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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 361 records · Page 20

State Machine Operation of Complex Systems

Operation of complex systems which depend on one, or more, sub-systems with many process variables often operate in more than one state. For each state there may be a variety of parameters of interest, and for each of these, one may require different alarm limits, different archiving needs, and have different critical parameters. Relying on operators to reliably change 102-105 parameters for each system for each state is unreasonable. Not changing these parameters results in alarms being ignored or disabled, critical changes missed, and/or data archiving inefficiencies. To reliably manage the operation of complex systems, such as cryomodules (CMs), Fermilab is implementing state machines for each CM and an over-arching state machine for the PIP-II superconducting LINAC (SCL). The state machine transitions and operating parameters are stored/restored to/from a configuration database. Proper implementation of the state machines will not only ensure safe and reliable operation of the CMs, but will help ensure reliable data quality. A description of PIP-II SCL, details of the state machines, and plans for imminent use the state machines for CM testing will be discussed.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Quantum Annealing for Real-World Machine Learning Applications

Optimizing the training of a machine learning pipeline is important for reducing training costs and improving model performance. One such optimizing strategy is quantum annealing, which is an emerging computing paradigm that has shown potential in optimizing the training of a machine learning model. The implementation of a physical quantum annealer has been realized by D-Wave systems and is available to the research community for experiments. Recent experimental results on a variety of machine learning applications have shown interesting results especially under the conditions where the performance of classical machine learning techniques are limited such as limited training data and high dimensional features. This chapter explores the application of D-Wave’s quantum annealer for optimizing machine learning pipelines for real-world classification problems. We review the application domains on which a physical quantum annealer has been used to train machine learning classifiers. We discuss and analyze the experiments performed on the D-Wave quantum annealer for applications such as image recognition, remote sensing imagery, security, computational biology, biomedical sciences, and physics. We discuss the possible advantages and the problems for which quantum annealing is likely to be advantageous over classical computation.

Kumar nath, Rajdeep↗

Brushless Excitation for Wound-field Synchronous Machines using Multi-harmonic Windings

Wound-field synchronous machines (WFSM) are promising alternatives to electric machines with permanent magnets (PM). The ability to control the rotor field in these machines makes them well-suited to safety critical applications, while the absence of rare-earth permanent magnets makes these machines sustainable. The WFSM rotor excitation schemes have traditionally used carbon brushes, which significantly reduces the reliability of these machines, limiting their widespread adoption. To overcome this limitation and improve the reliability of WFSMs, several brushless rotor excitation schemes have been developed. However, most of these systems require additional windings or dedicated power electronics, making them expensive and limiting achievable power-density. In this paper a new brushless excitation scheme is proposed. In this scheme, a multiphase, multi-harmonic stator winding is designed. This winding can independently control two spatial harmonics in the airgap of the machine; the first to create torque and the second to wirelessly transfer power to the rotor to excite it.

Gadiyar, Nishanth [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000348267524)↗

Crack fault diagnosis of rotating machine in nuclear power plant based on ensemble learning

Crack faults in rotating machines can cause machine shutdown or scrapping, endangering the normal operation and safety of nuclear power plants. Intelligent diagnostic techniques based on machine learning have the potential to diagnose crack faults. However, problems such as scarcity of field fault data and high noise of plant measurements pose challenges to the application of machine learning. Here this study proposes an ensemble learning approach to mitigate the negative impacts of the problems. Ensemble learning is a strategy for combining multiple machine learning models into a composite model. The basic idea of ensemble learning is that even if one model makes a mistake, other models can correct it. Case studies based on bearing and gear system fault experiments show that the proposed ensemble learning models have better diagnostic results than the single model in the presence of noise and small data.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Cogging Torque Minimization in Transverse Flux Machines

This paper presents the design considerations in cogging torque minimization in two types of transverse flux machines. The machines have a double stator-single rotor configuration with flux concentrating ferrite magnets. One of the machines has pole windings across each leg of an E-Core stator. Another machine has quasi-U-shaped stator cores and a ring winding. The flux in the stator back iron is transverse in both machines. Different methods of cogging torque minimization are investigated. Key methods of cogging torque minimization are identified and used as design variables for optimization using a design of experiments (DOE) based on the Taguchi method. A three-level DOE is performed to reach an optimum solution with minimum simulations. Finite element analysis is used to study the different effects. Two prototypes are being fabricated for experimental verification.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Design of a Modular E-Core Flux Concentrating Transverse Flux Machine

