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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.

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At least 325 records · Page 18

The development of a high-resolution Eulerian radiation-hydrodynamics simulation capability for laser-driven Hohlraums

Hohlraums are hollow cylindrical cavities with high-Z material walls used to convert laser energy into uniform x-ray radiation drives for inertial confinement fusion capsule implosions and high energy density physics experiments. Credible computational modeling of hohlraums requires detailed modeling and coupling of laser physics, hydrodynamics, radiation transport, heat transport, and atomic physics. We report on improvements to Los Alamos National Laboratory's xRAGE radiation-hydrodynamics code in order to enable hohlraum modeling. xRAGE's Eulerian hydrodynamics and adaptive mesh refinement make it uniquely well suited to study the impacts of multiscale features in hohlraums. In order to provide confidence in this new modeling capability, we demonstrate xRAGE's ability to produce reasonable agreement with data from several benchmark hohlraum experiments. We also use xRAGE to perform integrated simulations of a recent layered high density carbon capsule implosion on the National Ignition Facility in order to evaluate the potential impacts of the capsule support tent, mixed cell conductivity methodologies, plasma transport, and cross-beam energy transfer (XBT). We find that XBT, seeded by plasma flows in the laser entrance hole (LEH), causes a slight decrease in energy coupling to the capsule and that all of these impact the symmetry of the x-ray drive such that they have an appreciable impact on the capsule implosion shape.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Search for long-lived particles with displaced vertices in multijet events in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

Results are reported from a search for long-lived particles in proton-proton collisions at √s=13 TeV delivered by the CERN LHC and collected by the CMS experiment. The data sample, which was recorded during 2015 and 2016, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 38.5 fb -1 . This search uses benchmark signal models in which long-lived particles are pair-produced and each decays into two or more quarks, leading to a signal with multiple jets and two displaced vertices composed of many tracks. No events with two well-separated high-track-multiplicity vertices are observed. Upper limits are placed on models of R-parity violating supersymmetry in which the long-lived particles are neutralinos or gluinos decaying solely into multijet final states or top squarks decaying solely into dijet final states. For neutralino, gluino, or top squark masses between 800 and 2600 GeV and mean proper decay lengths between 1 and 40 mm, the analysis excludes cross sections above 0.3 fb at 95% confidence level. Gluino and top squark masses are excluded below 2200 and 1400 GeV, respectively, for mean proper decay lengths between 0.6 and 80 mm. A method is provided for extending the results to other models with pair-produced long-lived particles.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

SU-E-T-555: A Protontherapy Inverse Treatment Planning System Prototype with Linear Energy Transfer (LET) Optimization

Purpose: Develop and benchmark an inverse treatment planning system (TPS) for proton radiotherapy integrating fast analytical dose and LET calculations in patient geometries and a dual objective function with both dose and LET components, enabling us to apply optimization techniques to improve the predicted outcome of treatments based on radiobiological models. Methods: The software package was developed in MATLAB and implements a fluence-dose calculation technique based on a pencil beam model for dose calculations and a 3D LET model based on the extension of the LET in the radial direction as a function of the predicted radiological pathway. Both models were benchmarked against commissioning data from our institution, dose calculations performed with a commercial treatment planning system and Monte Carlo simulations. The optimization is based on the adaptive simulated annealing approach . Results: The dose and LET calculations were tested in a water phantom and several real patient treatments. The pass rate for the gamma index analysis (3%/3mm) test was above 90% for all test cases analyzed, and the calculation time was of the order of seconds. The inverse planning module produced plans with a significantly higher mean LET in the target compared to traditional plans, without any loss of target coverage. The clinical relevance of this improvement is under consideration . Conclusion: The developed treatment planning system is a valuable clinical and research tool that enables us to incorporate LET effects into proton radiotherapy planning in a streamlined fashion.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Prospects for discovery and spin discrimination of dark matter in Higgs portal DM models and their extensions at 100 TeV $pp$ collider

We study the discovery and discriminating prospects of the Higgs portal dark matter (DM) models for scalar, fermion and vector DM and their extensions in proton–proton (pp) collisions. The $t\bar{t}$+DM associated production in dileptonic final states is considered, in which the stransverse mass of two leptons is found to be effective in suppressing the Standard Model backgrounds along with the missing transverse energy and the angle between two leptons. The distributions of missing transverse energy and polar angle between two leptons are used for a discrimination of the spin nature of DM. For the proposed benchmark points, the discovery/exclusion can be made with an integrated luminosity less than 1 ab -1 given a 1% systematic uncertainty, while the spin discrimination require integrated luminosity of a few O(10) ab -1 given a 0.5% systematic uncertainty. The DM phenomenology is also discussed. A consistent DM candidate can be obtained either by extending our model where the Higgs portal couples to excited dark states that decay into DM, or modifying the coupling form into pseudoscalar.

