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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 37 records · Page 2

NEUTRON-IRRADIATION–INDUCED DAMAGE ASSESSMENT IN CONCRETE USING COMBINED PHASE CHARACTERIZATION AND NONLINEAR FAST FOURIER TRANSFORM SIMULATION

Understanding irradiation effects in concrete cavities of light water reactors is critical to the long-term operation (60+ years) of US nuclear power plants. Susceptibility of concrete to neutron irradiation greatly varies as a function of its constituents: coarse aggregates, sand, and hardened cement paste (hcp). In particular, higher irradiation–susceptibility of aggregates was found to be a direct function of radiation-induced volumetric expansion (RIVE), or the propensity of aggregates to swell as a function of mineral contents, structures and textures. Irradiation-induced amorphization is accompanied by significant swelling, especially in silicates. For example, the maximum volumetric expansions of quartz and feldspars have been shown to be as large as ≈ 18% and ≈ 8%, respectively, while the change of density in calcite remains rather low (≈ 0.3–0.5%). High swelling is associated with a high number of covalent bonds (Si–O) and a high degree of polymerization of [SiO4] tetrahedrons. Differential RIVEs between rock-forming minerals cause high stresses and may potentially develop cracking within the aggregates at the interface between aggregates and the hcp and within the hcp. Modeling neutron-irradiation effects in concrete requires addressing the problem at a scale that captures both the details of the aggregates’ mineralogy and texture, which is <~ 100 μm, and the representative size of concrete, which is ~ 10 cm. This requires high-resolution, large mapping capabilities. To this end, the US Department of Energy (DOE) Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program developed an original tool suite called Microstructure Oriented Scientific Analysis of Irradiated Concrete (MOSAIC) in which Nonlinear 2D-fast Fourier transform (FFT) techniques are employed to model mechanical or irradiation-induced cracking of high-resolution complex microstructures derived from combined mapping techniques, including micro x-ray fluorescence (m-XRF), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), ellipsometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Irradiated mineral properties are derived from the Irradiated Minerals, Aggregate and Concrete (IMAC) database, which includes available relevant literature data. Rigorous coupled damage-creep simulations are obtained through sequential linear analysis. Illustrations of actual accelerated irradiation-damage propagation in a complex microstructures are presented herein.

Le Pape, Yann↗

On the Training and Generalization of Deep Operator Networks

Here, we present a novel training method for deep operator networks (DeepONets), one of the most popular neural network models for operators. DeepONets are constructed by two subnetworks, namely the branch and trunk networks. Typically, the two subnetworks are trained simultaneously, which amounts to solving a complex optimization problem in a high dimensional space. In addition, the nonconvex and nonlinear nature makes training very challenging. To tackle such a challenge, we propose a two-step training method that trains the trunk network first and then sequentially trains the branch network. The core mechanism is motivated by the divide-and-conquer paradigm and is the decomposition of the entire complex training task into two subtasks with reduced complexity. Therein the Gram–Schmidt orthonormalization process is introduced which significantly improves stability and generalization ability. On the theoretical side, we establish a generalization error estimate in terms of the number of training data, the width of DeepONets, and the number of input and output sensors. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the two-step training method, including Darcy flow in heterogeneous porous media.

deep operator networks↗

Demonstration of no catalytical activity of Fe–N–C and Nb–N–C electrocatalysts toward nitrogen reduction using in–line quantification

Ammonia (NH 3 ) production via the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a promising method for sustainable generation of this important chemical. Efforts are ongoing in finding an efficient, stable, and selective catalyst that will enable the reaction. However, progress is hindered in the field due to lack of reproducibility, most likely a consequence of reports of false-positive results due to improper measurement control and methods. In this study, we explore the NRR activity of a promising class of single atom catalysts, transition metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) electrocatalysts. Using a state-of-the-art in-line ammonia quantification methodology, with detection limit as low as 1 ppb for ammonia, we show that single atom Nb and Fe embedded in a stable carbon and nitrogen framework do not electrochemically reduce N 2 to NH 3 . Critically, this demonstrates that our experimental setup with in-line sequential injection analysis successfully excludes ammonia contamination from the gas supply and atmospheric sources, allowing for thorough and high-throughput examination of potential NRR catalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Cadmium retention and distribution in contaminated soil: effects and interactions of soil properties, contamination level, aging time and in situ immobilization agents

