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At least 937 records · Page 52

Validation of radiative transfer computation with Monte Carlo method for ultra-relativistic background flow

We developed a three-dimensional radiative transfer code for an ultra-relativistic background flow-field by using the Monte Carlo (MC) method in the context of gamma-ray burst (GRB) emission. For obtaining reliable simulation results in the coupled computation of MC radiation transport with relativistic hydrodynamics which can reproduce GRB emission, we validated radiative transfer computation in the ultra-relativistic regime and assessed the appropriate simulation conditions. The radiative transfer code was validated through two test calculations: (1) computing in different inertial frames and (2) computing in flow-fields with discontinuous and smeared shock fronts. The simulation results of the angular distribution and spectrum were compared among three different inertial frames and in good agreement with each other. If the time duration for updating the flow-field was sufficiently small to resolve a mean free path of a photon into ten steps, the results were thoroughly converged. The spectrum computed in the flow-field with a discontinuous shock front obeyed a power-law in frequency whose index was positive in the range from 1 to 10 MeV. The number of photons in the high-energy side decreased with the smeared shock front because the photons were less scattered immediately behind the shock wave due to the small electron number density. The large optical depth near the shock front was needed for obtaining high-energy photons through bulk Compton scattering. Even one-dimensional structure of the shock wave could affect the results of radiation transport computation. Although we examined the effect of the shock structure on the emitted spectrum with a large number of cells, it is hard to employ so many computational cells per dimension in multi-dimensional simulations. Therefore, a further investigation with a smaller number of cells is required for obtaining realistic high-energy photons with multi-dimensional computations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

The application of complex network time series analysis in turbulent heated jets

In the present study, we applied the methodology of the complex network-based time series analysis to experimental temperature time series from a vertical turbulent heated jet. More specifically, we approach the hydrodynamic problem of discriminating time series corresponding to various regions relative to the jet axis, i.e., time series corresponding to regions that are close to the jet axis from time series originating at regions with a different dynamical regime based on the constructed network properties. Applying the transformation phase space method (k nearest neighbors) and also the visibility algorithm, we transformed time series into networks and evaluated the topological properties of the networks such as degree distribution, average path length, diameter, modularity, and clustering coefficient. The results show that the complex network approach allows distinguishing, identifying, and exploring in detail various dynamical regions of the jet flow, and associate it to the corresponding physical behavior. In addition, in order to reject the hypothesis that the studied networks originate from a stochastic process, we generated random network and we compared their statistical properties with that originating from the experimental data. As far as the efficiency of the two methods for network construction is concerned, we conclude that both methodologies lead to network properties that present almost the same qualitative behavior and allow us to reveal the underlying system dynamics.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

First-principles thermal conductivity of warm-dense deuterium plasmas for inertial confinement fusion applications

Thermal conductivity (κ) of both the ablator materials and deuterium-tritium (DT) fuel plays an important role in understanding and designing inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions. The extensively used Spitzer model for thermal conduction in ideal plasmas breaks down for high-density, low-temperature shells that are compressed by shocks and spherical convergence in imploding targets. A variety of thermal-conductivity models have been proposed for ICF hydrodynamic simulations of such coupled and degenerate plasmas. The accuracy of these κ models for DT plasmas has recently been tested against first-principles calculations using the quantum molecular-dynamics (QMD) method; although mainly for high densities (ρ >100 g/cm^3), large discrepancies in κ have been identified for the peak-compression conditions in ICF. To cover the wide range of density-temperature conditions undergone by ICF imploding fuel shells, we have performed QMD calculations of κ for a variety of deuterium densities of ρ = 1.0 to 673.518 g/cm^3, at temperatures varying from T = 5 × 10^3 K to T = 8 × 10^6 K. The resulting κQMD of deuterium is fitted with a polynomial function of the coupling and degeneracy parameters and θ, which can then be used in hydrodynamic simulation codes. Compared with the “hybrid” Spitzer-Lee-More model currently adopted in our hydrocode LILAC, the hydrosimulations using the fitted κQMD have shown up to 20% variations in predicting target performance for different ICF implosions on OMEGA and direct-drive–ignition designs for the National Ignition Facility (NIF). The lower the adiabat of an imploding shell, the more variations in predicting target performance using κQMD. Moreover, the use of κQMD also modifies the shock conditions and the density-temperature profiles of the imploding shell at early implosion stage, which predominantly affects the final target performance. This is in contrast to the previous speculation that κQMD changes mainly the inside ablation process during the hot-spot formation of an ICF implosion.