In this paper, a novel E-Core transverse flux machine (TFM) is proposed. The machine has a double stator-single rotor configuration with flux concentrating ferrite magnets and pole windings across each leg of an E-Core stator. E-Core stators with the proposed flux-concentrating rotor arrangement result in better magnet utilization and higher torque density. The machine also has a modular structure facilitating simpler construction. This paper presents a single phase and a two-phase version of the E-Core machine. Case study for a 1 kW, 400 r/min machine for both the single phase and two-phase TFM is presented.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Cogging torque minimization in transverse flux machines

This study presents the design considerations in cogging torque minimization in two types of transverse flux machines. The machines have a double stator-single rotor configuration with flux concentrating ferrite magnets. One of the machines has pole windings across each leg of an E-Core stator. Another machine has quasi-U-shaped stator cores and a ring winding. The flux in the stator back iron is transverse in both machines. Different methods of cogging torque minimization are investigated. Key methods of cogging torque minimization are identified and used as design variables for optimization using a design of experiments (DOE) based on the Taguchi method. A multi-level DOE is proposed as an optimization method to reach an optimum solution with minimum simulations. The case study is analyzed in a two level DOE optimization. Finite element analysis is used to study the different effects. Two prototypes are fabricated for validating the FEA results.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Beyond Visual Analytics: Human-Machine Teaming for AI-Driven Data Sensemaking

"Detect the expected, discover the unexpected" was the founding principle of the field of visual analytics. This mantra implies that human stakeholders, like a domain expert or data analyst, could leverage visual analytics techniques to seek answers to known unknowns and discover unknown unknowns in the course of the data sensemaking process. We argue that in the era of AI-driven automation, we need to recalibrate the roles of humans and machines (e.g., a machine learning model) as teammates. We posit that by realizing human-machine teams as a stakeholder unit, we can better achieve the best of both worlds: automation transparency and human reasoning efficacy. However, this also increases the burden on analysts and domain experts towards performing more cognitively demanding tasks than what they are used to. In this paper, we reflect on the complementary roles in a human-machine team through the lens of cognitive psychology and map them to existing and emerging research in the visual analytics community. We discuss open questions and challenges around the nature of human agency and analyze the shared responsibilities in human-machine teams.

Sensemaking, human-machine teaming, agency, artifi↗

Feasibility Study for Electrical Discharge Machining of Large DU-Mo Castings

U-10 wt. % Mo (U-10Mo) alloys are being developed as low enrichment monolithic fuel for the CONVERT program. Optimization of processing for the monolithic fuel is being pursued with the use of electrical discharge machining (EDM) under CONVERT HPRR WBS 1.2.4.5 Optimization of Coupon Preparation. The process is applicable to manufacturing experimental fuel plate specimens for the Mini-Plate-1 (MP-1) irradiation campaign. The benefits of EDM are reduced machining costs, ability to achieve higher tolerances, stress-free, burr-free surfaces eliminating the need for milling, and the ability to machine complex shapes. Kerf losses are much smaller with EDM (tenths of mm) compared to conventional machining (mm). Reliable repeatability is achievable with EDM due to its computer-generated machining programs.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Assessing the Temperature Error in Operational Machine Tools

In the proposed experimental assessment of the temperature error in operational machine tools, the workpiece is monitored by means of a measuring probe as it is machined. Experiments show that the temperature error in the machine tool may be compensated by specified thermal displacements of the machine-tool components before machining begins.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Controlling the State of Machine Tools

Globally, manufacturers make great efforts to maintain the performance of industrial equipment. Developers and researchers are interested in automated approaches to maintaining the performance of equipment, especially at enterprises with high degrees of computerization and comprehensive information systems. In the present work, a new approach is outlined: an autonomous control system for maintaining the condition of metal-cutting machines. This approach is based on prior work in the field and permits maintenance on the basis of autonomous control of the state of machine tools. The structure of a system with the following generalized control functions is presented: decision making; and the issuing of commands on the basis of built-in resources. The formulation of control decisions employs the theory of fuzzy sets and fuzzy logic. By means of the ANFIS fuzzy network system, the autonomy of state control of the machine tool may be assessed. Criticality assessment of the condition of machine tools and their components is important in making decisions as to the setup of systems controlling the condition of equipment at enterprises, with assessment of their efficiency. In the monitoring subsystem, provision is made for assessment of the diagnostic results, prediction, and the generation of control decisions so as to prevent disruptions of machine-tool operation.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Analysis in Motion Initiative – Human Machine Intelligence

