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Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Nondestructive Examination Efforts at Idaho National Laboratory: Report of FY-24 Efforts

This report details FY-24 nondestructive examination (NDE) efforts at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in support of the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) program. While the goal of this endeavor is to develop a multi-modal, multi-length scale workflow for nondestructive characterization of advanced manufactured (AM) nuclear reactor components, substantial development remains until this is a reality. In support of this effort X-ray computed tomography (XCT), X-ray diffraction (XRD), neutron computed tomography (nCT), neutron diffraction, lock-in thermography (LIT), multi-point lock-in thermography (MLIT), and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) were all used on AM specimens to examine defects such as voids, porosity, and residual stress. In addition to summarizing the results of these NDE applications, recommendations for integrating these into a more comprehensive undertaking to promote NDE of engineering-scale components are also included.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Component separation of a isotropic Gravitational Wave Background

A Gravitational Wave Background (GWB) is expected in the universe from the superposition of a large number of unresolved astrophysical sources and phenomena in the early universe. Each component of the background (e.g., from primordial metric perturbations, binary neutron stars, milli-second pulsars etc.) has its own spectral shape. Many ongoing experiments aim to probe GWB at a variety of frequency bands. In the last two decades, using data from ground-based laser interferometric gravitational wave (GW) observatories, upper limits on GWB were placed in the frequency range of 0∼ 50−100 Hz, considering one spectral shape at a time. However, one strong component can significantly enhance the estimated strength of another component. Hence, estimation of the amplitudes of the components with different spectral shapes should be done jointly. Here we propose a method for 'component separation' of a statistically isotropic background, that can, for the first time, jointly estimate the amplitudes of many components and place upper limits. The method is rather straightforward and needs negligible amount of computation. It utilises the linear relationship between the measurements and the amplitudes of the actual components, alleviating the need for a sampling based method, e.g., Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) or matched filtering, which are computationally intensive and cumbersome in a multi-dimensional parameter space. Using this formalism we could also study how many independent components can be separated using a given dataset from a network of current and upcoming ground based interferometric detectors.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Extension of a System Level Tool for Component Level Analysis

This paper presents an extension of a numerical algorithm for network flow analysis code to perform multi-dimensional flow calculation. The one dimensional momentum equation in network flow analysis code has been extended to include momentum transport due to shear stress and transverse component of velocity. Both laminar and turbulent flows are considered. Turbulence is represented by Prandtl's mixing length hypothesis. Three classical examples (Poiseuille flow, Couette flow, and shear driven flow in a rectangular cavity) are presented as benchmark for the verification of the numerical scheme.

Majumdar, Alok↗

Extension of a System Level Tool for Component Level Analysis

This paper presents an extension of a numerical algorithm for network flow analysis code to perform multi-dimensional flow calculation. The one dimensional momentum equation in network flow analysis code has been extended to include momentum transport due to shear stress and transverse component of velocity. Both laminar and turbulent flows are considered. Turbulence is represented by Prandtl's mixing length hypothesis. Three classical examples (Poiseuille flow, Couette flow and shear driven flow in a rectangular cavity) are presented as benchmark for the verification of the numerical scheme.

