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At least 937 records · Page 52

Deep learning forecasts the spatiotemporal evolution of fluid-induced microearthquakes

Microearthquakes generated by subsurface fluid injection record the evolving stress state and permeability of reservoirs. Forecasting their spatiotemporal evolution is therefore critical for applications such as enhanced geothermal systems, carbon dioxide sequestration and other geoengineering applications. Here we propose a transformer neural network model that ingests hydraulic stimulation history and prior microearthquake observations to forecast four key quantities: cumulative microearthquake count, cumulative logarithmic seismic moment, and the 50th- and 95th-percentile extents of the microearthquake cloud. Applied to the EGS Collab Experiment 1 dataset, the model achieves R2 > 0.98 for the 1-s forecast horizon and R2 > 0.88 for the 15-s forecast horizon across all targets, and supplies uncertainty estimates through a learned standard deviation term. These accurate, uncertainty-quantified forecasts enable real-time inference of fracture propagation and permeability evolution, demonstrating the strong potential of deep-learning approaches to improve seismic-risk assessment and guide mitigation strategies in future fluid-injection operations.

Chung, Jaehong↗

Experimental validation of Mueller-Stokes theory and investigation of the influence of the Cotton-Mouton effect on polarimetry in a magnetized fusion plasma

Mueller-Stokes theory can be used to calculate the polarization evolution of an electromagnetic (EM) wave as it propagates through a magnetized plasma. Historically, the theory has been used to interpret polarimeter signals from systems operating on fusion plasmas. These interpretations have mostly employed approximations of Mueller-Stokes theory in regimes where either the Faraday rotation (FR) or the Cotton-Mouton (CM) effect is dominant. The current paper presents the first systematic comparison of polarimeter measurements with the predictions of full Mueller-Stokes theory where conditions transition smoothly from a FR-dominant (i.e., weak CM effect) plasma to one where the CM effect plays a significant role. A synthetic diagnostic code, based on Mueller-Stokes theory accurately reproduces the trends evident in the experimentally measured polarimeter phase over this entire operating range, thereby validating Mueller-Stokes theory. The synthetic diagnostic code is then used to investigate the influence of the CM effect on polarimetry measurements. As expected, the measurements are well approximated by the FR effect when the CM effect is predicted to be weak. However, the code shows that as the CM effect increases, it can compete with the FR effect in rotating the polarization of the EM-wave. This results in a reduced polarimeter response to the FR effect, just as observed in the experiment. The code also shows if sufficiently large, the CM effect can even reverse the handedness of a wave launched with circular polarization. This helps to understand the surprising experimental observations that the sensitivity to the FR effect can be nearly eliminated at high enough B{sub T} (2.0 T). The results also suggest that the CM effect on the plasma midplane can be exploited to potentially measure magnetic shear in tokamak plasmas. These results establish increased confidence in the use of such a synthetic diagnostic code to guide future polarimetry design and interpret the resultant experimental data.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Atomic scale investigations of the gate controlled tunneling effect in graphyne nanoribbon

Configuration and transport properties of zigzag graphyne nanoribbon (n = 2) are investigated by means of the first-principles calculations and non-equilibrium Green's function in this work. We demonstrated the controllability of the graphyne's conductivity by gate bias, and the tunneling behavior induced by gate and drain voltages was investigated systemically. The characteristics of I{sub d}-V{sub d}, I{sub d}-V{sub g}, as well as the evolutions of current with electron temperature elevation were explored. The device exhibits a tunneling ratio around 10{sup 3}, and the state art of tunneling operations of the tunneling field effect transistor in this split-new material was achieved.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Quasi 3D ECE imaging system for study of MHD instabilities in KSTAR

A second electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) system has been installed on the KSTAR tokamak, toroidally separated by 1/16th of the torus from the first ECEI system. For the first time, the dynamical evolutions of MHD instabilities from the plasma core to the edge have been visualized in quasi-3D for a wide range of the KSTAR operation (B{sub 0} = 1.7∼3.5 T). This flexible diagnostic capability has been realized by substantial improvements in large-aperture quasi-optical microwave components including the development of broad-band polarization rotators for imaging of the fundamental ordinary ECE as well as the usual 2nd harmonic extraordinary ECE.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Separate-Effects Tests for Studying Temperature-Gradient-Driven Cracking in UO 2 Pellets

