Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “systems code”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 307 records · Page 17

Radio Science Measurements with Suppressed Carrier

Radio Science started when it became apparent with early Solar missions that occultations by planetary atmospheres would affect the quality of radio communications. Since then the atmospheric properties and other aspects of planetary science, solar science, and fundamental physics were studied by scientists. Radio Science data was always extracted from a received pure residual carrier (without data modulation). For some missions, it is very desirable to obtain Radio Science data from a suppressed carrier modulation. In this paper we propose a method to extract Radio Science data when a coded suppressed carrier modulation is used in deep space communications. Type of modulation can be BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, MPSK or even GMSK. However we concentrate mostly on BPSK modulation. The proposed method for suppressed carrier simply tries to wipe out data that acts as an interference for Radio Science measurements. In order to measure the estimation errors in amplitude and phase of the Radio Science data we use Cramer-Rao bound (CRB). The CRB for the suppressed carrier modulation with non-ideal data wiping is then compared with residual carrier modulation under the same noise condition. The method of derivation of CRB for non-ideal data wiping is an innovative method that presented here. Some numerical results are provided for coded system.

Cramer-Rao bound↗

Development of Data Reporting Standards for High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) Thermal-Fluid Experiments

Since 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy's Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) has been at the forefront of nuclear research, specifically concentrating on advancing high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies. By Fiscal Year 2023, NEUP has authorized 35 projects dedicated to HTGR research, each contributing significantly to the enhancement of our understanding of this technology. The outcomes of these diverse projects have been disseminated through final NEUP reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and presentations at academic conferences, forming a comprehensive tapestry of knowledge. Despite the substantial value of these findings, their dissemination has been fragmented, posing challenges for accessibility to researchers and policymakers and leading to underutilization of DOE investments. Recognizing this critical gap and its potential consequences for the future of nuclear research, the Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) Gas-Cooled Reactor (GCR) program conducted an extensive survey of completed and ongoing HTGR NEUP projects. This survey enabled the compilation of crucial data, resulting in the development of a specialized public-access database tailored for computational fluid dynamics and system code validation, specifically designed for HTGR applications. However, the data collection process revealed a significant challenge in central data organization due to individual researchers from different institutes employing varying logics and preferences for recording and documenting experimental data. Consequently, an urgent need has been identified to establish a standardized reporting format for HTGR experimental projects. Addressing this issue is essential for enhancing collaboration, maximizing the impact of DOE investments, and ensuring the seamless advancement of HTGR technologies in nuclear research.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

HTGR Validation: NEUP Survey and Database - Data Reporting Standard for HTGR Thermal-Fluid Experiments

Since 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy's Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) has been at the forefront of nuclear research, specifically concentrating on advancing high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies. By Fiscal Year 2024, NEUP has authorized 36 projects dedicated to HTGR research, each contributing significantly to the enhancement of our understanding of this technology. The outcomes of these diverse projects have been disseminated through final NEUP reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and presentations at academic conferences, forming a comprehensive tapestry of knowledge. Despite the substantial value of these findings, their dissemination has been fragmented, posing challenges for accessibility to researchers and policymakers and leading to underutilization of DOE investments. Recognizing this critical gap and its potential consequences for the future of nuclear research, the Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) Gas-Cooled Reactor (GCR) program conducted an extensive survey of completed and ongoing HTGR NEUP projects. This survey enabled the compilation of crucial data, resulting in the development of a specialized public-access database tailored for computational fluid dynamics and system code validation, specifically designed for HTGR applications. However, the data collection process revealed a significant challenge in central data organization due to individual researchers from different institutes employing varying logics and preferences for recording and documenting experimental data. Consequently, an urgent need has been identified to establish a standardized reporting format for HTGR experimental projects. Addressing this issue is essential for enhancing collaboration, maximizing the impact of DOE investments, and ensuring the seamless advancement of HTGR technologies in nuclear research.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Fuel Performance Evaluation of THOR-C Experiments

