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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

Bayesian Inference for the Seismic Moment Tensor Using Regional Waveforms and Teleseismic- P Polarities with a Data-Derived Distribution of Velocity Models and Source Locations

The largest source of uncertainty in any source inversion is the velocity model used in the transfer function that relates observed ground motion to the seismic moment tensor. However, standard inverse procedure often does not quantify uncertainty in the seismic moment tensor due to error in the Green’s functions from uncertain event location and Earth structure. Here, we incorporate this uncertainty into an estimation of the seismic moment tensor using a data-derived distribution of velocity models based on complementary geophysical data sets, including thickness constraints, velocity profiles, gravity data, surface-wave group velocities, and regional body-wave travel times. The data-derived distribution of velocity models is then used as a prior distribution of Green’s functions for use in Bayesian inference of an unknown seismic moment tensor using regional and teleseismic-P waveforms. The use of multiple data sets is important for gaining resolution to different components of the moment tensor. The combined likelihood is estimated using data-specific error models and the posterior of the seismic moment tensor is estimated and interpreted in terms of the most probable source type.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Thermal Hydraulics Analysis of a Divertor Monoblock Using SALAMANDER

Divertors are critical components in magnetic confinement fusion devices. One of the Divertor's crictial roles is absorbing the highest heat flux from the plasma. The Divertor accomplishes this through the use of divertor monoblocks and cooling channels. This work presents a thermal hydraulic analysis of a divertor monoblock using the Software for Advanced Large-scale Analysis of MAgnetic confinement for Numerical Design, Engineering and Research (SALAMANDER). SALAMANDER is an open source tool developed at Idaho National Laboratory for conducting multiphysics and multscale analysis of Plasma Facing Components (PFCs). For the monoblock, solid heat conduction is modeled in the block with a constant heat flux of 1E7 W/m^2 applied to the top of the block to represent peak heat flux from the plasma. The cooling channel (which is pressurized water at a Reynolds number of ~1,000,000) is modeled using a k-epsilon turbulence model with standard wall functions. The heat transfer between the solid and fluid domain is modeled using the Dittus-Boelter correlation for the convective heat transfer coefficient. This work aims to show the importance of a multiphysics modeling approach when performing simulations on PFCs.

70 - PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Leveraging transfer learning and leaf spectroscopy for leaf trait prediction with broad spatial, species, and temporal applicability

Accurate and reliable prediction of leaf traits is crucial for understanding plant adaptations to environmental variation, monitoring terrestrial ecosystems, and enhancing comprehension of functional diversity and ecosystem functioning. Currently, various approaches (e.g., statistical, physical models) have been developed to estimate leaf traits through hyperspectral remote sensing and leaf spectroscopy. However, the absence of high-performing, transferable, and stable models across various domains of space, plant functional types (PFTs) and seasons hinder our ability to quantify and comprehend spatiotemporal variations in leaf traits. This study proposes robust and highly transferable models for better predicting leaf traits with hyperspectral reflectance. Initially, three datasets were assembled, pairing common leaf traits — chlorophyll (Chla+b), carotenoids (Ccar), leaf mass per area (LAM), equivalent water thickness (EWT) — with leaf spectra measurements collected across diverse geographic locations in the U.S. and Europe, PFTs, and seasons. Measurements were acquired using spectroradiometers (e.g., ASD FieldSpec 3/4/Pro and SVC HR-1024i) with integrating spheres, leaf clips, and contact probes. Here, we then developed transfer learning-based hybrid models that incorporated the domain knowledge of radiative transfer models (RTMs) through pretraining processes and were well-constrained by fine-tuning with field measurements. Through comparison with other state-of-the-art statistical models, including partial-least squares regression (PLSR) and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), as well as pure physical models, we found that the proposed transfer learning models achieved better predictive performance and higher transferability. Specifically, compared to other statistical models and pure RTMs, the transfer learning model exhibited higher coefficient of determination (R 2 ) values with range of 0.01 to 0.79, lower normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) with range of 0.06 % to 33.25 % in model performance. Additionally, the models exhibited improved transferability, with higher R 2 values range from 0.04 to 0.32, lower NRMSE range from 0.08 % to 30.81 %. The findings underscore that transfer learning models through integrating domain knowledge from RTMs and limited observations, can harness the advantages of both RTMs and statistical models and serve as a promising approach for effectively predicting leaf traits.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Computational models of direct and indirect X‐ray breast imaging detectors for in silico trials