Hu, S. X.↗

Differentiable lagrangian shock hydrodynamics with application to stable shock acceleration of density interfaces

We develop a gradient based optimization approach for the equations of compressible, Lagrangian hydrodynamics and demonstrate how it can be employed to automatically uncover strategies to control hydrodynamic instabilities arising from shock acceleration of density interfaces. Strategies for controlling the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) are of great benefit for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) where shock interactions with many small imperfections in the density interface lead to instabilities which rapidly grow over time. These instabilities lead to mixing which, in the case of laser driven ICF, quenches the runaway fusion process ruining the potential for positive energy return. Here, we demonstrate that control of these instabilities can be achieved by optimization of initial conditions with ( > 100) parameters. Optimizing over a large parameter space like this is not possible with gradient-free optimization strategies. This requires computation of the gradient of the outputs of a numerical solution to the equations of Lagrangian hydrodynamics with respect to the inputs. We show that the efficient computation of these gradients is made possible via a judicious application of (i) adjoint methods, the exact formal representation of sensitivities involving partial differential equations, and (ii) automatic differentiation (AD), the algorithmic calculation of derivatives of functions. Careful regularization of multiple operators including artificial viscosity and timestep control is required. We perform design optimization of > 100 parameter energy field driving the Richtmyer Meshkov instability showing significant suppression while simultaneously enhancing the acceleration of the interface relative to a nominal baseline case.

Hydrophysics↗

Spatially and temporally resolved plasma parameter estimations of laser heated MagLIF relevant gas pipes at NIF

The ability to control laser pre-heat is an integral part of the inertial confinement fusion concept known as Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion. This process is studied at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) where 4 of the 192 laser beams are propagated through a 1-cm long gas cell where they deposit >20 kJ of energy into the gaseous fuel via inverse bremsstrahlung absorption. This process ionizes the gas, producing a plasma that follows behind the laser front and expands over the radius of the cell. Emission from this plasma, as viewed by a gated x-ray detector, can be used to build spatially and temporally resolved estimations of the pre-heat plasma's density and temperature profiles. This can then be used to estimate the plasma pressure, internal energy, and radiation losses. Estimations show the evolution of the plasma in magnetized and unmagnetized gas cells filled with ambient temperature neopentane (C5H12) +1% Ar, as well as unmagnetized cryogenically cooled (32 K) deuterium +1% Ne filled targets. This analysis shows the effects of initial gas-fill density, composition, and axial magnetization on the time-dependent plasma parameters. Previously, these parameters at the NIF had not been experimentally characterized, and these estimations provided a potential new means of testing radiation magneto-hydrodynamic predictive capability models. Results in unmagnetized targets have strong agreement with simulations. However, in targets with a 19 T applied axial magnetic field, this method yields electron temperatures up to 100% hotter than those predicted by HYDRA codes.

Bremsstrahlung↗

Advancing material modeling in hydrocodes using a concurrent finite-element and molecular dynamics multiscale framework

We present a multiscale simulation framework that couples the finite-element method with molecular dynamics. Bypassing traditional equations of state (EOS) by using in-line atomistic simulations, the method offers the advantage of incorporating detailed microscale physics not easily represented with coarse-grained models. Coupling consistency with the continuum code is ensured through the use of lifting and restriction operators, in line with heterogeneous multiscale methods. The concurrent continuum-atomistic framework is validated through comparison with experimental results and conventional EOS models, and demonstrated in a shock-driven hydrodynamic flow simulation under extreme conditions. We further evaluate the framework's usability by comparing it to state-of-the-art EOS models of deuterium. A computational performance study reveals that the atomistic EOS evaluation is a feasible alternative to conventional approaches, and demonstrates a weak scaling of 99% efficiency. These results highlight the framework's potential for large-scale multiscale modeling across a broad range of materials and conditions.

Computer science↗

Mathematical modeling of gas-dynamic and radiative processes in experiments with the use of laser and heavy-ion beams

Results are presented from theoretical and experimental studies of gas-dynamic and radiative processes in the plasma that is planned to be used in future experiments on the stopping of fast heavy-ion beams. These experiments are aimed at measuring the enhanced (as compared to cold substance) plasma stopping power. To reliably interpret the experimental results, it is necessary to create a hydrodynamically stable homogeneous plasma with a uniform temperature and a lifetime exceeding the transit time of the heavy-ion beam (3–5 ns). The method for calculating plasma gas-dynamic characteristics with allowance for radiative heat transfer is described. The specific features of the so-called ion model of plasma, which is used to calculate plasma radiative characteristics, are discussed. The emission spectrum formed as a result of conversion of laser radiation into X-rays and the subsequent passing through a triacetate cellulose (C{sub 12}H{sub 16}O{sub 8}) target is calculated. The simulated spectrum of transmitted radiation satisfactorily agrees with experimental data.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A new relativistic viscous hydrodynamics code and its application to the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability in high-energy heavy-ion collisions

