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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 433 records · Page 24

Machine-learning-informed scattering correlation analysis of sheared colloids

We have carried out theoretical analysis, Monte Carlo simulations and machine-learning analysis to quantify microscopic rearrangements of dilute dispersions of spherical colloidal particles from coherent scattering intensity. Both monodisperse and polydisperse dispersions of colloids were created and underwent a rearrangement consisting of an affine simple shear and non-affine rearrangement using the Monte Carlo method. We calculated the coherent scattering intensity of the dispersions and the correlation function of intensity before and after the rearrangement and generated a large data set of angular correlation functions for varying system parameters, including number density, polydispersity, shear strain and non-affine rearrangement. Singular value decomposition of the data set shows the feasibility of machine-learning inversion from the correlation function for the polydispersity, shear strain and non-affine rearrangement using only three parameters. A Gaussian process regressor is then trained on the data set and can retrieve the affine shear strain, non-affine rearrangement and polydispersity with relative errors of 3%, 1% and 6%, respectively. Altogether, our model provides a framework for quantitative studies of both steady and non-steady microscopic dynamics of colloidal dispersions using coherent scattering methods.

Gaussian process regression↗

Post-2026 Environmental Impact Statement Rate Analysis for the Colorado River Storage Project

The Glen Canyon Dam (GCD) is a principal power-generating asset within the Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP), accounting for approximately 70–80% of CRSP power production over the past two decades. In June 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) issued a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) outlining operational guidelines and strategies for Colorado River Basin reservoirs after 2026 (Reclamation, 2023). Power generation is among CRSP’s statutory purposes under the Colorado River Storage Project Act of 1956 (U.S. Congress, 1956). Assessing how alternative policy frameworks affect CRSP power production and the resulting electricity rates for U.S. customers is therefore essential to inform decision-making. This report evaluates projected electricity rates and the market value of electricity from the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) CRSP GCD under multiple post-2026 policy scenarios to support Reclamation’s EIS development. Results from advanced econometric and machine learning models indicate that the Enhanced Coordination alternative (EnhanCoor), Maximum Operational Flexibility alternative (CCA), and Supply Driven - 55 alternative (SD55) alternatives yield more favorable hydropower generation and capacity outcomes, which are objectives outlined in Reclamation’s documentations (Reclamation, 2007; Reclamation, 2016). Specifically, these scenarios are associated with higher electricity production, lower projected rate trajectories, and greater economic value to the U.S. power system from CRSP generation. The remaining five scenarios generally produce lower generation, higher rate trajectories, and reduced long-term market values.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Developing Open-Source Training Materials for AI/ML and Space Biological Sciences Using NASA Cloud-Based Data

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) has gained significant traction in the biological and biomedical research fields, in part due to a culture of open data sharing and reuse. AI/ML methodology is well-suited to recognize and predict biological patterns from high-dimensional next-generation sequencing data (e.g. whole genome sequencing, transcriptomic sequencing), as well as from biological or medical imaging data (e.g. microscopy, computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, radiography). These methodologies hold particular promise for space biosciences research and automated space health monitoring systems. However, there are key considerations for properly training, validating, and testing a machine learning model in biological research or clinical application. Inexperienced researchers can produce models that perform poorly outside of the training dataset. Open Science principles such as data sharing and open-source code must go hand-in-hand with publicly available, high-quality training curricula in best practices, with modules centered on real-life scientific use cases and data so future AI/ML practitioners gain experience on real problems. Here we present the development of open-source training materials for AI/ML and space biosciences, as part of the NASA Transform to Open Science Training (TOPST) initiative. We develop 4 independent training programs, focused on the following topics: 1) Fundamentals of Machine Learning and Space Biosciences Domain, 2) Open Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethical Best Practices for Data Sharing and Analysis, 3) Using AI/ML Classification to Identify Gene Networks Affected By Space Exposure in Mouse Liver, and 4) Using Neural Networks to Find DNA Damage Patterns in Immune Cells after Radiation. All programs leverage cloud-based NASA biological datasets. The curriculum we present will enable worldwide access to training in AI/ML and scientific analysis.

