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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

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↗
NASA NTRS2004

Penalty-Based Interface Technology for Prediction of Delamination Growth in Laminated Structures

An effective interface element technology has been developed for connecting and simulating crack growth between independently modeled finite element subdomains (e.g., composite plies). This method has been developed using penalty constraints and allows coupling of finite element models whose nodes do not necessarily coincide along their common interface. Additionally, the present formulation leads to a computational approach that is very efficient and completely compatible with existing commercial software. The present interface element has been implemented in the commercial finite element code ABAQUS as a User Element Subroutine (UEL), making it easy to test the approach for a wide range of problems. The interface element technology has been formulated to simulate delamination growth in composite laminates. Thanks to its special features, the interface element approach makes it possible to release portions of the interface surface whose length is smaller than that of the finite elements. In addition, the penalty parameter can vary within the interface element, allowing the damage model to be applied to a desired fraction of the interface between the two meshes. Results for double cantilever beam DCB, end-loaded split (ELS) and fixed-ratio mixed mode (FRMM) specimens are presented. These results are compared to measured data to assess the ability of the present damage model to simulate crack growth.

Averill, Ronald C.↗
NASA NTRS2016

In Search of a Time Efficient Approach to Crack and Delamination Growth Predictions in Composites

Analysis benchmarking was used to assess the accuracy and time efficiency of algorithms suitable for automated delamination growth analysis. First, the Floating Node Method (FNM) was introduced and its combination with a simple exponential growth law (Paris Law) and Virtual Crack Closure technique (VCCT) was discussed. Implementation of the method into a user element (UEL) in Abaqus/Standard(Registered TradeMark) was also presented. For the assessment of growth prediction capabilities, an existing benchmark case based on the Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) specimen was briefly summarized. Additionally, the development of new benchmark cases based on the Mixed-Mode Bending (MMB) specimen to assess the growth prediction capabilities under mixed-mode I/II conditions was discussed in detail. A comparison was presented, in which the benchmark cases were used to assess the existing low-cycle fatigue analysis tool in Abaqus/Standard(Registered TradeMark) in comparison to the FNM-VCCT fatigue growth analysis implementation. The low-cycle fatigue analysis tool in Abaqus/Standard(Registered TradeMark) was able to yield results that were in good agreement with the DCB benchmark example. Results for the MMB benchmark cases, however, only captured the trend correctly. The user element (FNM-VCCT) always yielded results that were in excellent agreement with all benchmark cases, at a fraction of the analysis time. The ability to assess the implementation of two methods in one finite element code illustrated the value of establishing benchmark solutions.

Krueger, Ronald↗
DOE OSTI2023

PFPO plasma scenarios for exploration of long pulse operation in ITER

Long Pulse Scenarios (LPS) in ITER foreseen during the Pre-Fusion Power Operation (PFPO) phase of the ITER Research Plan (IRP) are assessed using 1.5D transport simulations within the ASTRA framework. Such assessment is required to predict the operational space for LPS operation in PFPO, as well as to evaluate which physics processes for LPS operation during Fusion Power Operation (FPO) could be studied during PFPO. An important aspect in the development of LPSs in PFPO is to minimize lifetime consumption of the Central Solenoid (CS) for these scenarios. The maximum pulse length achievable for LPSs in PFPO with no consumption of CS lifetime (currents in CS coils $⩽$30 kA per turn) has been assessed for a range of heating schemes and heating mixes, confinement regimes (L-mode and H-mode) and for helium and hydrogen plasmas. The operational space of LPS and pulse length has been explored through density scans with the Heating and Current Drive mix required for the FPO Q $⩾$ 5 steady-state plasma scenario (namely Neutral Beam Injection and Electron Cyclotron Heating) including acceptable shine through losses on the first wall for both helium and hydrogen plasmas. Fast particle physics aspects that are common between FPO plasmas and LPS PFPO H-mode plasmas at low densities are studied including MHD stability analysis with the KINX code and non-perturbative critical gradient model based on high-n Toroidal Alfven Eigenmodes (TAE) stability kinetic ballooning code HINST calculations.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Design and validation of a fission-product source for radioactive beams

