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At least 1,027 records · Page 57

A Novel Machine Learning Approach to Disentangle Multitemperature Regions in Galaxy Clusters

The hot intracluster medium (ICM) surrounding the heart of galaxy clusters is a complex medium that comprises various emitting components. Although previous studies of nearby galaxy clusters, such as the Perseus, the Coma, or the Virgo cluster, have demonstrated the need for multiple thermal components when spectroscopically fitting the ICM’s X-ray emission, no systematic methodology for calculating the number of underlying components currently exists. In turn, underestimating or overestimating the number of components can cause systematic errors in the emission parameter estimations. In this paper, we present a novel approach to determining the number of components using an amalgam of machine learning techniques. Synthetic spectra containing a various number of underlying thermal components were created using well-established tools available from the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The dimensions of the training set was initially reduced using principal component analysis and then categorized based on the number of underlying components using a random forest classifier. Our trained and tested algorithm was subsequently applied to Chandra X-ray observations of the Perseus cluster. Our results demonstrate that machine learning techniques can efficiently and reliably estimate the number of underlying thermal components in the spectra of galaxy clusters, regardless of the thermal model (MEKAL versus APEC). We also confirm that the core of the Perseus cluster contains a mix of differing underlying thermal components. We emphasize that although this methodology was trained and applied on Chandra X-ray observations, it is readily portable to other current (e.g., XMM-Newton, eROSITA) and upcoming (e.g., Athena, Lynx, XRISM) X-ray telescopes. The code is publicly available at https://github.com/XtraAstronomy/Pumpkin.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Biologically inspired approaches for biosurveillance anomaly detection and data fusion

This study developed and tested biologically inspired computational methods to detect anomalous signals in data streams that could indicate a pending outbreak or bio-weapon attack. Current large-scale biosurveillance systems are plagued by two principal deficiencies: (1) timely detection of disease-indicating signals in noisy data and (2) anomaly detection across multiple channels. Anomaly detectors and data fusion components modeled after human immune system processes were tested against a variety of natural and synthetic surveillance datasets. A pilot scale immune-system-based biosurveillance system performed at least as well as traditional statistical anomaly detection data fusion approaches. Machine learning approaches leveraging Deep Learning recurrent neural networks were developed and applied to challenging unstructured and multimodal health surveillance data. Within the limits imposed of data availability, both immune systems and deep learning methods were found to improve anomaly detection and data fusion performance for particularly challenging data subsets.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Test Results of the First Pre-Series Quadrupole Magnets for the LHC Hi-Lumi Upgrade

The future high luminosity (Hi-Lumi) upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN will include eight (plus two spares) 10.2 m-long Cryo-assemblies which will be components of the triplets for two LHC insertion regions. Each cold mass in the Cryo-assemblies will consist of two 4.2 m-long Nb 3 Sn high gradient quadrupole magnets, designated MQXFA, with aperture 150 mm and operating gradient 132.2 T/m, for a total of twenty magnets. Before assembling and testing the final cold masses at Fermilab, the component quadrupoles are being tested first at the vertical superconducting magnet test facility of the Superconducting Magnet Division (SMD) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), in superfluid He at 1.9 K and up to 18.0 kA, in accordance with operational requirements of the LHC. The tests of the first two full-length prototype quadrupole magnets MQXFAP1 and MQXFAP2 at BNL have been reported previously. The first two pre-series magnets, the first two that will be used in the LHC, have also now been tested. This paper reports on the quench test and training results of these two magnets. The test results of these magnets will be important for validating the final MQXFA design for operational magnets.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Design and Analysis of Components of a Pressure/Vacuum Vessel System [Slides]

Performed design and analysis tasks to support design and testing of a prototype Experimental Physics Package for Shock Physics Experiments at Proton Radiography. Testing of low-fidelity vessel system prototype is in progress. General finite element analysis (FEA) process: identify critical components, simplify model geometry, take advantage of symmetry, apply proper boundary conditions, create a mesh that will solve quickly but accurately, check for solution convergence.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Predictive based monitoring of nuclear plant component degradation using support vector regression

