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At least 667 records · Page 37

Verification of Coupled Hydraulic Fracturing Simulators Using Laboratory-Scale Experiments

In this work, we aim to verify the predictions of the numerical simulators, which are used for designing field-scale hydraulic stimulation experiments. Although a strong theoretical understanding of this process has been gained over the past few decades, numerical predictions of fracture propagation in low-permeability rocks still remains a challenge. Against this background, we performed controlled laboratory-scale hydraulic fracturing experiments in granite samples, which not only provides high-quality experimental data but also a well-characterized experimental set-up. Using the experimental pressure responses and the final fracture sizes as benchmark, we compared the numerical predictions of two coupled hydraulic fracturing simulators—CSMP and GEOS. Both the simulators reproduced the experimental pressure behavior by implementing the physics of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) and lubrication theory within a reasonable degree of accuracy. The simulation results indicate that even in the very low-porosity (1–2 %) and low-permeability (10 -18 m 2 - 10 -19 m 2 ) crystalline rocks, which are usually the target of EGS, fluid-loss into the matrix and unsaturated flow impacts the formation breakdown pressure and the post-breakdown pressure trends. Therefore, underestimation of such parameters in numerical modeling can lead to significant underestimation of breakdown pressure. The simulation results also indicate the importance of implementing wellbore solvers for considering the effect of system compressibility and pressure drop due to friction in the injection line. The varying injection rate as a result of decompression at the instant of fracture initiation affects the fracture size, while the entry friction at the connection between the well and the initial notch may cause an increase in the measured breakdown pressure.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

New physics searches at kaon and hyperon factories

Rare meson decays are among the most sensitive probes of both heavy and light new physics. Among them, new physics searches using kaons benefit from their small total decay widths and the availability of very large datasets. On the other hand, useful complementary information is provided by hyperon decay measurements. We summarize the relevant phenomenological models and the status of the searches in a comprehensive list of kaon and hyperon decay channels. We identify new search strategies for under-explored signatures, and demonstrate that the improved sensitivities from current and next-generation experiments could lead to a qualitative leap in the exploration of light dark sectors.

NA62 experiment↗

A New Modeling Framework for Multi-Scale Simulation of Hydraulic Fracturing and Production from Unconventional Reservoirs

This paper describes a new modeling framework for microscopic to reservoir-scale simulations of hydraulic fracturing and production. The approach builds upon a fusion of two existing high-performance simulators for reservoir-scale behavior: the GEOS code for hydromechanical evolution during stimulation and the TOUGH+ code for multi-phase flow during production. The reservoir-scale simulations are informed by experimental and modeling studies at the laboratory scale to incorporate important micro-scale mechanical processes and chemical reactions occurring within the fractures, the shale matrix, and at the fracture-fluid interfaces. These processes include, among others, changes in stimulated fracture permeability as a result of proppant behavior rearrangement or embedment, or mineral scale precipitation within pores and microfractures, at µm to cm scales. In our new modeling framework, such micro-scale testing and modeling provides upscaled hydromechanical parameters for the reservoir scale models. We are currently testing the new modeling framework using field data and core samples from the Hydraulic Fracturing Field Test (HFTS), a recent field-based joint research experiment with intense monitoring of hydraulic fracturing and shale production in the Wolfcamp Formation in the Permian Basin (USA). Below, we present our approach coupling the reservoir simulators GEOS and TOUGH+ informed by upscaled parameters from micro-scale experiments and modeling. We provide a brief overview of the HFTS and the available field data, and then discuss the ongoing application of our new workflow to the HFTS data set.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