We report a variety of normal operation and accident scenarios can generate thermal stresses large enough to cause cracking in light-water reactor (LWR) fuel pellets. Cracking of fuel pellets can lead to reduced heat removal, higher centerline temperatures, and localized stress in cladding, all of which impact fuel performance. It is important to experimentally characterize the thermal and mechanical behavior in the pellet before and after cracking to improve cracking models in fuel performance codes. However, in-reactor observation and measurement of cracking is very challenging due to the harsh environment and logistics. Recently, an experimental pellet cracking test stand was developed for separate effects testing of normal operations and accident temperature conditions, using thermal imaging to capture the pellet surface temperature for evaluation of thermal stresses and optical imaging to capture the evolution of cracking in real time. Experiments were performed using depleted uranium dioxide (UO 2 ) pellets, which are useful for collecting data valuable for development and validation of cracking models. A combination of induction and resistance heating was used to create an average temperature gradient of 236°C/cm and 193°C/cm before and after cracking respectively. Characterization of the pellets were done before as well as after cracking. The cracking patterns are somewhat different than those expected in a typical reactor because of the differences in thermal conditions and pellet microstructure. However, if the actual conditions of these experiments are reproduced in computational models, these out-of-pile tests on UO 2 pellets provide relevant data for modeling purposes.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Analysis of seismic moment tensors and in situ stress during Enhanced Geothermal System development at The Geysers geothermal field, California

Seismicity in the vicinity of an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) demonstration project in the Northwest Geysers at the Prati 32 (P-32) injection well and the Prati State 31 (PS-31) production well is investigated to determine earthquake focal mechanisms, moment magnitudes and in situ stress of events that occur before and during reservoir stimulation starting 2011 October 6. We present a catalogue of 167 waveform-based seismic moment tensors ranging in moment magnitude from 0.6 to 3.9. The moment tensor catalogue is subsequently used to invert for the stress tensor and to investigate possible temporal stress changes resulting from fluid injection. We find an approximate 15-degree counter-clockwise rotation of the least compressive stress σ3 during injection. More remarkable is a change in orientation of the maximum compressive stress σ1 from subhorizontal to vertical when injection operations temporarily cease. The orientation of σ1 returns to subhorizontal when injection operations resume. It is found that there was a systematic reduction in the stress shape factor, R, as the injected water volume increases, indicating an evolution towards a more transtensional stress state.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Dark Matter Production during Warm Inflation via Freeze-In

We present a novel perspective on the role of inflation in the production of dark matter (DM). Specifically, we explore the DM production during warm inflation via ultraviolet freeze-in (WIFI). We demonstrate that in a warm inflation (WI) setting the persistent thermal bath, sustained by the dissipative interactions with the inflaton field, can source a sizable DM abundance via the nonrenormalizable interactions that connect the DM with the bath. Compared to the (conventional) radiation-dominated (RD) UV freeze-in scenario for the same reheat temperature (after inflation), the resulting DM yield in WIFI is always enhanced showing a strongly positive dependence on the mass dimension of the nonrenormalizable operator. Of particular interest, for a sufficiently large mass dimension of the operator, the entirety of the DM abundance of the Universe can be created during the inflationary phase. For the specific models we study, we find that the enhancement in DM yield, relative to RD UV freeze-in, is at least an order of magnitude for an operator of mass dimension 5, and as large as 18 orders of magnitude for an operator of mass dimension 10. Our findings also suggest a broader applicability for producing other cosmological relics, which may have a substantial impact on the evolution of the early Universe. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Freese, Katherine↗