James Casaletto↗

Evaluating Machine Learning Approaches to Plume Tracking

On July 15, 2022, the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai (HTHH) submarine volcano erupted, propelling trace gasses and ash through the troposphere and up into the stratosphere. Previous studies manually tracked the aerosol and trace gas plumes over time across different positions in the southern hemisphere. Using imagery from NASA’s Earth Observing System, including MODIS aerosol products and OMI sulfur dioxide products, this research demonstrates how open-source machine learning (ML) models, like Meta’s Segment Anything Model (SAM), can perform automatic plume tracking following the Hunga Tonga eruption. This extensible methodology, and modular data processing and modeling pipeline, establishes a framework for systematically and rapidly studying natural disasters, including additional volcanic eruptions and large-scale wildfires. By combining advanced machine learning techniques, such as SAM’s zero-shot learning, with large volumes of NASA’s Earth Observation and remote sensing data, this work shows how AI and open science can accelerate research and generate actionable results, even for unprecedented events. The tools and technologies presented here can help translate earth science to action from NASA’s current and future Earth observing satellite missions, and assist researchers and stakeholders in understanding, mapping, and responding to natural disasters in a changing world.

machine learning↗

Quantum graph learning and algorithms applied in quantum computer sciences and image classification

Graph and network theory play a fundamental role in quantum computer sciences, including quantum information and computation. Random graphs and complex network theory are pivotal in predicting novel quantum phenomena, where entangled links are represented by edges. Quantum algorithms have been developed to enhance solutions for various network problems, giving rise to quantum graph computing and quantum graph learning (QGL). Here, in this review, we explore graph theory and graph learning methods as powerful tools for quantum computers to generate efficient solutions to problems beyond the reach of classical systems. We delve into the development of quantum complex network theory and its applications in quantum computation, materials discovery, and research. We also discuss quantum machine learning (QML) methodologies for effective image classification using qubits, quantum gates, and quantum circuits. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges of QGL and algorithms, emphasizing the steps needed to develop flexible QGL solvers. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the fields of QGL and QML, highlights recent advancements, and identifies opportunities for future research.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Evaluating the Efficacy of Conditional Variational Autoencoders in Generating Synthetic Single Nuclei RNA-Seq Data for Space Biology Research

Astronauts are subject to unique stressors during spaceflight, leading to changes in their cellular function. However, neither astronauts nor model organisms respond the same to spaceflight, and research implicates a contribution of omics components in differential responses. Understanding how gene expression affects astronaut health is critical for the success of long-term space missions, prompting interest in developing personalized predictive models leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques. Developing such models requires extensive data, which is challenging to obtain and share. This study explores the use of conditional variational autoencoders (CVAEs) to synthetically generate single-nuclei RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) data. CVAEs build on standard variational autoencoders (VAEs) by conditioning data generation on covariates like sample identity and mission parameters, enhancing the relevance of generated data for specific contexts. For our work, we built two CVAEs with varying degrees of sparsity to optimize both interpretability and generative power. We train and validate models on existing snRNA-seq data collected from the brain tissue of mice subjected to spaceflight conditions and their ground control counterparts. We evaluate model performance using statistical tests and visualizations to compare synthetic data to real data. We aim to demonstrate that these prototype CVAE architectures could be used in future space biology work and that this is a method worth further exploring.

Sarah Golts↗

Unraveling Adsorbate-Induced Structural Evolution of Iron Carbide Nanoparticles

Iron carbide (Fe x C y ) nanoparticles (NPs) are promising candidates for replacing platinum group metals in industrial applications, such as high-temperature Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. However, due to their amorphous nature, characterization of the active sites has been challenging experimentally and computationally. Here, using a combined density functional theory (DFT), neural network interatomic potential-assisted global optimization, and ensemble learning study, we evaluate dynamic surface changes associated with syngas (H and CO) interactions. For this purpose, we have developed a general procedure that we use to model an experimentally relevant 270-atom Fe 182 C 88 NP using the neural network-assisted stochastic surface walk global optimization algorithm (SSW-NN). Once generated, the Fe 182 C 88 NP active sites and particle morphology are thoroughly characterized before the effects of syngas adsorbate interactions are explored by using DFT and molecular dynamics simulations. Lastly, we explore correlations between geometric and electronic features of the active sites and the adsorption of H (H ads ), using a regularized random forest machine learning algorithm. In doing so, we identified the Fe–C coordination number and p orbital occupancy as the most important descriptors affecting H ads . Furthermore, using a combined ML and quantum chemistry approach, our work demonstrates a general and efficient procedure for generating and probing complex surface phenomena on binary nanoparticles.