On the origin of ground-state vacuum-field catalysis: Equilibrium consideration

Recent experiments suggest that vibrational strong coupling (VSC) may significantly modify ground-state chemical reactions and their rates even without external pumping. The intrinsic mechanism of this “vacuum-field catalysis” remains largely unclear. Generally, modifications of thermal reactions in the ground electronic states can be caused by equilibrium or non-equilibrium effects. The former are associated with modifications of the reactant equilibrium distribution as expressed by the transition state theory of chemical reaction rates, while the latter stem from the dynamics of reaching and leaving transition state configurations. In this work, we examine how VSC can affect chemical reactions rates in a cavity environment according to transition state theory. Our approach is to examine the effect of coupling to cavity mode(s) on the potential of mean force (PMF) associated with the reaction coordinate. Within the context of classical nuclei and classical photons and also assuming no charge overlap between molecules, we find that while the PMF can be affected by the cavity environment, this effect is negligible for the usual micron-length cavities used to examine VSC situations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Expanding Scientific Horizons Through High Field Dynamic Nuclear Polarization with Advanced Organic BiRadicals

This project aimed to advance the capabilities of high-field Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at 800 MHz through the synthesis and evaluation of novel biradicals. While the targeted HyTEK biradical synthesis faced significant challenges, alternative efforts focused on synthesizing intermediate compounds and exploring alternative biradicals. A portion of the BDPA precursor was successfully converted into BDPA-TEMPO, though further DNP testing could not be completed within the project timeline. Benchmarking experiments with existing biradicals, including TEKPol and M-TinyPol, were conducted to evaluate their performance under high-field conditions. These efforts provided valuable insights into DNP enhancements, refined operational protocols for high-field experiments, and established benchmarks for future polarizing agent development.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Precision measurement of the magnetic field in run 1 of the g-2 experiment

The Proton Improvement Plan-II (PIP-II) is a superconducting linear accelerator being built at Fermilab that will provide 800 MeV proton beam for neutrino production. The linac consists of a total of twenty-three (23) cryomodules of five (5) different types. Cooling is required at 2K, 5K and 40K. The Cryogenic Distribution System (CDS) consists of a Distribution Valve Box, ~285 m of cryogenic transfer line, modular Bayonet Cans to interface with cryomodules, and a Turnaround Can. The cryogenic system must provide protection from over-pressure by sizing pressure relief devices for all volumes and process line circuits. The cryomodule cavity circuits have dual pressure ratings, 4.1 bara when cold and 2.05 bara when warm (T>80K). Worst case relieving cases will be identified. The methods for determining heat flux will be presented. For the relieving occurring in the linac tunnel, flow must vent to outside to avoid an oxygen deficiency hazard. Also, we will present vacuum vessel relief sizing to protect the cryogenic distribution system vacuum shells from over pressure during an internal line rupture. The project is funded by US DOE Offices of Science, High Energy Physics.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Experiments on the dynamics and scaling of spontaneous-magnetic-field saturation in laser-produced plasmas

We report in laser-produced high-energy-density plasmas, large-scale strong magnetic fields are spontaneously generated by the Biermann battery effects when temperature and density gradients are misaligned. Saturation of the magnetic field takes place when convection and dissipation balance field generation. While theoretical and numerical modeling provide useful insight into the saturation mechanisms, experimental demonstration remains elusive. In this letter, we report an experiment on the saturation dynamics and scaling of Biermann battery magnetic field in the regime where plasma convection dominates. With time-gated charged-particle radiography and time-resolved Thomson scattering, the field structure and evolution as well as corresponding plasma conditions are measured. In these conditions, the spatially resolved magnetic fields are reconstructed, leading to a picture of field saturation with a scaling of $B ~ 1/L_T$ for a convectively dominated plasma, a regime where the temperature gradient scale ($L_T$) exceeds the ion skin depth.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Spectro-Microscopy Studies of Atmospheric Particles