As soil cadmium (Cd) contamination becomes a serious concern and one of the significant environmental pollution issues all over the world, knowledge of the basic chemistry, origin, inputs, sources, quantity, chemical forms, reactions, as well as the fate and transport of Cd in different types of soil is crucial for better understanding Cd bioavailability, health risks and remedial options. This study aimed to increase the current knowledge on the complex interdependence between the factors affecting behavior, transport and fate of Cd in the soil and to test and compare the performance of the stabilization agents in different soil types. Soils demonstrated various sorption affinity and capacity for Cd accumulation, which proved to be positively correlated with soil pH and the cation exchange capacity (CEC). With increasing levels of contamination, sequential extraction analysis showed the highest increase of relative Cd amounts in the exchangeable fraction regardless of the soil properties, suggesting that added Cd is principally associated with the easily accessible and mobile fraction. For different initial Cd concentrations and soil types, Cd sorption reached the quasi-equilibrium within 24 h of contact. Prolonged aging (two months) influenced the natural stabilization of Cd in all types of soil, but only at low contamination level. The application of both, conventional (slaked lime Ca(OH) 2) and alternative phosphate-rich (annealed bovine bones B 400) amendments, resulted in Cd relocation and reduction of exchangeable Cd content. Although the effect was smaller when apatite amendment was utilized, observed re-distribution of Cd to more stable soil fractions is preferable for achieving long-term stabilization. Cd concentrations extracted in exchangeable and acid soluble fractions after the treatments of contaminated soil samples suggest that the practical applicability of in situ immobilization depends on the soil properties and the level of contamination, as well as that effect, should be monitored for the possible re-mobilization of Cd. © 2019 Elsevier Inc.

02 PETROLEUM↗

Full-scale 3-D finite element modeling of a two-loop pressurized water reactor for heat transfer, thermal–mechanical cyclic stress analysis, and environmental fatigue life estimation

This paper discusses a system-level finite element model of a two-loop pressurized water reactor (PWR). Based on this model, system-level heat transfer analysis and subsequent sequentially coupled thermal-mechanical stress analysis were performed for typical thermal-mechanical fatigue cycles. The in-air fatigue lives of example components, such as the hot and cold legs, were estimated on the basis of stress analysis results, ASME in-air fatigue life estimation criteria, and fatigue design curves. Furthermore, environmental correction factors and associated PWR environment fatigue lives for the hot and cold legs were estimated by using estimated stress and strain histories and the approach described in US-NRC report: NUREG-6909.

Full-scale 3-D finite element model, Pressurized w↗

A Review of Flow Analysis Methods for Determination of Radionuclides in Nuclear Wastes and Nuclear Reactor Coolants

The safety and security nuclear power plant operations depends on the application of the most appropriate techniques and methods of chemical analysis, where modern flow analysis methods find increasing applications. Nevetheless, the current status of development of these methods is more limited than might be expected from their authentic advantages. The main aim of this contribution is to review automated flow analysis procedures developed with various detection methods for application in the nuclear energy industry. The flow analysis methods for determination of radionuclides that have been reported to date have been primarily focused mainly on environmental applications. The needs and benefits of the application of flow methods for the monitoring of nuclear wastes and for process analysis of the primary circuit coolants of light water nuclear reactors are discussed. Application of continuous flow methods (CFA) or injection methods (FIA, SIA) of flow analysis with radiometric detection shorterns the time of analysis and improves precision of determinations due to mechanization of time-consuming operations of sample processing. The use of mass spectrometry (MS) detection enables multicomponent analyses and determination of transuranic isotopes with much better limits of detection compared to radiometric detection.

