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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 91 records · Page 5

Application of Scalar Filtered Density Function to Turbulent Flows Under Supercritical Condition

Abstract The scalar filtered density function (FDF) methodology is extended and employed for large eddy simulation (LES) of turbulent flows under supercritical condition. To describe real fluid behavior, the extended methodology incorporates the generalized heat and mass diffusion models along with real fluid thermodynamic relations which are derived using the cubic Peng–Robinson equation of state. These models are implemented within the stochastic differential equations comprising the scalar FDF transport. Simulations are conducted of a temporally developing mixing layer under supercritical condition and the results are assessed by comparing with data generated by direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the same layer. The consistency of the proposed FDF methodology is assessed. The LES-FDF predictions are shown to agree favorably with the DNS data and exhibit several key features pertaining to supercritical turbulent flows.

Energy & Fuels↗

Geothermal Uncertainty Representation in reV: the Renewable Energy Potential Model

We present a preliminary methodology for including geothermal resource uncertainty into the Renewable Energy Potential model, which estimates potential capacity and costs on a gridded surface at the national scale. The uncertainty outputs characterize the 10th, 50th and 90th percentile for geothermal resources using two energy capacity estimation equations. We then present a method and results that demonstrate how other geologic data layers, which may be indicative of permeability, can be used to inform the mean and standard deviation of the geothermal capacity. We demonstrate how the mean and standard deviation can be defined or partially informed by using collocated regression estimates and estimate errors, respectively . These regression results are from 36 observed geothermal power plants in the Great Basin region and are also used to benchmark the P10-P90 calculations.

exclusions↗

Heat conduction in an irregular magnetic field. Part 2. Heat transport as a measure of the effective non-integrable volume

Given the large anisotropy of transport processes in magnetized plasmas, the magnetic field structure can strongly impact heat diffusion: magnetic surfaces and cantori form barriers to transport while chaotic layers and island structures can degrade confinement. When a small but non-zero amount of perpendicular diffusion is included, the structure of the magnetic field becomes less important, allowing pressure gradients to be supported across chaotic regions and island chains. We introduce a metric for the effective volume over which the local parallel diffusion dominates based on the solution to the anisotropic heat diffusion equation. To validate this metric, we consider model fields with a single island chain and a strongly chaotic layer for which analytic predictions of the relative parallel and perpendicular transport can be made. We also analyse critically chaotic fields produced from different sets of perturbations, highlighting the impact of the mode number spectrum on the heat transport. Our results indicate that this metric coincides with the effective volume of non-integrability in the limit $\kappa _{\perp } \rightarrow 0$ , where $\kappa_{\perp}$ is the perpendicular diffusion coefficient. We propose that this metric be used to assess the impact of non-integrability on the heat transport in stellarator equilibria.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Interlayer coherence in superconductor bilayers

We investigate the possibility and implications of interlayer coherence in electrically isolated superconducting bilayers. We find that in a mean-field approximation bilayers can have superconducting and excitonic order simultaneously if repulsive interactions between layers are sufficiently strong. The excitonic order implies interlayer phase coherence and can be studied in a representation of symmetric and antisymmetric bilayer states. When both orders are present we find several solutions of the mean-field equations with different values of the the symmetric and antisymmetric state pair amplitudes. The mixed state necessarily has nonzero pair amplitudes for electrons in different layers in spite of the repulsive interlayer interactions, and these are responsible for spatially indirect Andreev reflection processes in which an incoming electron in one layer can be reflected as a hole in the opposite layer. Furthermore, we evaluate layer diagonal and off-diagonal current-voltage relationships that can be used to identify this state experimentally.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Insights into Cation Ordering of Double Perovskite Oxides from Machine Learning and Causal Relations