A neutron-generator-based source of fission products (nuCARIBU) is being developed to replace the existing source at Argonne National Laboratory. Neutrons generated by reaction are thermalized in a compact polyethylene [(moderator and impinge on a thin 235 U foil to produce fission products. Experiments have been conducted to verify the nuCARIBU concept and simulation results using a 4 MeV, 0.16 µ⁢A proton beam from the ATLAS accelerator irradiating a LiF neutron production target and two different simplified versions of the nuCARIBU (C 2 ⁢H 4 ) n moderator with thicknesses of 3.81 cm and 1.91 cm separating it from the enriched 235 U fission foil. Here, the emitted γ-ray peaks of 1383.93 keV ( 92 Sr), 358.0 keV ( 104 Tc), 565.992 keV ( 134 Te), and 258.411 keV ( 138 Xe) obtained from fission products are used to determine the neutron-induced fission rates in the fission foil. The measured fission rates are in good agreement with those simulated using the PHITS Monte Carlo code with user-defined neutron production cross sections based on well-known cross section data. These experimental results, consistent with the simulations, show that the current 252 Cf source (CARIBU) can be replaced by the neutron induced fission source (nuCARIBU).

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Development of a Platform at the Matter in Extreme Conditions End Station for Characterization of Matter Heated by Intense Laser-Accelerated Protons

High intensity short-pulse lasers have made possible the generation of energetic proton beams, unlocking numerous applications in high energy density science. One such application is uniform and isochoric heating of materials to the warm dense matter (WDM) state. We have developed a new experimental platform to simultaneously create and probe warm dense matter at the Matter in Extreme Conditions (MEC) end station at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). The short pulse optical laser (delivering up to 1 J in 45 fs) and the ultra-bright LCLS x-ray laser with tunable frequency respectively deliver high power required to heat materials to WDM and precision-timed high-resolution x-rays to probe them. The laser-accelerated proton beam driven from a flat 1.5 μm Cu foil was first measured then directed to a secondary sample of Al or polypropylene, typically 300-400 μm away. The time evolution of the sample electron temperature was measured using streaked optical pyrometry, where we observed a peak temperature of 0.9 0.15 eV on the rear surface of an Al sample heated by the proton beam. Here, the simulations using the hybrid-PIC code LSP and the rad-hydro code HELIOS show that a measured proton beam can heat Al to approximately 4 eV and polypropylene to 1 eV if instead focused by a hemispherical Cu target. Through additional LSP simulations, we anticipate creating hotter warm dense matter states (20 eV) by increasing the laser energy to 10 J and keeping the other laser parameters fixed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Extreme Longitudinal Compression of Optimized Beams for MEV Ultrafast Electron Diffraction (Final Technical Report)

We worked out the design of a high repetition rate MeV energy ultrafast electron diffraction instrument based on the existing Cornell photoinjector, which can readily be applied to the presented findings. This example is a blueprint of other similarly arranged UED setups. Using particle tracking simulations in conjunction with multiobjective genetic algorithm optimization, we explored the smallest bunch lengths, emittance, and probe spot sizes achievable. As two limits, we defined stroboscopic conditions (with single electrons per pulse) and operation with 10 5 electrons per bunch which may be suitable for single-shot diffraction images. In the stroboscopic case, the flexibility provided by the many cavity bunching and acceleration allows for longitudinal phase space linearization without a higher harmonic field, providing sub-fs bunch lengths at the sample. Given low emittance photoemission conditions, these small bunch lengths can be maintained with probe transverse sizes at the single micron (1 μm) scale and below. In the case of 10 5 electrons per pulse, we simulated state-of-the-art 5D brightness conditions: rms bunch lengths of 10 fs with 3-nm normalized emittances, while permitting repetition rates as high as 1.3 GHz. We showed that in conjunction with collimating apertures, a novel focusing scheme achieves very high-quality emittance compensation for the central core of the beam composing 40% of particles, for a resulting beam size of 5 μm (rms). Finally, to aid in the design of new SRF-based ultrafast electron diffraction machines, we simulated the trade-off between the number of cavities used and achievable bunch length and emittance. In the longitudinal dimension, we made use of the fact that MeV UED requires much lower energy than the 15-MeV maxi mum energy of Cornell’s CBETA injector, and we may therefore use several of the SRF cavities for bunch length compression. In practice, we used a genetic optimization algorithm to choose the phases and amplitudes of the cavities appropriately for optimal bunching. In the zero space charge case, we found that bunching and acceleration are distributed across the six cavities in a way that produces a linearizing effect. And we showed that the ultimate bunch length can be limited by time-of-flight differences arising from transverse size and transverse momentum spread. The space charge code developed and used for this development is now permanent part of the Bmad accelerator simulation code and has already contributed to other developments, e.g., for the EIC electron cooler design.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS2012