Majumdar, Alok↗

TWO DISTINCT-ABSORPTION X-RAY COMPONENTS FROM TYPE IIn SUPERNOVAE: EVIDENCE FOR ASPHERICITY IN THE CIRCUMSTELLAR MEDIUM

We present multi-epoch X-ray spectral observations of three Type IIn supernovae (SNe), SN 2005kd, SN 2006jd, and SN 2010jl, acquired with Chandra , XMM-Newton , Suzaku , and Swift . Previous extensive X-ray studies of SN 2010jl have revealed that X-ray spectra are dominated by thermal emission, which likely arises from a hot plasma heated by a forward shock propagating into a massive circumstellar medium (CSM). Interestingly, an additional soft X-ray component was required to reproduce the spectra at a period of ∼1–2 years after the SN explosion. Although this component is likely associated with the SN, its origin remained an open question. We find a similar, additional soft X-ray component from the other two SNe IIn as well. Given this finding, we present a new interpretation for the origin of this component; it is thermal emission from a forward shock essentially identical to the hard X-ray component, but directly reaches us from a void of the dense CSM. Namely, the hard and soft components are responsible for the heavily and moderately absorbed components, respectively. The co-existence of the two components with distinct absorptions as well as the delayed emergence of the moderately absorbed X-ray component could be evidence for asphericity of the CSM. We show that the X-ray spectral evolution can be qualitatively explained by considering a torus-like geometry for the dense CSM. Based on our X-ray spectral analyses, we estimate the radius of the torus-like CSM to be on the order of ∼5 × 10{sup 16} cm.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Principal Component-Based Radiative Transfer Model (PCRTM) for Hyperspectral Remote Sensors for UV, VVIS, NIR, IR, and FIR Spectral Regions

Fast and accurate radiative transfer models are needed to efficiently process satellite hyperspectral remote sensors. We have developed a Principal Component-based radiative transfer model (PCRTM) which can simulate TOA radiance or reflectance spectra in the cloudy atmosphere for far IR, IR, NIR, VIS, and UV spectral regions quickly and accurately. Multi-scattering of multiple layers of clouds/aerosols is included in the model. Polarization components can also be calculated. The computation speed is 3 to 4 orders of magnitude faster than MODTRAN5, LBLRTM, and VLIDORT. The PCRTM calculated radiance spectra agree with reference RTM calculated radiance spectra very well (0.03 K in IR and 0.05% in solar). Comparisons of the PCRTM model calculations with observed AIRS, CrIS, IASI, NAST-I, and SCIAMACHY data will be presented. The solar-PCRTM has been developed for CLARREO PathFinder (CPF) and has been extensively used for CPF science algorithms. The PCRTM can also be used for many current and future NASA future missions such as EMIT, SBG, TEMPO, and PACE.

pcrtm↗

Development of an automated multi-stage modal synthesis system for NASTRAN

A mode synthesis development to be scheduled in the NASTRAN multi-level substructuring system for general dynamics applications is described. The method combines the better features of several state of the art mode synthesis techniques, yet is general enough to provide for any arbitrary combination of boundary degrees of freedom and normal mode boundary conditions. Normal modes or complex eigenvectors may be used in the definition of a structure component which may be combined with other components of any type. Combination structures fabricated from component modes may be processed as normal substructures, including further multi-stage mode synthesis reductions. Included are discussions of the user control of the system and advantages in actual application.

Herting, D. N.↗

On codes with multi-level error-correction capabilities

In conventional coding for error control, all the information symbols of a message are regarded equally significant, and hence codes are devised to provide equal protection for each information symbol against channel errors. However, in some occasions, some information symbols in a message are more significant than the other symbols. As a result, it is desired to devise codes with multilevel error-correcting capabilities. Another situation where codes with multi-level error-correcting capabilities are desired is in broadcast communication systems. An m-user broadcast channel has one input and m outputs. The single input and each output form a component channel. The component channels may have different noise levels, and hence the messages transmitted over the component channels require different levels of protection against errors. Block codes with multi-level error-correcting capabilities are also known as unequal error protection (UEP) codes. Structural properties of these codes are derived. Based on these structural properties, two classes of UEP codes are constructed.