Here, we construct a new relativistic viscous hydrodynamics code optimized in the Milne coordinates. We also split the conservation equations into an ideal part and a viscous part, using the Strang spitting method. In the code a Riemann solver based on the two-shock approximation is utilized for the ideal part and the Piecewise Exact Solution (PES) method is applied for the viscous part. Furthemore, we check the validity of our numerical calculations by comparing analytical solutions, the viscous Bjorken’s flow and the Israel–Stewart theory in Gubser flow regime. Using the code, we discuss possible development of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability in high-energy heavy-ion collisions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Improving Subsurface Stress Characterization for Carbon Dioxide Storage Projects by Incorporating Machine Learning Techniques

The overall objective of this project is to develop a framework for reliable characterization and prediction of the state of stress in the overburden and underburden (including the basement) in CO 2 storage reservoirs using machine learning and integrated geomechanics and geophysical methods. Specifically, we propose to develop workflow encompassing of technologies and/or methods to predict stress and pressure changes due to CO 2 injection in an active tertiary recovery site and their impacts on subtle fault activation, fractures and occurrence of microseismic events and compare responses to field observations. In this project, we anticipate using dataset from the Farnsworth field Unit (FWU) which is operated by Purdure Petroleum. A novel elastic-waveform VSP inversion technique will be used to estimate high-resolution spatial and temporal changes of elastic moduli in CO 2 storage reservoirs, which will be combined with velocity-stress relationship derived from laboratory tests to obtain subsurface pressure and stress. Clustered microseismic data will be jointly inverted for improved focal mechanisms. Least-squares reverse-time migration of microseismic waveform data will be performed to directly image fracture/fault zones. Additionally, a deep neural network machine learning technique with convolutional and recurrent layers will be used for learning the spectro-temporal structures in microseismic waveforms. The results of this geotechnical data analysis will be integrated to develop a high-resolution 3D mechanical earth model extending from the overburden sealing formations to the underburden including the basement. Mechanical properties will be derived through integration of mechanical logs, tests, available results from chemo-mechanical laboratory tests, and elastic inversion of seismic data using a combination of Bayesian and stochastic methods as well as machine learning technique. Failure features (faults/fractures) will be represented and/or modeled based on seismic and core data analysis. A transient hydrodynamic-geomechanical model will be developed through coupling with the calibrated FWU reservoir simulation model. The full physics coupled model will be used to train a reduced order proxy model using machine learning algorithm for estimating stress which will then be used with appropriate constitutive relationships and forward seismological models to simulate pressure changes and induced microseismicity. An advanced optimization framework will be developed to perform a history match to minimize error between field observations and simulated. The history matched proxy model will be verified against the full-physics equivalent. The field observations that will be used in the coupled model calibration process include pressure/stress inverted from VSP, moment magnitude from microseismic analysis, real time downhole pressure measurements, production and injection data. Parameter sensitivity and uncertainty analysis will be performed to characterize the impact of model parameter uncertainty on stress estimates. The proposed project will have significant impact on future field implementation of the proposed technology. Because the project field site is an ongoing CO 2 EOR development, the value of the new technology will be demonstrated in an operational context and evaluated as a viable risk mitigation strategy. Cost/benefit will be evaluated together with the various commercial incentives for CO 2 sequestration available to oil and gas operators. The extensive available dataset and ongoing data acquisition under the SWP Phase III work plan provides flexibility for investigation of multiple approaches and reduces technical risk.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Hydrodynamic stability problem formulated by numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations

The problem of hydrodynamic stability and the transition from laminar to turbulent flows are reformulated by seeking numerical solutions of the full, unapproximated Navier-Stokes equations. This method differs significantly from the well known Orr-Sommerfeld equation approach. The oncoming laminar flow is disturbed by forced, time dependent perturbations. The magnitudes of these perturbations are arbitrary. Then, the ensuing spatial and temporal development of the imposed perturbations on the basic flow is calculated by direct numerical solutions of the time dependent Navier-Stokes equations. One of the main advantages of this method is its ability to simulate nonlinear processes. As a specific application of this technique to SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine) flow configurations, computer programs have been written for the two dimensional flow over a backward facing step. This numerical code will be tested for operational use as part of a continued research collaboration effort with the NASA/MSFC counterparts.