Development and Application of Benchmark Examples for Mixed-Mode I/II Quasi-Static Delamination Propagation Predictions

The development of benchmark examples for quasi-static delamination propagation prediction is presented and demonstrated for a commercial code. The examples are based on finite element models of the Mixed-Mode Bending (MMB) specimen. The examples are independent of the analysis software used and allow the assessment of the automated delamination propagation prediction capability in commercial finite element codes based on the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT). First, quasi-static benchmark examples were created for the specimen. Second, starting from an initially straight front, the delamination was allowed to propagate under quasi-static loading. Third, the load-displacement relationship from a propagation analysis and the benchmark results were compared, and good agreement could be achieved by selecting the appropriate input parameters. Good agreement between the results obtained from the automated propagation analysis and the benchmark results could be achieved by selecting input parameters that had previously been determined during analyses of mode I Double Cantilever Beam and mode II End Notched Flexure specimens. The benchmarking procedure proved valuable by highlighting the issues associated with choosing the input parameters of the particular implementation. Overall the results are encouraging, but further assessment for mixed-mode delamination fatigue onset and growth is required.

Krueger, Ronald↗
DOE OSTI2025

An ASME-Compliant Helium-4 Evaporation Refrigerator for the SpinQuest Experiment

This paper presents the design, safety basis, and commissioning results of a 1 K liquid helium-4 (4He) evaporation refrigerator developed for the Fermilab SpinQuest Experiment (E1039). The system represents the first high power helium evaporation refrigerator operated in a fixed target scattering experiment at Fermilab and was engineered to comply with the Fermilab ES&H Manual (FESHM) requirements governing pressure vessels, piping, cryogenic systems, and vacuum vessels. The design is mapped to ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) and the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) for pressure boundary integrity and overpressure protection, with documented compliance to FESHM Chapters 5031 (Pressure Vessels), 5031.1 (Piping Systems), and 5033 (Vacuum Vessels). This work documents the methodology used to reach compliance and approval for the 4He evaporation refrigerator at Fermilab which the field lacks. Design considerations specific to the high radiation target-cave environment including remotely located instrumentation approximately 20 m from the cryostat are summarized, together with the relief-system sizing methodology used to accommodate transient heat loads from dynamic nuclear polarization microwaves and the high-intensity proton beam. Commissioning data from July 2024 confirms that the system satisfies all thermal performance and safety objectives.

Roberts, Jordan D. [Virginia U.]↗
NASA NTRS2012

Assessment of Polarization Effect on Efficiency of Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm in Case of Thin Atmosphere Over Black Surface

The Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm [1, 2] provides a numerical iterative solution to the problem of minimization of a function over a space of its parameters. In our work, the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm retrieves optical parameters of a thin (single scattering) plane parallel atmosphere irradiated by collimated infinitely wide monochromatic beam of light. Black ground surface is assumed. Computational accuracy, sensitivity to the initial guess and the presence of noise in the signal, and other properties of the algorithm are investigated in scalar (using intensity only) and vector (including polarization) modes. We consider an atmosphere that contains a mixture of coarse and fine fractions. Following [3], the fractions are simulated using Henyey-Greenstein model. Though not realistic, this assumption is very convenient for tests [4, p.354]. In our case it yields analytical evaluation of Jacobian matrix. Assuming the MISR geometry of observation [5] as an example, the average scattering cosines and the ratio of coarse and fine fractions, the atmosphere optical depth, and the single scattering albedo, are the five parameters to be determined numerically. In our implementation of the algorithm, the system of five linear equations is solved using the fast Cramer s rule [6]. A simple subroutine developed by the authors, makes the algorithm independent from external libraries. All Fortran 90/95 codes discussed in the presentation will be available immediately after the meeting from sergey.v.korkin@nasa.gov by request.

