Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Computer Codes”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 955 records · Page 53

Verification of a Multiphysics Code with Method of Manufactured Solutions

To push the modeling and simulation to a new level in simulating realistic problems, a common practice is to couple different single-physics codes together to simulate problems involving multiple physics. Although the method of manufactured solutions (MMS) has been shown to be a powerful tool in code verification, there has been little work on applying MMS to a multi-physics code system. Additionally, due to the scarcity of multi-physics validation data, the significance of code verification becomes more prominent as an important part in software quality assurance. With this, the application of MMS to a coupled code system, e.g. VERA-CS, has become a crucial step, which helps identify bugs affecting the order of accuracy, thus increasing the credibility and reliability of the code. In this work, we investigate the application of MMS to verify a multi-physics code system and establish a framework for this application, and we demonstrate this with a neutronics code coupled with a thermal hydraulics (TH) code. The convection module is not yet added to this work, so by TH, only conduction is considered.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

SU-E-T-557: Monte Carlo Modeling of Philips RT-250 Orthovoltage Unit for Beam Spectrum Modulation

Purpose: To develop and validate a Monte Carlo (MC) model of a Phillips RT-250 orthovoltage unit to test various beam spectrum modulation strategies for in vitro/vivo studies. A model of this type would enable the production of unconventional beams from a typical orthovoltage unit for novel therapeutic applications such as gold nanoparticle-aided radiotherapy. Methods: The MCNP5 code system was used to create a MC model of the head of RT-250 and a 30 × 30 × 30 cm{sup 3} water phantom. For the x-ray machine head, the current model includes the vacuum region, beryllium window, collimators, inherent filters and exterior steel housing. For increased computational efficiency, the primary x-ray spectrum from the target was calculated from a well-validated analytical software package. Calculated percentage-depth-dose (PDD) values and photon spectra were validated against experimental data from film and Compton-scatter spectrum measurements. Results: The model was validated for three common settings of the machine namely, 250 kVp (0.25 mm Cu), 125 kVp (2 mm Al), and 75 kVp (2 mm Al). The MC results for the PDD curves were compared with film measurements and showed good agreement for all depths with a maximum difference of 4 % around dmax and under 2.5 % for all other depths. The primary photon spectra were also measured and compared with the MC results showing reasonable agreement between the two, validating the input spectra and the final spectra as predicted by the current MC model. Conclusion: The current MC model accurately predicted the dosimetric and spectral characteristics of each beam from the RT-250 orthovoltage unit, demonstrating its applicability and reliability for beam spectrum modulation tasks. It accomplished this without the need to model the bremsstrahlung xray production from the target, while significantly improved on computational efficiency by at least two orders of magnitude. Supported by DOD/PCRP grant W81XWH-12-1-0198.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

On the image in RHIC of AGS spin vector via the AtR

This note re-visits the transport of the spin nn0 vector, from its periodic orientation in the AGS, to the downstream end of the Blue and Yellow RHIC ring injection kickers via the AGS extraction system and the AtR line. The goal is to verify the optimal injection energy into RHIC, in matter of spin matching. This is done using newly computed OPERA 3-D field maps of the AGS cold snake, including a new setting of the cold snake solenoid as discussed in a companion Tech. Note (C-A/AP/485, July 2013), together with the machinery of the AGS and AtR models developed in the stepwise ray-tracing code Zgoubi. Computing tools and methods employed in these investigations are discussed as well, in order to facilitate possible further checks or investigations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

PPT-GPU: Scalable GPU Performance Modeling

Performance modeling is a challenging problem due to the complexities of hardware architectures. In this paper, we present PPT-GPU, a scalable and accurate simulation framework that enables GPU code developers and architects to predict the performance of applications in a fast, and accurate manner on different GPU architectures. PPT-GPU is part of the open source project, Performance Prediction Toolkit (PPT) developed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. We extend the old GPU model in PPT that predict the runtimes of computational physics codes to offer better prediction accuracy, for which, we add models for different memory hierarchies found in GPUs and latencies for different instructions. To further show the utility of PPT-GPU, we compare our model against real GPU device(s) and the widely used cycle-accurate simulator, GPGPU-Sim using different workloads from RODINIA and Parboil benchmarks. The results indicate that the predicted performance of PPT-GPU is within a 10% error compared to the real device(s). In addition, PPT-GPU is highly scalable, where it is up to 450x faster than GPGPU-Sim with more accurate results.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