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) are large installations comprised of many active and passive assets. Degradation monitoring of all these assets is expensive (labor cost) and highly demanding task. In this paper a framework based on Support Vector Regression (SVR) for online surveillance of critical parameter degradation of NPP components is proposed. In this case, on time replacement or maintenance of components will prevent potential plant malfunctions, and reduce the overall operational cost. In the current work, we apply SVR equipped with a Gaussian kernel function to monitor components. Monitoring includes the one-step-ahead prediction of the component’s respective operational quantity using the SVR model, while the SVR model is trained using a set of previous recorded degradation histories of similar components. Predictive capability of the model is evaluated upon arrival of a sensor measurement, which is compared to the component failure threshold. A maintenance decision is based on a fuzzy inference system that utilizes three parameters: (i) prediction evaluation in the previous steps, (ii) predicted value of the current step, (iii) and difference of current predicted value with components failure thresholds. The proposed framework will be tested on turbine blade degradation data.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Contact pressure analysis to allow improved design for the clearing plate in a biomass comminution system

For biomass processing systems, feedstocks with small but equal sizes can improve flowability and thermochemical outputs. The Crumbler rotary shear system was designed to achieve such ideal feedstocks to reduce costs and energy throughout the biomass supply chain. Improving the wear resistance of major components in this system is important to decrease the cost. Accelerating the feedstock flow through the rotary shear machine plays an equivalent role of improving its efficiency. An analytical analysis and a finite-element analysis of the stationary clearing plate are presented in this work. Here, these tools are used to investigate the effect of contact surface curvature on the impact pressure. The optimized new clearing plate design is expected to improve the component’s lifetime and wood chips flowability. The field tests confirm that the trend of the new clearing plate design guided by FEA. The optimization method, model verification, and validation experience applied in this work can also be applied to other static components with similar simple contact wear problems.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Test Results of the First Two Full-Length Quadrupole Magnets for the LHC Hi Lumi Upgrade

The future high luminosity (Hi-Lumi) upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN will include eight (plus two spares) 8.4 m-long cryostatted cold masses which will be components of the triplets for two LHC insertion regions. Each cold mass will consist of two 4.2 m long Nb 3 Sn high gradient quadrupole magnets, designated MQXFA, with aperture 150 mm and operating gradient 132.6 T/m, for a total of twenty magnets. Before assembling and testing the final cold masses at Fermilab, the twenty component quadrupoles will be tested first at the ver-tical superconducting magnet test facility of the Superconducting Magnet Division at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), in superfluid He at 1.9 K and to 18.0 kA, to meet LHC operational requirements. The first two full-length prototype quadrupole magnets, MQXFAP1 and MQXFAP2, have been tested at BNL. This paper reports on the quench test and training results of these magnets, and also the retest of the first prototype, rebuilt and designated as MQXFAP1b. We note the test results of these magnets will be important for validating the MQXFA design.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Gen 3 Particle Pilot Plant (G3P3) -- High-Temperature Particle System for Concentrating Solar Power (Phases 1 and 2)

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office initiated the Generation 3 Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) program to achieve higher operating temperatures (>700 °C) to enable next-generation CSP high-temperature power cycles such as the supercritical CO 2 (sCO2) Brayton Cycle. Three teams were selected to pursue high-temperature gas, liquid, and solid pathways for the heat-transfer media. Phases 1 and 2, which lasted from 2018 – 2020, consisted of design, modeling, and testing activities to further de-risk each of the technologies and develop a design for construction, commissioning, and operation of a pilot-scale facility in Phase 3 (2021 – 2024). This report summarizes the activities in Phases 1 and 2 for the solid-particle pathway led by Sandia National Laboratories. In Phases 1 and 2, Sandia successfully de-risked key elements of the proposed Gen 3 Particle Pilot Plant (G3P3) by improving the design, operation, and performance of key particle component technologies including the receiver, storage bins, particle-to-sCO2 heat exchanger, particle lift, and data acquisition and controls. Modeling and testing of critical components have led to optimized designs that meet desired performance metrics. Detailed drawings, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and process flow diagrams were generated for the integrated system, and structural analyses of the assembled tower structure were performed to demonstrate compliance with relevant codes and standards. Instrumentation and control systems of key subsystems were also demonstrated. Together with Bridgers & Paxton, Bohannan Huston, and Sandia Facilities, we have completed a 100% G3P3 tower design package with stamped engineering drawings suitable for construction bid in Phase 3.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NRAP-Open-IAM: Open Wellbore Component (V.2.0)