Abstract Background To facilitate in silico studies that investigate digital mammography (DM) and breast tomosynthesis (DBT), models replicating the variety in imaging performance of the DM and DBT systems, observed across manufacturers are needed. Purpose The main purpose of this work is to develop generic physics models for direct and indirect detector technology used in commercially available systems, with the goal of making them available open source to manufacturers to further tweak and develop the exact in silico replicas of their systems. Methods We recently reported on an in silico version of the SIEMENS Mammomat Inspiration DM/DBT system using an open‐source GPU‐accelerated Monte Carlo x‐ray imaging simulation code (MC‐GPU). We build on the previous version of the MC‐GPU codes to mimic the imaging performances of two other Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved DM/DBT systems, such as Hologic Selenia Dimensions (HSD) and the General Electric Senographe Pristina (GSP) systems. In this work, we developed a hybrid technique to model the optical spread and signal crosstalk observed in the GSP and HSD systems. MC simulations are used to track each x‐ray photon till its first interaction within the x‐ray detector. On the other hand, the signal spread in the x‐ray detectors is modeled using previously developed analytical equations. This approach allows us to preserve the modeling accuracy offered by MC methods in the patient body, while speeding up secondary carrier transport (either electron–hole pairs or optical photons) using analytical equations in the detector. The analytical optical spread model for the indirect detector includes the depth‐dependent spread and collection of optical photons and relies on a pre‐computed set of point response functions that describe the optical spread as a function of depth. To understand the capabilities of the computational x‐ray detector models, we compared image quality metrics like modulation transfer function (MTF), normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE), simulated with our models against measured data. Please note that the purpose of these comparisons with measured data would be to gauge if the model developed as part of this work could replicate commercially used direct and indirect technology in general and not to achieve perfect fits with measured data. Results We found that the simulated image quality metrics such as MTF, NNPS, and DQE were in reasonable agreement with experimental data. To demonstrate the imaging performance of the three DM/DBT systems, we integrated the detector models with the VICTRE pipeline and simulated DM images of a fatty breast model containing a spiculated mass and a calcium oxalate cluster. In general, we found that the images generated using the indirect model appeared more blurred with a different noise texture and contrast as compared to the systems with direct detectors. Conclusions We have presented computational models of three commercially available FDA‐approved DM/DBT systems, which implement both direct and indirect detector technology. The updated versions of the MC‐GPU codes that can be used to replicate three systems are available in open source format through GitHub.

Sengupta, Aunnasha↗

Local measurement of bulk thermal diffusivity using photothermal radiometry

Here, an experimental methodology using photothermal radiometry is developed for the accurate measurement of bulk thermal diffusivity of nuclear fuels and materials irradiated to high doses. Under these conditions, nuclear fuels, such as uranium oxide, and moderator materials, such as graphite, become friable, which requires characterization techniques that can accommodate irregularly shaped fragments. Photothermal radiometry, a good candidate for this application, involves locally heating a sample by using a laser and measuring the temperature field by monitoring blackbody radiation. The interaction volume for this study, less than a millimeter, is carefully chosen to sample a statistically significant number of large-scale structural features, such as pores and gas filled bubbles, and is small enough that the sample fragments can be treated as a thermal half-space. The thermal diffusivity standards considered in this study cover a range of thermal diffusivities representative of both fresh and spent nuclear fuels. We also consider a sample having a porous microstructure representative of large-scale structures found in materials irradiated to high doses. Our measurement methodology circumvents complex thermal wave models that address optical diffraction, nonlinear transfer function associated with blackbody radiation, and finite sample size effects. Consequently, the large measurement uncertainty associated with modeling these effects can be avoided. While the emphasis here is on nuclear fuels and materials, this measurement approach is well suited to measure thermal transport in a variety of technologically important materials associated with advanced synthesis techniques. Examples range from small, exotic single crystals grown using hydrothermal growth techniques to additively manufactured components having complex geometries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Analysis-Specific Fast Simulation at the LHC with Deep Learning