ABSORPTION EFFICIENCIES OF FORSTERITE. I. DISCRETE DIPOLE APPROXIMATION EXPLORATIONS IN GRAIN SHAPE AND SIZE

We compute the absorption efficiency (Q{sub abs}) of forsterite using the discrete dipole approximation in order to identify and describe what characteristics of crystal grain shape and size are important to the shape, peak location, and relative strength of spectral features in the 8-40 {mu}m wavelength range. Using the DDSCAT code, we compute Q{sub abs} for non-spherical polyhedral grain shapes with a{sub eff} = 0.1 {mu}m. The shape characteristics identified are (1) elongation/reduction along one of three crystallographic axes; (2) asymmetry, such that all three crystallographic axes are of different lengths; and (3) the presence of crystalline faces that are not parallel to a specific crystallographic axis, e.g., non-rectangular prisms and (di)pyramids. Elongation/reduction dominates the locations and shapes of spectral features near 10, 11, 16, 23.5, 27, and 33.5 {mu}m, while asymmetry and tips are secondary shape effects. Increasing grain sizes (0.1-1.0 {mu}m) shifts the 10 and 11 {mu}m features systematically toward longer wavelengths and relative to the 11 {mu}m feature increases the strengths and slightly broadens the longer wavelength features. Seven spectral shape classes are established for crystallographic a-, b-, and c-axes and include columnar and platelet shapes plus non-elongated or equant grain shapes. The spectral shape classes and the effects of grain size have practical application in identifying or excluding columnar, platelet, or equant forsterite grain shapes in astrophysical environs. Identification of the shape characteristics of forsterite from 8 to 40 {mu}m spectra provides a potential means to probe the temperatures at which forsterite formed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Human Liver Epithelium Response to HCoV-229E Infection Epigenomics (ACS-DP4)

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate how wild-type Human coronavirus strain 229E (HCoV-229E) infection alters chromatin accessibility in infected cells only. Sample data was obtained for mock and infected (standard and UV-inactivated) immortalized human liver cells (HuH-7) and collected 24 hrs. post infection. Samples were processed using assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-Seq) and generated bar coded library samples were evaluated for RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) expression analysis. Processed ATAC-Seq datasets are openly accessible from the download button and contain secondary processed RNA-Seq results files and supporting metadata materials. Data download includes a sample naming key, infection titer metadata, normalized counts, and relevant computational source code information supporting data transparency and reuse.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Analysis of Spectral Lines in Large Databases of Synthetic Spectra for Massive Stars

In this paper, we describe a program that identifies in the optical spectrum the main parameters of a spectral line, namely the initial and final wavelengths, and the line depth. Moreover, using numerical calculations, it identifies and removes adjacent lines. Next, the program calculates the equivalent width and the FWHM. The software was tested in a sample of 300 lines in two databases of synthetic spectra generated by the CMFGEN and PoWR codes, and 300 lines in observed spectra from the IACOB database, showing a Gaussian distribution of relative errors, from which it is inferred that 80% of the measured lines have errors less than 17% and only 5% of the lines have errors greater than 26%. The program was also run on the entire database of 45,000 CMFGEN and 202 POWR synthetic spectra, generating a library of H i, He i, and He ii lines necessary to feed the FITspec code for the derivation of stellar parameters: effective temperature, surface gravity, and luminosity.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Hadron polarizability data analysis: GoAT

The A2 Collaboration at the Institute for Nuclear Physics in Mainz, Germany, is working towards determining the polarizabilities of hadrons from nonperturbative quantum chromodynamics through Compton scattering experiments at low energies. The asymmetry observables are directly related to the scalar and spin polarizabilities of the hadrons. Online analysis software, which will give real-time feedback on asymmetries, efficiencies, energies, and angle distributions, has been developed. The new software is a big improvement over the existing online code and will greatly develop the quality of the acquired data.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

CHEMICAL EVOLUTION LIBRARY FOR GALAXY FORMATION SIMULATION

We have developed a software library for chemical evolution simulations of galaxy formation under the simple stellar population (SSP) approximation. In this library, all of the necessary components concerning chemical evolution, such as initial mass functions, stellar lifetimes, yields from Type II and Type Ia supernovae, asymptotic giant branch stars, and neutron star mergers, are compiled from the literature. Various models are pre-implemented in this library so that users can choose their favorite combination of models. Subroutines of this library return released energy and masses of individual elements depending on a given event type. Since the redistribution manner of these quantities depends on the implementation of users’ simulation codes, this library leaves it up to the simulation code. As demonstrations, we carry out both one-zone, closed-box simulations and 3D simulations of a collapsing gas and dark matter system using this library. In these simulations, we can easily compare the impact of individual models on the chemical evolution of galaxies, just by changing the control flags and parameters of the library. Since this library only deals with the part of chemical evolution under the SSP approximation, any simulation codes that use the SSP approximation—namely, particle-base and mesh codes, as well as semianalytical models—can use it. This library is named “CELib” after the term “Chemical Evolution Library” and is made available to the community.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Analysis of a nuclear data experiment: MANTRA-3

