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At least 1,063 records · Page 59

Mesoscopic Adaptive Resolution Scheme toward Understanding of Interactions between Sickle Cell Fibers

Understanding of intracellular polymerization of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) and subsequent interaction with the membrane of a red blood cell (RBC) is important to predict the altered morphologies and mechanical properties of sickle RBCs in sickle cell anemia. However, modeling the integrated processes of HbS nucleation, polymerization, HbS fiber interaction, and subsequent distortion of RBCs is challenging as they occur at multispatial scales, ranging from nanometers to micrometers. To make progress toward simulating the integrated processes, we propose a hybrid HbS fiber model, which couples fine-grained and coarse-grained HbS fiber models through a mesoscopic adaptive resolution scheme (MARS). To this end, we apply a microscopic model to capture the dynamic process of polymerization of HbS fibers, while maintaining the mechanical properties of polymerized HbS fibers by the mesoscopic model, thus providing a means of bridging the subcellular and cellular phenomena in sickle cell disease. At the subcellular level, this model can simulate HbS polymerization with preexisting HbS nuclei. At the cellular level, if combined with RBC models, the generated HbS fibers could be applied to study the morphologies and membrane stiffening of sickle RBCs. One important feature of the MARS is that it can be easily employed in other particle-based multiscale simulations where a dynamic coarse-graining and force-blending method is required. As demonstrations, we first apply the hybrid HbS fiber model to simulate the interactions of two growing fibers and find that their final configurations depend on the orientation and interaction distance between two fibers, in good agreement with experimental observations. We also model the formation of fiber bundles and domains so that we explore the mechanism that causes fiber branching.

Biophysics↗

Visualization of post-detonation fireball flowfields and comparison to CFD modeling

Visualization of flow structures within post-detonation fireballs has been performed for benchmark validation of numerical simulations. Custom pressed PETN explosives with a 12-mm diameter hemispherical form factor were used to produce a spherically symmetric post-detonation flow with low soot yield. Hydroxyl-radical planar laser induce fluorescence (OH-PLIF) was employed to visualize the structure ranging from approximately 10 μs to 35 μs after shock breakout from the explosive pellet. Fireball simulations were performed using the HyBurn Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) package. Experimental OH-PLIF results were compared to synthetic OH-PLIF from post-processing of CFD simulations. From the comparison of experimental and synthetic OH-PLIF images, CFD is shown to replicate much of the flow structure observed in the experiments, revealing potential differences in turbulent length scales and OH kinetics. Furthermore, results provide significant advancement in experimental resolution of these harsh turbulent combustion environments and validate physical models thereof.

Detonator↗

Global Simulations of the Inner Regions of Protoplanetary Disks with Comprehensive Disk Microphysics

The gas dynamics of weakly ionized protoplanetary disks (PPDs) are largely governed by the coupling between gas and magnetic fields, described by three non-ideal magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) effects (Ohmic, Hall, ambipolar). Previous local simulations incorporating these processes have revealed that the inner regions of PPDs are largely laminar and accompanied by wind-driven accretion. We conduct 2D axisymmetric, fully global MHD simulations of these regions (∼1–20 au), taking into account all non-ideal MHD effects, with tabulated diffusion coefficients and approximate treatment of external ionization and heating. With the net vertical field aligned with disk rotation, the Hall-shear instability strongly amplifies horizontal magnetic field, making the overall dynamics dependent on initial field configuration. Following disk formation, the disk likely relaxes into an inner zone characterized by asymmetric field configuration across the midplane, which smoothly transitions to a more symmetric outer zone. Angular momentum transport is driven by both MHD winds and laminar Maxwell stress, with both accretion and decretion flows present at different heights, and modestly asymmetric winds from the two disk sides. With anti-aligned field polarity, weakly magnetized disks settle into an asymmetric field configuration with supersonic accretion flow concentrated at one side of the disk surface, and highly asymmetric winds between the two disk sides. In all cases, the wind is magneto-thermal in nature, characterized by a mass loss rate exceeding the accretion rate. More strongly magnetized disks give more symmetric field configuration and flow structures. Deeper far-UV penetration leads to stronger and less stable outflows. Implications for observations and planet formation are also discussed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