Quantum Random Walk Simulator Using Ultrafast Optical Switches

Quantum random walk processes have many intriguing applications in high energy physics including the simulation of parton shower evolution. We will present the design and initial results of a fiber loop time-bin quantum walk architecture using the hardware platform already in operation at the Fermilab Quantum Network in which the state of the photon is defined by its time-of-arrival. The fiber loop consists of an unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer implemented using an ultrafast electro-optical switch. The input switch controls the photon path within the interferometer, while the output switch will direct the photon back into the interferometer or to single photon detectors to measure the probability distribution of arrival times. Depending on which path the photon takes each pass through the loop, its wave function will interfere on these optical switches similar to quantum interference on a beam splitter. This work is an important step towards utilizing real-world advantages of quantum information protocols to solve problems in high energy physics.

Cameron, Andrew [Fermilab]↗

CFD and X-ray Analysis of Gaseous Direct Injection from an Outward Opening Injector

Using natural gas in an internal combustion engine (ICE) is emerging as a promising way to improve thermal efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. In the development of such engine platforms, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) plays a fundamental role in the optimization of geometries and operating parameters. One of the most relevant issues in the simulation of direct injection (DI) gaseous processes is the accurate prediction of the gas jet evolution. The simulation of the injection process for a gaseous fuel does not require complex modeling, nevertheless properly describing high-pressure gas jets remains a challenging task. At the exit of the nozzle, the injected gas is under-expanded, the flow becomes supersonic and shocks occur due to compressibility effects. These phenomena lead to challenging computational requirements resulting from high grid resolution and low computational time-steps. In this paper, the simulation of gaseous injection from an outward opening injector was carried out with the commercial CFD software CONVERGE. Argon was injected into a quiescent chamber filled with Nitrogen. Two free-jet cases with injection pressure of 15 and 10 bar, and ambient pressure of 1 and 2 bar respectively, were tested. For the 15 bar injection pressure and 1 bar ambient pressure, a jet impinging on a barrier case was performed as well. The numerical results were validated against experimental mass measurements using X-ray radiography. The results, presented in terms of 2D maps and transverse sections of equivalent path length of argon, showed good agreement between modeling and experiments in terms of jet penetration, shape and gas mass distribution. These emphasized the significant impact of mesh size on the results for the simulation of this type of injector. Due to the small geometrical dimensions a fine mesh is required in order to deliver an accurate description of the mixture formation. Numerical results were discussed with a particular emphasis on the application to engine simulations, where a trade-off between accuracy and computational time is a necessity.

Bartolucci, Lorenzo↗

The evolution of the Human Systems and Simulation Laboratory in nuclear power research

The events at Three Mile Island in the United States brought about fundamental changes in the ways that simulation would be used in nuclear operations. The need for research simulators was identified to scientifically study human-centered risk and make recommendations for process control system designs. This paper documents the human factors research conducted at the Human Systems and Simulation Laboratory (HSSL) since its inception in 2010 at Idaho National Laboratory. The facility’s primary purposes are to provide support to utilities for system upgrades and to validate modernized control room concepts. In the last decade, however, as nuclear industry needs have evolved, so too have the purposes of the HSSL. Thus, beyond control room modernization, human factors researchers have evaluated the security of nuclear infrastructure from cyber adversaries and evaluated human-in-the-loop simulations for joint operations with an integrated hydrogen generation plant. Lastly, our review presents research using human reliability analysis techniques with data collected from HSSL-based studies and concludes with potential future directions for the HSSL, including severe accident management and advanced control room technologies.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Snow ALbedo eVOlution (SALVO) Campaign Snow Depth and Related Surface Properties from April - June, 2024 in Utqiagivk, AK