To improve the accuracy on the nuclear data, the uncertainties should be kept as low as possible. The major portion of these uncertainties comes from the input data and the assumptions made in the simulation models. For a high profile project like MANTRA, the pre and post irradiation analysis is very important. The current paper discusses the pre and post irradiation analysis of MANTRA-3 that could affect the end results using MCNP5 (a stochastic code) and ECCO-ERANOS (a deterministic code). This analysis was very helpful for understanding the possible uncertainties in MANTRA-3 and for calculating the final results. (authors)

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Fast Reactor Core Analysis Using AZNHEX Neutron Diffusion Code

The AZTLAN platform project emerged as an initiative to rank Mexico at a competitive level in software aspects for the analysis of nuclear reactors, in an effort to achieve autonomy in this area. The AZTLAN platform is conformed by a thermo-hydraulic code (AZTHECA), a neutron transport code (AZTRAN) and two neutron diffusion codes (AZKIND, AZNHEX). AZNHEX is a 3D diffusion code that solves numerically the time dependent neutron diffusion equations in hexagonal z-geometry using the RTN0 nodal finite element method. With this code, it is possible to simulate and analyze light water reactors, such as the Russian VVER, and variety of fast reactors. In this work, a sodium-cooled fast reactor core in steady state, with control rods fully withdrawn, is simulated. The comparison and validation of the values obtained with AZNHEX was done with the results obtained with MCNP6 Monte Carlo code.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Multi-bit quantum random number generation by measuring positions of arrival photons

We report upon the realization of a novel multi-bit optical quantum random number generator by continuously measuring the arrival positions of photon emitted from a LED using MCP-based WSA photon counting imaging detector. A spatial encoding method is proposed to extract multi-bits random number from the position coordinates of each detected photon. The randomness of bits sequence relies on the intrinsic randomness of the quantum physical processes of photonic emission and subsequent photoelectric conversion. A prototype has been built and the random bit generation rate could reach 8 Mbit/s, with random bit generation efficiency of 16 bits per detected photon. FPGA implementation of Huffman coding is proposed to reduce the bias of raw extracted random bits. The random numbers passed all tests for physical random number generator.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

R and DE Robotic Sensor Intern Team: Remote 3D Mapping Overview

The Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear complex includes many hazardous and challenging environments that must be inspected remotely and routinely for structural integrity evaluation and long-term planning purposes. The H-Canyon Air Exhaust (HCAEX) Tunnel biannual inspection is an example of such an environment. Presently inspections are performed by teleoperated robotic crawlers provide low resolution video feedback to the structural engineers. Advanced sensors such as Lidar and panospheric hi-res cameras have the potential to provide additional valuable data in future inspections. UT-Austin Lidar work in support of an H-Canyon deployment began with the DOE EM sponsored H-Canyon Integrated Research Project. The R and DE Robotic Sensor intern team includes two of the UT-Austin Masters students working on Lidar development to facilitate the pulling of university developed solutions to the field. The goal of this project is to develop a suite of sensors that could be used to gather advanced data in future HCAEX tunnel inspections. Of particular interest is the ability to map the tunnel walls at an accuracy that will allow for the comparison of two scans performed at different time periods to estimate the concrete erosion rate. Additionally, the development of the 3D point cloud in the GPS denied environment is the first step in being able to collect and overlay other 3D data such as radiation mapping. Project specific goals include: - Design and develop 3D mapping sensor suite. Merge Lidar point cloud with high res camera images Incorporate Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to assist with positioning. - Develop sensor software and user GUI Sensor data collection and integration software User GUI for reach back system. - Test solution on crawler in tunnel test bed Use crawler base similar to H-Canyon planned crawler Design and build test bed simulating tunnel conditions. To facilitate rapid sensor integration, software coding and user GUI development, the Robot Operating System (ROS) was employed as the development platform. ROS is a set of open source software libraries and tools that assist with the building of robot applications. ROS includes drivers for many sensors, state-of-the-art algorithms, and powerful developer tools. Sensors selected for the summer intern solution included assessment as to whether they possessed ROS drivers and associated sample code. Additionally, the ROS 3D Robot Visualizer (rviz) tool has been employed.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