Adsorption↗

Machine-learning interatomic potentials for interfaces in all-solid-state batteries: Perspectives on training data, model selection, and validation

Interfaces play a pivotal role in dictating the performance and reliability of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), where complex electro-chemo-mechanical phenomena at grain boundaries (GBs) and interfaces can lead to degradation and failure. Traditional atomistic simulation methods, such as first-principles calculations and classical molecular dynamics, face limitations in modeling these interfaces due to either high computational cost or insufficient transferability to the diverse atomic environments evolving at interfaces. Machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) have emerged as a transformative approach, enabling large-scale, high-accuracy simulations of disordered and chemically complex systems by leveraging the predictability of machine learning models trained on first-principles data. Recent applications of MLIPs have demonstrated their ability to capture intricate behaviors at ASSB interfaces, including ion transport, interfacial evolution, and degradation mechanisms, with accuracy and efficiency unattainable by conventional methods. This prospective paper presents comprehensive analysis and practical guidance for MLIP development for GBs and interfaces in ASSBs, with a focus on three key pillars: data generation, model selection, and validation. Here, we review the current state of MLIP applications for GBs and interfaces in both general and ASSB-specific materials, highlighting best practices and challenges in constructing diverse and representative datasets, choosing appropriate machine learning architectures, and rigorously validating model performance. We also discuss emerging strategies and opportunities for improved reliability and efficiency of MLIPs to simulate realistic interfaces in ASSBs.

Energy - Storage↗

Prediction of electric and magnetic fields from spectral data using machine learning algorithms for Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy diagnostics

The prediction of electric and magnetic field amplitudes from atomic spectral data is critical for plasma control in fusion devices such as tokamaks. Conventional approaches that rely on physics-based models are computationally expensive and unsuitable for real-time applications. In this work, we develop and benchmark three machine learning algorithms—simulation-based inference (SBI), fully connected neural networks (FCNN), and histogram-based gradient boosting regression (GBR-Hist)—to infer field intensities directly from Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy (DFSS) spectra. Synthetic datasets of spectra were generated using the EZSSS code and evaluated both with and without added Poisson noise to mimic experimental conditions. We find that SBI achieves the highest accuracy and robustness, FCNN provides a strong balance of accuracy and computational efficiency for real-time applications, and GBR-Hist offers the fastest inference but is more sensitive to noise. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the potential of machine learning to accelerate DFSS analysis and enhance its utility for plasma diagnostics and control.

Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy↗

PyCMG-based Simulation of Volumetric Concrete Microstructure

Concrete is a complex, heterogeneous material with a microstructure composed of aggregates, cement paste, and pores spanning multiple length scales. Understanding this microstructure is critical for advancing the performance, durability, and modeling of concrete-based systems. While experimental imaging such as X-ray computed tomography (XCT) provides valuable insights, generating large datasets with detailed ground truth annotations is both costly and labor-intensive due to challenges in segmenting similar phases, such as aggregates and cement paste, that often share similar attenuation properties. To address this, we developed a pipeline to simulate realistic 3D concrete microstructures using the open-source Python package PyCMG. This simulation effort focuses on generating high-fidelity, annotated microstructures that can serve as training or benchmarking datasets for image analysis, segmentation algorithms, and machine learning models, particularly in scenarios where experimental data is scarce.

Ziabari, Amir [Oak Ridge National Laboratory; ORNL↗

CORN (Crop Optimization Realized through Neuralnets)

Traditional models of predicting plant traits are limited because they often rely on linear assumptions that do not fully capture the complexity of biological interactions and DNA-based markers which are static across environments. This project generated a set of RNA-based data from large multi-environment field trials and combined it with advanced machine learning techniques to account for these complex interactions and improve the accuracy of predictions.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Keeping LAMMPS cutting edge