The Open Wellbore component of NRAP-Open-IAM is applicable to the calculation of Area of Review at a carbon storage site and fast estimation of dense gas dispersion from multiple continuous CO 2 surface leakage sources for risk assessment. The Open Wellbore Component of NRAP-Open-IAM is a lookup table model based on the drift-flux approach. The National Research Assessment Partnership’s second-generation integrated assessment model, NRAP-Open-IAM, is open-source software written in Python for use in performance and quantitative risk assessment of geologic carbon storage (GCS) systems. The look-up table for open well leakage is an updated version the previous model which provides finer resolution of reservoir depth and more accurate fluid properties than the previous open well look-up table, especially in calculating the gas (CO 2 -rich) phase properties. The component model input parameters include the reservoir transmissivity, aquifer transmissivity, brine salinity, well radius, and well top and bottom depths. The reservoir transmissivity and brine salinity were set to values consistent with the reservoir component, and the well top and bottom depths varied with location. The possible outputs from the Open Wellbore component are leakage rates of CO 2 and brine to either an aquifer or atmosphere, depending on the depth of the well top. Several python test scripts are presented that demonstrate that the Open Wellbore component works correctly. Use of the open wellbore model in NRAP-Open-IAM may result in a large CO 2 leakage rates, comparable to the leakage rates of CO 2 blow out.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Environmentally Assisted Fatigue in Light Water Reactor Environment

This report summarizes the Environmentally Assisted Fatigue (EAF) research conducted at ANL under the US DOE Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) program. Starting from a rich background in theoretical and experimental EAF, ANL previously developed an approach to evaluate fatigue performance of reactor materials in light water reactor environments with the correction factor F en . The approach was based on a large body of experimental work performed at ANL and elsewhere, and was consistent with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)’s methodology governing the design and construction of reactor components. In recent years, the program was focused on component fatigue prediction and made several major and fundamental contributions in this area. These accomplishments help meet the needs identified by the industry concerning component level fatigue predictions in complex, transient conditions. The main contribution of the ANL program involved the development of a system-level model for estimating residual strain and life of nuclear reactor coolant system components under connected-system-thermal-mechanical boundary conditions. The goal was to predict the stress hotspots, strain residuals, strain amplitudes and the resulting fatigue lives. Thermal-mechanical stress analysis was performed considering thermal stratification and a design-basis reactor loading cycle. Based on the finite element (FE) model results, the strain residuals, strain amplitudes and resulting fatigue lives of reactor coolant system (RCS) components were predicted. The results show that some of the RCS components can have significantly different strain amplitudes, residual strain, and fatigue lives, despite having similar geometry and material. In addition, the simulated component-level strain profile can guide the selection of appropriate test inputs for conducting laboratory-scale EAF tests. Building upon the system-level model, ANL developed a digital twin (DT) framework to predict the structural states and associated fatigue life of components in real-time. This framework is a comprehensive system designed to predict the structural states and fatigue lives of reactor components. It includes multiple models and integrates artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and FE based modeling tools to evaluate the structural states and fatigue lives.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

The Energizer Bunny: Dual-Use Photovoltaic and Pasture-Raised Rabbit Farms (Final Report)

