Novosibirsk State University and the Siberian Department as part of the implementation of the research program (project) “Scientific justification and creation of infrastructure based on the use of synchrotron radiation for the diagnosis of functional and gradient materials”. It was attended by 29 projects in several relevant scientific areas, in particular, new and adapted methods for diagnosing the structure of the phase composition of functional-gradic materials, as well as materials obtained by the method of electron-beam additive production using synchrotron radiation, including the time of the study of the evolution of structural-phase composition and monitoring high -speed impulse impact. Also, the submitted projects touched on the hardware and technical equipment of experimental stations on the existing synchrotron infrastructure (stage) for their further adaptation on the source of the generation 4+ (TsKP SKIF). Also in youth projects, the results of comprehensive studies of the structure and properties of structural materials, metals, alloys obtained by the method of electron-beam additive production using synchrotron radiation were presented. Some works were devoted to the development of software, new approaches and algorithms for processing experimental data obtained using synchrotron radiation.

Projects were evaluated on a ten-point scale. Leading specialists from the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, research institutes, and the Siberian Ring Photon Source Center for Collective Use evaluated the competition entries and assigned scores. The competition committee was chaired by Academician Vasily Fomin, Deputy Chairman of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Scientific Director of the S. A. Khristianovich Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. Based on the number of points earned, 12 projects by 13 authors were selected. The top six winners received a one-time financial award of 180,000 rubles, while those finishing in 7th through 12th place received 120,000 rubles each.

The diplomas were presented to the competition winners at a meeting of the Presidium of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Presenting the diplomas to the winners, SB RAS Chairman Academician Valentin Parmon expressed his hope that their work would be put into practice and, on behalf of the entire Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, congratulated the young scientists on their victory. Academician Vasily Fomin explained that the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences won a major grant, which NSU is also participating in. He clarified that the project's terms of reference stipulate that NSU will regularly hold competitions for young scientists for three years. Vasily Fomin also emphasized the importance of the current competition, the theme of which was related to their involvement in future work at the SKIF Collective Use Center.

"The winning projects primarily focus on the development of various diagnostic methods using X-ray and synchrotron radiation, as well as some materials research using these methods. This competition was organized by the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Novosibirsk State University (NSU) primarily to support the training of personnel for the SKIF Center for Collective Use, which will be launched in the near future. Accordingly, we need specialists proficient in research methods for various objects and capable of proposing new tasks for SKIF," commented Sergei Tsybulya, Deputy Dean of the NSU Faculty of Physics and Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.

The following projects received one-time financial support in the amount of 180,000 rubles:

"Development and validation of a methodology for in-situ X-ray diagnostics of the thermal stability of metal-ceramic composites with time resolution." Project author: Ilya Gertsel;

"Development of a diffraction technique for studying functionally graded materials based on nickel alloys." Project author: Alexander Gorkusha;

"Development of an optical scheme for the SKIF Center for Collective Use's "Monocrystal" station for in situ and operando X-ray structural analysis with high spatial and temporal resolution." Project author: Grigory Zhdankin;

"Calculations of key parameters of the generating structure and design of an IR radiation output channel for the IR-diagnostics station project of the SKIF synchrotron source." Project author: Nikita Tashkeev;

"Study of the shock-wave compressibility of polytetrafluoroethylene using synchrotron radiation." Project author: Artur Asylkaev;

"Development of a Methodology for Studying the Internal Structure and Destruction Mechanisms of a Filled Polymer Composite Using Synchrotron Radiation." Project authors: Stanislav Lukin and Anastasia Iskova.

The following projects received one-time support in the amount of 120,000 rubles:

"A digital twin of a confocal X-ray microscope." Project author: Artem Sklyarov;

"In situ diffraction study of the reduction process of a mixed MnCu oxide catalyst." Project author: Valeria Konovalova;

“Optical diagram of the station “RFA-Geology” of the SKIF Center for Collective Use.” The author of the project is Yuri Khomyakov;

"The Effect of Temperature Gradient on the Structural and Phase Composition of Inconel 939 during Selective Laser Melting." Project Author: Arseniy Kolpakov;

"Study of the parameters of inhomogeneities and their influence on the sensitivity of energetic materials using microtomography." Project author: Nikolai Khlebanovsky;

"Prototype of a digital twin of the adjustable front-end mask of the SKIF Center for Collective Use." Project author: Dmitry Shakirov.