Korkin, S.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Investigating high-energy proton-induced reactions on spherical nuclei: Implications for the preequilibrium exciton model

A number of accelerator-based isotope production facilities utilize $100-200$ MeV proton beams due to the high production rates enabled by high-intensity beam capabilities and the greater diversity of isotope production brought on by the long range of high-energy protons. However, nuclear reaction modeling at these energies can be challenging because of the interplay between different reaction modes and a lack of existing guiding cross section data. A Tri-lab collaboration has been formed between the Lawrence Berkeley, Los Alamos, and Brookhaven National Laboratories to address these complexities by characterizing charged-particle nuclear reactions relevant to the production of established and novel radioisotopes. In the inaugural collaboration experiments, stacked-targets of niobium foils were irradiated at the Brookhaven Linac Isotope Producer ($E_p=200$ MeV) and the Los Alamos Isotope Production Facility ($E_p=100$ MeV) to measure $^{93}$Nb(p,x) cross sections between $50-200$ MeV. The results were compared with literature data as well as the default calculations of the nuclear model codes TALYS, CoH, EMPIRE, and ALICE. The default code predictions largely failed to reproduce the measurements. Therefore, we developed a standardized procedure, which determines the reaction model parameters that best reproduce the most prominent reaction channels in a physically justifiable manner. Overall, the primary focus of the procedure was to determine the best parameterization for the pre-equilibrium two-component exciton model. This modeling study revealed a trend towards a relative decrease for internal transition rates at intermediate proton energies ($E_p=20-60$ MeV) in the current exciton model as compared to the default values. The results of this work are instrumental for the planning, execution, and analysis essential to isotope production.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS2002

Finite Element Modeling of the NASA Langley Aluminum Testbed Cylinder

The NASA Langley Aluminum Testbed Cylinder (ATC) was designed to serve as a universal structure for evaluating structural acoustic codes, modeling techniques and optimization methods used in the prediction of aircraft interior noise. Finite element models were developed for the components of the ATC based on the geometric, structural and material properties of the physical test structure. Numerically predicted modal frequencies for the longitudinal stringer, ring frame and dome component models, and six assembled ATC configurations were compared with experimental modal survey data. The finite element models were updated and refined, using physical parameters, to increase correlation with the measured modal data. Excellent agreement, within an average 1.5% to 2.9%, was obtained between the predicted and measured modal frequencies of the stringer, frame and dome components. The predictions for the modal frequencies of the assembled component Configurations I through V were within an average 2.9% and 9.1%. Finite element modal analyses were performed for comparison with 3 psi and 6 psi internal pressurization conditions in Configuration VI. The modal frequencies were predicted by applying differential stiffness to the elements with pressure loading and creating reduced matrices for beam elements with offsets inside external superelements. The average disagreement between the measured and predicted differences for the 0 psi and 6 psi internal pressure conditions was less than 0.5%. Comparably good agreement was obtained for the differences between the 0 psi and 3 psi measured and predicted internal pressure conditions.

Grosveld, Ferdinand W.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Nonlinear Spring Finite Elements for Predicting Mode I-Dominated Delamination Growth in Laminated Structure with Through-Thickness reinforcement

One particular concern of polymer matrix composite laminates is the relatively low resistance to delamination cracking, in particular when the dominant type of failure is mode I opening. One method proposed for alleviating this problem involves the insertion pultruded carbon pins through the laminate thickness. The pins, known as z-pins, are inserted into the prepreg laminate using an ultrasonic hammer prior to the curing process, resulting in a field of pins embedded normal to the laminate plane as illustrated in Figure. 1. Pin diameters range between 0.28-mm to 0.5-mm and standard areal densities range from 0.5% to 4%. The z-pins are provided by the manufacturer, Aztex(Registered TradeMark) , in a low-density foam preform, which acts to stabilize orientation of the pins during the insertion process [1-3]. Typical pin materials include boron and carbon fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. A number of methods have been developed for predicting delamination growth in laminates reinforced with z-pins. During a study on the effect of z-pin reinforcement on mode I delamination resistance, finite element analyses of z-pin reinforced double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens were performed by Cartie and Partridge [4]. The z-pin bridging stresses were modeled by applying equivalent forces at the pin locations. Single z-pin pull-out tests were performed to characterize the traction law of the pins under mode I loading conditions. Analytical solutions for delamination growth in z-pin reinforced DCB specimens were independently derived by Robinson and Das [5] and Ratcliffe and O'Brien [6]. In the former case, pin bridging stresses were modeled using a distributed load and in the latter example the bridging stresses were discretely modeled by way of grounded springs. Additionally, Robinson and Das developed a data reduction strategy for calculating mode I fracture toughness, G(sub Ic), from a z-pin reinforced DCB specimen test [5]. In both cases a traction law similar to that adopted by Cartie and Partridge was used to represent z-pin failure under mode I loading conditions. In the current work spring elements available in most commercial finite element codes were used to model z-pins. The traction law used in previous analyses [4-6] was employed to represent z-pin damage. This method is intended for and is limited to simulating z-pins in composite laminate structure containing mode I-dominated delamination cracking. The current technique differs from previous analyses in that spring finite elements (available in commercial codes) are employed for simulating zpins, reducing the complexity of the analysis construction process. Furthermore, the analysis method can be applied to general structure that experiences mode I-dominated delamination cracking, in contrast to existing analytical solutions that are only applicable to coupon DCB specimens.