The Temperature Heatsink Overpower Response Commissioning (THOR-C) and THOR-Metal (THOR-M) experiments will be performed as part of an ongoing project for testing sodium fast reactor fuels with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). The THOR-C experiments consist of fresh metallic fuel pins and have been analyzed using the ABAQUS, Ansys codes and the BISON fuel performance code. THOR-M-Loss of Flow-1 (THOR-M-LOF-1) is designed to test an EBR-II irradiated fuel pin under LOF conditions. Simulation of the THOR-MLOF-1 experiment required first simulating the base irradiation of the fuel pin in EBR-II. MFUEL module of SAS4A/SASSYS-1 [1] is a physics-based metallic fuel performance model applicable to the normal operation, transient scenarios and fuel failure modeling including scenarios with bulk fuel melting. The model has been validated using EBR-II normal operation, separate effect transient tests as well as TREAT M-Series transient tests [2]. In this study, MFUEL models has been utilized together with a new capsule heat transfer model developed in this project. The new heat transfer model was necessary due to (1) significant amount of heat losses that required 2D heat transfer, (2) the presence of a titanium heat sink, rejecting a significant amount of heat, and (3) stagnant coolant conditions, which are inconsistent with SAS4A/SASSYS-1 (SAS) heat transfer model. Updates to SAS4A/SASSYS-1 and MFUEL has been described below, followed by a preliminary validation effort using the results from THOR-C-2 fresh fuel capsule experiment. A previous study for THOR-C-2 analysis using BISON code is also utilized in this study to model this test [3]. [1] D. O’Grady, A. J. Brunett, L. Ibarra, A. Karahan, T. Kim, T. S. Sumner, R. Thomas, T. H. Fanning, “The SAS4A/SASSYS-2 Version 5.7 Safety Analysis Code System,” Argonne National Laboratory,ANL/NSE-SAS/5.7, (2023). [2] A. Karahan, T. Kim, T. Fanning, D. O’Grady, “Validation of MFUEL Metal Fuel Performance Models of SAS4A/SASSYS-1,” Argonne National Laboratory, ANL/NSE-23/11, (2023). [3] M. Mihelish, A. Zabriskie, K. Paaren, P. Medvedev, C. Jensen, “Fuel Performance Predictions for the TREAT THOR-C Experiments,” Idaho National Laboratory, INL/RPT-23-73397, Revision 0, (2023)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Development of a Representative Molten Chloride Fast Reactor Model to Assess the Impact of Nuclear Data

The SCALE code system was employed to conduct a preliminary investigation of nuclear data impacts for a fast spectrum molten chloride salt reactor. A computationally effective depletion model that is representative of the reactor system was successfully developed and used to conduct fuel depletion simulations. Development of this model draws from the SLICE method that was developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to enable generation of fuel compositions for an advanced reactor core at equilibrium operation. Eigenvalue uncertainty calculations using the ENDF/B-VII.1 nuclear data library were performed for the reactor in the fresh fuel state and an irradiated fuel state. It was determined that the primary driver of eigenvalue uncertainty was the uncertainty in the 235U (n, 𝛾) cross section. Uncertainty calculation results from this study were compared to results available for a different fast system, a sodium-cooled fast reactor, to confirm similarities and identify differences with respect to nuclear data impacts between the two fast advanced reactor systems.

Hirji, Rakim [Georgia Institute of Technology]↗

Modeling a Thermal-Spectrum LEU-fueled Molten Salt Reactor Co-fueled with Thorium in SCALE 6.3.1 and Serpent-2