Lin, Shu↗

Using Superconducting Thin Films in Microwave Lines

High temperature superconductors(HTS) and microwaves devices form the ideal partnership. The application of superconductors in microwave devices, components and systems allows the reduction in size, power consumption and insertion loss. The surface resistance of high-Tc superconductors has been found to be two orders of magnitude lower than normal conducting copper materials. The reduction in size and power requirements, which together both lead to a reduction in system mass, coupled with reasonably accessible operating temperatures, suggest that HTS microwave components should find ready application in satellite communications systems. At present, multi- channeling communication networks demand filters with narrow bandwidth in order to allow the available RF frequency spectrum to be partitioned into small frequency bands, -and possible variation of dielectric constant from substrate to substrate is undesirable. Microwave multiplexers demand the fabrication of two identical filters in each channel. Thus, the filter with tuning function is preferable. Tunable filters are the critical component for phased array antennas in order to electronically steer the radiated beam. To fabricate a tunable filter that uses an electric field for operation, one would like a material that provides a large change on dielectric constant for a given electric field, yet has a relatively low tangent in order to minimize the insertion loss of the device. Ferroelectrics have been the materials of choice. Their large dielectric constant sufficiently increases the coupling between microwave resonators and its dependence on electric field provides timability. Development of technology promises to diminish tangent loss. The use of thin ferroelectric films sufficiently decreases insertion losses keeping considerable potential for applications. NASA Lewis Research Center is the one of the leading centers in investigation of superconductors/ferroelectric tunable components for microwave devices. A large number of possible microwave devices were fabricated and tested on the basis of thin film multilayer superconductor-ferroelectric structures. In major cases the systems with edge-coupling scheme were investigated. Dr. Genkin has recently focused on the new potentialities which implements the using of thin ferroelectric films in filters fabricated with end-coupled microstrip lines. Numerical modeling shows that these systems have large potential for application in tunable narrow- and wide-bandpass filters in the frequency range 10-20 GHz. The phase shifter with end-coupled resonant sections was fabricated and tested. Experimental results show large tunability, particular in low voltages. The possible optimization of this structure promises to improve the obtained result and to reach the low level of insertion losses.

Genkin, Varery↗

Flame Edge Dynamics and Interaction in a Multi-Nozzle Can Combustor with Fuel Staging

The characterization and mitigation of thermoacoustic combustion instabilities in gas turbine engines is necessary to reduce pollutant emissions, premature wear, and component failure associated with unstable flames. Fuel staging, a technique in which the fuel flow to a multi-nozzle combustor is unevenly distributed between the nozzles, has been shown to mitigate the intensity of self-excited combustion instabilities in multiple nozzle combustors. In our previous work, we hypothesized that staging suppresses instability through a phase-cancellation effect in which the heat release rate from the staged nozzle oscillates out of phase with that of the other nozzles, leading to destructive interference that suppresses the instability. This previous theory, however, was based on chemiluminescence imaging, which is a line-of-sight integrated technique. In this work, we use high-speed laser-induced fluorescence to further investigate instability suppression in two staging configurations: center-nozzle and outer-nozzle staging. An edge-tracking algorithm is used to compute local flame edge displacement as a function of time, allowing instability-driven edge oscillation phase coherence and other instantaneous flame dynamics to be spectrally and spatially resolved. Analysis of flame edge oscillations shows the presence of convecting coherent fluctuations of the flame edge caused by periodic vortex shedding. When the system is unstable, these two flame edges oscillate together as a result of high-intensity longitudinal-mode acoustic oscillations in the combustor that drive periodic vortex shedding at each of the nozzle exits. In the stable cases, however, the phase between the oscillations of the center and outer flame edges is greater than 90 degrees (~114 degrees), suggesting that the phase-cancellation hypothesis may be valid. This analysis allows a better understanding of the instantaneous flame dynamics behind flame edge oscillation phase offset and fuel staging-based instability suppression.

Doleiden, Daniel↗

Preliminary Experimental Investigation of Multi-Shock Shield Performance Against Meteoritic Other Lithic Projectiles

The protection capabilities of micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) shields are invariably linked to the physical properties of the impactor. Regardless of the shield type, or bumper material employed, the general principles of purposefully designed multi-walled MMOD protection relies on the ability to disrupt, shock, melt, and/or vaporize the projectile before it interacts with a critical spacecraft component. Here, we begin to study the influence of projectile heterogeneity on the performance of multi-shock shields by conducting hypervelocity impact tests using meteorite and a variety of other rock-like (i.e., lithic) materials. Testing was conducted using a .17 caliber two-stage light-gas gun, launching cylindrical lithic projectiles between 5.66 and 7.06 km/s. Shield layups included three layers of Nextel and one layer of graphite composite as a rear wall, with each layer having a 35 mm standoff. After testing a comparison of rear wall and witness plate damage was made to separate tests conducted using spherical Al projectiles of similar mass. It was observed that the more heterogenous meteorite projectile gave rise to notably more damage to the witness plate than an Al projectile of equivalent mass, while the other, more homogeneous lithic projectiles, did not.