Detailed transects of snow depths and related measurements were made with a magnaprobe along fixed lines in Utqiagvik, AK. The operator measures snow depth by plunging a rod with a sliding basket into the snow and pressing a trigger. At this point, the data logger records the distance between the tip of the rod and the height of the basket, the measurement number, the time, and the geographic location of the measurement. To measure snow depth, the rod tip must be placed at the snow-ground or snow-sea ice interface. The interface can be hard or soft; in the latter case, it is possible to “over-probe”, producing a snow depth that is too high. At times, the probe was also used to measure the depths of other interfaces within the snowpack (for example, the depth to persistent ice lenses) or the water depths of ponds atop the tundra or sea ice. When these alternative depth measurements were made, the operator recorded the location, measurement number, and composition of the alternative depth measurement in a field notebook. The data logger on the probe stores several thousand points. Data is downloaded to a computer at the end of a day or several days. Probes: We used 2 magnaprobes identified as GEO1 and GEODEL with the following serial numbers: S/N 20240416 (GEO1) and S/N P48066 (GEODEL). Note : There are three data levels available with this dataset: b3, b4, and a6. New users of these data are strongly encouraged to use the level a6 or b4 data.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Deep Learning for Subsurface Flow: A Comparative Study of U‐Net, Fourier Neural Operators, and Transformers in Underground Hydrogen Storage

Subsurface flow research is essential for the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment. Deep learning (DL) has significantly advanced this field by developing efficient and accurate surrogate models to replace computationally expensive physics‐based simulations. These surrogate models are commonly used to predict the spatiotemporal evolution of state variables, such as gas saturation and reservoir pressure, in heterogeneous geological formations. Despite the various DL models applied to this task, there is a lack of studies systematically comparing their performance. This absence of comparative analysis leads to somewhat arbitrary DL model selection in subsurface flow research, resulting in suboptimal performance and potentially inaccurate predictions. To bridge this gap, we conduct a systematic comparison study of three popular DL architectures—U‐Net, Fourier Neural Operators (FNO), and Segmentation Transformer (SETR)—in surrogate modeling of underground hydrogen storage (UHS). We focus on UHS due to its promise of enhancing clean energy resilience and its cyclic operational conditions that represent common scenarios in various subsurface applications. We evaluate the models based on accuracy, training cost, and inference speed. The comparison shows that U‐Net achieves the highest accuracy, followed by SETR and FNO. Despite its lower accuracy, FNO has the highest inference speed. SETR offers competitive accuracy with the least training memory usage, demonstrating the potential of transformers in learning subsurface flow. Our results provide guidance for selecting DL models for surrogate modeling in a wide range of subsurface flow problems.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Effect of deformation path on microstructure, microhardness and texture evolution of interstitial free steel fabricated by differential speed rolling

This paper reports the effect of the deformation path on the microstructure, microhardness, and texture evolution of interstitial free (IF) steel processed by differential speed rolling (DSR) method. For this purpose, total height reductions of 50% and 75% were imposed on the samples by a series of differential speed rolling operations with various height reductions per pass (deformation levels) ranging from 10 to 50% under a fixed roll speed ratio of 1:4 for the upper and lower rolls, respectively. Microstructural observations using transmission electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction measurements showed that the samples rolled at deformation level of 50% had the finest mean grain size (∼ 0.5 μm) compared to the other counterparts; also the samples rolled at deformation level of 50% showed a more uniform microstructure. Based on the microhardness measurements along the thickness direction of the deformed samples, gradual evolution of the microhardness value and its homogeneity was observed with the increase of the deformation level per pass. Texture analysis showed that, as the deformation level per pass increased, the fraction of alpha fiber and gamma fiber in the deformed samples increased. The textures obtained by the differential speed rolling process under the lubricated condition would be equivalent to those obtained by the conventional rolling. - Highlights: • Effect of DSR deformation path on microstructure of IF steel is significant. • IF steel rolled at deformation level of 50% has the ultrafine grains of ∼ 0.5 μm. • Rolling texture components are pronounced with increasing deformation level.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Analysis of Benefits of an Energy Imbalance Market in the NWPP