A dynamic parameterization of sulfuric acid–dimethylamine nucleation and its application in three-dimensional modeling

Sulfuric acid (SA) is a governing gaseous precursor for atmospheric new particle formation (NPF), a major source of global ultrafine particles, in environments studied around the world. In polluted urban atmospheres with high condensation sinks (CSs), the formation of stable SA–amine clusters, such as SA–dimethylamine (DMA) clusters, usually initializes intense NPF events. Coagulation scavenging and cluster evaporation are dominant sink processes of SA–amine clusters in urban atmospheres, yet these loss processes are not quantitatively included in the present parameterizations of SA–amine nucleation. We herein report a parameterization of SA–DMA nucleation, based on cluster dynamic simulations and quantum chemistry calculations, with certain simplifications to greatly reduce the computational costs. Compared with previous SA–DMA nucleation parameterizations, this new parameterization was able to reproduce the dependences of particle formation rates on temperature and CSs. We then incorporated it in a three-dimensional (3-D) chemical transport model to simulate the evolution of the particle number size distributions. Simulation results showed good consistency with the observations in the occurrence of NPF events and particle number size distributions in wintertime Beijing and represented a significant improvement compared to that using a parameterization without coagulation scavenging. Quantitative analysis shows that SA–DMA nucleation contributes significantly to nucleation rates and aerosol population during the 3-D simulations in Beijing (>99 % and >60 %, respectively). These results broaden the understanding of NPF in urban atmospheres and stress the necessity of including the effects of coagulation scavenging and cluster stability in simulating SA–DMA nucleation in 3-D simulations. Representing these processes is thus likely to improve model performance in particle source apportionment and quantification of aerosol effects on air quality, human health, and climate.

Li, Yuyang↗

Simulation of He{sup +} induced afterpulses in PMTs

We report on a Monte Carlo simulation study of afterpulses due to trace gases in EMI 9235QA photomultipliers that are widely used in many luminescence detection systems operating in single photon counting mode. The numerical simulation takes into account the nonuniform electric field distribution and processes including elastic scattering: e + He → e + He, excitation: e + He → e + He{sup ∗}, ionization: e + He → 2e + He{sup +}, elastic scattering: He{sup +} + He → He{sup +} + He, charge transfer: He{sup +} + He → He{sub f} + He{sup +} (He{sub f} indicates a fast neutral) and elastic scattering: He{sub f} + He → He{sub f} + He{sub (f)}. The simulated and the measured time of flight distributions agree well. In addition, the above simulated processes demonstrate mechanisms of the observed series of pulses brought about by a single helium atom ionization.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Assessing the Impact of a Novel TBC Material on Heat Transfer in a Spark Ignition Engine through 3D CFD-FEA Co-Simulation Routine

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have been of interest since the 1970s for application in internal combustion (IC) engines. Thin TBCs exhibit a temperature swing phenomenon wherein wall temperatures dynamically respond to the transient working-gas temperature throughout the engine cycle, thus reducing the temperature difference driving the heat transfer. Determining these varying wall temperatures is necessary to evaluate and study the effect of coatings on wall heat transfer. This study focuses on developing a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-finite element analysis (FEA) coupled simulation, or co-simulation, routine to determine the wall temperatures of a piston coated with a thin TBC layer subject to spark ignition combustion heat flux. A CONVERGE 3D-CFD model was used to simulate the combustion process in a single-cylinder, light-duty experimental spark ignition (SI) engine. Transient piston heat transfer analysis was conducted using ABAQUS, a FEA package, under the simulated combustion heat flux load. The effect of the temperature swing phenomenon due to this TBC layer was observed in a CFD simulation by implementing the FEA results as the piston thermal boundary conditions. The boundary conditions were passed between the CFD and FEA tools until a quasi-steady state solution was achieved. Furthermore, a reduction in wall heat transfer was observed due to a reduced temperature difference between the wall and the working gas.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Application of a temporal multiscale method for efficient simulation of degradation in PEM Water Electrolysis under dynamic operating conditions

