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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 469 records · Page 26

RDPM: An Extensible Tool for Resilience Design Patterns Modelling

Resilience to faults, errors, and failures in extreme-scale high-performance computing (HPC) systems is a critical challenge. Resilience design patterns offer a new, structured hardware and software design approach for improving resilience. While prior work focused on developing performance, reliability, and availability models for resilience design patterns, this paper extends it by providing a Resilience Design Patterns Modeling (RDPM) tool which allows (1) exploring performance, reliability, and availability of each resilience design pattern, (2) offering customization of parameters to optimize performance, reliability, and availability, and (3) allowing investigation of trade-off models for combining multiple patterns for practical resilience solutions.

Kumar, Mohit↗

Pure quark and gluon observables in collinear drop

We construct a class of pure quark and gluon observables by using the collinear drop grooming technique. The construction is based on linear combinations of multiple cumulative distributions of the jet mass in collinear drop, whose specific weights are fully predicted perturbatively. This yields observables which obtain their values purely from quarks (or purely from gluons) in a wide region of phase space. We demonstrate this by showing that these observables are effective in two phase space regions, one dominated by perturbative resummation and one dominated by nonperturbative effects. The nonperturbative effects are included using shape functions which only appear as a common factor in the linear combinations constructed. We test this construction using a numerical analysis with next-to-leading logarithmic resummation and various shape function models, as well as analyzing these observables with PYTHIA and VINCIA. Choices for the collinear drop parameters are optimized for experimental use.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

A comparative analysis of residual stresses from friction stir processing of aluminum cast 380 and wrought 7075 alloy sheets: experimental characterization and modeling

Residual stresses are often overlooked in friction stir processing (FSP), but their significant impact on fatigue performance necessitates their consideration in optimizing processing parameters. The first step in this effort is understanding how process conditions influence residual stress distributions, especially across different alloys. This study focuses on determining and explaining the through-thickness residual stress variations and the effect of process temperature on the residual stress magnitude in wrought AA7075 and cast AA380.0 alloys. Additionally, for AA380.0, the impact of a second FSP pass was investigated. To achieve this, hole-drilling electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) and the thermal pseudo-mechanical (TPM) model within finite element analysis were employed to study the 3D distributions of in-plane residual stresses in processed samples under various conditions. A key finding was the varying impact of process temperatures on residual stress magnitudes. Higher process temperatures reduced stresses in AA380.0 but increased them in AA7075. Additionally, the through-thickness stress distributions differed between the two alloys. Further analysis revealed that yield stresses are crucial in explaining these phenomena and the effects of additional FSP passes. Further, this fundamental understanding will be vital in guiding the efforts to mitigate residual stresses and assess their impact on the performance of FSP aluminum alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fatigue behavior of low-cost, non-spherical Ti-6Al-4V powder processed via laser powder bed fusion

Hydride-dehydride Ti-6Al-4V powder with particle size distribution of 75–175 μm were used to manufacture fatigue samples. Optimized processing parameters were used to maintain a relative density of >99.5% in the samples. Fatigue tests were carried out in R = σ min /σ max = -1 condition under stresses ranging from 150 to 500 MPa and the results were compared to samples that were additively manufactured using spherical powders. The fatigue lives were similar between the two types of powder; i.e., powder morphology has no effect on fatigue performance. However, the high surface roughness and martensitic microstructure resulting from the laser powder bed fusion process result in poor performance compared to samples machined from conventionally produced materials. In conclusion, crack initiation occurred consistently from surface defects because of high surface roughness of the additively manufactured parts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of a Pressurized Water Treatment on Internal Gelation Sol-Gel Microspheres

Based on previous observations that a pressurized water treatment (PWT) prevented cracking of sol-gel microspheres, we investigated the effects of a PWT on microsphere crystallinity, density, and specific surface area (SSA). Results were used to determine how a PWT alters the properties of microspheres upon drying and heating. Microspheres with diameters near 100-200 µm were prepared with and without a PWT and measured using x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption (BET), and pycnometry. Properties of air-dried microspheres processed with and without a PWT are compared. Additionally, the properties of microspheres processed using a PWT are reported after heating to 150 °C, 450 °C, 750 °C, 1050 °C, and 1350 °C. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that the PWT step improves the crystallinity of air-dried microspheres. XRD data was also used to calculate crystallite size, which increases with higher heat treatment temperatures. TEM images support crystallite size calculations from XRD data and provide an indication of the range of crystallite sizes, particularly for samples processed at higher temperatures where crystallite sizes are too large for estimation using the Scherrer formula. Density and SSA measurements performed as a function of heat treatment temperature indicate that a PWT increases the density of air-dried microspheres, creates a pore network, and that significant densification occurs between 450 - 750 °C. These results may be used to inform decisions on internal gelation flowsheet parameters to optimize the microsphere formation and gelation step, prevent microsphere cracking, and produce microspheres suitable for subsequent coating operations or pressing into pellets.