Abstract We present a fast-simulation application based on a deep neural network, designed to create large analysis-specific datasets. Taking as an example the generation of W + jet events produced in $$\sqrt{s}=$$ s = 13 TeV proton–proton collisions, we train a neural network to model detector resolution effects as a transfer function acting on an analysis-specific set of relevant features, computed at generation level, i.e., in absence of detector effects. Based on this model, we propose a novel fast-simulation workflow that starts from a large amount of generator-level events to deliver large analysis-specific samples. The adoption of this approach would result in about an order-of-magnitude reduction in computing and storage requirements for the collision simulation workflow. This strategy could help the high energy physics community to face the computing challenges of the future High-Luminosity LHC.

Chen, C.↗

Differential credibility assessment for statistical downscaling

Climate science is increasingly using (i) ensembles of climate projections from multiple models derived using different assumptions and/or scenarios and (ii) process-oriented diagnostics of model fidelity. Efforts to assign differential credibility to projections and/or models are also rapidly advancing. A framework to quantify and depict the credibility of statistically downscaled model output is presented and demonstrated. Here, the approach employs transfer functions in the form of robust and resilient generalized linear models applied to downscale daily minimum and maximum temperature anomalies at 10 locations using predictors drawn from ERA-Interim reanalysis and two global climate models (GCM; GFDL-ESM2M and MPI-ESM-LR). The downscaled time series are used to derive several impact relevant CLIMDEX temperature indices that are assigned credibility based on (1) the reproduction of relevant large-scale predictors by the GCMs (i.e. fraction of regression beta-weights derived from predictors that are well-reproduced) and (2) the degree of variance in the observations reproduced in the downscaled series following application of a new variance inflation technique. Credibility of the downscaled predictands varies across locations, between the two GCM and is generally higher for minimum temperature than maximum temperature. The differential credibility assessment framework demonstrated here is easy to use and flexible. It can be applied as is to inform decision makers regarding projection confidence, and/or extended to include other components of the transfer functions, and/or used to weight members of a statistically downscaled ensemble.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Fast baryonic field painting for Sunyaev-Zel’dovich analyses: Transfer function vs hybrid effective field theory

Here, we present two approaches for “painting” baryonic properties relevant to the Sunyaev-Zel’dovich (SZ) effect—optical depth and Compton-y—onto three-dimensional N-body simulations, using the MillenniumTNG suite as a benchmark. The goal of these methods is to produce fast and accurate reconstruction methods to aid future analyses of baryonic feedback using the SZ effect. The first approach employs a Gaussian process emulator to model the SZ quantities via a transfer function, while the second utilizes hybrid effective field theory (HEFT) to reproduce these quantities within the simulation. Our analysis involves comparing both methods to the true MillenniumTNG optical depth and Compton-y fields using several metrics, including the cross-correlation coefficient, power spectrum, and power spectrum error. Additionally, we assess how well the reconstructed fields correlate with dark matter haloes across various mass thresholds. The results indicate that the transfer function method yields more accurate reconstructions for fields with initially high correlations (r ≈ 1), such as between the optical depth and dark matter fields. Conversely, the HEFT-based approach proves more effective in enhancing correlations for fields with weaker initial correlations (r ∼ 0.5), such as between the Compton-y and dark matter fields. Lastly, we discuss extensions of our methods to improve the reconstruction performance at the field level.