Hydrogen is emerging as a vital energy carrier, driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions. Proton Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) enables hydrogen production under fluctuating renewable power conditions but requires improved understanding and stability of the anode catalyst layer under dynamic operating conditions, especially with low noble metal loadings. Long-term degradation experiments are both time-consuming and costly; therefore, a systematic, model-aided approach is essential. In the present work, a temporal multiscale method is applied to reduce the computational effort of simulating long-term degradation processes in PEMWE, with an exemplary focus on catalyst dissolution. A mechanistic model incorporating the oxygen evolution reaction, catalyst dissolution, and hydrogen permeation from the cathode to the anode was hypothesized and implemented. In this way, the local periodicity of transport and reaction processes in dynamic PEMWE operation, which influence the gradual degradation of the catalyst layer, is captured. The temporal multiscale method significantly reduces the computational effort of simulation, decreasing processing time from hours to mere minutes. This efficiency gain is attributed to the limited evolution of Slow-Scale variables during each period of time P of the Fast-Scale variables. Consequently, simulation is required only until local periodicity is achieved within each Slow-Scale time step. Hence, the fully resolved dynamic problem is decoupled into these two scales, employing a heterogeneous multiscale technique. The developed approach effectively accelerates parameter estimation and predictive simulations, supporting systematic modeling of PEMWE degradation under dynamic conditions.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Simulating a solar parabolic trough collector plant used for industrial process heat using an optimized operating scheme that utilizes flexible heat integration

This study focuses on the modeling and simulation of a novel design and operation of a solar industrial process heat (SIPH) plant that uses a parabolic trough collector system for generating process heat. The SIPH plant incorporates flexible heat integration (FHI) by having two options for heat sinks as well as a flexible collection temperature for the heat transfer fluid. Leveraging the degrees of freedom created by FHI allows an optimized operating scheme to be created which maximizes the solar heat delivered to the industrial processes. Yearly results for a 27 MW-t plant located in Salt Lake City, UT are simulated for a base case and a case utilizing optimized FHI. For the main process temperature case presented, FHI increases the total solar share by 13.0% and reduces the levelized cost of heat of the SIPH plant by 10.4% relative to the base case. Furthermore, three case study days are presented which highlight how FHI maximizes solar share, specifically during mornings, afternoons, and days with intermittent solar conditions. An environmental analysis is also performed showing that the SIPH plant can reduce harmful emissions by 15.4% for the base case and 17.4% for the FHI case compared to a plant that only utilizes a natural gas furnace for process heat. Overall, the work thoroughly explores an effective operating scheme for a SIPH plant, helping to make it more economical and environmentally beneficial.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Electrochemical Degradation of Pt 3 Co Nanoparticles Investigated by Off-Lattice Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations with Machine-Learned Potentials

In fuel cell applications, the durability of catalysts is critical for large-scale industrial implementation. However, limited synthesis controllability and spectroscopic resolution impede a comprehensive understanding of degradation mechanisms at the atomic level. In this study, we develop a machine-learned potential (MLP) to simulate the degradation processes for Pt3Co nanoparticles. The precision of MLP is determined to be comparable to that of density functional theory calculations. Using off-lattice kinetic Monte Carlo simulations with MLP, we successfully replicate established experimental trends and offer a logical resolution to ongoing debates regarding atomic orderings. Based on the simulation results, we suggest design principles for Pt3Co nanoparticles that combine high activity and durability. Finally, we validate the wide applicability of our method by successfully applying it to Pt3Ni and Pt3Co0.5Ni0.5 nanoparticles. The research serves as a guideline for developing MLPs for alloy electrochemical catalysts and lays the foundation for designing more durable and active fuel-cell catalysts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Concurrent atomistic-continuum modeling of crystalline materials