This work investigates origins of cation ordering in double perovskites using first-principles theory computations combined with machine learning (ML) and causal relations. We have considered various oxidation states of A, A', B, and B' from the family of transition metal ions to construct a diverse compositional space. A conventional framework employing traditional ML classification algorithms such as Random Forest (RF) coupled with appropriate features including geometry-driven and key structural modes leads to accurate prediction (~98%) of A-site cation ordering. We have evaluated the accuracy of ML models by employing analyses of decision paths, assignments of probabilistic confidence bound, and finally a direct non-Gaussian acyclic structural equation model to investigate causality. Our study suggests that structural modes are crucial for classifying layered, columnar, and rock-salt ordering. The charge difference between A and A' is the most important feature for predicting clear layered ordering, which in turn depends on the B and B' charge separation. We have also designed mathematical relationships with these features to derive energy differences to form clear layered ordering. Here, the trilinear coupling between tilt, in-phase rotation, and A-site antiferroelectric displacement in the Landau free-energy expansion becomes the necessary condition behind formation of A-site cation ordering.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Analytical model of plasma response to external magnetic perturbation in absence of no-slip condition

Recent simulation and experimental results suggest that the magnetic island and flow on a resonant surface often do not satisfy the “no-slip” condition in the steady state. A new theoretical model on a nonlinear plasma response to external magnetic perturbation in the absence of a no-slip condition is proposed. The model is composed of the equations for the evolution of both the width and phase of the magnetic island due to forced reconnection driven by the external magnetic perturbation, and the force-balance equation for the plasma flow. When the island width is much less than the resistive layer width, the island growth is governed by the linear Hahm–Kulsrud–Taylor solution in the presence of time-dependent plasma flow. In the other regime when the island width is much larger than the resistive layer width, the evolution of both the island width and phase can be described using the Rutherford theory. The island solution is used to construct the quasilinear electromagnetic force, which, together with the viscous one, contributes to the nonlinear variation in plasma flow. The no-slip condition assumed in the conventional error field theory is not imposed here, where the island oscillation frequency depends on but does not necessarily equal to the plasma flow frequency at the rational surface.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Direct numerical simulation of supercritical oxy-methane mixing layers with CO 2 substituted counterparts

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of temporally developing, three dimensional, CH 4 /CO 2 , CH 4 /O 2 and CO 2 /O 2 mixing layers, are conducted at a supercritical pressure of 300 atm. To effectively model the supercritical regime, the employed formulation includes the compressible form of the governing equations, the cubic Peng-Robinson equation of state and a generalized formulation for heat and mass flux vectors derived from non-equilibrium thermodynamics and fluctuation theory. A linear inviscid stability analysis is also performed for each case, to determine its most unstable wavelength. Flow visualizations reveal the presence of high density gradient magnitude regions for all three mixing layers, with conditional averages indicating increased presence of heavier fluid species within these regions. No significant departures are observed from perfect gas behavior, with compressibility factors very close to unity for all three mixing cases. Applicability of presumed probability density function methods (PDF) is examined for the three supercritical mixing layers. An a priori analysis is also conducted to investigate various simplifying assumptions employed in modeling various subgrid scale (SGS) flux models. Two additional terms are identified in the large eddy simulations (LES) equations, the gradient of SGS contribution of pressure in the momentum equation and the gradient of SGS contribution of heat flux in energy equation, whose magnitudes are similar and comparable with their respective resolved terms. The performance of the scale similarity model to represent these additional terms is investigated. Lastly, the performance of Smagorinsky, gradient and scale similarity models are also investigated.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

The Effect of Tropical Pacific Air‐Sea Coupling on the Rainfall Response to Quadrupled CO 2 Forcing

We perform quadrupled CO 2 climate simulations with the Community Earth System Model version 1 (CESM1) to study how air-sea coupling affects the response of tropical rainfall under global warming. We use a hierarchy of ocean models to separate the effects of seasonal mixed-layer entrainment, wind-driven Ekman flows directed perpendicular to the wind, and the near-equator frictional flows directed in the same direction as the wind. We show that the Pacific Ocean's enhanced equatorial warming pattern (EEW) and equatorward ITCZ contraction observed in previous climate simulations emerge when the ocean model includes wind-driven Ekman and frictional flows. Furthermore, the near-equator frictional flow contributes more than half of the heat convergence in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Finally, we show that although Ekman flow and near-equator frictional flow can both result in EEW, their coupled interactions with the Hadley circulation lead to opposite feedbacks on EEW's strength.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Ion temperature anisotropy model with cross‐field drifts in the scrape‐off layer