Ratcliffe, James G.↗
NASA NTRS2007

NASA Tech Briefs, May 2007

Topics include: Noise-Canceling Helmet Audio System; Program Analyzes Spacecraft/Ground Radio Links; Two-Way Communication Using RFID Equipment and Techniques; Six-Message Electromechanical Display System; Scanning Terahertz Heterodyne Imaging Systems; Master Clock and Time-Signal-Distribution System; Synchronous Phase-Resolving Flash Range Imaging; Integrated Radial Probe Transition From MMIC to Waveguide; Bar-Code System for a Microbiological Laboratory; MMIC Amplifier Produces Gain of 10 dB at 235 GHz; Mapping Nearby Terrain in 3D by Use of a Grid of Laser Spots; Digital Beam Deflectors Based Partly on Liquid Crystals; Narrow-Band WGM Optical Filters With Tunable FSRs; Better Finite-Element Analysis of Composite Shell Structures; Computing Spacecraft-Pointing Vectors for Limb Tracking; Enhanced Master Controller Unit Tester; Rover Graphical Simulator; Increasing Durability of Flame-Sprayed Strain Gauges; Multifunctional, High-Temperature Nanocomposites; Multilayer Impregnated Fibrous Thermal Insulation Tiles; Radiation-Shielding Polymer/Soil Composites; Film/Adhesive Processing Module for Fiber-Placement Processing of Composites; Fabrication of Submillimeter Axisymmetric Optical Components; Electrochemical Disposal of Hydrazines in Water; Statistical Model of Evaporating Multicomponent Fuel Drops; Resistively Heated SiC Nozzle for Generating Molecular Beams; Compact Packaging of Photonic Millimeter-Wave Receiver; Diffractive Combiner of Single-Mode Pump Laser-Diode Beams; Wide-Band, High-Quantum-Efficiency Photodetector; A Robustly Stabilizing Model Predictive Control Algorithm; Modeling Evaporation of Drops of Different Kerosenes; Development of Vapor-Phase Catalytic Ammonia Removal System; Several Developments in Space Tethers; Design Concept for a Nuclear Reactor-Powered Mars Rover; Formation-Initialization Algorithm for N Spacecraft; and DNSs of Multicomponent Gaseous and Drop-Laden Mixing Layers Achieving Transition to Turbulence.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2022

Decay Dose Shielding Analysis with Hybrid Unstructured Mesh/Constructive Solid Geometry Monte Carlo Calculation and ADVANTG Acceleration

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Second Target Station (STS) neutron production facility is an accelerator driven pulsed neutron source that is currently being actively developed at ORNL. The neutrons are produced by proton-induced spallation reactions. A proton beam of 700 kW power is delivered to a spallation target in short, less than 1 µs long pulses, with 15 Hz repetition rate. The spallation target of ORNL STS is a rotating water-cooled tungsten target with tantalum cladding housed in a stainless-steel shroud. It is divided into 21 segments. These segments become highly activated due to spallation reactions or nuclei transmutation by the emitted neutrons. The radioactive nuclides continue to decay after ceasing operation. The decay dose rates generated from the target segments once they are removed from their operational location within the core vessel must be accurately quantified to determine the shielding configurations of remote handling tools and transport casks and to aid in planning maintenance events. To determine the shielding configurations needed for an activated target segment after ceasing operation, both the hybrid unstructured mesh (UM)/constructive solid geometry (CSG) approach that was previously utilized for STS analyses [1] and the ADVANTG code [2] were used. Even though the ADVANTG code does not include UM capability, the utilization of its advanced variance reduction technique was crucial to accelerate the extremely difficult final photon transport calculation in this analysis. This paper also describes the procedures taken to mitigate the convergence issues that occur when ADVANTG uses a source definition that does not match the source of the final Monte Carlo (MC) calculation. These convergence issues often occur because of inconsistencies between source and transport biasing parameters.