meteorite↗

Nucleophosmin integrates within the nucleolus via multi-modal interactions with proteins displaying R-rich linear motifs and rRNA

The nucleolus is a membrane-less organelle formed through liquid-liquid phase separation of its components from the surrounding nucleoplasm. Here, we show that nucleophosmin (NPM1) integrates within the nucleolus via a multi-modal mechanism involving multivalent interactions with proteins containing arginine-rich linear motifs (R-motifs) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Importantly, these R-motifs are found in canonical nucleolar localization signals. Based on a novel combination of biophysical approaches, we propose a model for the molecular organization within liquid-like droplets formed by the N-terminal domain of NPM1 and R-motif peptides, thus providing insights into the structural organization of the nucleolus. We identify multivalency of acidic tracts and folded nucleic acid binding domains, mediated by N-terminal domain oligomerization, as structural features required for phase separation of NPM1 with other nucleolar components in vitro and for localization within mammalian nucleoli. We propose that one mechanism of nucleolar localization involves phase separation of proteins within the nucleolus.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Biocompatible Electrostatic Layered Systems for Viral Elimination in the Nose/Throat

An anti-viral coating for the nose & throat is needed to quickly address the spread of COVID-19 infections and to aid future pandemics. Current nasal delivery systems are typically a 1-spray homogenous solution, which is convenient but may not be as efficient or durable as a multi-spray solution that contains a binding layer to anchor the anti-viral components. Many of the current nasal solutions being investigated to aid in pandemic response have solution-based mechanisms of action and are quickly cleared from the nose/mouth limiting their efficacy lifetime. A multi-spray approach utilizing strong intermolecular forces between polymeric materials and anti-viral agents to provide a robust biocompatible coating is expected to have increased physical and chemical properties to combat viral infection. This work evaluated which tailored biocompatible materials are needed to generate a layered system to combat viral infection. This layered system takes advantage of electrostatic interactions to bind anti-viral components, shown in Figure 1. Proof of concept success was demonstrated through cell toxicity studies and anti-viral assays on both the individual layer components and the complete layered system. Project work began with chemical modifications of Xantham Gum to hydrolyzing xanthan gum to give a negatively charged polymer with varying degrees of ionic character and investigate bonding efficiencies. However, this was abandoned in favor of comparing COTS available materials listed in Table 1 (Results section). Concentration and adhesion studies were performed on layers created using the listed polymeric materials and anti-viral agents. Finally, biocompatibility of materials, layers, and coating system were confirmed through cytotoxicity studies and the efficacy of the anti-viral properties tested with phi6 bacteriophage as a SARS-CoV2 surrogate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development of Multiple Solid Components Capability in GOTHIC Droplet Fields

GOTHIC is a versatile and generally applicable software package that solves complex thermal hydraulics problems. GOTHIC solves the conservation equations for mass, momentum and energy for multicomponent, multi-phase flow in lumped parameter and/or multi-dimensional geometries. GOTHIC version 8.2 includes a new feature to model one or more solid components in each of the modeled droplet fields. A solid component is a material present in the water which has volume, density, and heat capacity. GOTHIC has supported modeling multiple droplet fields since version 8.0 - each field has its own mass, energy, and momentum equation. Recent work by Lane et. al. allowed multiple solid components to be tracked in the continuous liquid field. With the release of version 8.2 the droplet fields can now include one or more solid components within each droplet field. The addition of solid components to the droplet field allows faithful simulation of one or more solid components throughout the liquid and droplet fields. Preliminary expected applications are for scenarios such as GSI-191 and longer term desired applications are aerosol simulation. (authors)

42 ENGINEERING↗

Integrated Water-Power System Resilience Analysis in a Southeastern Idaho Irrigation District: Minidoka Case Study

