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At least 127 records · Page 7

General overview of multiphysics modeling and simulation at CEA/DES/IRESNE supporting safety, operating and development of nuclear reactors and facilities

This paper presents a general overview of the innovative multiphysics research/development activities carried on by the CEA/DES/IRESNE institute. Eight main different multiphysics fields addressed by IRESNE have been listed (among others: fuel fabrication, behavior of fuels, of reactors, of corium, radionuclide transfer to environment,...) in relation with the involved coupled physics: neutron transport, fluid mechanics, electro-magnetism, heat transfer, solid mechanics and (physico-)chemistry. The major mission of IRESNE institute is to study current and future nuclear systems integrated into a low carbon energy system. To fulfill this mission, IRESNE's activities rely on the development and the implementation of multiphysics modeling, advanced coupling scheme, data transfer techniques and dedicated multiphysics experimentations. Indeed, such multiphysics simulation approach of nuclear systems is today required to deal with the complex intrinsic features of studied phenomena. This approach aims at taking into account physical phenomena interactions, at each interest modeling scale, in order to reach an accurate and predictive behavior representation of a system component or of the whole system. The final objective is to contribute to the development of digital reactor, core and fuel at CEA, by progressing on applied mathematics, high-performance computing and physical mechanism understanding.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Laboratory Study of the Torus Instability Threshold in Solar-relevant, Line-tied Magnetic Flux Ropes

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) occur when long-lived magnetic flux ropes (MFRs) anchored to the solar surface destabilize and erupt away from the Sun. This destabilization is often described in terms of an ideal magnetohydrodynamic instability called the torus instability. It occurs when the external magnetic field decreases sufficiently fast such that its decay index, ${n}_{}=-z\,\partial (\mathrm{ln}{B}_{})/\partial z$, is larger than a critical value, $n\gt {n}_{\mathrm{cr}}^{}$, where ${n}_{\mathrm{cr}}^{}=1.5$ for a full, large aspect ratio torus. However, when this is applied to solar MFRs, a range of conflicting values for ${n}_{\mathrm{cr}}^{}$ is found in the literature. To investigate this discrepancy, we have conducted laboratory experiments on arched, line-tied flux ropes and applied a theoretical model of the torus instability. Our model describes an MFR as a partial torus with foot points anchored in a conducting surface and numerically calculates various magnetic forces on it. This calculation yields better predictions of ${n}_{\mathrm{cr}}^{}$ that take into account the specific parameters of the MFR. Here, we describe a systematic methodology to properly translate laboratory results to their solar counterparts, provided that the MFRs have a sufficiently small edge safety factor or, equivalently, a large enough twist. After this translation, our model predicts that ${n}_{\mathrm{cr}}^{}$ in solar conditions falls near ${n}_{\mathrm{cr}}^{\mathrm{solar}}\sim 0.9$ and within a larger range of ${n}_{\mathrm{cr}}^{\mathrm{solar}}\sim (0.7,1.2)$, depending on the parameters. The methodology of translating laboratory MFRs to their solar counterparts enables quantitative investigations of CME initiation through laboratory experiments. These experiments allow for new physics insights that are required for better predictions of space weather events but are difficult to obtain otherwise.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Toroidal modeling of runaway electron loss due to 3D fields in ITER

Mitigation of runaway electrons (REs) by three-dimensional (3D) magnetic field perturbations is numerically investigated for the ITER 15 MA baseline D–T scenario, utilizing the MARS-F code (Liu et al Phys. Plasmas 7 3681) with a drift orbit test particle tracing module. Considered are two types of 3D fields: the n = 3 (n is the toroidal mode number) resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) utilized for the purpose of controlling the edge localized modes in ITER, and perturbations generated by the n = 1 magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities in a post-disruption plasma. The RMP field, applied to a pre-disruption plasma, is found to be moderately effective in mitigating the RE seeds in ITER when vacuum field model is assumed. Up to ~40% loss fraction is possible at 90 kA-turn coil current. The mitigation efficiency is however substantially reduced, down to less than 5%, when the plasma response is taken into account. This is due to strong screening of the resonant magnetic field components by the plasma response resulting in much less field line stochasticity. On the other hand, the MARS-F modeling, based on the DINA-simulated post-disruption equilibria, shows that the n = 1 resistive kink instabilities develop in these plasmas, as the edge safety factor qa evolves and drops below integer numbers. RE mitigation by these MHD instabilities is sensitive to the eigenmode structure. The best mitigation is achieved as q a drops below 3, when a global kink instability occurs that encompasses both internal and external components. This global instability is found to be capable of mitigating over 80% MeV-level passing RE orbits at a field perturbation |δB|/B 0 that is comparable to that observed in DIII-D experiments, and full mitigation if the perturbation amplitude is doubled. The 'wetted' area on the ITER limiting surface, due to MHD instability induced RE loss, generally increases with the perturbation amplitude (together with increasing loss fraction). At the highest perturbation level assumed in this study, the wetted area reaches ~60% of the total limiting surface area. Lastly, the lost RE orbits mainly strike the outer divertor region of the limiting surface, with some fraction also hitting a wide area along the inboard side of the surface.