As computers and machines become more pervasive in our everyday lives, we are looking for ways for humans and machines to work more intelligently together. How can we help machines understand their users so the team can do smarter things together? The Analysis in Motion Initiative is advancing the science of human machine intelligence — creating human-machine teams that work better together to make correct, useful, and timely interpretations of data.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Machine-learning enabled thermodynamic model for the design of new rare-earth compounds

We employ a descriptor based machine-learning approach to assess the effect of chemical alloying on formation-enthalpy of rare-earth intermetallics. Application of machine-learning approaches in rare-earth intermetallic design have been sparse due to limited availability of reliable datasets. In this work, we developed an ‘in-house’ rare-earth database with more than 600 + compounds, each entry was populated with formation enthalpy and related atomic features using high-throughput density-functional theory (DFT). The SISSO (sure independence screening and sparsifying operator) based machine-learning method with meaningful atomic features was used for training and testing the formation enthalpies of rare earth compounds. The complex lattice function coupled with the machine-learning model was used to explore the effect of transition metal alloying on the energy stability of Ce based cubic Laves phases (MgCu 2 type). The SISSO predictions show good agreement with high-fidelity DFT calculations and X-ray powder diffraction measurements. Our study provides quantitative guidance for compositional considerations within a machine-learning model and discovering new metastable materials. The electronic-structure of Ce-Fe-Cu based compound was also analyzed to get an in-depth understanding of the electronic origin of phase stability. The interpretable analytical models in combination with density-functional theory and experiments provide a fast and reliable design guide for discovering technologically useful materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Gap-filling eddy covariance methane fluxes: Comparison of machine learning model predictions and uncertainties at FLUXNET-CH4 wetlands

Time series of methane fluxes measured by eddy-covariance require gap-filling to estimate annual emissions. Gap-filling methane fluxes is challenging because of high variability and complex responses to multiple drivers. To date, there is no widely established gap-filling standard for methane, with regards both to the best model algorithms and predictors. In this study, we address the need for standardization by synthesizing results of gap-filling methods applied at 17 wetland sites spanning boreal to tropical regions including all major wetlands classes and two rice paddies. We introduce new procedures for: 1) creating realistic artificial gap scenarios, 2) training and evaluating gap-filling models without overstating performance, and 3) predicting half-hourly methane fluxes and annual emissions with robust uncertainty estimates. We tested a conventional method (marginal distribution sampling) and four machine learning algorithms - penalized linear regression, artificial neural networks, random forests, and boosted decision trees - and four predictor sets, including temporal, meteorological, ecosystem carbon and energy flux, and soil predictors. We find that the conventional method can achieve similar median performance to the machine learning models but is worse than the best machine learning models and relatively insensitive to predictor choices. Of the machine learning models, decision tree algorithms performed the best in cross-validation experiments, even with a baseline predictor set, and artificial neural networks showed comparable performance when using all predictors. Soil temperature was frequently the most important predictor whilst water table depth was important at sites with substantial water table fluctuations, highlighting the value of data on soil conditions. Raw gap-filling uncertainties from the machine learning models were underestimated and we propose a method to calibrate uncertainties to observations. Finally, we gap-fill and provide summary evaluation metrics for all 81 sites in the FLUXNET-CH4 community dataset and publicly release the python code for model development, evaluation, and uncertainty estimation.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Machine learning-guided design, synthesis, and characterization of atomically dispersed electrocatalysts