Ibrahim, Ahmad↗
NASA NTRS1993

Proton irradiation on materials

A computer code is developed by utilizing a radiation transport code developed at NASA Langley Research Center to study the proton radiation effects on materials which have potential application in NASA's future space missions. The code covers the proton energy from 0.01 Mev to 100 Gev and is sufficient for energetic protons encountered in both low earth and geosynchronous orbits. With some modification, the code can be extended for particles heavier than proton as the radiation source. The code is capable of calculating the range, stopping power, exit energy, energy deposition coefficients, dose, and cumulative dose along the path of the proton in a target material. The target material can be any combination of the elements with atomic number ranging from 1 to 92, or any compound with known chemical composition. The generated cross section for a material is stored and is reused in future to save computer time. This information can be utilized to calculate the proton dose a material would receive in an orbit when the radiation environment is known. It can also be used to determine, in the laboratory, the parameters such as beam current of proton and irradiation time to attain the desired dosage for accelerated ground testing of any material. It is hoped that the present work be extended to include polymeric and composite materials which are prime candidates for use as coating, electronic components, and structure building. It is also desirable to determine, for ground testing these materials, the laboratory parameters in order to simulate the dose they would receive in space environments. A sample print-out for water subject to 1.5 Mev proton is included as a reference.

Chang, C. Ken↗
DOE OSTI2024

Final CRADA Report – NFE-21-08693

TAE Technologies is developing a magnetic fusion energy concept known as the beam-driven field-reversed configuration (FRC) with the ultimate goal of developing a reactor for commercial electricity production capable of burning aneutronic pB11 fuel. To achieve the high plasma temperatures this requires, auxiliary radiofrequency (RF) heating will likely be needed. High Harmonic Fast Wave (HHFW) heating has been identified as a candidate RF heating scheme to overcome the unique challenges posed to RF heating by the FRC, including the large distance from the plasma edge to the last closed flux surface and a magnetic field profile with strength decreasing from edge to core and reversing sign at a null point inside the plasma. The purpose of this project was to develop the experimental capabilities to test HHFW on TAE’s C-2W device through the design of a phased array antenna and accompanying matching network. The design was performed by ORNL and informed by experiments with a prototype four-strap phased antenna-array that was manufactured and installed on the LArge Plasma Device (LAPD) at UCLA and simulations conducted with the Petra-M code under the purview of a previous INFUSE grant. The ORNL team completed the conceptual design of the antenna and matching network which was then handed off to the TAE Mechanical Design team. The design was then iterated on to ensure changes to the mechanical design did not interfere with the RF performance. This process is now complete, and, with mechanical design in hand, TAE is proceeding with plans for final integration.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

UQpy: A general purpose Python package and development environment for uncertainty quantification

In this paper, we present the UQpy software toolbox, an open-source Python package for general uncertainty quantification (UQ) in mathematical and physical systems. The software serves as both a user-ready toolbox that includes many of the latest methods for UQ in computational modeling and a convenient development environment for Python programmers advancing the field of UQ. The paper presents an introduction to the software's architecture and existing capabilities, divided in the code in a set of modules centered around different UQ tasks such as sampling methods, generation of random processes and random fields, probabilistic inverse modeling, reliability analysis, surrogate modeling, and active learning. The paper also highlights the importance of the RunModel module, which is used to drive simulations in the uncertainty analyses performed in UQpy. This module conveniently allows the user to define computational models directly in Python, or to run simulations from a third-party software in serial or in parallel. To illustrate the various capabilities, two examples are tracked throughout the paper and analyzed repeatedly for various UQ tasks. The first is a Python model solving a nonlinear structural dynamics problem, used to illustrate UQpy's capabilities in sampling and forward propagation of high dimensional random vectors (stochastic processes), and probabilistic inference. The second model is a third-party Abaqus finite element model solving the thermomechanical response of a beam structure. This example is used to illustrate UQpy's capabilities in variance reduction sampling techniques, reliability analysis, surrogate modeling and active learning techniques.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