3D fields↗

Stability of beta-induced Alfvén eigenmodes (BAE) in DIII-D

Although the stability of ellipticity, toroidal and reversed-shear Alfvén eigenmodes (EAE, TAE, RSAE) are relatively well understood, less is known about the stability of lower-frequency modes such as the beta-induced Alfvén eigenmode (BAE) but, because they are often unstable in present devices and are implicated in fast-ion transport, understanding their stability is vital. BAE stability is studied in primarily weak or reversed shear DIII-D plasmas with sub-Alfvénic deuterium beams. Modes are classified based on electron cyclotron emission, beam emission spectroscopy, magnetics, and interferometer data. The study is limited to the initial two seconds of the discharge, where the evolving q profile provides an effective scan of the dependence of stability upon q. In a dedicated experiment, BAEs are unstable at times in the discharge when the minimum of the safety factor q min is close to a rational number. The observed mode frequencies are usually close to analytic estimates of the BAE accumulation point and the eigenfunction peaks in the vicinity of q min . Unstable BAEs usually occur in bursts that chirp rapidly in frequency. To isolate the importance of thermal and beam gradients in driving the modes, the beam and electron cyclotron heating power is altered for 50–100 ms durations in reproducible discharges. As expected from the resonance condition, BAEs depend sensitively on the beam power and injection geometry. Modes only persist for ~25 ms because the anisotropic beam population only interacts strongly with the modes over a relatively narrow range of q. Lastly, a database of over 1000 beam-heated discharges shows that BAEs are more likely to be unstable when the poloidal beta exceeds 0.5.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Unsupervised anomaly clustering via offset alignment in multivariate grid sensing data

Modern industries increasingly rely on multi-sensor technologies to acquire complex, high-dimensional data streams, enabling advanced monitoring and control systems. One critical application is online anomaly detection in electrical smart grids, where multivariate and multimodal sensing technologies play a vital role. However, detecting anomalies in such time-series data is challenging due to their inherent temporal dependencies and stochastic behavior. Traditional approaches based on supervised and semi-supervised learning methods depend on labeled datasets, which are often unavailable in real-world scenarios. While unsupervised methods have emerged as promising alternatives, these methods are highly susceptible to noise and outliers commonly present in sensing applications. Furthermore, deep learning-based anomaly detection methods, despite their performance, are often criticized for their black-box nature, limiting their applicability in safety-critical and online environments where interpretability and explainability are paramount. In this work, we propose an unsupervised anomaly clustering method leveraging a cyclic alignment-based offset detection algorithm for multivariate time-series signals. The proposed method is applied to multivariate data collected from vibrational, voltage, and magnetic field sensors deployed in a local grid substation. Our results demonstrate the robustness of the algorithm in accurately clustering various anomalies/events across different sensing modalities. Additionally, we compare the effectiveness of the proposed approach against a simple pattern-based anomaly detection method, which performs well for univariate data but fails to generalize to multivariate and multimodal time-series data.

Mukherjee, Subrata [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000309930338)↗

Design of High Power Density 100 kW Surface Permanent Magnet Machine with No Heavy Rare Earth Material Using Current Source Inverter for Traction Application

Surface permanent magnet (SPM) machines are appealing candidates for traction applications because of high power density and high efficiency. Rare-earth magnets deliver high performance but raise concerns about material supply dependability, particularly if they use heavy rare-earth materials. This paper presents the design of a high-performance SPM machine without any heavy rare-earth material that is optimized specifically for a current-source inverter (CSI) traction drive. This machine is designed for a constant-power speed ratio (CPSR) of 3. A genetic algorithm has been performed to achieve a target of 50 kW/L active power density at speeds up to 20,000 rpm. Operation at a peak line-to-line voltage of 800 V can be achieved using 1200 V power devices with a safety margin. The predicted electromagnetic and rotor structural performance characteristics are presented using both analytical and finite element analysis (FEA) results.