This case study project lays the groundwork for the broader realization of agrivoltaics by considering the techno-economic, environmental, and social aspects of system development and assessing a novel rabbit-based concept. Research on the social and political barriers to agrivoltaic development is sparse, which emphasizes the importance of this project as it provides key insight into the consequential socio-political challenges that may hinder the diffusion of agrivoltaic technology. Additionally, the rabbit agrivoltaic concept is novel and has not been applied in experimental or commercial applications to date. This project advances our understanding of the viability of this co-location scheme through empirical assessment of integrating grazing rabbits with solar. A total of five manuscripts (3 published in peer-reviewed journals, 2 under review) have resulted from this project. The techno-economic component of the project included a) a pilot test study investigating the feasibility of the rabbit agrivoltaic concept and b) an economic analysis of the advantages available to solar operators who leverage grazing animals for lawn maintenance and a dual-revenue stream. Our calculations indicate that the co-location of solar and rabbit farms is a viable form of agrivoltaics, increasing overall site revenue by 2.5%-24.0% above projected electricity revenue. The environmental component of the project entailed an ISO 14040 and 14044 compliant life cycle assessment to quantify the impacts of the rabbit agrivoltaic concept. The results indicate pasture-based agrivoltaic systems provide a dual synergy that produces 69.3% less emissions and demands 82.9% less fossil energy per functional unit of cumulative MWh output of electricity and cumulative kg of meat compared to non-integrated production. The social component of the project included conducting two separate interview studies with agriculture and solar industry professionals and the distribution of a public survey. The interview findings identify the key socio-political opportunities for agrivoltaics include: the retention of agricultural land and rural interests, and increased local level acceptance of solar development. The key barriers to agrivoltaics include: ensuring long term agricultural productivity is not compromised, and subnational zoning strategies. The survey results indicate that support for local solar projects increase by 10% when an agricultural function is incorporated. Survey respondents prefer agrivoltaic projects that are a) designed to provide economic opportunities for farmers and the local community b) located on private property or existing agricultural land, and c) do not threaten local interests. Cumulatively, this project can inform agrivoltaic decision making, solar development practices, rabbit-based applications, land use management, and policy making in a way that supports the furtherance of the renewable energy transition, conserves arable land, and utilizes innovative solar photovoltaic technologies.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Shear Ram Verification Test Protocol (VTP) Best Practices

A blowout preventer (BOP) is a critical component used on subsea oil and gas wells during drilling, completion, and workover operations on the U. S. outer continental shelf (OCS). The purpose of the BOP is to seal oil and gas wells, and in the case of an emergency well-control event, to prevent the uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons. One of the most important components of the BOP is the hydraulically operated blind shear ram (BSR) that shears drilling-related components, such as drill pipes, casings, tubings, and wire-related tools that may have been placed in the well. In addition to shearing these components, the BSR must form a seal to keep hydrocarbons within the well bore, even when under the highest well-fluid pressures expected. The purpose of this document is for Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) to provide an independent view, based on current regulations, and best practices for testing and confirming the operability and suitability of BSRs under realistic (or actual) well conditions.

02 PETROLEUM↗

Multiaxial Plastic Deformation of Zircaloy-4 Nuclear Fuel Cladding Tubes

Here, this work is motivated by the desire to devise an internal pressure test that can mimic a displacement-controlled loading scenario and demonstrate how to apply the multiaxial stress and strain data from the test to develop an elastic/plastic constitutive model for a thin-walled tubular component. This is achieved by conducting simultaneous measurements of tangential and axial strain during the pressure test and integrating these strain measures into a feedback loop with the pressure controller. It is shown how data from such a test can be used to develop a large mechanical property data set relevant to biaxial loading conditions. The data obtained have high confidence evidenced by their low variability and alignment with other literature studies. Additionally, data from these internal pressure tests combined with full-tube axial tensile tests allow for the derivation of the Hill anisotropic yield function. The developed Hill yield function is validated by comparing the plastic strain ratios from the full-tube tension tests and by comparing the predicted yield stress in the tangential direction with measured values from ring tension tests in a previous study.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Space vehicle with customizable payload and docking station

A "black box" space vehicle solution may allow a payload developer to define the mission space and provide mission hardware within a predetermined volume and with predetermined connectivity. Components such as the power module, radios and boards, attitude determination and control system (ADCS), command and data handling (C&DH), etc. may all be provided as part of a "stock" (i.e., core) space vehicle. The payload provided by the payload developer may be plugged into the space vehicle payload section, tested, and launched without custom development of core space vehicle components by the payload developer. A docking station may facilitate convenient development and testing of the space vehicle while reducing handling thereof.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Space vehicle with customizable payload and docking station