100 TeV pp collider↗

Real-Twin

Real-Twin is a unified, model-agnostic scenario generation tool designed to streamline and standardize the evaluation of emerging mobility technologies. It provides an end-to-end framework that includes robust workflows, integrated tools, and comprehensive metrics to generate, calibrate, and benchmark microscopic traffic simulation scenarios across multiple platforms. Key Features of Real-Twin include: - Unified Scenario Generation: generate transferable, simulation-ready scenarios from heterogeneous data sources using a consistent workflow. - Automated Calibration Workflow: bridges simulation and real-world data, minimizing manual effort and making traffic simulation more accessible to researchers and engineers. - Model-Agnostic Compatibility: supports SUMO, VISSIM, and AIMSUN for cross-platform scenario generation and benchmarking. Enables reliable comparisons and reproducibility across different simulation tools. - Consistent Scenarios across Different Simulators: generate comparable simulation scenarios across different microscopic traffic simulators, providing users the ability to conduct benchmarking and cross-validation that are crucial for ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of simulation results. - Emerging Technology Support: includes a scenario database and pipeline for studying autonomous vehicles (AVs), with planned extensions to CAVs, EVs, and other advanced technologies.

Wang, Chieh (Ross) [Oak Ridge National Laboratory ↗

Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Digital Twin for U.S. Cities

Over 50 participants—including national laboratory researchers, academic scholars, industry representatives, and stakeholders from the City of Chicago—convened in person and online to assess the readiness and potential of an Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Digital Twin (AIDT) for urban systems, with the Greater Chicago area serving as the benchmark location. The workshop underscored that the Chicago Urban Integrated Field Laboratory provides an unparalleled testbed for developing and validating urban DTs—combining dense, multiscale observations, advanced physics-based and AI modeling capabilities, and strong stakeholder and industry engagement. Discussions highlighted available datasets, AI architectures for high resolution, multipurpose urban DTs, key applications, and near- and long-term priorities for scaling this framework within Chicago and to other U.S. and global cities.

AIDT↗

Gaussian Process Optimization of Sensitivity-Based Similarity Metrics between New Nuclear Applications and New/Existing Benchmarks

Confidently designing safe, new nuclear criticality experiments requires expert judgement, which could take years of experience. Sensitivity/uncertainty (S/U) analysis can be utilized by less experienced individuals to conservatively estimate uncertainties in important parameters, such as k eff , in newly proposed nuclear applications. This type of analysis relies on matching new nuclear applications with existing benchmark experiments. The Whisper-1.1 software package included in MCNP6.2 ®1 contains more than 1,100 International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) benchmarks. These benchmarks however rarely match new nuclear applications. The number of benchmarks available to match a given set of materials or geometric configurations varies significantly. Furthermore, recently performed benchmark experiments may not have had enough time to be properly documented and published. Benchmarks are vital for determining the accuracy of nuclear data and can assist nuclear physics and evaluators in improving nuclear data libraries. Exhaustively exploring the parameter space using simulations with software such as MCNP is too computationally expensive. In this work, Gaussian process optimization was implemented to reduce the number of simulations needed for optimization over multiple parameters. This optimization scheme was designed to selectively generate new benchmarks with high sensitivity-based similarity metrics to user-defined nuclear applications. Two benchmark models of spherically nested shells containing plutonium, uranium, tantalum, and water were used in the optimization to match an application containing plutonium plates, stacked in a tantalum reflector, surrounded by water.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Beam loss modeling and mitigation due to intra-beam stripping

Intra-Beam Stripping (IBS) is a critical beam loss mechanism in high-intensity H- linacs and presents a significant limitation to increasing beam power. This work presents a computational framework to evaluate and mitigate IBS-induced beam loss along the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) LINAC. Our calculation is based on an analytic theory and involves evaluation of a 9D integral using the Monte-Carlo technique. We first benchmarked our calculations against simplified, analytically solvable cases. We then applied our algorithm to Gaussian bunches with a known probability density function (PDF). We next expanded our algorithm to arbitrary bunch distributions using the Neural Spline Flow (NSF) models trained on PyORBIT tracking data. In the future, we plan to validate our algorithm experimentally and apply it to design IBS mitigation strategies.