radiochemical analysis, Sequential Injection and F↗

On the Structural Origin of Fast Li-Ion Cycling in Tetragonal Bronze-Type Nb 8 W 9 O 47

Bronze and bronze-derived, mixed metal oxides are materials of growing interest for lithium-ion battery anodes due to their high-rate capabilities and the potential for high energy densities via multielectron redox. We report on the synthesis and electrochemical properties of the tetragonal tungsten bronzetype phase Nb 8 W 9 O 47 and our investigation into the structural evolution of this phase upon lithium (de)intercalation, with particular attention to how it relates to the fast-cycling capabilities. Electrochemical cycling shows Nb 8 W 9 O 47 can achieve greater than one Li + per transition metal at rates of C/2 or slower and maintains a capacity equivalent to 0.65 Li + per transition metal at a rate of 20C. Sequential Rietveld analysis of operando X-ray diffraction data reveals anisotropic changes to the unit cell parameters during discharge, accompanied by an off-centering of the transition metals within their octahedral environments. While higher capacities can be accessed below 1.2 V, cells discharged to 1.0 V exhibit a significant expansion of the unit cell volume and reduced Coulombic efficiencies. This report suggests that rigid crystal structures incapable of undergoing polyhedral rotational deformations can instead exploit displacive distortions of the transition metal redox center to enable fast Li-ion cycling with minimal atomic rearrangements.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Compositional modulated atomic layer stacking and uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy of CoPt alloy sputtered films with close-packed plane orientation

An atomic layer stacking structure in hexagonal close packed (hcp) Co{sub 100−x}Pt{sub x} alloy films with c-plane sheet texture was directly observed by a high-angle annular dark-field imaging scanning transmission electron microscopy. The analysis of sequential and/or compositional atomic layer stacking structure and uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy (K{sub u} = K{sub u1} + K{sub u2}) revealed that (1) integrated intensity of the superlattice diffraction takes the maximum at x = 20 at. % and shows broadening feature against x for the film fabricated under the substrate temperature (T{sub sub}) of 400 °C. (2) Compositional separation structure in atomic layers is formed for the films fabricated under T{sub sub} = 400 °C. A sequential alternative stacking of atomic layers with different compositions is hardly formed in the film with x = 50 at. %, whereas easily formed in the film with x = 20 at. %. This peculiar atomic layer stacking structure consists of in-plane-disordered Pt-rich and Pt-poor layers, which is completely different from the so-called atomic site ordered structure. (3) A face centered cubic atomic layer stacking as faults appeared in the host hcp atomic layer stacking exists in accompanies with irregularities for the periodicity of the compositional modulation atomic layers. (4) K{sub u1} takes the maximum of 1.4 × 10{sup 7 }erg/cm{sup 3} at around x = 20 at. %, whereas K{sub u2} takes the maximum of 0.7 × 10{sup 7 }erg/cm{sup 3} at around x = 40 at. %, which results in the maximum of 1.8 × 10{sup 7 }erg/cm{sup 3} of K{sub u} at x = 30 at. % and a shoulder in compositional dependence of K{sub u} in the range of x = 30–60 at. %. Not only compositional separation of atomic layers but also sequential alternative stacking of different compositional layers is quite important to improve essential uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Speckle correlation as a monitor of X-ray free-electron laser induced crystal lattice deformation

X-ray free-electron lasers (X-FELs) present new opportunities to study ultrafast lattice dynamics in complex materials. While the unprecedented source brilliance enables high fidelity measurement of structural dynamics, it also raises experimental challenges related to the understanding and control of beam-induced irreversible structural changes in samples that can ultimately impact the interpretation of experimental results. This is also important for designing reliable high performance X-ray optical components. In this work, X-FEL beam-induced lattice alterations are investigated by measuring the shot-to-shot evolution of near-Bragg coherent scattering from a single crystalline germanium sample. It is shown that X-ray photon correlation analysis of sequential speckle patterns measurements can be used to monitor the nature and extent of lattice rearrangements. Additionally, abrupt, irreversible changes are observed following intermittent high-fluence monochromatic X-ray pulses, thus revealing the existence of a threshold response to X-FEL pulse intensity.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