cerium oxide, TRISO, internal gelation, nuclear fu↗

Overview of recent progress in 3D field physics in KSTAR

Various 3D field physics challenges of magnetically confined plasmas arise when the driving source comes from either externally applied non-axisymmetric 3D magnetic perturbations or plasma instabilities inside the plasma. Recently, several key outstanding topics of 3D field physics have been extensively studied in the Korean Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR), such as edge-localized-mode (ELM) control by resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP), error field (EF) control, 3D field effects on rotation and transport, and RMP-induced alteration of divertor heat flux and detachment. KSTAR has a few physically unique features (i.e., high rotation and long-pulse plasmas with a low intrinsic EF) and machine/diagnostic capabilities (i.e., 3-row in-vessel control coil and state-of-the-art 2D/3D imaging diagnostics), which have been taken advantage of until now to address critical 3D field physics issues relevant to ITER and K-DEMO. Among many remarkable achievements are the robust access to and control of n = 1 RMP ELM suppression, along with a development of its physics basis tools, parameter expansion, optimization, and long-pulse control techniques. Nonetheless, a series of unresolved 3D physics themes, as well as limited coverage of 3D field operating regimes, have also been identified as future works for the 3D field research in KSTAR. In this paper, we provide an overview about the recent progress of KSTAR 3D field physics and present future plans of KSTAR 3D research toward a future fusion reactor.

3D field physics↗

Design, characterization and shape recovery behavior of 3D/4D printed shape memory polymers (SMPs)

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) represent a paradigm shift in material science, uniquely capable of undergoing reversible shape transformations triggered by external stimuli, positioning them as pivotal in developing next-generation biomedical devices, aerospace components, and adaptive structures. Extensive research has been done on SMPs with a major focus on high-temperature programming methods, which can limit energy efficiency and applicability with temperature-sensitive materials. Additionally, while various SMP blends have demonstrated great potential, limited work has been done on the suitability for 3D printing these materials, particularly under high-strain and ambient temperature programming conditions. In this study, a three-component optimized SMP composition was evaluated by 3D printing via the Material Extrusion (MEX) technique and investigating its ambient temperature-programming behavior at high strains. The SMP formulation studied was a tailored blend of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polycaprolactone (PCL), and an octadecane diol-based copolymer (OBC) that exhibits robust shape memory behavior, high strain tolerance, and efficient force generation. Rigorous thermal, mechanical, and shape recovery analyses, along with optimized printing parameters and consistent shape recovery rates of up to 90%, were achieved under dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), even under ambient programming conditions. This work demonstrates the SMP composition’s potential for adaptive, self-deployable systems with 4D printing characteristics ideal for bio-inspired structures and artificial muscle fibers.

Sudan, Kavish [University of Louisville, KY]↗

Quantum computing for a profusion of postman problem variants

In this paper we study the viability of solving the Chinese Postman Problem, a graph routing optimization problem, and many of its variants on a quantum annealing device. Routing problem variants considered include graph type, directionally varying weights, number of parties involved in routing, among others. We put emphasis on the explanation of how to convert such problems into quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problems. QUBO is one of two equivalent natural paradigms for quantum annealing devices, the other being the Ising Model. We also expand upon a previously discovered algorithm for solving the Chinese Postman Problem on a closed undirected graph to decrease the number of constraints and variables used in the problem. Optimal annealing parameter settings and constraint weight values are discussed based on results from implementation on the D-Wave 2000Q and Advantage. Results from classical, purely quantum, and hybrid algorithms are compared.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Vacuum-assisted extrusion to reduce internal porosity in large-format additive manufacturing

Large-scale 3D printing of polymer composite structures has gained popularity and seen extensive use over the last decade. Much of the research related to improving the mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts has focused on exploring new materials and optimizing print parameters to improve geometric control and minimize voids between printed beads. However, porosity at the microstructural level (within the printed bead) has been much less studied although it is almost universally observed at levels of 4 %-10 % when using fiber reinforced materials. This study introduces a vacuum-assist approach that minimizes internal porosity by removing ambient air from the interstitial space between pellets in the hopper and acts as a negative pressure vent for gases that evolve during the initial stages of single-screw extrusion. Vacuum-assisted extrusion was able to reduce porosity below 2 % across a wide range of processing parameters, moisture content, fiber reinforcements, and printing platforms. Specifically, when printing on a large-format extruder (Strangpresse Model-30), the vacuum-assisted extrusion reduced internal porosity by 35–75 % compared to conventional non-vacuum extrusion, and only pores with length scale > 2 microns are affected. The success of this approach prompted the design of a patent-pending continuous vacuum hopper relevant for large-scale 3D printing on commercial systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