The Northwest Power Pool (NWPP) Market Assessment Committee (MC) Initiative, which was officially launched on March 19, 2012, set out to explore a range of alternatives that could help the Balancing Authorities and scheduling utilities in the NWPP area address growing operational and commercial challenges affecting the regional power system. The MC formed an Analytical Team with technical representatives from each of the member Balancing Areas in the NWPP and with staff of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). This Analytical Team was instructed to conduct extensive studies of intra-hour operation of the NWPP system in the year 2020 and of the NWPP region with 14,671 MW of wind penetration. The effort utilized a sub-hourly production cost model (the PLEXOS® computer model) that inputs data from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC)-wide Production Cost Model (PCM) to evaluate potential production cost savings. The Analytical Team was given two general options to evaluate: •Energy Imbalance Market (EIM): establishment of an automated, organized NWPP area market for economically supplying energy imbalance within the hour. •Enhanced Market-Operational Tools (EMT) that might augment or replace an EIM. The Analytical The Analytical Team built on the WECC-wide PCM data from prior work done in the WECC and carried forward the evolution of the original WECC Transmission Expansion Planning Policy Committee (TEPPC) 2020 PC0 data base. A large number of modifications and improvements were made to this case and the data were subjected to extensive review by the team members to improve the model representation of the Northwest (NW). MC meetings that were open to the public were held for interested parties to review and provide input to the study. Results for the test, base, and sensitivity case studies performed by the MC Initiative Analytical Team indicate that there are a wide range of benefits that could be obtained from the operation of an EIM in the NWPP depending on what assumptions are made. The instructions from the MC were to determine a "minimum high confidence" range of potential benefits. The results for the Base Case indicate that the EIM benefits ranged from approximately $40 million to $70 million in annual savings from the operation of an EIM in the NWPP footprint. A number of additional relevant sensitivity cases were performed, including low and high water conditions, low and high natural gas prices, and various flex reserve requirements, resource operations, and amounts of resource capability held back during the preschedule period. Along with the results for the Base Case, the results for these studies yielded EIM benefits that clustered within the range of $70 to $80 million dollars per year with potential benefits ranging from approximately $125 million to as little as $17 million per year. Because the design and operation of an EIM could enable participating Balancing Authorities (BAs) to collectively lower the quantity of resources they must carry to meet within-hour balancing needs, a sensitivity case was also performed to analyze the impact that such reductions might have on the benefits from an EIM. The results for this sensitivity case indicate that such reductions could increase the benefits from the operation of an EIM in the NWPP into the range of approximately $130 million to $160 million per year. Also, a sensitivity case for a WECC-wide EIM was performed with the results indicating that the potential benefits to the NWPP could increase into the range of $197 million to $233 million per year. While there may be potential reliability benefits from the coordinated dispatch process underlying the operation of an EIM, reliability benefits from an EIM were out of the scope of this study. The EIM benefit analyses that were performed by the Analytical Team are provided in this report.

Power markets, NWPP, Energy Imbalance, EIM, Renewa↗

p-Type Transparent Conducting Oxide/n-Type Semiconductor Heterojunctions for Efficient and Stable Solar Water Oxidation

Achieving stable operation of photoanodes used as components of solar water splitting devices is essential to realizing the promise of this renewable energy technology. It is demonstrated that p-type transparent conducting oxides (p-TCOs) can function both as a selective hole contact and corrosion protection layer for photoanodes used in light-driven water oxidation. Using NiCo 2 O 4 as the p-TCO and n-type Si as a prototypical light absorber, a rectifying heterojunction capable of light driven water oxidation was created. By placing the charge separating junction in the Si using a np + structure and by incorporating a highly active heterogeneous Ni-Fe oxygen evolution catalyst, efficient light-driven water oxidation can be achieved. In this structure, oxygen evolution under AM 1.5 G illumination occurs at 0.95 V vs RHE, and the current density at the reversible potential for water oxidation (1.23 V vs RHE) is >25 mA cm -2 . Stable operation was confirmed by observing a constant current density over 72 h and by sensitive measurements of corrosion products in the electrolyte. In situ Raman spectroscopy was employed to investigate structural transformation of NiCo 2 O 4 during electrochemical oxidation. The interface among the light absorber and p-TCO is crucial to produce selective hole conduction to the surface under illumination. For example, annealing to produce more crystalline NiCo 2 O 4 produces only small changes in its hole conductivity, while a thicker SiO x layer is formed at the n-Si/p-NiCo 2 O 4 interface, greatly reducing the PEC performance. The generality of the p-TCO protection approach is demonstrated by multihour, stable, water oxidation with n-InP/p-NiCo 2 O 4 heterojunction photoanodes.