The competition winners briefly described their projects:

Grigory Zhdankin:

My project is dedicated to the design and calculation of the second-stage optical station at the SKIF "Monocrystal" Center for Collective Use. As its author, I needed to understand which combination of optical elements is optimal for generating a synchrotron radiation beam of the required size and intensity. Its key objective is to study molecular crystals using X-ray diffraction analysis under high pressure and low temperature conditions. Such studies are important for identifying the relationship between the structure of the substance being studied and its properties. Understanding this process will enable the development of new and improved drugs, as different polymorphic modifications have different properties that are important for the pharmaceutical industry. Photocrystallographic experiments under high pressure and low temperature conditions are also important for the creation of molecular switches. Winning this competition will help me realize my project.

Dmitry Shakirov:

The novelty of our project to create a digital twin of the adjustable mask at the SKIF Center for Collective Use lies in the fact that the entire facility (SKIF), including its components, is unique equipment, and digital twins of such equipment do not currently exist. The digital twin of the adjustable mask will be part of a comprehensive digital twin of the entire SKIF Center for Collective Use, which is being developed at the Institute of Computational Mathematics and Mathematical Geophysics (ICM&MG) SB RAS. The digital twin will significantly reduce the cost of servicing the facility and enable personnel training without damaging the physical product. The digital twin will enable virtual experiments and determine the performance of the facility in various situations, including emergency situations. The primary objective of achieving our project's stated goal is the creation and training of a neural network, which will serve as the basis for the digital twin of the adjustable mask. We decided to use a neural network to enable the simulation of virtual experiments in real time.

Stanislav Lukin:

The project I presented involves preparing samples of a particulate-filled polymer composite and conducting preliminary studies of their mechanical properties, taking into account the interfacial layer at the interface between the matrix and filler particles. Based on the results of this study, a preliminary design for an experiment at the synchrotron radiation source will be developed for in-situ investigation of the failure mechanisms and internal structure changes in the prepared samples under uniaxial tension. Further implementation of the experiment at the synchrotron radiation source will allow us to characterize changes in the properties of particulate-filled polymer composites under mechanical loading, and, consequently, changes in the properties of parts made from these materials during their use.

Artur Asylkaev:

— As part of the SKIF Center for Collective Use project, Station 1-3 "Fast Processes" will be installed by the end of 2025 to study phenomena such as the propagation of shock or detonation waves in a medium. Therefore, it is important to develop a method using synchrotron radiation to study the shock-wave compressibility of inert materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Given the widespread use of inert materials (including in aircraft construction), it is essential to study their response to ultra-high pressures (which can be achieved using explosives). The practical significance of my work lies in determining the density dynamics of PTFE under high shock-wave loads, since synchrotron radiation, unlike traditional methods, allows us to determine the process dynamics.

Alexander Gorkusha:

My project is devoted to developing a diffraction technique for studying functionally graded materials based on nickel alloys. Its novelty lies in adapting a traditional X-ray analysis approach to specific objects—relief samples with uneven surfaces, where classical approaches often produce significant errors. The project's importance lies in creating a laboratory technique that will enable highly accurate determination of crystal lattice parameters and quantitative phase analysis, which is critical for the development and testing of new materials.

Ilya Gertsel:

Thermal stability is a fundamental property that determines the reliability and durability of materials in various industries. My method, using synchrotron radiation, allows for experiments that closely approximate the operating conditions of materials (temporally resolved thermal loading of materials). This allows us to determine the operating temperature range of real products before they are put into service. Currently, both the experimental methodology itself and the software for data processing are underdeveloped; these issues will be addressed in the future as part of the project.