An Approximation Algorithm for a Task Allocation, Sequencing and Scheduling Problem Involving a Human-Robot Team

Here we present an approximation algorithm for a Task Allocation, Sequencing and Scheduling Problem (TASSP) involving a team of human operators and robots. The robots have to travel to a given set of targets and collaboratively work on the tasks at the targets with the human operators. The problem aims to find a sequence of targets for each robot to visit and schedule the tasks at the targets with the human operators such that each target is visited exactly once by some robot, the scheduling constraints are satisfied and the maximum mission time of any robot is minimum. This problem is a generalization of the single Traveling Salesman Problem and is NP-Hard. Given k robots and m human operators, an algorithm is developed for solving the TASSP with an approximation ratio equal to 5/2- 1/k when m ≥ k and equal to 7/2 -1/k otherwise. Computational results are also presented to corroborate the performance of the proposed algorithm.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DERHCAT (Distributed Energy Resource Hosting Capacity Analysis Tool) [SWR-16-32]

NREL's advanced hosting capacity analysis and System Analysis Reports can help utilities, policymakers, and solar developers better understand the impact of adding new distributed photovoltaic (DPV) systems to the electrical distribution system. Advanced hosting capacity analysis considers the thresholds at which new DPV systems will trigger upgrades or changes to the electrical distribution system and evaluates the cost of different options for expanding the hosting capacity. It is one part of NREL's work to help stakeholders better understand the distribution system costs associated with integrating new DPV systems at different penetration levels. NREL's analysis uses a bottom-up methodology that involves simulating distribution systems. The analysis considers sequential increases in hosting capacity and corresponding upgrade costs from a baseline scenario with no DPV up to penetration levels greater than 100% of peak load.

Ding, Fei↗

Assessment of the beta-delayed proton decay rate of 11 Be

The 11 Be neutron halo nucleus appears to decay into 10 Be with a rate that exceeds expectations. Neutron disappearance into dark matter, beta decay of a halo neutron, or beta-delayed proton decay have been offered as explanations. In this work we study the latter option; we carry out shell model calculations and sequential decay analysis examining the beta-delayed proton decay going through a resonance in 11 B. Finally, the narrow energy window, lack of states with sufficient spectroscopic strength, overwhelming alpha decay branch, all make reconciling the observed rate with beta-delayed proton decay difficult.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

High speed spectroscopy using temporal positioned optical fibers with an optical scanner mirror

Systems and methods for examining spectral data over the course of a high speed event are described. The systems and methods can enable observation of the spectral evolution of a transient phenomenon into segment intervals on the order of, milliseconds or microseconds. The methods include reflecting light from an event off of a rotating mirror and sequentially delivering light from the mirror to a series of optical waveguides for sequential spectral analysis. The systems and methods can be useful in a wide variety of applications such as, LIBS applications; examination of high energy devices such as explosions or simulations of explosions; examination of deposition processes, e.g., coating formations; examination of chemical reactions; etc.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Quantifying and Reducing Uncertainty in Correlated Multi-Area Short-Term Load Forecasting

In this study, we represent and reduce the uncertainties in short-term electric load forecasting by integrating time series analysis tools including ARIMA modeling, sequential Gaussian simulation, and principal component analysis. The approaches are mainly focusing on maintaining the inter-dependency between multiple geographically related areas. These approaches are applied onto cross-correlated load time series as well as their forecast errors. Multiple short-term prediction realizations are then generated from the reduced uncertainty ranges, which are useful for power system risk analyses.