Our project investigated composition and physical properties of individual atmospheric particles collected in field campaigns organized by the DOE Atmospheric Systems Research and Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ASR/ARM) programs, such as the Green Ocean Amazon (GoAmazon, 2014/5), the Holistic Interactions of Shallow Clouds, Aerosols, and Land-Ecosystems (HI-SCALE, 2016/7), the Aerosol and Cloud Experiment in the Eastern North Atlantic (ACE-ENA, 2017/8), the Aerosol–Ice Formation Closure Pilot Study (AEROICESTUDY, 2019) and in additional small-scale supporting field experiments focused on the investigation of the light-absorbing (aka brown carbon) atmospheric particles. In these studies, we investigated the contribution of natural and anthropogenic sources to populations of atmospheric particles during representative atmospheric conditions; characterized particle composition and evaluated their hygroscopic properties and propensity to act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN); correlated typical particle-type and mixing state characteristics with real-time measurements in the areas of studies. We used multi-modal spectro-microscopy techniques to examine elemental and molecular composition, mixing state, size, and higher order morphology for individual particles. Specifically, we used computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis for quantitative analysis of particle elemental composition, and we used transmission electron microscopy to provide additional information on the distribution of different components within individual particles (particle heterogeneity). We used synchrotron-based scanning transmission X-ray microscopy for quantitative description of the mixing state and molecular bonding of carbon in particles. The particle composition, mixing state, and morphology from analyzed periods was then combined with the real-time ARM measurements of aerosol size distribution, CCN concentration, hygroscopicity, and aerosol bulk composition. Combined together, results of our studies allowed us to assess the major particle sources (biogenic vs. anthropogenic, primary vs secondary) and gain insight into the atmospheric processing of aerosol particles resulting from condensation, coagulation, oxidative aging, and cloud processing. In collaboration with other scientists involved in field campaigns, we carried out statistical analysis of particle properties and their source-specific contributions to regional aerosol loading under representative air mass, meteorological, and cloud conditions.

scanning transmission X-ray microscopy↗

AWAKEN Dual-Doppler Lidar (ADDLidar) Field Campaign Report

The AWAKEN Dual-Doppler Lidar (ADDLidar) experiment was conducted as part of the larger AWAKEN field campaign (https://www.nrel.gov/wind/awaken.html). The American Wake Experiment (AWAKEN) is an international, multi-institutional wind energy field campaign that was conducted from May 2022 to 2024, in the vicinity of the King Plains wind farm in north central Oklahoma. The goal of AWAKEN was to provide observations to better understand interactions between wind turbines in a wind farm and the interactions between the wind farm as a whole and the atmosphere. The focus of the ADDLidar campaign was to provide height-resolved measurements of wind speed and direction at key locations upwind of the wind farm to characterize the inflow and possible blockage effects upwind of the farm. Specifically, dual-Doppler scanning methods were employed to create a number of so-called virtual towers (Calhoun et al 2006, Debnath et al. 2017, Fernando et al. 2019, Hill et al. 2010, Newman et al. 2016, Newsom et al. 2008, 2015) upwind of the farm. The ADDLidar campaign involved the deployment of two U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility scanning Doppler lidars (S/N 236 and 237) to AWAKEN sites A4 (36.361894°, -97.356352°) and A7 (36.347259°, -97.389968°). Both sites are located approximately 29 km south of the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) observatory C1 site, as shown in Figure 1. These sites were chosen for their close proximity to the most southerly row of turbines in the King Plains wind farm.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