I am very pleased to have won this competition, as it now provides the opportunity to develop the proposed methods using the unique SKIF facility.

Yuri Khomyakov:

— The title of my project is "Optical Design of the RFA-Geology Station at the SKIF Collective Use Center." The second-stage RFA-Geology station is currently the only planned station at the SKIF Collective Use Center with a high-field shifter (8 T) as an insertion device. It is expected to operate in the energy range of ~40-120 keV with SR beam transverse dimensions from ~10 μm to ~10 cm. The station will implement the following methods: energy-dispersive diffraction, microdiffraction, micro-XRF (including in a confocal configuration), and computed tomography.

The deep penetration of hard X-rays with photon energies of approximately 100 keV opens up broad prospects for geological research, including the study of natural materials, enabling non-destructive analysis of dense macroscopic samples (minerals, melts) containing significant concentrations of high-atomic-number elements. Such samples include, for example, mantle xenoliths (including diamond-bearing ones), as well as fragments of alkaline rock complexes associated with deposits of rare and rare-earth metals.

The combination of hard X-ray methods available at the RFA-Geology station will enable visualization of the internal structure of rock samples and the spatial distribution of mineral phases, identification of individual minerals, including new ones, and determination of the relative orientation of crystalline grains. Furthermore, the station will be used to study the structure and physical properties of mantle matter, determine fundamental constants and PVT equations of state for crystalline substances, liquids, and fluids, and study the kinetics of chemical reactions in situ at high pressures and temperatures.

The objective of this study is to develop a coordinated X-ray optical design for the RFA-Geologiya station for the use of SR in the hard band. The study will address the following objectives: substantiated selection and optimization of the insertion device; selection of the optical design; matching of the X-ray optics to the source; description of the station's hardware and technology; and X-ray optical calculations.

The research results will be incorporated into the conceptual design of the RFA-Geology station, which will serve as the basis for developing technical documentation and manufacturing unique scientific equipment.

Material prepared by: Elena Panfilo, NSU press service

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Mikhail Maslov, an engineer at the Vega Observatory at Novosibirsk State University, captured this image of Comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon, which is currently only visible through amateur telescopes early in the morning. It will be one of the most striking astronomical events of the fall: its peak brightness will occur in late October and early November.

The comet was discovered relatively recently: on January 3, 2025, at the Mount Lemmon Observatory (USA), hence its name. It is a long-period comet: its orbital period is currently 1,369 years. Its perihelion (the comet's closest orbital distance to the Sun) is November 8, 2025, at a perihelion distance of 0.53 astronomical units.

"Brightness estimates for this comet have now been revised upward: in late October – early November, a brightness of approximately magnitude 4 is expected; previously, magnitude 6 was expected. This comet's brightening, ahead of the initial baseline forecast, was expected, as this is not the comet's first pass near the Sun, meaning, as astronomers say, it is not 'dynamically new.' In such comets, the most volatile substances from the surface of the nucleus have already largely evaporated during previous returns. Therefore, such comets, as they approach the Sun, exhibit a comparatively low brightness for their size (since the most volatile substances are relatively few in number). Then, closer to the Sun, when the more refractory components of the nucleus, such as water ice, begin to melt and evaporate, they increase their brightness quite sharply," explained Mikhail Maslov.

The comet was photographed around 4 a.m. on September 19, approximately 70 km from Novosibirsk, using a telescope with a focal length of 854 mm and an aperture of 2.8 f/2.0. The total shooting time was 31 minutes. The weather conditions were favorable: despite the presence of clouds, they nevertheless passed by and did not obscure the comet.

Another comet that will be observable from Russia this fall is C/2025 K1 ATLAS. This comet's brightness has also been revised upwards; in October-November, it is expected to reach magnitude 7 or 8 (previously, it was predicted to reach magnitude 9 or 10). It will be visible in amateur telescopes.