Nln, Shivam [ORNL]↗

Validation Data and Model Development for Fuel Assembly Response to Seismic Loads

Vibrations are inherently present in nuclear reactors, especially in cores and steam generators of pressurized water reactors (PWR). They can have significant effects on local heat transfer and wear and tear in the reactor and often set safety margins. The simulation of these multiphysics phenomena from first principles requires the coupling of several codes, which is one the most challenging tasks in modern computer simulation. Here an ambitious multiphysics multidisciplinary validation campaign is conducted. It relied on an integrated team of experimentalists and code developers to acquire benchmark and validation data for fluid-structure interaction codes. Data are focused on PWR fuel bundle behavior during seismic transients.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

A Guideline for the Assessment of Uniaxial Creep and Creep-Fatigue Data and Models

Of primary concern to FE practitioners is a determination of which constitutive models are the “best”, capable of reproducing the mechanisms expected in an intended design accurately; as well as what experimental datasets are proper or “best” to use for fitting the constitutive parameters needed for the model(s) of interest. In addition, the inherent uncertainty in experiments and the repeatability and stability of extrapolations (for long-lived FE components) is a major concern. The goal of this project is to develop a guideline for the assessment of uniaxial creep and creep-fatigue data and models. The research objectives are RO1) develop an aggregated database of creep and creep-fatigue data for P91 steel and 316 stainless steel and perform a systematic assessment of the uncertainty and integrity of the datasets. RO2) employ the database to benchmark existing creep and creep-fatigue models to evaluate the model’s ability to predict standard and nonstandard boundary conditions.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Potential Effect of Interfacial Bonding on Used Nuclear Fuel Vibration Reliability

This summary abstract describes the methodology used to evaluate the effect of pellet pellet and pellet clad interactions with consideration of the interfacial bonding efficiency on UNF vibration integrity. This methodology provides a solid roadmap for further protocol development with respect to effective lifetime prediction of a UNF system under normal transportation vibration. The proposed methodology that couples FEA simulations and experimental exploration efforts is also under development. The current methodology is focused on assessing the influence of interfacial bonding at the pellet pellet and the pellet clad interfaces on UNF vibration integrity. The FEA simulation results were also calibrated and benchmarked with the fatigue aging data obtained from reversible bending fatigue testing.

fuel-pellet interface↗

HyspIRI Low Latency Concept and Benchmarks

Topics include HyspIRI low latency data ops concept, HyspIRI data flow, ongoing efforts, experiment with Web Coverage Processing Service (WCPS) approach to injecting new algorithms into SensorWeb, low fidelity HyspIRI IPM testbed, compute cloud testbed, open cloud testbed environment, Global Lambda Integrated Facility (GLIF) and OCC collaboration with Starlight, delay tolerant network (DTN) protocol benchmarking, and EO-1 configuration for preliminary DTN prototype.

Mandl, Dan↗

Gaussian Process Optimization of Sensitivity-Based Similarity Metrics between New Nuclear Applications and New/Existing Benchmarks [Slides]

This presentation discusses Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) and how designing safe, new nuclear criticality experiments requires expert judgement, which could take years of experience. Sensitivity/uncertainty (S/U) analysis can be utilized by less experienced individuals to conservatively estimate uncertainties in important parameters, such as k eff , in newly proposed nuclear experiments. The presentation poses the question of how this analysis can be performed and states that the answer lies in matching new nuclear experiments with existing benchmark experiments using similarity metrics. By increasing the criticality safety of the application in this work, higher mass limits could be used in PF-4 operations. Additionally, the presentation discusses MCNP6.2®, Whisper-1.1, the software that can be used in this analysis. Also discussed is the fact that International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) benchmarks rarely match new nuclear applications and that there are significant differences in given set of materials and/or geometry. If there are no benchmarks that match the application, the presentation discusses the possibility of creating new benchmarks. In conclusion, this work presents a Gaussian process (GP) optimization scheme that was used to generate new benchmarks with the highest sensitivity-based similarity metrics to user-defined nuclear applications. The Gaussian process optimization successfully designed 3 new experimental benchmarks that were highly correlated to the application of interest and had k eff values near critical. Optimization over c k,i-r has shown that investigating specific isotope reactions for different applications is crucial to designing benchmark experiments. Partial contribution from Pu dominates c k similarity metric. Future work includes testing new stand-alone similarity metrics or new combinations of similarity metrics as the design criterion of this optimization – design criterion is application dependent.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Designing Critical Experiments using Gaussian Process Optimization [Slides]

When designing new nuclear applications, there may be a lack of similarity between the application and existing ICSBEP benchmarks. Without appropriate benchmark data, predictive simulations will have high uncertainty in parameters of interest, such as K eff . The goal of the project is to create an algorithm to optimally design critical experiments that match cross-section sensitivities of an application model while minimizing the number of simulation runs in the optimization.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