In the work reported here, we present a concurrent atomistic-continuum (CAC) method for modeling and simulation of crystalline materials. The CAC formulation extends the Irving-Kirkwood procedure for deriving transport equations and fluxes for homogenized molecular systems to that for polyatomic crystalline materials by employing a concurrent two-level description of the structure and dynamics of crystals. A multiscale representation of conservation laws is formulated, as a direct consequence of Newton's second law, in terms of instantaneous expressions of unit cell-averaged quantities using the mathematical theory of distributions. Finite element (FE) solutions to the conservation equations, as well as fluxes and temperature in the FE representation, are introduced, followed by numerical examples of the atomic-scale structure of interfaces, dynamics of fracture and dislocations, and phonon thermal transport across grain boundaries. In addition to providing a methodology for concurrent multiscale simulation of transport processes under a single theoretical framework, the CAC formulation can also be used to compute fluxes (stress and heat flux) in atomistic and coarse-grained atomistic simulations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Evaluation of a thermomechanical model for prediction of residual stress during laser powder bed fusion of Ti-6Al-4V

The build-up of residual stresses in a part during laser powder bed fusion provides a significant limitation to the adoption of this process. These residuals stresses may cause a part to fail during a build or fall outside the specified tolerances after fabrication. In the present work a thermomechanical model is used to simulate the build process and calculate the residual stress state for Ti–6Al–4V specimens built with continuous and island scan strategies. A layer agglomeration, or lumping, approach is used to speed up the computations. A material model is developed to naturally capture the strain-rate dependence and annealing behavior of Ti–6Al–4V at elevated temperatures. Conclusions from the thermomechanical simulations showed good agreement with synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements used to determine the residual elastic strains in these parts. Yet, the experimental measurements showed higher residual strains for the specimen built with an island scan strategy; a trend not fully captured by the simulations. Parameter studies were performed to fully understand the advantages and limitations of the current simulation methodology. Reasons for both the computational and experimental findings are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Impacts of Topography-Based Subgrid Scheme and Downscaling of Atmospheric Forcing on Modeling Land Surface Processes in the Conterminous US

The effects of small-scale topography-induced land surface heterogeneity are not well represented in current Earth System Models (ESMs). In this study, a new topography-based subgrid structure referred to as topographic units (TGU) designed to better capture subgrid topographic effects, and methods to downscale atmospheric forcing to the land TGUs have been implemented in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) Land Model (ELM). Effects of the subgrid scheme and downscaling methods on ELM simulated land surface processes are evaluated over the conterminous United States (CONUS). For this purpose, ELM simulations are performed using two configurations without (NoD ELM) and with (D ELM) downscaling, both using TGUs derived for the 0.5-degree grids and the same land surface parameters. Simulations using the two ELM configurations are compared over the CONUS domain, regional levels, and at observational sites (e.g., SNOTEL). The CONUS-level results suggest that D ELM simulates more snowfall and snow water equivalent (SWE), higher runoff, and less ET during spring and summer. Regional-level results suggest more pronounced impacts of downscaling over regions dominated by higher elevation TGUs and regions with maximum precipitation occurring during cool seasons. Results at the SNOTEL sites suggest that D ELM has superior capability of reproducing the observed SWE at 83% of the sites, with more pronounced performance over topographically heterogeneous TGUs with their maximum precipitation occurring during cool seasons. The results highlight the importance of improving representation of small-scale surface heterogeneity in ESMs and motivate future research to understand their effects on land-atmosphere interactions, streamflow, and water resources management over mountainous regions.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

High-Resolution Regional Atmosphere–Ocean–Wave Coupled Simulations of Hurricane Henri (2021)