"The discovery of another bright autumn comet, C/2025 R2 SWAN, was recently officially announced. It's currently near its peak brightness—magnitude 7—but it's not yet visible at our latitudes. It will become visible around October 5-10, and by the end of the month and into November, it will be at a good altitude, although its brightness is waning," said Mikhail Maslov.

NSU astronomers advise astrophotographers to prepare in advance for the exciting autumn events.

"As they approach the Sun, comets' tails typically become more extended, and this tail may split into ionic (bluish-green gas) and dust (yellowish-white) components. Astrophotographers will have the opportunity to capture these beautiful hues of comet tails with their cameras," added Alfiya Nesterenko, head of the Vega Observatory at NSU.

Photo: Mikhail Maslov, engineer at the Vega Observatory at NSU

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding fundamental boiling processes Faculty of Physics of Novosibirsk State University and the S.S. Kutateladze Institute of Thermophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, working as part of one of the research teams of the large-scale international project RUBI (Reference mUltiscale Boiling Investigation). For the first time, they observed the growth of an individual bubble during liquid boiling in zero-gravity conditions on the ISS, described it, and created numerical models of its growth. In doing so, the researchers made significant advances in understanding fundamental boiling processes. Two articles presenting a detailed analysis of these unique experiments have been published in leading international journals: first article, second articleThis research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation under grants No. 21-79-10357 and 19-19-00695.

This large-scale international project was implemented aboard the ISS by an international scientific team under the auspices of the European Space Agency. To study individual vapor bubbles nucleating on a superheated substrate, the Reference Multiscale Boiling Investigation (RUBI) facility was built and delivered to the ISS. Conducting this experiment on Earth was impossible because gravity on our planet masks key physical mechanisms—bubbles quickly break away and are carried away by the Archimedes force, and natural convection significantly influences temperature distribution in liquids. Thanks to zero gravity, the ISS became an ideal "laboratory," allowing the bubbles to remain on the heater and grow to sizes unusual for terrestrial conditions. It provides a particularly suitable environment for studying individual vapor bubbles nucleating on a superheated substrate and the mechanisms involved. This was the first such experiment with a single vapor bubble on an artificial vapor center under carefully controlled conditions on the ISS, where the bubble grows to large sizes without detachment and in the absence of natural convection.

The boiling process is used in many industrial applications for matter and energy conversion devices. We can also observe it in nature—for example, in geothermal geysers or during volcanic eruptions. While a vast amount of scientific research has been conducted on boiling, scientists have focused on integral boiling parameters, which are crucial for engineering problems. The growth of an individual bubble can also be considered an elementary boiling process, so for a detailed study of boiling mechanisms, it is advisable to focus specifically on individual bubbles. This has never been done before in zero gravity due to the complexity of the process itself. The difficulty lies in the fact that the physics of boiling depends on many factors, and despite numerous long-term studies, a complete understanding of all multi-scale phenomena remains. Experiments in zero gravity conditions can shed light on these phenomena. In zero gravity, bubbles can grow in size without premature detachment. Thus, boiling phenomena can be observed on larger spatial and temporal scales with better resolution. At the same time, boiling in zero-gravity conditions is itself a subject of research that is important for space missions, explained Fyodor Ronshin, a senior lecturer at the NSU Physics Department.

Conditions close to weightlessness can also be achieved on Earth using short-term zero-gravity platforms. Initially, scientists used ground-based structures such as drop towers, then parabolic flights, and sounding rockets. However, these capabilities were clearly insufficient for studying bubble formation during liquid boiling, as zero-gravity conditions were created only for a few seconds or minutes. In this case, longer periods of time were required, achievable only on the International Space Station (ISS). It is here, thanks to the stable conditions of zero-gravity, that long-term experiments can be conducted. Zero-gravity provides a particularly suitable environment for studying individual vapor bubbles nucleating on a superheated substrate and the mechanisms involved.