AutoTandemML: Active Learning Enhanced Tandem Neural Networks for Inverse Design Problems

Inverse design in science and engineering involves determining optimal design parameters that achieve desired performance outcomes, a process often hindered by the complexity and high dimensionality of design spaces, leading to significant computational costs. To tackle this challenge, we propose a novel hybrid approach that combines active learning with Tandem Neural Networks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of solving inverse design problems. Active learning allows to selectively sample the most informative data points, reducing the required dataset size without compromising accuracy. We investigate this approach using three benchmark problems: airfoil inverse design, photonic surface inverse design, and scalar boundary condition reconstruction in diffusion partial differential equations. We demonstrate that integrating active learning with Tandem Neural Networks outperforms standard approaches across the benchmark suite, achieving better accuracy with fewer training samples.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Material erosion measurements and expected operational lifetime of a deployable photon sieve payload

Spacecraft operating in low-Earth orbit are subjected to a number of hazardous environmental constituents that can lead to decreased system performance and reduced operational lifetimes. Due to their thermal, optical, and mechanical properties, polymers are used extensively in space systems; however they are particularly susceptible to material erosion and degradation as a result of exposure to the LEO environment. The focus of this research is to examine the material erosion and mass loss experienced by a custom Kaptonlike polyimide due to exposure in a simulated low-earth orbit environment. The deployable membrane telescope design discussed in this research is named Peregrine and is the scientific payload for FalconSat-7, a 3U cubesat designed and developed at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) for the purpose of demonstrating the capability of deployable membrane telescope technology on a nanosatellite platform. In addition to the polymer samples, chrome, silver and gold specimens will be examined to measure the oxidation rate and act as a control specimen, respectively. A magnetically filtered atomic oxygen plasma source has previously been developed and characterized for the purpose of simulating the low-Earth orbit environment. The plasma source can be operated at a variety of discharge currents and gas flow rates, of which the plasma parameters downstream of the source are dependent. The characteristics of the generated plasma were examined as a function of these operating parameters to optimize the production of O + ions with energy relevant to LEO applications. The erosion yield of the Kapton-like polyimide was experimentally determined to be 2.84 x 10 -24 cm 3 per atom which is in close agreement when compared to the on-orbit measurement for reaction efficiency of Kapton HN. We report the experimentally determined reaction rate for the Kapton-like polyimide was used to estimate the operational lifetime of the photon sieve during the solar conditions expected beginning in May 2019. The effective lifetime is estimated between 126 and 153 days.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Receptance coupling substructure analysis and chatter frequency-informed machine learning for milling stability

This paper describes a milling stability identification approach that simultaneously considers: physics-based models for the tool tip frequency response functions and stability predictions; the binary result from a milling test (automatically labeled as stable or unstable based on frequency content); chatter frequency when an unstable result is obtained; and user risk tolerance. The algorithm applies probabilistic Bayesian machine learning with adaptive, parallelized Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling to update the probability of stability with each milling test. Furthermore, the result is a robust solution for rapid convergence to optimized milling parameters for maximum metal removal rate using all available information.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Calibrating hypersonic turbulence flow models with the HIFiRE-1 experiment using data-driven machine-learned models.

In this paper we study the efficacy of combining machine-learning methods with projection-based model reduction techniques for creating data-driven surrogate models of computationally expensive, high-fidelity physics models. Such surrogate models are essential for many-query applications e.g., engineering design optimization and parameter estimation, where it is necessary to invoke the high-fidelity model sequentially, many times. Surrogate models are usually constructed for individual scalar quantities. However there are scenarios where a spatially varying field needs to be modeled as a function of the model’s input parameters. Here we develop a method to do so, using projections to represent spatial variability while a machine-learned model captures the dependence of the model’s response on the inputs. The method is demonstrated on modeling the heat flux and pressure on the surface of the HIFiRE-1 geometry in a Mach 7.16 turbulent flow. The surrogate model is then used to perform Bayesian estimation of freestream conditions and parameters of the SST (Shear Stress Transport) turbulence model embedded in the high-fidelity (Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes) flow simulator, using shock-tunnel data. The paper provides the first-ever Bayesian calibration of a turbulence model for complex hypersonic turbulent flows. We find that the primary issues in estimating the SST model parameters are the limited information content of the heat flux and pressure measurements and the large model-form error encountered in a certain part of the flow.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Theoretical predictive screening of noble-metal-containing M 3 AuC 2 (M = Ti, V, and Cr) MAX phases