To explore the integrated effects of ocean and ocean surface wave related physical processes on tropical cyclone simulations, a set of three model simulations is performed. * In experiment 'A', the event is modeled using the Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) model alone with prescribed Sea Surface Temperature (SST) at 6-hour intervals. * In experiment ‘AO,’ WRF is coupled with the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM), enabling variable exchange between atmosphere and ocean, but without considering ocean surface wave-related physical processes. * In experiment ‘AOW’, WRF, FVCOM, and Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) exchange variables with each other every hour through the OASIS3-MCT Coupler to allow direct and indirect atmosphere-ocean-wave interactions. * Observational data are also included in this dataset (Dropsonde, HRD-Radar, NDBC_wave). All simulations are initialized at 18:00 UTC on August 19, 2021, within a domain encompassing the western North Atlantic Ocean. The atmospheric domain features a horizontal resolution of 3 km. The ocean domain, which covers a substantial portion of the WRF ocean domain, employs an unstructured triangular grid with resolutions ranging from 3 km near the coast to 9 km in the open ocean, effectively resolving the complex coastline of the U.S. Northeast Coast. Initial and boundary conditions for the atmosphere model are obtained from the 6-hourly 0.25° NCEP (National Centers for Environmental Prediction) Global Forecast System (GFS; NCEP, 2015) data. These CSV files are derived from the NetCDF files in the c0 dataset. Unlike the original format, where geographic coordinates were stored in a separate file, each CSV now embeds the corresponding latitude and longitude values alongside the measured or simulated variables.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

An Integrative Model for Soil Biogeochemistry and Methane Processes: I. Model Structure and Sensitivity Analysis

Abstract Environmental changes are anticipated to generate substantial impacts on carbon cycling in peatlands, affecting terrestrial‐climate feedbacks. Understanding how peatland methane (CH 4 ) fluxes respond to these changing environments is critical for predicting the magnitude of feedbacks from peatlands to global climate change. To improve predictions of CH 4 fluxes in response to changes such as elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentrations and warming, it is essential for Earth system models to include increased realism to simulate CH 4 processes in a more mechanistic way. To address this need, we incorporated a new microbial‐functional group‐based CH 4 module into the Energy Exascale Earth System land model (ELM) and tested it with multiple observational data sets at an ombrotrophic peatland bog in northern Minnesota. The model is able to simulate observed land surface CH 4 fluxes and fundamental mechanisms contributing to these throughout the soil profile. The model reproduced the observed vertical distributions of dissolved organic carbon and acetate concentrations. The seasonality of acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis—two key processes for CH 4 production—and CH 4 concentration along the soil profile were accurately simulated. Meanwhile, the model estimated that plant‐mediated transport, diffusion, and ebullition contributed to ∼23.5%, 15.0%, and 61.5% of CH 4 transport, respectively. A parameter sensitivity analysis showed that CH 4 substrate and CH 4 production were the most critical mechanisms regulating temporal patterns of surface CH 4 fluxes both under ambient conditions and warming treatments. This knowledge will be used to improve Earth system model predictions of these high‐carbon ecosystems from plot to regional scales.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Understanding interactions between biomolecules and two-dimensional nanomaterials using in silico microscopes

We report two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials such as graphene are increasingly used in research and industry for various biomedical applications. Extensive experimental and theoretical studies have revealed that 2D nanomaterials are promising drug delivery vehicles, yet certain materials exhibit toxicity under biological conditions. So far, it is known that 2D nanomaterials possess strong adsorption propensities for biomolecules. To mitigate potential toxicity and retain favorable physical and chemical properties of 2D nanomaterials, it is necessary to explore the underlying mechanisms of interactions between biomolecules and nanomaterials for the subsequent design of biocompatible 2D nanomaterials for nanomedicine. The purpose of this review is to integrate experimental findings with theoretical observations and facilitate the study of 2D nanomaterial interaction with biomolecules at the molecular level. We discuss the current understanding and progress of 2D nanomaterial interaction with proteins, lipid membranes, and DNA based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In this review, we focus on the 2D graphene nanosheet and briefly discuss other 2D nanomaterials. With the ever-growing computing power, we can image nanoscale processes using MD simulation that are otherwise not observable in experiment. We expect that molecular characterization of the complex behavior between 2D nanomaterials and biomolecules will help fulfill the goal of designing effective 2D nanomaterials as drug delivery platforms.