Interest in the development of advanced nuclear fission reactors for commercial electricity production has risen in recent years, with Generation IV reactor designs offering numerous advantages in safety, efficiency, fuel cycle sustainability, and waste management. In particular, thorium-fueled molten salt reactors (MSRs) are considerably promising for enhancing fuel cycle sustainability in their ability to breed fissile 233U fuel from thorium, a presently untapped and widely abundant resource. A novel MSR fuel cycle concept, the ”Sourdough” refueling and waste management strategy, has previously been demonstrated with a traditional uranium-based fuel cycle in a thermal-spectrum MSR operating with low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel with favorable neutronic performance. However, the ability to use this unique fuel cycle approach with thorium-based molten salt fuels has not yet been studied. In this work, the Sourdough fuel cycle was implemented in a small, thermal-spectrum MSR fueled with high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) and fertile 232Th for breeding 233U fuel. Relevant neutronic data, including fuel and isothermal temperature feedback behavior, was studied using the SCALE 6.3.1 and Serpent-2 code systems, and keff data was measured during simulated depletion at 400 MWth. The Sourdough fuel cycle concept is shown to perform favorably with a thorium-fueled MSR model, thus warranting further study into its use in other MSR designs.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Nuclear Data Libraries Sensitivity Studies for ORSA Using SCALE

Subcritical assemblies offer valuable training capabilities in nuclear criticality safety (NCS) for individuals handling fissile material. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL), the Oak Ridge Subcritical Assembly (ORSA), a new experimental facility, is being established to provide hands-on training for the Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP).It is essential to accurately determine the neutron multiplication factor (keff) to ensure that ORSA remains subcritical and safe during operations. This study investigated the sensitivity of keff to variations across Evaluated Nuclear Data File (ENDF/B) libraries, consisting of ENDF/B-VII.1, ENDF/B-VIII.0, and ENDF/B-VIII.1. The analysis was conducted using the CSAS6 sequence in the SCALE-6.3 code system. Individual isotopes in the ORSA model were replaced one at a time with ENDF/B-VII.1 as the base library and changing to ENDF/B-VIII.0or ENDF/B-VIII.1. The results demonstrated that the changes in keffof the nuclides associated with the ORSA model were mostly within the uncertainty of the base model (~24 pcm), except for primary nuclides like Uranium-235and H-poly with few other nuclides. The relative delta keff values of Uranium-235 and H-poly, expressed in pcm, were +280 and -212 in ENDF/B-VIII.0 and +332 and -275 in ENDF/B-VIII.1, respectively, which were notable changes in reactivity. These results demonstrated that ORSA was largely insensitive to variations across these nuclear data libraries.

Hong, Evan [North Carolina State University]↗

The FORTRAN static source code analyzer program (SAP) system description

A source code analyzer program (SAP) designed to assist personnel in conducting studies of FORTRAN programs is described. The SAP scans FORTRAN source code and produces reports that present statistics and measures of statements and structures that make up a module. The processing performed by SAP and of the routines, COMMON blocks, and files used by SAP are described. The system generation procedure for SAP is also presented.

Decker, W.↗

Hierarchical Bayesian modeling for Inverse Uncertainty Quantification of system thermal-hydraulics code using critical flow experimental data

The best estimate plus uncertainty methodology in nuclear system thermal-hydraulic studies necessitates a comprehensive understanding of uncertainties in system code predictions. The forward uncertainty quantification (UQ) process involves the propagation of input uncertainties through the computational models to obtain uncertainties in the outputs. To this end, achieving an accurate estimation of input uncertainties is important, which is the focus of inverse UQ (IUQ). Traditionally, research in Bayesian IUQ within the nuclear engineering domain has largely relied on single-level Bayesian inference. While being effective for relatively small datasets, this approach encounters limitations for cases with large datasets. The use of a single-level model may prove inefficient, as the resultant posterior distributions can significantly differ when distinct subsets of data are employed. To address this issue, we employ an hierarchical Bayesian model for IUQ. Furthermore, this approach involves organizing observations into different groups based on the test conditions, thereby accommodating varying calibration parameters across these distinct groups. In this study, we developed and implemented a hierarchical Bayesian IUQ method to consider the grouping effect of critical flow measurement data from various geometries. Comparing the outcomes of IUQ under different selections of test data using hierarchical Bayesian IUQ against those obtained from single-level Bayesian IUQ, the forward propagation of hierarchical Bayesian IUQ results demonstrates a notably improved agreement with the experimental data.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Graphics-System Color-Code Interface

Circuit originally developed for a flight simulator interfaces a computer graphics system with color monitor. Subsystem is intended for particular display computer (AGT-130, ADAGE Graphics Terminal) and specific color monitor (beam penetration tube--Penetron). Store-and-transmit channel is one of five in graphics/color-monitor interface. Adding 5-bit color code to existing graphics programs requires minimal programing effort.