Chen, Le↗

Consideration of liners and covers in performance assessments

On-site disposal cells are in use and being considered at several United States Department of Energy (USDOE) sites as the final disposition for large amounts of waste associated with cleanup of contaminated areas and facilities. These disposal cells are typically regulated by States and/or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) in addition to having to comply with requirements in DOE Order 435.1, Radioactive Waste Management due to the radioactive waste. The USDOE-Environmental Management Office of Site Restoration formed a working group to foster improved communication and sharing of information for personnel associated with these CERCLA disposal cells and work towards more consistent assumptions, as appropriate, for technical and policy considerations related to CERCLA risk assessments and DOE Order 435.1 performance assessments in support of a Record of Decision and Disposal Authorization Statement, respectively. One of the issues considered by the working group, which is addressed in this report, was how to appropriately consider the performance of covers and liners/leachate collections systems in the context of a DOE Order 435.1 performance assessment (PA). This same information may be appropriate for consideration within CERCLA risk assessments for these facilities. These OSDCs are generally developed to meet hazardous waste (HW) disposal design standards under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as well as the DOE Order 435.1 performance based standards for disposal of radioactive waste. To meet the standards for HW, the facilities typically include engineered covers and liner/leachate collection systems. Thus, when considering such facilities in the context of a DOE Order 435.1 PA, there is a need to address the evolution of performance of covers and liner/leachate collection systems in the context of meeting a performance standard considering time frames of 1,000 years for compliance and potentially thousands of years based on the wastes to test the robustness of the system. Experience has shown that there are a range of expectations and perspectives from the different regulators involved at different sites when reviewing assumptions related to cover and liner/leachate collection system performance. However for HW disposal alone under RCRA the design standards are typically considered sufficient by the regulators without a requirement to assess long-term performance thus avoiding the need to consider the details addressed in this report. This report provides suggestions for a general approach to address covers and liners/leachate collection systems in a DOE Order 435.1 PA and how to integrate assessments with defense-in-depth considerations such as design, operations, and waste acceptance criteria to address uncertainties. The emphasis is on water balances and management in such assessments. Specific information and references are provided for details needed to address the evolution of individual components of cover and liner/leachate collection systems. This information was then synthesized into suggestions for best practices for cover and liner system design and examples of approaches to address the performance of covers and liners as part of a performance assessment of the disposal system. Numerous references are provided for sources of information to help describe the basis for performance of individual components of cover and liner systems.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Assessment of lignite upgrade and hydrogen evolution via electrolysis

Lignite, considered as the lowest-rank coal, accounts for 45% of the total coal resources worldwide, and its low carbon and high ash contents limit its large-scale application. In order to upgrade lignite effectively, a modified coal electrolytic cell (MCEC) was designed, built, and then evaluated for lignite upgrade and hydrogen production through electrolysis, and the operating conditions were optimized. The results show that the performance of the MCEC outperformed the previous coal electrolytic cell (CEC). The operating temperature and iron concentration significantly impact the average current density per milligram of catalyst (ACDMC). The content of dry fixed carbon and heating value increased by 20.9% (wt%) and 8.15%, respectively, in electrolyzed lignite compared with raw lignite. Besides, 71.5% ash and 39.6% mercury were removed from raw lignite after electrolysis, which is the first report. The Faradaic efficiency (FE) for hydrogen evolution reached 99% using MCEC. In addition, the analysis of spectroscopy methods (SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD) revealed that the lignite particles were cracked; the oxygen-containing functional groups increased; the minerals of quartz and hematite formed on the surface of lignite particles after electrolysis. Furthermore, the facts indicate that electrolysis of lignite is a competitive approach for lignite upgrade and hydrogen production.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