2D nanomaterials↗

Interpreting the spatial distribution of soil properties with a physically-based distributed hydrological model

Digital soil maps are commonly data-driven as the development of physically-based models for soil mapping is difficult due to the complexity of soils. However, physically-based hydrologic models have been successful in simulating water dynamics. Since water movement is a major driver of pedogenesis, the physical rules that govern water movement might help explain and predict the spatial variation of soil properties. Here, we demonstrate the novel use of a physically-based, distributed hydrologic model to inform the spatial distribution of soil properties. The Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM) was utilized to simulate soil moisture content (SM) and water table depth (WTD) in two hillslope catchments under pasture and forest management wherein hydrologic model outputs were then compared with soil properties measured in situ. SM sensors and wells were installed in both catchments to validate simulations of soil water movement via Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (E). In-situ observations were made at 87 sites within both catchments to study the connection between simulated water movement (SM and WTD) and observed soil properties, namely the depth and thickness of the argillic (Bt), fragic (Btx), and C horizons, and the depth of redoximorphic features. The simulated time series of SM and WTD were also clustered per season using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW), which identified similarity among time series at varying timescales. Model validation suggested that simulations of surficial SM (0–20 cm) were reasonable (E = 0.45), however, simulated subsurface SM (45–60 cm) and WTD were not sufficiently accurate. The thickness of Btx horizons were spatially grouped into different populations by SM clusters from every season except spring. For the other properties, only SM dynamics of specific seasons grouped into significantly different populations, suggesting that the explanatory power of simulated water movement varies seasonally and was greater during winter. Here, we show clusters of simulated SM separated soil properties into statistically different populations, showing that hydrologic models could inform areas that followed different water dynamics related to pedogenic trajectories and related biogeochemical processes not necessarily simulated by the model. As such, physically-based modeling of water dynamics can, therefore, inform and advance digital soil mapping by linking water movement patterns stemming from hydrologic model outputs to spatial patterns of soil properties and pedogenesis.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DWPF nitric-glycolic flowsheet chemical process cell chemistry. Part 1

The conversions of nitrite to nitrate, the destruction of glycolate, and the conversion of glycolate to formate and oxalate were modeled for the Nitric-Glycolic flowsheet using data from Chemical Process Cell (CPC) simulant runs conducted by SRNL from 2011 to 2015. The goal of this work was to develop empirical correlations for these variables versus measureable variables from the chemical process so that these quantities could be predicted a-priori from the sludge composition and measurable processing variables. The need for these predictions arises from the need to predict the REDuction/OXidation (REDOX) state of the glass from the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) melter. This report summarizes the initial work on these correlations based on the aforementioned data. Further refinement of the models as additional data is collected is recommended.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Pythia Jet Finding Study with Trento Backgrounds

We present results applying the Pythia SlowJet Finder to Pythia generated QCD and QED hard processes in the presence of simulated heavy ion backgrounds. The hard process events are generated with Pythia version 8.219 for √s NN =200 GeV proton-proton collisions and the backgrounds are generated by the Reduced Thickness Event-by-event Nuclear Topology model T R ENTo for Au-Au collisions with a nucleon-nucleon cross-section of 4.23 fm 2 . The T R ENTo model is used to calculate the initial entropy and ellipticity from which the total charged particle multiplicity and elliptic ow are determined. We report results in the form of event displays, total p T distributions, and fragmentation distributions for SlowJet applied to Pythia events with and without the simulated heavy ion backgrounds.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