Abstract An ion temperature anisotropy model including cross‐field drifts has been implemented in the 2D transport code UEDGE. Two ion temperature equations are solved in the model to give separate ion temperatures perpendicular and parallel to the magnetic field, which results in an additional mirror force for ion parallel transport and also leads to an additional curvature drift in the perpendicular direction. In our previous work, an ion temperature anisotropy model was implemented and applied to the full 2D version of UEDGE including recycled neutrals. The simulation results showed that the mirror force due to anisotropy reduces ion parallel flow velocity, however, the simulations were presented without cross‐field electric and magnetic drifts. Nevertheless, in present medium‐size tokamaks or future compact fusion devices, cross‐fields are important. In this work, the anisotropy model is extended to be compatible with the inclusion of cross‐field drifts. Preliminary results on comparison between the model solutions with and without cross‐field drifts are presented.

Zhao, Menglong↗

Scalar mixing in a Kelvin-Helmholtz shear layer and implications for Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes modeling of mixing layers

Large-eddy simulation of a temporally evolving Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) mixing layer is performed with the tenth-order compact difference code miranda to examine the steady-state behavior of a passive scalar in a shear-driven mixing layer. It is shown that the integral behavior of scalar variance in a KH mixing layer behaves similarly to the integral behavior of scalar variance in a Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) mixing layer, and mixedness of the simulated KH shear layer tends towards a value of about 0.8. It is further shown that if the k-L-a-V Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model [B. E. Morgan et al., Phys. Rev. E 98, 033111 (2018)], calibrated to reproduce steady-state mixing in an RT layer, is applied to simulate a KH mixing layer, the RANS model will significantly overpredict the magnitude of scalar variance in the KH layer. A straightforward addition to the k-L-a-V model is then suggested, and self-similarity analysis is applied to determine constraints on model coefficients. Furthermore, it is shown that with the addition of a buoyancy production term in the model equation for scalar variance, it becomes possible to eliminate the model deficiency and match steady-state mixedness in simulations of both RT and KH mixing layers with a single model calibration.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Multilevel-in-width training for deep neural network regression

A common challenge in regression is that for many problems, the degrees of freedom required for a high-quality solution also allows for overfitting. Regularization is a class of strategies that seek to restrict the range of possible solutions so as to discourage overfitting while still enabling good solutions, and different regularization strategies impose different types of restrictions. In this paper, we present a multilevel regularization strategy that constructs and trains a hierarchy of neural networks, each of which has layers that are wider versions of the previous network's layers. Here, we draw intuition and techniques from the field of Algebraic Multigrid (AMG), traditionally used for solving linear and nonlinear systems of equations, and specifically adapt the Full Approximation Scheme (FAS) for nonlinear systems of equations to the problem of deep learning. Training through V-cycles then encourage the neural networks to build a hierarchical understanding of the problem. We refer to this approach as multilevel-in-width to distinguish from prior multilevel works which hierarchically alter the depth of neural networks. The resulting approach is a highly flexible framework that can be applied to a variety of layer types, which we demonstrate with both fully connected and convolutional layers. We experimentally show with PDE regression problems that our multilevel training approach is an effective regularizer, improving the generalize performance of the neural networks studied.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

The role of stiffness in training and generalization of ResNets

Neural ordinary differential equations (NODEs) have recently regained popularity as large-depth limits of a large class of neural networks. In particular, residual neural networks (ResNets) are equivalent to an explicit Euler discretization of an underlying NODE, where the transition from one layer to the next is one time step of the discretization. The relationship between continuous and discrete neural networks has been of particular interest. Notably, analysis from the ordinary differential equation viewpoint can potentially lead to new insights for understanding the behavior of neural networks in general. In this work, we take inspiration from differential equations to define the concept of stiffness for a ResNet via the interpretation of a ResNet as the discretization of a NODE. Here, we then examine the effects of stiffness on the ability of a ResNet to generalize, via computational studies on example problems coming from climate and chemistry models. We find that penalizing stiffness does have a unique regularizing effect, but we see no benefit to penalizing stiffness over L 2 regularization (penalization of network parameter norms) in terms of predictive performance.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Effect of a Fine-Scale Layered Structure of the Atmosphere on Infrasound Signals from Fragmenting Meteoroids