Since its inception 30 years ago, LAMMPS has grown to be a world-class molecular dynamics code and a cornerstone of computational materials science research. This project aimed to keep LAMMPS at the forefront of molecular dynamics simulations by adapting LAMMPS to the latest developments in machine learning technology and hardware. Initially, the project set out to provide a unified implementation of active learning for efficient training data generation in LAMMPS, but the research trajectory pivoted to address more immediate and impactful opportunities. On the hardware side, recent record-breaking molecular dynamics simulations were developed on the Cerebras wafer-scale AI chip, and this project has developed an interface between LAMMPS and the hardware-specific molecular dynamics code to accelerate and simplify development and user adoption. On the software side, PyTorch’s Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compilation features promised increased performance for state-of-the-art equivariant neural network potentials, and this project laid the groundwork for their adoption in LAMMPS, resulting in a nearly 20x acceleration in extreme cases. Combined with a comprehensive benchmark study of LAMMPS across all current exascale systems, this project has reinforced LAMMPS’s role as a versatile, high-performance tool for current and future materials science applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Introducing the DREAMS Project: DaRk mattEr and Astrophysics with Machine Learning and Simulations

We introduce the DaRk mattEr and Astrophysics with Machine learning and Simulations (DREAMS) project, an innovative approach to understanding the astrophysical implications of alternative dark matter (DM) models and their effects on galaxy formation and evolution. The DREAMS project will ultimately comprise thousands of cosmological hydrodynamic simulations that simultaneously vary over DM physics, astrophysics, and cosmology in modeling a range of systems—from galaxy clusters to ultra-faint satellites. Such extensive simulation suites can provide adequate training sets for machine-learning-based analyses. This paper introduces two new cosmological hydrodynamical suites of warm dark matter (WDM), each comprising 1024 simulations generated using the arepo code. One suite consists of uniform-box simulations covering a ${(25\,{h}^{-1}\,{\rm{Mpc}})}^{3}$ volume, while the other consists of Milky Way zoom-ins with sufficient resolution to capture the properties of classical satellites. For each simulation, the WDM particle mass is varied along with the initial density field and several parameters controlling the strength of baryonic feedback within the IllustrisTNG model. We provide two examples, separately utilizing emulators and convolutional neural networks, to demonstrate how such simulation suites can be used to disentangle the effects of DM and baryonic physics on galactic properties. The DREAMS project can be extended further to include different DM models, galaxy formation physics, and astrophysical targets. In this way, it will provide an unparalleled opportunity to characterize uncertainties on predictions for small-scale observables, leading to robust predictions for testing the particle physics nature of DM on these scales.

cosmological parameters↗

Ensuring Safe, Effective, and Reliable Use of Artificial Intelligence-Based Applications for Nuclear Electricity Generation through a Systems Approach

There is a significant potential to reduce operating and maintenance cost at nuclear power plants using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). For instance, AI/ML has the potential to significant improve work management processes, condition reporting, and plant surveillance activities. However, the nuclear industry has been slow in adopting AI/ML due to several multifaceted barriers discussed in this paper. This work presents such multidisciplinary approach intended to 1) accelerate industry adoption of AI/ML-based applications at nuclear power plants and 2) ensure their safe, reliable, and effective use. This approach is discussed further in this work and will be used to address overarching challenges associated with AI deployment at scale to provide industry guidance that support accelerated adoption of AI/ML technologies throughout the industry.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Conformalized-KANs: Uncertainty Quantification with Coverage Guarantees for Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs) in Scientific Machine Learning

This paper explores uncertainty quantification (UQ) methods in the context of Kolmogorov–Arnold Networks (KANs). We apply an ensemble approach to KANs to obtain a heuristic measure of UQ, enhancing interpretability and robustness in modeling complex functions. Building on this, we introduce Conformalized-KANs, which integrate conformal prediction, a distribution-free UQ technique, with KAN ensembles to generate calibrated prediction intervals with guaranteed coverage.} Extensive numerical experiments are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods, focusing particularly on the robustness and accuracy of the prediction intervals under various hyperparameter settings. We show that the conformal KAN predictions can be applied to recent extensions of KANs, including Finite Basis KANs (FBKANs) and multifideilty KANs (MFKANs). The results demonstrate the potential of our approaches to significantly improve the reliability and applicability of KANs in scientific machine learning.

• Artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning ↗

From disorganized data to emergent dynamic models: Questionnaires to partial differential equations

Starting with sets of disorganized observations of spatially varying and temporally evolving systems, obtained at different (also disorganized) sets of parameters, we demonstrate the data-driven derivation of parameter dependent, evolutionary partial differential equation (PDE) models capable of generating the data. This tensor type of data is reminiscent of shuffled (multidimensional) puzzle tiles. The independent variables for the evolution equations (their “space” and “time”) as well as their effective parameters are all emergent , i.e. determined in a data-driven way from our disorganized observations of behavior in them. We use a diffusion map based questionnaire approach to build a smooth parametrization of our emergent space/time/parameter space for the data. This approach iteratively processes the data by successively observing them on the “space,” the “time” and the “parameter” axes of a tensor. Once the data become organized, we use machine learning (here, neural networks) to approximate the operators governing the evolution equations in this emergent space. Our illustrative examples are based (i) on a simple advection–diffusion model; (ii) on a previously developed vertex-plus-signaling model of Drosophila embryonic development; and (iii) on two complex dynamic network models (one neuronal and one coupled oscillator model) for which no obvious smooth embedding geometry is known a priori. This allows us to discuss features of the process like symmetry breaking, translational invariance, and autonomousness of the emergent PDE model, as well as its interpretability.

generative models↗

Day-Ahead Probabilistic Forecasting of Net-Load and Demand Response Potentials with High Penetration of Behind-the-Meter Solar-plus-Storage

The goal of this project is to develop advanced methods for day-ahead net-load forecasting, by leveraging the state-of-the-art machine learning techniques. The developed models produce both point and probabilistic forecasts for a variety of use cases, and are versatile to work with different types of data sets. The innovation lies in the novel design of the architectures, leveraging the most recent advances in machine learning that have not been explored in power systems, accompanied by techniques in the broader artificial intelligence fields such as fuzzy systems. This project has achieved the following accomplishments: (1) preprocessing of over 10 data sets covering varying geographical regions, time horizons, and system levels, which form a robust foundation for training and evaluating forecasting models across a wide range of realistic grid scenarios; (2) development of an interactive web app that enables exploratory analysis of load and generation data, and supports better understanding of data trends, anomalies, and correlations, facilitating model development and stakeholder engagement; (3) implementation of over 10 benchmark models for point and probabilistic forecasting, which include a mix of conventional machine learning methods and state-of-the-art deep learning approaches, providing a comprehensive baseline for performance comparison and validation of the proposed models; (4) development of a fuzzy system based gradient boosting model, tailored for small (less than 3 years) data sets, which achieves a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 4% for point forecasting and a 20% improvement in average pinball loss for probabilistic forecasting; (5) development of a Transformer (a state-of-the-art deep learning architecture) based neural network model, tailored for large (3 years or more) data sets, which achieves a MAPE of 2% for point forecasting and a 20% improvement in average pinball loss for probabilistic forecasting; (6) development of a methodology for quantifying DR potential, and extensions of the previous models for multi-target forecasting of net load and DR potential, which achieve a MAPE of 10% for DR potential.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Final report- UFL - RAPIDS2: A SciDAC Institute for Computer Science, Data, and Artificial Intelligence

The research initiatives supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grant DE-SC0022265 are fundamentally aimed at pioneering advanced machine learning (ML) techniques for scientific data compression within high-performance computing (HPC) environments. This comprehensive body of work addresses the critical challenge posed by the exponential growth of data generated by scientific simulations in domains such as fusion energy, climate modeling, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A core objective is to develop compression algorithms that achieve substantial data reduction—often by orders of magnitude—while rigorously ensuring the fidelity of both the primary data (PD) and scientifically crucial derived quantities of interest (QoI). The methodologies deployed under this grant integrate sophisticated deep learning architectures, prominently featuring autoencoders, advanced generative models like conditional diffusion, and hybrid learning techniques. Key innovations include the development of Guaranteed Autoencoders (GAE) and the Guaranteed Conditional Diffusion with Tensor Correction (GCDTC) framework, which provide explicit, instance-level error bounds on reconstructed data. Furthermore, specialized strategies such as nonlinear constraint satisfaction are employed to preserve the integrity of QoI, a vital requirement for the trustworthiness of downstream scientific analyses. This research also focuses on the design and implementation of scalable, GPU-accelerated software pipelines that seamlessly integrate into existing HPC workflows, ensuring both computational efficiency and practical applicability. The CAESAR framework, for example, unifies foundation and generative models to create an adaptive and efficient compression solution for spatio-temporal scientific data. Collectively, these efforts represent a significant advancement in mitigating the scientific data deluge, enabling more effective data management, accelerated scientific discovery, and optimized utilization of HPC resources.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