THE INFLUENCE OF CHANGES IN NUCLEAR COVARIANCE DATA ON THE CALCULATION OF Ck FOR HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM SOLUTION SYSTEMS

Since their initial development nearly 20 years ago, sensitivity/uncertainty (S/U) techniques have been increasingly applied to criticality safety validation. These techniques can generally be applied quickly and for a range of purposes after the initial investment of calculating sensitivities for a safety analysis model and a range of potential benchmark experiments. This paper discusses these applications and how they have been affected by changes in covariance data libraries.Critical experiment selection is the most prominent area in which S/U methods impact validation efforts. These methods allow for rigorous calculation of similarity between safety analysis models and potential benchmarks. The most widely used of these methods is the integral parameter ck, although other integral parameters such as E and some non-integral parameters have also been explored. The ck parameter calculates the fraction of nuclear data–induced uncertainty shared between an application and an experiment; this metric is predicated on the assessment that nuclear data errors are the most likely source of computational bias. Therefore, values of ck are inherently dependent on the nuclear covariance library used to calculate them and inevitably change when these data change.Past studies have shown how much the ck values can vary, especially in difficult validation cases like burnup credit. These significant changes are the result of differences in the relative uncertainties of nuclides with large sensitivities, and they imply differences in benchmark applicability to the safety analysis model. This paper demonstrates that more common criticality safety models involving single fissile species have significantly less variability of ck between covariance libraries, thus enhancing confidence in the application of S/U methods for experiment selection in these scenarios. This paper presents case studies examining the impact of these changes on some hypothetical safety analysis systems.

Clarity, Justin↗

Design of Critical Experiments Targeting Epithermal Cross Sections of Tantalum

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are collaborating to develop a capability to test the epithermal/intermediate cross sections of tantalum (Ta) at the SNL critical experiments facility using the Seven Percent Critical Experiment (7uPCX) fuel. The Sandia Critical Experiments (SCX) Program provides a specialized facility for performing water moderated and reflected critical experiments with UO 2 fuel rod arrays. A history of safe reactor operations and flexibility in reactor core configuration has resulted in the completion of several benchmark critical experiment evaluations that are published in the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) Handbook. The critical experiments described here are scheduled to be performed at SCX in fiscal year 2023. Currently, fabrication details for the needed new equipment are being finalized for completion of the procurement process. The experiments will then be executed and documented for publication consideration by the ICSBEP.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Impacts of benchmarking choices on inferred model skill of the Arctic–Boreal terrestrial carbon cycle

Abstract Land surface models require continuous validation against observations to improve and reduce simulation uncertainty. However, inferred model performance can be heavily influenced by subjective choices made in the selection and application of observational data products. A key area often misrepresented by models is the Arctic–Boreal region, which is a potential tipping point region in Earth’s climate system due to large permafrost carbon stocks that are vulnerable to release with climate warming. We use the International Land Model Benchmarking (ILAMB) framework to evaluate how the model skill of TRENDY-v9 models varies based on the choice of observational-based benchmark and how benchmarks are applied in model evaluation. This analysis uses global datasets integrated into ILAMB and new, regionally-specific observational products from the Arctic–Boreal Vulnerability Experiment. Our results cover the overall time period of 1979–2019 and show that model scores can vary substantially depending on the data product applied, with higher model scores indicating better model performance against observations. The lowest model scores occur when benchmarked against regional, compared to global, datasets. We also evaluate observed and modeled functional relationships between ecosystem respiration and air temperature and between gross primary production and precipitation. Here, we find that the magnitude and shape of the responses are strongly impacted by the choice of observational dataset and the approach used to construct the functional relationship benchmark. These results suggest that model evaluation studies could conclude a false sense of model skill if only using a single benchmark data product or if not applying regional data products when performing a regional model analysis. Collectively, our findings highlight the influence of benchmarking choices on model evaluation and point to the need for benchmarking guidelines when assessing model skill.

Poe, Jeralyn (ORCID:0000000318495278)↗

IER 498: Godiva-IV CAAS benchmark [Slides]

This presentation discusses the benchmark of the IER 498: Godiva-IV criticality accident alarm system (CAAS). It details the goal of the project which is to create a CAAS benchmark capability for Godiva-IV in order to create a shielding benchmark for NCSP software and data, to add geometrically diverse benchmark/benchmarks to the ICSBEP Handbook, to enable more precise measurements at NCERC, and to help assure CAAS performance is as-stated. It also states that work was completed on CED-1 in 2019 and that future work includes the completion of CED-2 in 2020.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