We investigate the influence of a fine-scale (FS) layered structure in the atmosphere on the propagation of infrasound signals generated by fragmenting meteoroids. Using a pseudo-differential parabolic equation (PPE) approach, we model broadband acoustic signals from point sources at altitudes of 35–100 km. The presence of FS fluctuations in the stratosphere (37–45 km) and the lower thermosphere (100–120 km) modifies ray trajectories, causing multiple arrivals and prolonged signal durations at ground stations. In particular, meteoroids fragmenting at 80–100 km can produce two distinct thermospheric arrivals beyond 150 km range, while meteoroids descending to 50 km or below yield weak, long-lived arrivals within the acoustic shadow zone via antiguiding propagation and diffraction. Comparison with observed infrasound data confirms that FS-layered inhomogeneities can account for multi-arrival “N-waves,” broadening potential interpretations of meteoroid signals. The results also apply to other atmospheric-entry objects, such as sample return capsules, emphasizing how FS structure impacts shock wave propagation. In conclusion, our findings advance understanding of wavefield evolution in a layered atmosphere and have broad relevance for global infrasound monitoring of diverse phenomena (e.g., re-entry capsules, rocket launches, and large-scale explosions).

Aeroacoustics↗

Numerical Analysis of Liquid Metal MHD Flow and Heat Transfer for Open-Surface Li Divertor in FNSF

Within the ongoing U.S.-based program on the development of liquid metal plasma-facing components, numerical simulations and analyses are performed to address the feasibility of the open-surface Li divertor. In the previous scoping studies (Smolentsev, 2021), heat-removal capabilities of the divertor were assessed using a simplified flow model for a slug-type velocity profile and constant flow thickness. Here, new analyses take into account forces acting on the flowing Li layer. Three reduced-order mathematical models are applied under the conditions of the U.S. Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) to access magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow development effects, velocity distribution, and surface waves: 1) fully developed MHD flow; 2) quasi-2-D developing MHD flow; and 3) multiphase MHD flow. The obtained results for MHD flows and the surface heat flux computed with the plasma code scrape-off layer plasma simulation for ITER (SOLPS-ITER) are then used as input data to compute the temperature distribution in the divertor by solving the convection–diffusion energy equation.

Smolentsev, Sergey↗

Self-similar Reynolds-averaged mechanical–scalar turbulence models for Rayleigh–Taylor, Richtmyer–Meshkov, and Kelvin–Helmholtz instability-induced mixing in the small Atwood number limit

Analytical self-similar solutions to two-, three-, and four-equation Reynolds-averaged mechanical–scalar turbulence models describing incompressible turbulent Rayleigh–Taylor, Richtmyer–Meshkov, and Kelvin–Helmholtz instability-induced mixing in planar geometry are derived in the small Atwood number (Boussinesq) limit. The models are based on the turbulent kinetic energy K and its dissipation rate ε, together with the scalar (heavy-fluid mass fraction) variance S and its dissipation rate Χ modeled either differentially or algebraically. The models allow for a simultaneous description of mechanical and scalar mixing, i.e., mixing layer growth and molecular mixing, respectively. Mixing layer growth parameters and other physical observables relevant to each instability are obtained explicitly as functions of the model coefficients. The turbulent fields are also expressed in terms of the model coefficients, with their temporal power-law scalings obtained by requiring that the self-similar equations are explicitly time-independent. The model calibration methodology is described and discussed. Expressions for a subset of the various physical observables are used to calibrate each of the two-, three-, and four-equation models, such that the self-similar solutions are consistent with experimental and numerical simulation data corresponding to these values of the observables and to specific canonical Rayleigh–Taylor, Richtmyer–Meshkov, and Kelvin–Helmholtz turbulent flows. A calibrated four-equation model is then used to reconstruct the mean and turbulent fields, and late-time turbulent equation budgets for each instability-induced flow across the mixing layer. The reference solutions derived here can provide systematic calibrations and better understanding of mechanical–scalar turbulence models and their predictions for instability-induced turbulent mixing in the very large Reynolds number limit.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Machine learning surrogates for surface complexation model of uranium sorption to oxides