Hyun, J. M.↗

Underexpanded Screeching Jets From Circular, Rectangular, and Elliptic Nozzles

The screech frequency and amplitude, the shock spacing, the hydrodynamic-acoustic standing wave spacing, and the convective velocity of large organized structures are measured in the nominal Mach number range of 1.1 less than or = Mj less that or = l0.9 for supersonic, underexpanded jets exhausting from a circular, a rectangular and an elliptic nozzle. This provides a carefully measured data set useful in comparing the importance of various physical parameters in the screech generation process. The hydrodynamic-acoustic standing wave is formed between the potential pressure field of large turbulent structures and the acoustic pressure field of the screech sound. It has been demonstrated earlier that in the currently available screech frequency prediction models replacement of the shock spacing by the standing wave spacing provides an exact expression. In view of this newly found evidence, a comparison is made between the average standing wavelength and the average shock spacing. It is found that there exists a small, yet important, difference, which is dependent on the azimuthal screech mode. For example, in the flapping modes of circular, rectangular, and elliptic jets, the standing wavelength is slightly longer than the shock spacing, while for the helical screech mode in a circular jet the opposite is true. This difference accounts for the departure of the existing models from predicting the exact screech frequency. Another important parameter, necessary in screech prediction, is the convective velocity of the large organized structures. It is demonstrated that the presence of the hydrodynamic-acoustic standing wave, even inside the jet shear layer, becomes a significant source of error in the convective velocity data obtained using the conventional methods. However, a new relationship, using the standing wavelength and screech frequency is shown to provide more accurate results.

Panda, J.↗

Sensitivity of Simulations of Double-detonation Type Ia Supernovae to Integration Methodology

Abstract We study the coupling of hydrodynamics and reactions in simulations of the double-detonation model for Type Ia supernovae. When assessing the convergence of simulations, the focus is usually on spatial resolution; however, the method of coupling the physics together as well as the tolerances used in integrating a reaction network also play an important role. In this paper, we explore how the choices made in both coupling and integrating the reaction portion of a simulation (operator/Strang splitting versus the simplified spectral deferred corrections method we introduced previously) influences the accuracy, efficiency, and nucleosynthesis of simulations of double detonations. We find no need to limit reaction rates or reduce the simulation time step to the reaction timescale. The entire simulation methodology used here is GPU-accelerated and made freely available as part of the Castro simulation code.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Approximate hydrodynamic design of a finite span hydrofoil

Previous work on the motion of various bodies under the surface of a heavy fluid is discussed. The solution of the motion of a flat plate by Keldysh and Lavrentiev is applied to the motion of a hydrofoil, making possible the presentation of charts for determining the lift and resistance of an infinite span hydrofoil operating in a heavy frictionless fluid having infinite depth below the free water surface. Consideration is given to the effects of viscosity and a method is suggested to correct for the finite span. The effect of the water surface on the downwash behind the foil is also discussed. A comparison of theoretical results obtained from this work with experimental data indicates that a basis for the approximate hydrodynamic design of a finite span hydrofoil has been achieved.

HYDRODYNAMICS↗

Coupled Modeling of Hydrodynamics and Sound in Coastal Ocean for Renewable Ocean Energy Development

An underwater sound model was developed to simulate sound propagation from marine and hydrokinetic energy (MHK) devices or offshore wind (OSW) energy platforms. Finite difference methods were developed to solve the 3D Helmholtz equation for sound propagation in the coastal environment. A 3D sparse matrix solver with complex coefficients was formed for solving the resulting acoustic pressure field. The Complex Shifted Laplacian Preconditioner (CSLP) method was applied to solve the matrix system iteratively with MPI parallelization using a high performance cluster. The sound model was then coupled with the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) for simulating sound propagation generated by human activities, such as construction of OSW turbines or tidal stream turbine operations, in a range-dependent setting. As a proof of concept, initial validation of the solver is presented for two coastal wedge problems. This sound model can be useful for evaluating impacts on marine mammals due to deployment of MHK devices and OSW energy platforms.