AWAKEN Dual-Doppler Lidar (ADDLidar) Field Campaign Report

The AWAKEN Dual-Doppler Lidar (ADDLidar) experiment was conducted as part of the larger AWAKEN field campaign (https://www.nrel.gov/wind/awaken.html). The American Wake Experiment (AWAKEN) is an international, multi-institutional wind energy field campaign that was conducted from May 2022 to 2024, in the vicinity of the King Plains wind farm in north central Oklahoma. The goal of AWAKEN was to provide observations to better understand interactions between wind turbines in a wind farm and the interactions between the wind farm as a whole and the atmosphere. The focus of the ADDLidar campaign was to provide height-resolved measurements of wind speed and direction at key locations upwind of the wind farm to characterize the inflow and possible blockage effects upwind of the farm. Specifically, dual-Doppler scanning methods were employed to create a number of so-called virtual towers (Calhoun et al 2006, Debnath et al. 2017, Fernando et al. 2019, Hill et al. 2010, Newman et al. 2016, Newsom et al. 2008, 2015) upwind of the farm. The ADDLidar campaign involved the deployment of two U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility scanning Doppler lidars (S/N 236 and 237) to AWAKEN sites A4 (36.361894°, -97.356352°) and A7 (36.347259°, -97.389968°). Both sites are located approximately 29 km south of the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) observatory C1 site, as shown in Figure 1. These sites were chosen for their close proximity to the most southerly row of turbines in the King Plains wind farm.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Magnetoelastic interactions in SrCu 2 (BO 3 ) 2 studied by Raman scattering experiments and first principles calculations

Dynamic and static crystal lattice properties of SrCu 2 (BO 3 ) 2 are studied by means of Raman scattering, magnetostriction, and thermal expansion measurements in magnetic fields to 45 T. Raman experiments versus temperature reveal that some phonon modes show an unusual behavior: their frequencies soften (modes at 200 and 450 cm –1 ) while others harden (modes at 385 and 478 cm –1 ) when decreasing the temperature below 15 K. Magneto-Raman experiments show that their field dependence correlates with their respective temperature dependencies; e.g., modes that are hardened with increasing temperature also harden with applied magnetic fields and modes that become softer with temperature also soften with applied fields. We use density functional theory to successfully model and compute the energies of these modes, classifying them into two types: pantograph (modes that soften when decreasing the temperature) and nonpantograph. We conclude that the former involves the modification of the intradimer exchange interaction J and the latter the interdimer J'. Lastly, dilatometry is used to correlate field-dependent Raman modes to the closing of the spin gap as well as fractional-magnetization stripe states M = 1/4 M s and M = 1/3 M s , where M s is the saturation magnetization.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

The EGS Collab Project: Status and Accomplishments

The EGS Collab project, supported by the US Department of Energy, is addressing challenges in implementing enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). This includes improving understanding of the stimulation of crystalline rock to create appropriate flow pathways, and the ability to effectively simulate both the stimulation and the flow and transport processes in the resulting fracture network. The project is performing intensively monitored rock stimulation and flow tests at the 10-m scale in an underground research laboratory. Data and observations from the field test are compared to simulations to understand processes and to build confidence in numerical modeling of the processes. In Experiment 1, we examined hydraulic fracturing an underground test bed at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota, at a depth of approximately 1.5 km. We drilled eight sub-horizontal boreholes in a well-characterized phyllite. Six of the boreholes were instrumented with many sensor types to allow careful monitoring of stimulation events and flow tests, and the other two boreholes were used for water injection and production. We performed a number of stimulations and flow tests in the testbed. Our monitoring systems allowed detailed observations and collection of numerous data sets of processes occurring during stimulation and during dynamic flow tests. Long-term ambient temperature and chilled water flow tests were performed in addition to many tracer tests to examine system behavior. Data were rapidly analyzed, allowing adaptive control of the tests. Numerical simulation was used to answer key experimental design questions, to forecast fracture propagation trajectories and extents, and to analyze and evaluate results. Many simulations were performed in near-real-time in conjunction with the field experiments, with more detailed process study simulations performed on a longer timeframe. Experiment 2 will examine hydraulic shearing in a test bed being built at the SURF at a depth of about 1.25 km in amphibolite under a different set of stress and fracture conditions than Experiment 1. Five sets of fracture orientations were considered in design, and three orientations seem to be consistently observed.