A “black box” space vehicle solution may allow a payload developer to define the mission space and provide mission hardware within a predetermined volume and with predetermined connectivity. Components such as the power module, radios and boards, attitude determination and control system (ADCS), command and data handling (C&DH), etc. may all be provided as part of a “stock” (i.e., core) space vehicle. The payload provided by the payload developer may be plugged into the space vehicle payload section, tested, and launched without custom development of core space vehicle components by the payload developer. A docking station may facilitate convenient development and testing of the space vehicle while reducing handling thereof.

Judd, Stephen↗

Report on Thermal Cycling Testing and Bimaterial Weld Development for a Passively Actuated Materials Surveillance Test Article

This report describes the continuation and conclusion of a thermal cycling test program designed to evaluate a family of passively actuated material surveillance test articles. Additionally, the report details a preliminary study of bimetallic welding between 316 stainless steel and TZM (tungsten-zirconium-molybdenum) alloy. The test program was ultimately successful in demonstrating the basic viability of the passively actuated test article concept as well as specifically validating the procedures developed to size specimens to mimic the mechanical response of operating components. The report discusses and summarizes the results of the complete test program which tested samples for more than 1,000 controlled thermal cycles. The weld development program included both stir friction and electron beam joining. The stir friction welding was ultimately successful, while the electron beam welding would require additional development. Ultimately, these test programs pave the way for implementing a materials surveillance program in future molten salt reactors (MSRs). The report conclusions outline a plan for transforming the research and developed described here into a definite set of practices and procedures for a surveillance program at a future operating reactor.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Improved Throughput and Analysis of Scratch Test Results via Automation and Machine Learning

A data analysis automation interface that incorporates machine learning (ML) has been developed to improve productivity, efficiency, and consistency in identifying and defining critical load values (or other values associated with optically identifiable characteristics) of a coating when a scratch test is performed. In this specific program, the machine learning component of the program has been trained to identify the Critical Load 2 (L C2 ) value by analyzing images of the scratch tracks created in each test. An optical examination of the scratch by a human operator is currently used to determine where this value occurs. However, the vagueness of the standard has led to varying interpretations and nonuniform usage by different operators at different laboratories where the test is implemented, resulting in multiple definitions of the desired parameter. Using a standard set of training and validation images to create the dataset, the critical load can be identified consistently amongst different laboratories using the automation interface without requiring the training of human operators. When the model was used in conjunction with an instrument manufacturer's scratch test software, the model produced accurate and repeatable results and defined L C2 values in as little as half of the time compared to a human operator. When combined with a program that automates other aspects of the scratch testing process usually conducted by a human operator, scratch testing and analysis can occur with little to no intervention from a human beyond initial setup and frees them to complete other work in the lab.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Improvements of PKU PMECRIS for continuous hundred hours CW proton beam operation

In order to improve the source stability, a long term continuous wave (CW) proton beam experiment has been carried out with Peking University compact permanent magnet 2.45 GHz ECR ion source (PKU PMECRIS). Before such an experiment a lot of improvements and modifications were completed on the source body, the Faraday cup and the PKU ion source test bench. At the beginning of 2015, a continuous operation of PKU PMECRIS for 306 h with more than 50 mA CW beam was carried out after success of many short term tests. No plasma generator failure or high voltage breakdown was observed during that running period and the proton source reliability is near 100%. Total beam availability, which is defined as 35-keV beam-on time divided by elapsed time, was higher than 99% [S. X. Peng et al., Chin. Phys. B 24(7), 075203 (2015)]. A re-inspection was performed after another additional 100 h operation (counting time) and no obvious sign of component failure was observed. Counting the previous source testing time together, this PMECRs longevity is now demonstrated to be greater than 460 h. This paper is mainly concentrated on the improvements for this long term experiment.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