Long, Wen↗

Mapping Quasar Light Echoes in 3D with Ly α Forest Tomography

The intense radiation emitted by luminous quasars dramatically alters the ionization state of their surrounding IGM. This so-called proximity effect extends out to tens of Mpc, and manifests as large coherent regions of enhanced Ly (Ly) forest transmission in absorption spectra of background sightlines. In this work, we present a novel method based on Ly forest tomography, which is capable of mapping these quasar "light echoes" in three dimensions. Using a dense grid (10-100) of faint (m r ≈ 24.7 mag) background galaxies as absorption probes, one can measure the ionization state of the IGM in the vicinity of a foreground quasar, yielding detailed information about the quasar's radiative history and emission geometry. An end-to-end analysis-combining cosmological hydrodynamical simulations post-processed with a quasar emission model, realistic estimates of galaxy number densities, and instrument + telescope throughput-is conducted to explore the feasibility of detecting quasar light echoes. We present a new, fully Bayesian statistical method that allows one to reconstruct quasar light echoes from thousands of individual low-S/N transmission measurements. Armed with this tool, we undertake an exhaustive parameter study and show that light echoes can be convincingly detected for luminous (M 1450 <-27.5 mag, corresponding to m 1450 < 18.4 mag at z≃3.6) quasars at redshifts 3 < z QSO < 5, and that a relative precision better than 20% on the quasar age can be achieved for individual objects in the expected range of ages between 1 and 100 Myr. The observational requirements are relatively modest: Moderate-resolution (R ≳ 750), multiobject spectroscopy at a low signal-to-noise ratio (S/N > 5) is sufficient, requiring three-hour integrations using existing instruments on 8 m class telescopes.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Additively Manufactured Single-Use Molds and Reusable Patterns for Large Automotive and Hydroelectric Components

Additive manufacturing (AM) has the potential to reduce costs in the casting industry, particularly for large parts (i.e., components with any dimension > 12 in.). In this study, pilot-scale production case studies of hydroelectric and automotive parts were used to evaluate two AM-enabled casting methods: the direct printing of sand molds by binder jet and printing of reusable cope and drag patterns for sand casting. An additional benefit was found when additively manufactured patterns were used in combination with heat-treat free aluminum alloys, to produce castings of complex hydrodynamic surfaces. These parts previously required production via subtractive machining due to part distortion induced by the quench step of heat treatments. The machine types used for the three case studies are sand-binder jet, high-resolution polymer fused deposition modeling (FDM), and big area additive manufacturing (BAAM) FDM in combination with CNC machining. Each method demonstrated distinct advantages over traditional casting practices in particular use cases. Single-use molds show great reductions in start-up cost to produce one-off or legacy parts, and additively manufactured impression patterns show promise for innovating the tooling design process for complex geometry and large castings.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Compatible, energy conserving, bounds preserving remap of hydrodynamic fields for an extended ALE scheme

From the very origins of numerical hydrodynamics in the Lagrangian work of von Neumann and Richtmyer [83], the issue of total energy conservation as well as entropy production has been problematic. Because of well known problems with mesh deformation, Lagrangian schemes have evolved into Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) methods [39] that combine the best properties of Lagrangian and Eulerian methods. Energy issues have persisted for this class of methods. We believe that fundamental issues of energy conservation and entropy production in ALE require further examination. The context of the paper is an ALE scheme that is extended in the sense that it permits cyclic or periodic remap of data between grids of the same or differing connectivity. The principal design goals for a remap method then consist of total energy conservation, bounded internal energy, and compatibility of kinetic energy and momentum. We also have secondary objectives of limiting velocity and stress in a non-directional manner, keeping primitive variables monotone, and providing a higher than second order reconstruction of remapped variables. Particularly, the new contributions fall into three categories associated with: energy conservation and entropy production, reconstruction and bounds preservation of scalar and tensor fields, and conservative remap of nonlinear fields. Our paper presents a derivation of the methods, details of implementation, and numerical results for a number of test problems. The methods requires volume integration of polynomial functions in polytopal cells with planar facets, and the requisite expressions are derived for arbitrary order.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Adaptive inverse ray-tracing for accurate and efficient modeling of cross beam energy transfer in hydrodynamics simulations

Integrated hydrodynamics simulations of inertial confinement fusion rely on reduced physics models. To reproduce experimental trends, these models often feature tuning parameters, but this comes with a risk: the over-tuning of one model can hide physics inadequacies in another. The ray-based models of cross-beam-energy transfer (CBET) represent this risk. In this paper, we present an accurate and efficient model of CBET suitable for inline implementation in 3D hydrodynamics simulations. Inverse Ray Tracing (IRT) is used to compute the ray field in a 3D permittivity profile described on an unstructured tetrahedral mesh using the Inline Field Reconstruction and Interaction using Inverse Tracing framework. CBET is accounted for through perturbations to the permittivity associated with ion acoustic waves driven by the overlapped fields. Large gradients in the permittivity are resolved by coupling the IRT to a recursive Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) algorithm. The use of AMR also allows for the resolution of caustics, with accurate field reconstruction performed using the Etalon integral method. Comparisons of the model with wave-based solutions from the Laser Plasma Simulation Environment demonstrate its ability to control energy conservation and gain convergence through the AMR depth only, without the use of ad hoc physical models or artificial tuning parameters.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