Liu, R. Henry [University of California, Berkeley,↗

Beam Signal Recovery Using Wiener Deconvolution

This project explores the use of Wiener deconvolution to recover an original signal that has been distorted by a known transfer function and by noise. A simulated Gaussian pulse was used as the test signal, and a transfer function was applied in the frequency domain to model system distortion. Controlled noise was then introduced to approximate real-world signal degradation. A Wiener filter was implemented to reverse the effects of the transfer function while minimizing the influence of noise. The recovered signal was compared to the original pulse to evaluate the effectiveness of the filter. Results demonstrate that Wiener deconvolution offers a stable and effective approach to signal recovery, balancing complete transfer function inversion and noise suppression.

Campbell, Savanna [El Camino Coll.]↗

Wiener Filter Deconvolution for Analog Signals

This project explores the use of Wiener deconvolution to recover an original signal that has been distorted by a known transfer function and by noise. A simulated Gaussian pulse was used as the test signal, and a transfer function was applied in the frequency domain to model the system distortion. Controlled noise was then introduced to approximate real-world signal degradation. A Wiener filter was implemented to reverse the effects of the transfer function while minimizing the influence of noise. The recovered signal was compared with the original pulse to evaluate the effectiveness of the filter. The results demonstrate that Wiener deconvolution offers a stable and effective approach to signal recovery, balancing complete transfer function inversion and noise suppression.

Campbell, Savanna [Fermilab]↗

Pressurizer dynamic model and emulated programmable logic controllers for nuclear power plants cybersecurity investigations

This work demonstrates the functionality of the pressurizer using a fast-running three regions, non-equilibrium model and control programs of emulated PLCs. The state variables from an integrated model of primary loop in a representative PWR plant are communicated to the pressurizer’s emulated PLCs using a synchronized data transfer function. In turn, the PLCs communicate back instructions to the pressurizer model to adjust the pressure and water level to remain within preprogramed setpoints. Pressurizer model simultaneously solves the coupled mass and energy conservation equations in the saturated vapor and saturated and subcooled liquid regions using fixed step solver. Results demonstrate the response of the pressurizer model linked to an emulated pressure and water level PLCs in a simulated transient involving surge-in and surge-out events. The 50 ms response delay time for the emulated PLC insignificantly affects operation and predictions of the pressurizer model.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Development of a hybrid neural network and transfer learning model for optimized ICP-MS/MS operation

Correct function and calibration of instrumentation is a crucial assumption for any scientific experiment. One such instrument, tandem inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS/MS), has in-depth calibration settings that range across 30+ different parameters, making it difficult to determine optimal conditions without expertise and some degree of trial and error. Often, these settings are hand-tuned, a time-intensive process prone to local maxima and human error. While some automation is available, the automation also may favor local optimizations over a global optimum. In addition to these difficulties, day to day instrument variability can further complicate the calibration process. We propose a solution to this problem as a machine learning (ML) algorithm that learns how each parameter helps determine the calibration sensitivity across several elements, and re-weights parameters over time as instrument variability changes (e.g., a global neural network (NN) with a time-dependent transfer learning (TL) component). This model would be able to generate a surface of predicted calibration sensitivities and their respective parameters, and a simple multivariate algorithm would be able to pull out the optimum results with the settings associated with them. Here-in, we describe our initial findings in working towards this goal, including data extraction from historical files, exploratory data analysis, and some initial model building to better describe the data and the feasibility of our goal.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

From noise to information: The transfer function formalism for uncertainty quantification in reconstructing the nuclear density