HDTS 2017.0 Testing and verification document

This report is a continuation of the series of Hunter Dose Tracking System (HDTS) Quality Assurance documents including (Foley and Powell, 2010; Dixon, 2012). In this report we have created a suite of automated test cases and a system to analyze the results of those tests as well as documented the methodology to ensure the field system performs within specifications. The software test cases cover all of the functions and interactions of functions that are practical to test. With the developed framework, if software defects are discovered, it will be easy to create one or more test cases to reproduce the defect and ensure that code changes correct the defect. These tests con rm HDTS version 2017.0 performs according to its specifications and documentation and that its performance meets the needs of its users at the Savannah River Site.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

SPISEA: A Python-based Simple Stellar Population Synthesis Code for Star Clusters

We present Stellar Population Interface for Stellar Evolution and Atmospheres (SPISEA), an open-source Python package that simulates simple stellar populations. The strength of SPISEA is its modular interface which offers the user control of 13 input properties including (but not limited to) the initial mass function, stellar multiplicity, extinction law, and the metallicity-dependent stellar evolution and atmosphere model grids used. The user also has control over the initial–final mass relation in order to produce compact stellar remnants (black holes, neutron stars, and white dwarfs). We demonstrate several outputs produced by the code, including color–magnitude diagrams, HR-diagrams, luminosity functions, and mass functions. SPISEA is object-oriented and extensible, and we welcome contributions from the community. The code and documentation are available on GitHub (https://github.com/astropy/SPISEA) and ReadtheDocs (https://spisea.readthedocs.io/en/latest/), respectively.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Solution of the C5G7 Benchmark using the MOCUM Transport Code with ANSYS Unstructured Mesh

The objective of this research is to use finite element analysis (FEA) software to perform the unstructured meshing for reactor geometries and port the mesh information to MOCUM code. This workflow takes the advantage of the mature meshing module of the mainstream FEA; reduces the development effort for nuclear codes; and increases the nuclear code accuracy by using high quality meshes. In this work, ANSYS is used to build the reactor model and perform the unstructured meshing. The mesh information is then imported to the MOCUM code, a method of characteristic (MOC) transport program supporting unstructured meshes, using a developed MATLAB script. This procedure is verified by modeling the C5G7 benchmark problem. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

The multi-scattering model for calculations of positron spatial distribution in the multilayer stacks, useful for conventional positron measurements

The spatial distribution of positrons emitted from radioactive isotopes into stacks or layered samples is a subject of the presented report. It was found that Monte Carlo (MC) simulations using GEANT4 code are not able to describe correctly the experimental data of the positron fractions in stacks. The mathematical model was proposed for calculations of the implantation profile or positron fractions in separated layers or foils being components of a stack. The model takes into account only two processes, i.e., the positron absorption and backscattering at interfaces. The mathematical formulas were applied in the computer program called LYS-1 (layers profile analysis). The theoretical predictions of the model were in the good agreement with the results of the MC simulations for the semi infinite sample. The experimental verifications of the model were performed on the symmetrical and non-symmetrical stacks of different foils. The good agreement between the experimental and calculated fractions of positrons in components of a stack was achieved. Also the experimental implantation profile obtained using the depth scanning of positron implantation technique is very well described by the theoretical profile obtained within the proposed model. The LYS-1 program allows us also to calculate the fraction of positrons which annihilate in the source, which can be useful in the positron spectroscopy.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Massively Parallel Simulation of Large Molecular Systems with Long-Range Interactions Final Report CRADA No. TC-0297-92-B

The purpose of this CRADA project is to develop and implement a large-scale molecular dynamics model for floppy molecules with long-ranged interaction on massively parallel supercomputers and accelerate the use of parallel supercomputers within the biomolecular and polymer industries. Within three years of the project, the partners will: create a new molecular dynamics computer simulation code (LAMMPS) from existing codes at SAndia National Laboratory-Albuquerque (SNL-A) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and new algorithms and code developed during the CRADA project; design the resulting code to optimally use the emerging generation of massively parallel supercomputers; and apply the code to the solution of biomolecular problem suggested by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and polymer problems suggested by DuPont.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