This study investigates the joint water–power system resilience of an irrigation district in southeastern Idaho. Irrigation districts face difficulties in the delivery of water to farmers under drought conditions, during equipment failures, or unplanned infrastructure disruptions. The resilience of interconnected water and power systems can be better analyzed and understood through an integrated approach, using a model that connects the dependencies between the two halves of the system. Using a multi-agent system model capturing both water and power system components, as well as their linkages, we capture the interdependencies of these systems and highlight opportunities for improvement when faced with disruptions. Through simulation scenarios, we examine the system resilience using system performance, quantified as the percentage of met demand of the power and water system, when subjected to drought water year, an unforeseen water demand increase, power outage and dam failure. Scenario results indicate that the effects of low flow years are mostly felt in the power system; unexpected increases in water demand marginally impact irrigation system performance; dams and pumps present vulnerabilities of the system, causing substantial unmet demand during disruptions. Noting the interdependencies between the water–power system halves while leveraging an integrated simulation allows for an insightful analysis of the system impacts during disruptions.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Exploitation of a Validation Hierarchy for Modeling and Simulation

Across engineering there is an evolving need to increase reliance on physics-based simulation to develop, design and optimize engineering systems. This increased reliance on modeling and simulation has highlighted a growing need to transform the confidence that modeling and simulation analysts have in their results into credibility for systems engineers to design and field systems more quickly and with less physical testing. For isolated components of a complex system, where a single discipline may drive product design, this is less of a concern as the relationship is often straightforward and easy to explain. However, when these isolated components are integrated, and are expected to operate in a multi-disciplinary context in which safety critical systems are involved, new concepts and model assurance standards are required. In this paper we address this challenge by showing how a model validation hierarchy can be exploited to identify those model validation experiments that will contribute most to increasing confidence and credibility of modeling and simulation predictions. The approach that is adopted contains four main steps. The first step is the construction of a model validation hierarchy that links subsystems, assemblies, and components to a hierarchy of physical experiments that can be used support model validation. This hierarchy connects the concerns of systems engineers to those of the modeling and simulation analyst in a clear and logical way. The structure and content of this hierarchy is then used in a second step to establish which physical phenomena have the greatest impact on overall system performance metrics. A gap analysis technique, based upon modeling and simulation concerns, is then used to prioritize the important physical phenomenon. Unfortunately, a common outcome of such gap analyses is the identification of many important gaps and so, in the final step of our process, we advocate the use of a global sensitivity analysis as a means to complete the prioritization.

Verification and Validation↗

Exploitation of a Validation Hierarchy for Modeling and Simulation

Across engineering there is an evolving need to increase reliance on physics-based simulation to develop, design and optimize engineering systems. This increased reliance on modeling and simulation has highlighted a growing need to transform the confidence that modeling and simulation analysts have in their results into credibility for systems engineers to design and field systems more quickly and with less physical testing. For isolated components of a complex system, where a single discipline may drive product design, this is less of a concern as the relationship is often straightforward and easy to explain. However, when these isolated components are integrated, and are expected to operate in a multi-disciplinary context in which safety critical systems are involved, new concepts and model assurance standards are required. In this paper we address this challenge by showing how a model validation hierarchy can be exploited to identify those model validation experiments that will contribute most to increasing confidence and credibility of modeling and simulation predictions. The approach that is adopted contains four main steps. The first step is the construction of a model validation hierarchy that links subsystems, assemblies, and components to a hierarchy of physical experiments that can be used support model validation. This hierarchy connects the concerns of systems engineers to those of the modeling and simulation analyst in a clear and logical way. The structure and content of this hierarchy is then used in a second step to establish which physical phenomena have the greatest impact on overall system performance metrics. A gap analysis technique, based upon modeling and simulation concerns, is then used to prioritize the important physical phenomenon. Unfortunately, a common outcome of such gap analyses is the identification of many important gaps and so, in the final step of our process, we advocate the use of a global sensitivity analysis as a means to complete the prioritization.

Verification and Validation↗