The neutron distribution of neutron-rich nuclei provides critical information on the structure of finite nuclei and neutron stars. Parity violating experiments—such as PREX and CREX—provide a clean and largely model-independent determination of neutron densities. Such experiments, however, are challenging and expensive, which is why sound statistical arguments are required to maximize the information gained. We introduce a new framework, the “transfer function formalism,” aimed at uncertainty quantification, model selection, and experimental design in the context of neutron densities. The transfer functions (TFs) are built analytically by expressing the linear response of the objective function (e.g., χ2) to small perturbations of the data. Using the TF formalism, we are able to analyze the expected overall uncertainty—quantified in terms of bias and variance—of the mean square radius and interior density of 48 Ca and 208 Pb. Using relativistic mean field models as a proxy for the weak-charge density—and assuming that a total of five measurements could be performed on the weak form factor of 48 Ca and 208 Pb—we identify the optimal models and experimental locations that minimize the uncertainty in the extraction of the radius and interior density. We also explore the use of the TF formalism to understand the influence of prior distributions for the model parameters, as well as the optimization of model hyperparameters not constrained by the data. Here,we establish how the choice of experimental locations and the model that is used can have a significant impact on the final uncertainties of the extracted quantities of interest. For challenging experiments such as CREX and PREX, a proper quantification of such uncertainties is critical. We have demonstrated how the TF formalism provides several advantages for this type of analysis.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Group-Additivity–Embedded Multiscale Modeling for Electric Field-Enhanced Nanocatalysis

Elucidating structure-performance relationships remains a central challenge in field-enhanced catalysis, where nanoparticles exhibit nonuniform surface sites with site-dependent responses to electric fields. Low-coordination sites (edges, corners, and tips) are particularly electric field-sensitive (EF), leading to nonuniform charge distribution, adsorption energies, and catalytic activity. Here, using ammonia decomposition on a ruthenium cluster as a model system, we develop a transferable multiscale framework integrating density functional theory, group additivity (GA), Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi scaling, and microkinetic modeling to predict EF-dependent activity across nonuniform cluster sites. Across sites and fields, the nitrogen adsorption energy (E N ) emerges as the governing descriptor, yielding robust volcano relationships whose optimum shifts systematically with field: negative fields strengthen N binding via electron accumulation, while positive fields weaken N binding via charge depletion, moving the optimal E N toward weaker binding. Microkinetic analysis shows that N≡N bond formation remains the key kinetic bottleneck over most conditions; positive fields lower the effective barrier and, critically, increase the fraction of near-optimal active sites, leading to a net enhancement in overall activity relative to zero-field and negative-field cases. By capturing EF- and site-dependent energetics with high accuracy and low computational cost, this GA-embedded multi-scale simulation workflow provides a physically interpretable route to predict and design field-enhanced nanocatalysis.

ammonia decomposition↗

An extended moments model of quantum efficiency for metals and semiconductors

The complexity of photocathode designs and detector materials, and the need to model their performance for short pulse durations, response to high frequency photons, presence of coatings and/or thinness of the absorptive layer, necessitates modifications to three-step and moments models of photoemission that are used in simulation codes. Here, methods to include input from computationally intensive approaches, such as density functional theory to model optical properties and transfer matrix approaches to treat emission from the surface or transport past coatings, by means of parametric models are demonstrated. First, a technique to accurately represent optical behavior so as to model reflectivity and penetration depth is given. Second, modifications to bulk models arising from the usage of thin film architectures, and a means to rapidly calculate them, is provided. Third, a parameterization to model the impact of wells associated with coatings and surface layers on the transmission probably is given. In all cases, the methods are computationally efficient and designed to allow for including input from numerically intensive approaches that would otherwise be unavailable for simulations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Composite Structured Surfaces for Durable Dropwise Condensation

Dropwise condensation of steam on hydrophobic substrates has a 10X higher heat transfer coefficient compared to filmwise condensation. To promote dropwise condensation, low surface energy hydrophobic coatings (polymers) are typically utilized. The low intrinsic thermal conductivity (k < 1 W/(m · K)) of polymers, coupled with high heat transfer coefficient of dropwise condensation (100 kW/(m 2 · K)), necessitates that the coating be thin (< 1µm) in order to avoid reducing the overall heat exchanger conductance. However, thin polymeric films easily degrade. The two opposing requirements result in the need for optimization between the durability (thick coating) and the heat transfer (thin coating). To enable high thermal conductivity in thicker coatings, we develop metal-polymer structured surfaces. By using porous structures as inter-connected heat-conducting backbones that are filled with hydrophobic materials, we enable tuning of the coating effective thermal conductivity and surface energy. Three metal structures were studied; micro/nanowires, inverse opals, and sintered spheres. Heat transfer performance was calculated using three-dimensional finite element method simulations with two distinct boundary conditions; convection at the walls and isothermal walls. Interestingly, the overall conductance shows up to 40% difference depending on the boundary condition used in calculating the composite coating effective thermal conductivity. We use our model to predict the heat transfer performance as a function of metal fraction by volume and by surface area for condensation. By coupling our thermal simulations with a previously verified analytical model for predicting wetting behavior on heterogeneous surfaces, we propose a regime map to predict dropwise-to-filmwise transition. Furthermore, our work not only forms a starting point for the development of durable dropwise condensing surfaces, it identifies important considerations needed for computing effective thermal conductivity of composites.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Thermal Model Heat Rate Predictions of the AGR-5/6/7 Experiment

