We present in situ measurements of spectrally resolved X-ray scattering and X-ray diffraction from monocrystalline diamond samples heated with an intense pulse of heavy ions. In this way, we determine the samples’ heating dynamics and their microscopic and macroscopic structural integrity over a timespan of several microseconds. Connecting the ratio of elastic to inelastic scattering with state-of-the-art density functional theory molecular dynamics simulations allows the inference of average temperatures around 1300 K, in agreement with predictions from stopping power calculations. The simultaneous diffraction measurements show no hints of any volumetric graphitization of the material, but do indicate the onset of fracture in the diamond sample. Our experiments pave the way for future studies at the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research, where a substantially increased intensity of the heavy ion beam will be available.

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) has been widely used as a microstructure characterization technology. In this work, a fully connected dense forward network is applied to inversely retrieve the mean particle size and particle distribution from SAXS data of samples dynamically compressed with high-power lasers and probed with X-ray free electron lasers. The trained network allows automatic acquisition of microstructure information, performing well in predictions on single-species nanoparticles on the theoretical model and in situ experimental data. We evaluate our network by comparing it with other methods, revealing its reliability and efficiency in dynamic experiments, which is of great value for in situ characterization of materials under high-power laser-driven dynamic compression.

The insulator–metal transition in liquid hydrogen is an important phenomenon to understand the interiors of gas giants, such as Jupiter and Saturn, as well as the physical and chemical behavior of materials at high pressures and temperatures. Here, the path toward an experimental approach is detailed based on spectrally resolved x-ray scattering, tailored to observe and characterize hydrogen metallization in dynamically compressed hydrocarbons in the regime of carbon–hydrogen phase separation. With the help of time-dependent density functional theory calculations and scattering spectra from undriven carbon samples collected at the European x-ray Free-Electron Laser Facility (EuXFEL), we demonstrate sufficient data quality for observing C–H demixing and investigating the presence of liquid metallic hydrogen in future experiments using the reprated drive laser systems at EuXFEL.

Extreme conditions inside ice giants such as Uranus and Neptune can result in peculiar chemistry and structural transitions, e.g., the precipitation of diamonds or superionic water, as so far experimentally observed only for pure C─H and H 2 O systems, respectively. Here, we investigate a stoichiometric mixture of C and H 2 O by shock-compressing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics and performing in situ x-ray probing. We observe diamond formation at pressures between 72 ± 7 and 125 ± 13 GPa at temperatures ranging from ~3500 to ~6000 K. Combining x-ray diffraction and small-angle x-ray scattering, we access the kinetics of this exotic reaction. The observed demixing of C and H 2 O suggests that diamond precipitation inside the ice giants is enhanced by oxygen, which can lead to isolated water and thus the formation of superionic structures relevant to the planets’ magnetic fields. Moreover, our measurements indicate a way of producing nanodiamonds by simple laser-driven shock compression of cheap PET plastics.

The synthesis path of the C60-Buckyball fullerene from a planar precursor developed by Scott et al. [Science, 2002, 295, 5559] is investigated with density functional theory (DFT) methods. Various theoretically possible closing paths are analysed with respect to structural and energetic properties. The initial geometries were obtained by geometric interpolation of a cardboard-like model comprising rigid rings connected by hinges, which were then fully optimized with a selection of DFT-functionals. Analysis of the fully optimised geometries shows remarkable stability of face planarity, bond lengths and bond angles for all studied geometries, indicating soundness of the "cardboard with hinges"-model for approximating reaction paths for molecules of this type. This raises hope for development of a force field description of fullerene precursor molecules that can aid in discovery and analysis of good precursor candidates for rational synthesis of new fullerenes.

M. G. Stevenson*, L. M. V. Zinta, B. Heuser, Z. He, D. Ranjan, M. Bethkenhagen, M. French, A. Bergermann, R. Redmer, T. E. Cowan, O. Humphries, J. Lütgert, K. Voigt, A. K. Schuster, F. Lefevre, T. Vinci, E. E. McBride, N.J. Hartley, A.E. Gleason-Holbrook, S. H. Glenzer, S. Pandolfi, A. Descamps, B. Ofori-Okai, C. Schoenwaelder, G. Glenn, L. B. Fletcher, B. Nagler, H. J. Lee, D. Khaghani, E. Galtier, J. Hernandez, A. Ravasio D. Kraus

The aim of this project was to produce the overall preliminary design of a 105 foot, 50 knot custom motor yacht. The reason for choosing this topic was to grasp the first and probably last chance to work on TRIPPPLE COURTNEY, a boat where every aspect would be designed according to the author’s ideas, wishes and preferences. In this context, an important aspect of the project is reflected in the design philosophy: “TRIPPPLE COURTNEY shall be purposefully designed as high performance powerboat. It shall be able to offer thrills and excitement together with a high level of comfort both under way and at anchor. These qualities shall not express themselves in-, or be compromised by luxury.” During the course of the project, most areas relevant for a preliminary design have been covered. These included parametric study, weights and centres estimates using different techniques, resistance and powering estimates using different techniques, planing hull form design, planing hull detail design, structural design in aluminium and FRP, propulsion system design, intact and damaged stability analysis, classification society compliance, product research, styling, design of interior layout and design optimisation. Whilst all of these aspects have been addressed, they were only taken to a preliminary design stage. Cost was not considered in any part of the project. Savitsky planing theory, the DNV rules for structural design, MCA regulations for stability, Maxsurf®, Hydromax®, Hull Speed®, Wolfson powering prediction software, Rhinoceros®, AutoCAD®, the Microsoft® packages, Adobe Paint Shop Pro® and the knowledge and theory accumulated during the BEng “Yacht and Powercraft Design” degree were the most important tools used in the process. After two complete loops around the design spiral plus additional work in the areas of hull form design, powering and general arrangement, the most important design decisions had been made and a sensible result had been achieved. Only the fuel capacity and maximum range remained a problem. Neglecting this issue, the design had converged sufficiently to be able to say it could be taken to the detailed design stage.