The recent integration of machine learning into materials design has revolutionized the understanding of structure–property relationships and optimization of material properties beyond the trial-and-error paradigm. On one hand, machine learning has significantly accelerated the development of atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) electrocatalysts, which traditionally heavily relied on heuristic approaches. On the other hand, the primary challenge of leveraging machine learning to expedite M-N-C materials discovery lies in the cost associated with data collection. Here, we review recent machine learning integration strategies for M-N-C catalyst development, including discussions on the typical algorithms such as symbolic regression and convolutional neural networks employed for the theoretical design, synthesis optimization via active learning, and advanced microscopy characterization. Subsequently, we provide our perspective on potential near-future directions for furthering machine learning-assisted development of new M-N-C catalysts and elucidating the complex physicochemical mechanisms governing the selectivity, activity, and durability in this class of materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Boltzmann machine modeling of layered MoS 2 synthesis on a quantum annealer

Two-dimensional layered materials are usually synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Here we use the Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) and its enhancement called Limited Boltzmann Machine (LBM) on a quantum computer to model the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth data for a MoS 2 monolayer. The CVD data for Boltzmann machines are generated by reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) simulations. The Boltzmann machines give insight into the semiconducting (2H) and metallic (1T) phases and defects generated during the CVD growth of MoS 2 . We compare the performances of the two types of Boltzmann machine models, i.e. RBM versus augmented topologies with limited intra-layer coupling between the hidden units (LBM). We show that limited topologies have a performance advantage over restricted topologies. We examine connectivity within our topological variants, explore hardware qubit mapping schemes, and discuss what performance differences may imply about locality within the data without prior knowledge.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Accelerating high-strain continuum-scale brittle fracture simulations with machine learning

Failure in brittle materials under dynamic loading conditions is a result of the propagation and coalescence of microcracks. Simulating this discrete crack evolution at the continuum level is computationally expensive or, in some cases, intractable, resulting in the need to make broad assumptions or neglect key physics. In this work, we have developed an approach using machine learning that overcomes the current inability to represent meso-scale physics at the macro-scale. Our approach leverages damage and stress data from a computationally expensive high-fidelity model that explicitly resolves microcrack behavior to build an inexpensive machine learning emulator. Once trained, the machine learning emulator is used to predict the evolution of crack length statistics, which then informs a continuum-scale constitutive model. This results in a significant speed-up of the workflow by four orders of magnitude. Both the machine learning emulator and the continuum-scale model are validated against the high-fidelity model and experimental data, respectively, showing excellent agreement. There are two key findings. The first is that we can reduce the dimensionality of the problem, establishing that the machine learning emulator only needs the length of the longest crack and one of the maximum stress components to capture the necessary physics. Another compelling finding is that the emulator can be trained in one experimental setting and transferred successfully to predict behavior in a different setting.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Leveraging large language models to address data scarcity in machine learning for graphene synthesis

Machine learning in experimental materials science faces significant challenges due to the scarcity of data, which are costly and time-consuming to generate, particularly when relying on in-house experiments. Literature data mining offers a potential solution but introduces issues like mixed data quality, inconsistent formats, and non-uniform reporting of synthesis parameters, resulting in partially missing and heterogeneous features across the dataset. Here, we propose data imputation and feature engineering methods that employ pre-trained large language models (LLMs) to enhance machine learning performance on scarce, heterogeneous datasets, demonstrated on graphene CVD synthesis data and the ML-HydPARK hydrogen storage dataset. GPT models perform data imputation via tailored prompting and semantic normalization of inconsistently reported features through embeddings, for example, to harmonize the complex nomenclature of CVD substrates. Beyond yielding more diverse and richer feature representations than traditional methods such as K-nearest neighbors (KNN) and Multivariate Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE), LLM-based data imputation is evaluated against dataset characteristics and prompting strategies. We vary the level of autonomy granted to the LLM, from generic prompting that leverages pre-trained knowledge for autonomous data generation to data-informed prompting that constrains outputs using target-specific information, and demonstrate which level of autonomy yields superior imputation performance across datasets and feature types. The proposed data engineering methods markedly improve downstream performance; for example, in graphene layer number classification using a support vector machine (SVM), binary accuracy increases from 39% to 65% and ternary accuracy from 52% to 72%. Fine-tuning experiments on both datasets show that combining our proposed LLM-based data imputation and feature encoding methods with numerical machine learning predictors outperforms standalone fine-tuned LLM predictors in data-scarce settings. The proposed strategies emphasize data enhancement techniques rather than refining learning architectures or regularizing loss functions, offering a broadly applicable framework for improving machine learning performance on scarce, inhomogeneous datasets.

Chemical vapor deposition↗