Several fuel and material irradiation experiments have been planned for the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program, which supports the development and qualification of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel for use in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors. The goals of these experiments are to provide irradiation performance data to support fuel process development, qualify fuel for normal operating conditions, support development of fuel performance models and codes, and provide irradiated fuel and materials for post-irradiation examination and safety testing. Originally planned and named as separate fuel experiments, but subsequently combined into a single test train. AGR-5/6/7 will test low-enriched uranium oxycarbide (UCO – a heterogeneous mixture of uranium oxide and uranium carbide) TRISO fuel. The AGR-5/6 portion of the experiment will provide data to support qualification of the selected reference fuel design, while the AGR-7 portion will serve as a margin test, irradiating the fuel beyond normal operating conditions. During irradiation, the temperature in each capsule is controlled by varying the helium / neon gas mixture flowing through the capsule until the desired thermocouple temperature is reached. Further adjustments can be made by changing the lobe power and the neutron filter. Three neutron filters are available to use as the experiment burns up the fissionable fuel. A thermal finite element model has been created for the five capsules comprising the AGR-5/6/7 experiment. Heat rates from a physics analysis are imported into the model along with fast neutron fluence. Graphite shrinkage due to the fast neutron fluence is incorporated into the model. Gas gaps change as a function of fast neutron fluence. Radiation heat transfer is a major contributor in this model. This is a large model with more than 1 million finite element brick elements. More than 150 different parts are modeled in the finite element model and communicate with each other from a heat transfer sense. More than 50 thermocouples are used in the experiment and are compared to actual measurements. The experiment is composed of five separate stainless steel capsules all welded together. This paper presents a method used to predict the gas mixture in the event that all of the thermocouples fail in a particular capsule. Curve fitting of heat rates from previous cycles and projecting them into the future is the basis of the method.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Accelerating Scientific Simulations with Bi-Fidelity Weighted Transfer Learning

High-fidelity modeling is an essential design tool for many engineering applications. However, for complex systems, computational cost can be a limiting factor. Analyzing parameter sensitivity, uncertainty quantification, and design optimization require many model evaluations. Surrogate models are often used to develop the relationship between model parameters and quantities of interest. However, in the case of complex systems, surrogate models require several degrees of freedom and, thus, a large number of data points to determine the correct dependencies. For many applications, this may be prohibitively expensive. The reduction of computational requirements can be achieved by leveraging low-fidelity models. Low-fidelity models represent the system at a coarser resolution with the advantage of computational efficiency. Therefore, a bi-fidelity modeling paradigm, which augments the accuracy of a low-fidelity model in a computationally efficient manner by invoking limited runs of a high-fidelity model, can be leveraged to sufficiently balance the accuracy and computational requirements. In this work, a bi-fidelity weighted transfer learning method using neural networks was applied to a computational fluid dynamics heat transfer modeling problem. The transfer learning advantage was investigated as a function of hyperparameters. Our main finding is that the use of a bi-fidelity modeling paradigm achieves accuracy close to that of a high-fidelity Gaussian process model while significantly reducing computational cost. The bi-fidelity model achieves comparable performance with 90 high-fidelity samples-that is, 60% less than the samples needed to achieve similar accuracy without the use of bi-fidelity modeling,

Borowiec, Katarzyna↗