EGS Collab↗

Bose–Einstein condensation of a two-magnon bound state in a spin-1 triangular lattice

In ordered magnets, the elementary excitations are spin waves (magnons), which obey Bose–Einstein statistics. Similarly to Cooper pairs in superconductors, magnons can be paired into bound states under attractive interactions. The Zeeman coupling to a magnetic field is able to tune the particle density through a quantum critical point, beyond which a ‘hidden order’ is predicted to exist. Here, in this work, we report direct observation of the Bose–Einstein condensation of the two-magnon bound state in Na 2 BaNi(PO 4 ) 2 . Comprehensive thermodynamic measurements confirmed the two-dimensional Bose–Einstein condensation quantum critical point at the saturation field. Inelastic neutron scattering experiments were performed to establish the microscopic model. An exact solution revealed stable two-magnon bound states that were further confirmed by electron spin resonance and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments, demonstrating that the quantum critical point is due to the pair condensation, and the phase below the saturation field is likely the long-sought-after spin nematic phase.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

AmeriFlux FLUXNET-1F US-CF2 CAF-LTAR Cook West

This is the AmeriFlux Management Project (AMP) created FLUXNET-1F version of the carbon flux data for the site US-CF2 CAF-LTAR Cook West. This is the FLUXNET version of the carbon flux data for the site US-CF2 CAF-LTAR Cook West produced by applying the standard ONEFlux (1F) software. Site Description - CF2 has operated since May 2017 at the R.J. Cook Agronomy Farm outside of Pullman, Washington, and monitors the conventionally tilled side of a paired-catchment study that is part of the Longterm Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) site common experiment. CF2 is located in “Cook West,” a field that has been in conventional tillage since prior to 1998 and constitutes the Prevalent treatment of the common experiment. In this case, conventional tillage involves chisel plowing after the winter wheat phase of rotations (approximately every 3-4 years) and occasional harrowing. CF2 is paired with the CF1 tower location in “Cook East,” which has been in no-till since 1998 and represents the Alternative treatment of the common experiment. Both fields are planted in the same crops every year. Cook Agronomy Farm is in the high precipitation agroecological zone of the Columbia Plateau’s dryland cropping region. Crop rotations are wheat-based and include winter wheat, spring wheat, chickpea, spring canola, and winter peas. Wheat is the principal cash crop, with other crops grown in rotation for diversity, nutrient, and pest management. Soils are predominantly silt loam texture Mollisols in the Palouse, Thatuna, Naff soil series. The CF2 tower replaced US-RC2, which operated 2012-2016 in a neighboring field that was also conventionally tilled. CF2 and RC2 have distinct footprints, aspects, and soil series compositions.

Huggins, Dave↗

Performance evaluation of an RFSoC operating in a 1.25 Tesla magnetic field

Here, the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider is preparing for an upgrade after 2027–2028 to handle higher luminosity and increased background rates. A Radio Frequency System-on-Chip (RFSoC) has been identified as a potential candidate for a common front-end upgrade for subsystems requiring high-speed waveform digitization. The RFSoC's ADC and DAC channels were tested across various magnetic field strengths and a few different field orientations. Power consumption and boot memory functionality were also assessed. Results indicate stable operation with negligible performance degradation, suggesting the RFSoC's viability for high-speed digitization tasks in high magnetic field environments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Active Reservoir Management Engineering and Evaluation Summary – Brine Extraction and Storage Test Phase II Final Report – Volumes 1-3

The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) conducted a multiyear program over two phases to perform a field study of the potential efficacy of formation water extraction during carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) injection for CO 2 storage as a means of improving efficiency and/or effectiveness. Phase I was a 2-year study on potential methodologies for a field study of pressure management, culminating in site selection and experimental and site design. Phase II was a 7-year effort that involved constructing site facilities, conducting experiments, and evaluating collected field data. The experimental portion was split into two collaborative components, one for the active reservoir management (ARM) experiment and a second component to host and demonstrate potential water treatment technologies appropriate for high-saline brine at the project site. The results of the overall project are expected to benefit future saline storage projects through validation of techniques that may reduce stress on sealing formations, increase storage capacity, and reduce area of review. The following report focuses on the Phase II ARM experimental implementation and results. A second companion report summarizes the results of the high-saline brine demonstrations.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