Using first-principles density functional theory (DFT), the ground state physical properties of the newly synthesized noble-metal-containing Ti 3 AuC 2 MAX phase have been investigated. The effect of transition-element Ti replacement (V and Cr) on physical properties, including structural, elastic, electronic, thermal, and optical are presented. The optimized lattice parameters of Ti 3 AuC 2 MAX phase are in good agreement with the experimental values and decrease when we replace Ti with V and then Cr. The magnetic properties of M 3 AuC 2 are predicted by using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) incorporating onsite electron correlation parameter (Hubbard U parameter) within DFT. Out of three studied MAX phases, V 3 AuC 2 and Cr 3 AuC 2 phases exhibit magnetism. The thermodynamical stability of M 3 AuC 2 (M = Ti, V, and Cr) phases is discussed by the formation enthalpy with respect to their most competing phases. The electronic structure reveals that these phases have metallic nature and are electrically anisotropic. The M-element replacement has an effect on the bonding properties of M 3 AuC 2 . The bonding between M-C is in the order of Cr 3 AuC 2 > V 3 AuC 2 > Ti 3 AuC 2 according to their peak positions and heights of density of states in the occupied site, which is also confirmed from the charge density distribution. The elastic properties indicate that M 3 AuC 2 phases are ductile, machinable, less stiff, and better resistant to thermal shock and are elastically anisotropic. To understand the properties of M 3 AuC 2 for the extreme environment, we employed a quasi-harmonic Debye model at the pressure and temperature range of 0–50 GPa and 0–1600 K, respectively. Additionally, we evaluated thermal conductivity and melting temperature to further understand the potential of these MAX phases in coating applications at elevated temperature. In relation to optical properties, these MAX phases have a reasonable absorption coefficient in the visible as well as in the ultra-violet regions. The reflectivity of M 3 AuC 2 phases is polarization dependent and of 45 % against the visible region, which reveals its potential as coating material to minimize solar heating.

312 MAX phases↗

Predictive process mapping for laser powder bed fusion: A review of existing analytical solutions

One of the main challenges in the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process is making dense and defect-free components. These porosity defects are dependent upon the melt pool geometry and the processing conditions. Power-velocity (PV) processing maps can aid in visualizing the effects of LPBF processing variables and mapping different defect regimes such as lack-of-fusion, under-melting, balling, and keyholing. This work presents an assessment of existing analytical equations and models that provide an estimate of the melt pool geometry as a function of material properties. The melt pool equations are then combined with defect criteria to provide a quick approximation of the PV processing maps for a variety of materials. Finally, the predictions of these processing maps are compared with experimental data from the literature. Here, the predictive processing maps can be computed quickly and can be coupled with dimensionless numbers and high-throughput (HT) experiments for validation. The present work provides a boundary framework for designing the optimal processing parameters for new metals and alloys based on existing analytical solutions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

JTAG-based PLC memory acquisition framework for industrial control systems

In industrial control systems (ICS), programmable logic controllers (PLC) are the embedded devices that directly control and monitor critical industrial infrastructure processes such as nuclear plants and power grid stations. Cyberattacks often target PLCs to sabotage a physical process. A memory forensic analysis of a suspect PLC can answer questions about an attack, including compromised firmware and manipulation of PLC control logic code and I/O devices. Given physical access to a PLC, collecting forensic information from the PLC memory at the hardware-level is risky and challenging. It may cause the PLC to crash or hang since PLCs have proprietary, legacy hardware with heterogeneous architecture. This paper addresses this research problem and proposes a novel JTAG (Joint Test Action Group)-based framework, Kyros, for reliable PLC memory acquisition. Kyros systematically creates a JTAG profile of a PLC through hardware assessment, JTAG pins identification, memory map creation, and optimizing acquisition parameters. It also facilitates the community of interest (such as ICS owners, operators, and vendors) to develop the JTAG profiles of PLCs. Further, we present a case study of Kyros implementation over Allen-Bradley 1756-A10/B to help understand the framework's application on a real-world PLC used in industry settings. The sample PLC memory dumps are shared with the research community to facilitate further research.

Rais, Muhammad Haris↗