"The specially designed RUBI setup was delivered to the ISS six years ago. The experiment continued until 2021, when it was returned to Earth. During this time, scientists from five international research teams were able to observe its progress from Earth, monitor instrument readings, and access data online. The results were discussed and analyzed weekly. The setup was a sealed cell. The working fluid was FC-72, a dielectric fluid used to cool electronics. It was housed inside the cell. The bubble growth dynamics were visualized using a high-speed black-and-white camera on the side and a high-speed infrared camera underneath. The setup was also equipped with a fluid circulation loop that generated the flow. It was possible to set the fluid temperature, pressure, heat flux on the heater, and the time between heater activation and the laser pulse that initiates bubble formation. All of this was necessary to cover the entire range of parameters for constructing models of the observed processes," explained Fyodor Ronshin.

A short (20 millisecond) laser pulse was used to form a single vapor bubble on an artificial nucleation site. The bubble then grows under the influence of Joule heating. This process occurs inside the cell. The setup was also equipped with microthermocouples, which could be placed at various locations within the chamber to determine the temperature distribution within the liquid. It was also possible to study the effect of shear flow, which could be used to remove bubbles. Furthermore, the chamber contained an electrode that generated an electric field, which could cause the bubble to detach from the substrate (analogous to Archimedes' force on Earth).

Our research currently focuses on the results of a single-bubble growth experiment, with particular attention to the effect of liquid subcooling (the difference between the saturation temperature and the liquid temperature). This allows us to better understand the dynamics of single vapor bubble growth in zero-gravity conditions, with particular attention to the role of dissolved (non-condensable) gases. The experimental results are confirmed by numerical simulations based on the developed model. Some observed phenomena, such as the absence of bubble collapse and the subsequent resumption of bubble growth, proved difficult to explain without the assumption of the presence of non-condensable gases, despite careful degassing of the working fluid. The model was appropriately modified to test this picture of the phenomenon, which included Marangoni thermocapillary convection induced by dissolved gases in the liquid. "We found that in our case, the presence of even a small amount of dissolved gases (~1%) after thorough degassing has a positive effect on heat transfer because the superheated liquid is distributed along the bubble, moving away from the heater toward the top of the bubble, and the bubble doesn't condense, but continues to evaporate and grow faster. This allows for more efficient heat transfer," explained Fyodor Ronshin.

As a result of experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station using the RUBI facility in conjunction with advanced numerical modeling, scientists modified the numerical model to account for noncondensable gases and thermocapillary effects, which was in good agreement with experimental observations. Accounting for these factors eliminated discrepancies between subcooling conditions. The researchers also concluded that the presence of noncondensable gases within a bubble significantly affects its survival and growth dynamics, ensuring bubble survival even under conditions of relatively high subcooling that would otherwise collapse pure vapor bubbles. They noted that thermocapillary convection, driven by temperature gradients along the bubble surface caused by the presence of noncondensable gases, enhances heat and mass transfer near the interface. This phenomenon promotes intensified evaporation at the base of the bubble and reduces the intensity of condensation at its apex, facilitating its stable growth.

"Under terrestrial conditions, the influence of dissolved gases in a liquid can be suppressed by natural convection. In zero gravity, this does not occur, and their manifestation generally has a positive effect on bubble growth. We have discovered that by varying the concentration of dissolved gases in a liquid, we can influence the processes of bubble formation and growth. Using this data, we will be able to predict bubble growth in liquids with any concentration of dissolved gases, including in space," concluded Fyodor Ronshin.

Studying bubble growth in zero-gravity conditions without external forces is only part of the research, which is now complete. However, the RUBI experiment was not limited to this. Now, scientists will explore it under more complex conditions—for example, under the influence of an electric field, using the bubble removal method, and under varying electric field intensities. According to Fyodor Ronshin, the data received from the ISS will be sufficient for at least another five years of work. The results obtained will have both fundamental significance for the physics of heat and mass transfer and boiling, as well as practical applications—they will enable the development of more efficient cooling systems for spacecraft and orbital stations, where boiling is a promising method for removing high heat fluxes in zero-gravity conditions.

Material prepared by: Elena Panfilo, NSU press service

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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