Abstract The safety assessments of the geological storage of spent nuclear fuel require understanding the underground radionuclide mobility in case of a leakage from multi-barrier canisters. Uranium, the most common radionuclide in non-reprocessed spent nuclear fuels, is immobile in reduced form (U(IV) and highly mobile in an oxidized state (U(VI)). The latter form is considered one of the most dangerous environmental threats in the safety assessments of spent nuclear fuel repositories. The sorption of uranium to mineral surfaces surrounding the repository limits their mobility. We quantify uranium sorption using surface complexation models (SCMs). Unfortunately, numerical SCM solvers often encounter convergence problems due to the complex nature of convoluted equations and correlations between model parameters. This study explored two machine learning surrogates for the 2-pK Triple Layer Model of uranium retention by oxide surfaces if released as U(IV) in the oxidizing conditions: random forest regressor and deep neural networks. Our surrogate models, particularly DNN, accurately reproduce SCM model predictions at a fraction of the computational cost without any convergence issues. The safety assessment of spent fuel repositories, specifically the migration of leaked radioactive waste, will benefit from having ultrafast AI/ML surrogates for the computationally expensive sorption models that can be easily incorporated into larger-scale contaminant migration models. One such model is presented here.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Time evolution of ML-MCTDH wavefunctions. II. Application of the projector splitting integrator

The multi-layer multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree (ML-MCTDH) approach can suffer from numerical instabilities whenever the wavefunction is weakly entangled. These instabilities arise from singularities in the equations of motion (EOMs) and necessitate the use of regularization of the EOMs. The Projector Splitting Integrator (PSI) has previously been presented as an approach for evolving ML-MCTDH wavefunctions that is free of singularities. Here, we will discuss the implementation of the multi-layer PSI with a particular focus on how the steps required relate to those required to implement standard ML-MCTDH. We demonstrate the efficiency and stability of the PSI for large ML-MCTDH wavefunctions containing up to hundreds of thousands of nodes by considering a series of spin-boson models with up to 106 bath modes and find that for these problems, the PSI requires roughly 3–4 orders of magnitude fewer Hamiltonian evaluations and 2–3 orders of magnitude fewer Hamiltonian applications than standard ML-MCTDH and 2–3/1–2 orders of magnitude fewer evaluations/applications than approaches that use improved regularization schemes. Finally, we consider a series of significantly more challenging multi-spin-boson models that require much larger numbers of single-particle functions with wavefunctions containing up to ~1.3×10 9 parameters to obtain accurate dynamics.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Modeling the electrical double layer at solid-state electrochemical interfaces

Models of the electrical double layer (EDL) at electrode/liquid-electrolyte interfaces no longer hold for all-solid-state electrochemistry. Here we show a more general model for the EDL at a solid-state electrochemical interface based on the Poisson–Fermi–Dirac equation. By combining this model with density functional theory predictions, the interconnected electronic and ionic degrees of freedom in all-solid-state batteries, including the electronic band bending and defect concentration variation in the space-charge layer, are captured self-consistently. Along with a general mathematical solution, the EDL structure is presented in various materials that are thermodynamically stable in contact with a lithium metal anode: the solid electrolyte Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO) and the solid interlayer materials LiF, Li 2 O and Li 2 CO 3 . Here, the model further allows design of the optimum interlayer thicknesses to minimize the electrostatic barrier for lithium ion transport at relevant solid-state battery interfaces.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