load forecast↗

Adaptive Sequential Monte Carlo for Multiple Changepoint Analysis

Process monitoring and control requires detection of structural changes in a data stream in real time. This paper introduces an efficient sequential Monte Carlo algorithm designed for learning unknown changepoints in continuous time. The method is intuitively simple: new changepoints for the latest window of data are proposed by conditioning only on data observed since the most recent estimated changepoint, as these observations carry most of the information about the current state of the process. The proposed method shows improved performance over the current state of the art. Another advantage of the proposed algorithm is that it can be made adaptive, varying the number of particles according to the apparent local complexity of the target changepoint probability distribution. This saves valuable computing time when changes in the changepoint distribution are negligible, and enables re-balancing of the importance weights of existing particles when a significant change in the target distribution is encountered. The plain and adaptive versions of the method are illustrated using the canonical continuous time changepoint problem of inferring the intensity of an inhomogeneous Poisson process, although the method is generally applicable to any changepoint problem. Performance is demonstrated using both conjugate and non-conjugate Bayesian models for the intensity. Lastly, appendices to the article are available online, illustrating the method on other models and applications.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Evolution and interplay of lithium metal interphase components revealed by experimental and theoretical studies

ABSTRACT: Lithium metal batteries (LMB) have high energy densities and are crucial for clean energy solutions. The characterization of lithium metal interphase is fundamentally and practically important but technically challenging. Taking advantage of synchrotron x-ray which has the unique capability of analyzing crystalline/amorphous phases quantitative-ly with statistical significance, we study the composition and dynamics of LMB interphase for a newly developed im-portant LMB electrolyte that is based on fluorinated ether. Pair distribution function analysis revealed the sequential role of anion and solvent in interphase formation during cycling. The relative ratio between Li2O and LiF first increases and then decreases during cycling, suggesting suppressed Li2O formation in both initial and long extended cycles. Theoretical studies revealed that in initial cycles, this is due to the energy barrier in many-electron transfer. In long extended cycles, the anion decomposition product Li2O encourages solvent decomposition by facilitating solvent adsorption on Li2O which is followed by concurrent depletion of both. This work highlights the important role of Li2O in transitioning from anion-derived interphase to a solvent-derived one.

Tan, Sha↗

A new numerically stable sequential algorithm for coupled finite-strain elastoplastic geomechanics and flow

In this work, we propose a new numerically stable sequential implicit method for coupled flow and finite-strain multiplicative elastoplastic geomechanics. We find from stability analysis that the sequential method that solves the flow problem first by fixing the first Piola-Kirchhoff total stress, solving the geomechanics (solid deformation) problem at the next step, is unconditionally stable (contractive and B-stable). In this sense, this method named the fixed first Piola-Kirchhoff stress method is an extension of the fixed stress method in coupled flow and infinitesimal geomechanics. We also study the fixed second Piola-Kirchhoff stress method, comparing it with the fixed first Piola-Kirchhoff stress method, because the constitutive relations are formulated by the second Piola-Kirchhoff total stress, although fixing the second Piola-Kirchhoff total stress field does not provide theoretical unconditional stability. In space discretization, we use the finite element method for the geomechanics problem with the total Lagrangian approach, while employing the finite volume method for the flow problem. Geometrical nonlinearity from the total Lagrangian approach results in full-tensor permeability even if the initial permeability is isotropic. To consider the full-tensor permeability accurately, we employ the multipoint flux approximation in solving the flow problem. In time discretization, the backward Euler method is used. Then, we perform numerical experiments of the two fixed-stress sequential methods with various scenarios, and find superiority of their numerical stability. Specifically, the two fixed-stress sequential methods provide almost identical results for elasticity. For J2 plasticity, the two sequential methods yield slightly different numerical results although the trends of the results are similar. For the Drucker-Prager plasticity, we find that the results from the two methods are almost identical. For all the test cases, the two sequential methods are numerically stable.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