Tulppo, J. S.↗

Surface acoustic wave coding for orthogonal frequency coded devices

Methods and systems for coding SAW OFC devices to mitigate code collisions in a wireless multi-tag system. Each device producing plural stepped frequencies as an OFC signal with a chip offset delay to increase code diversity. A method for assigning a different OCF to each device includes using a matrix based on the number of OFCs needed and the number chips per code, populating each matrix cell with OFC chip, and assigning the codes from the matrix to the devices. The asynchronous passive multi-tag system includes plural surface acoustic wave devices each producing a different OFC signal having the same number of chips and including a chip offset time delay, an algorithm for assigning OFCs to each device, and a transceiver to transmit an interrogation signal and receive OFC signals in response with minimal code collisions during transmission.

Malocha, Donald↗

Service Provider Agnostic Adaptive Coding and Modulation System Design

Commercial service providers (CSPs) are increasingly used to provide communications services to near-Earth science and exploration missions. CSPs commonly utilize modems that are designed to implement adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) in unique ways with modems from the same vendor. However, some missions cannot fly a matching vendor modem, either because the vendor only designs modems for terrestrial use, or the mission needs to fly a software defined radio. We present an ACM system design that allows missions to implement ACM on DVB-S2 compliant CSP links without needing to fly a modem from the same vendor the CSP uses. We implement and test our design in an emulated communications testbed. These tests demonstrate that our ACM system design can successfully adapt to link quality changes up to 6.12 dB/second.

Adaptive coding and modulation↗

Service Provider Agnostic Adaptive Coding and Modulation System Design

Commercial service providers (CSPs) are increasingly used to provide communications services to near-Earth science and exploration missions. CSPs commonly utilize modems that are designed to implement adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) in unique ways with modems from the same vendor. However, some missions cannot fly a matching vendor modem, either because the vendor only designs modems for terrestrial use, or the mission needs to fly a software defined radio. We present an ACM system design that allows missions to implement ACM on DVB-S2 compliant CSP links without needing to fly a modem from the same vendor the CSP uses. We implement and test our design in an emulated communications testbed. These tests demonstrate that our ACM system design can successfully adapt to link quality changes up to 6.12 dB/second.

Adaptive coding and modulation↗

Error control techniques for satellite and space communications

The unequal error protection capabilities of convolutional and trellis codes are studied. In certain environments, a discrepancy in the amount of error protection placed on different information bits is desirable. Examples of environments which have data of varying importance are a number of speech coding algorithms, packet switched networks, multi-user systems, embedded coding systems, and high definition television. Encoders which provide more than one level of error protection to information bits are called unequal error protection (UEP) codes. In this work, the effective free distance vector, d, is defined as an alternative to the free distance as a primary performance parameter for UEP convolutional and trellis encoders. For a given (n, k), convolutional encoder, G, the effective free distance vector is defined as the k-dimensional vector d = (d(sub 0), d(sub 1), ..., d(sub k-1)), where d(sub j), the j(exp th) effective free distance, is the lowest Hamming weight among all code sequences that are generated by input sequences with at least one '1' in the j(exp th) position. It is shown that, although the free distance for a code is unique to the code and independent of the encoder realization, the effective distance vector is dependent on the encoder realization.

Costello, Daniel J., Jr.↗

Channel coding and data compression system considerations for efficient communication of planetary imaging data

End-to-end system considerations involving channel coding and data compression are reported which could drastically improve the efficiency in communicating pictorial information from future planetary spacecraft. In addition to presenting new and potentially significant system considerations, this report attempts to fill a need for a comprehensive tutorial which makes much of this very subject accessible to readers whose disciplines lie outside of communication theory.

Rice, R. F.↗