(CPSR)↗

Warm Unit Stand Assembly and Testing for Proton Improvement Plan - II

The Proton Improvement Project II (PIP II), situated at Fermilab, signifies a critical advancement in the realm of high-energy physics. PIP II, a linear accelerator renovation endeavor, aspires to double the output of the existing proton beam, reinforcing Fermilab’ s position as a vanguard in this field. The proton beam's creation involves a series of high-frequency cryomodules, necessitating environmental temperature arrays of magnets and vacuum pumps henceforth described as ‘Warm Units.’ The Warm Units include design features of : 1. insertion between the cryomodules, 2. multi-stage adjustments in six degrees of freedom to ensure precise beam alignment; 3. Natural frequency modes that avoid specified ranges. In adherence to Fermilab’ s stringent safety standards, comprehensive testing procedures are slated to validate the Warm Units' capacity to simultaneously achieve local alignment adjustments while averting low-frequency oscillation less than 15 Hertz. The testing regimen will scrutinize the Warm Units' alignment adjustment capabilities and their resilience against low-frequency oscillations, with an overarching objective of satisfying the Final Design Review criteria specific to the PIP II initiative. This project works to furnish technicians responsible for the assembly of Warm Units with a comprehensive guide for successful installation, concurrently documenting any requisite design modifications essential for achieving a real-world configuration.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Results from the Alfvén Eigenmode Active Diagnostic during the 2019-2020 JET deuterium campaign

This paper presents results of extensive analysis of mode excitation observed during the operation of the Alfvén Eigenmode Active Diagnostic (AEAD) in the JET tokamak during the 2019-2020 deuterium campaign. Here, six of eight toroidally spaced antennas, each with independent power and phasing, were successful in actively exciting stable MHD modes in 479 plasmas. In total, magnetic resonances were detected with up to fourteen fast magnetic probes. In this work, we present the calculations of resonant frequencies $f_0$, damping rates γ < 0, and toroidal mode numbers $\textit{n}$, spanning the parameter ranges $f_0$ ≈ 30–250 kHz, –γ ≈ 0–13 kHz, and $\vert n \vert \leq {30}$. In general, good agreement is seen between the resonant and the calculated toroidal Alfvén Eigenmode frequencies, and between the toroidal mode numbers applied by the AEAD and estimated of the excited resonances. We note several trends in the database: the probability of resonance detection decreases with plasma current and external heating power; the normalized damping rate increases with edge safety factor but decreases with external heating. These results provide key information to prepare future experimental campaigns and to better understand the physics of excitation and damping of Alfvén Eigenmodes in the presence of alpha particles during the upcoming DT campaign, thereby extrapolating with confidence to future tokamaks.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Adrian Portales Coop Internship Report

Using the thesis of W.R. Nolan (cite) as a guide, Cobalt Iron (CoFe) powders were reacted with 0.1 wt.% and 0.2 wt.% phosphoric acid in a 20:1 ratio of acetone to phosphoric acid. The powders were then dried at room temperature. The resulting phosphate coated CoFe was then mixed with 0.75 wt.% of the lubricant N,N' ethylene bis-stearamide (trade name: Acrawax C) and hot pressed to form a consolidated soft magnetic material referred to as CoFeP. With an avenue of synthesis for CoFeP determined, a proper amount of stock was synthesized for continuous “brick” production. While under current optimization, these 1x1 mm magnetic bricks will ultimately be placed and secured along the inside wall of each MK Magnetics transformer core by an appropriate CoFeP dispersed epoxy. As of now each brick has been produced though a pressing and annealing process via square 2x2 cm die. Before a brick is made a pressure calculation is run to ensure the dies maximum operating pressure is not exceeded. Figure 1. ensures the user’s safety by showing that the tons-on-ram required for a 2x2 cm square die to reach 760 MPa is below the point of die failure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Optimization Studies of Radiation Shielding for PIP-II Project at Fermilab

The Proton Improvement Plan-II (PIP-II) at Fermilab represents a significant advancement in the quest to answer some of the most profound questions about our universe using the world's most intense high-energy neutrino beam. The project requires the construction of a new addition to the Fermilab accelerator complex – an 800-MeV high-intensity superconducting linear accelerator. Ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of this ambitious project is paramount, necessitating thorough dose rate assessments under both normal operational and accidental scenarios to align with the Fermilab Radiological Control Manual (FRCM) standards. Our approach included a shielding optimization used for the simulations with the Monte Carlo code MARS [1,2,3] to incorporate new magnet and collimator designs, essential for reflecting the current state of PIP-II infrastructure. The implementation of high-resolution detector planes, despite their computational demands, enabled us to gather detailed radiation field data crucial for optimizing shielding configurations. To overcome the significant computational demands, we developed a branching code that drastically reduced simulation runtimes while maintaining statistical integrity. This was achieved through geometry splitting and the application of Russian Roulette techniques, tailored to prioritize regions of interest based on predefined importances and weight limits.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Optimization Studies of Radiation Shielding for PIP-II Project at Fermilab

The Proton Improvement Plan-II (PIP-II) at Fermilab represents a significant advancement in the quest to answer some of the most profound questions about our universe using the world's most intense high-energy neutrino beam. The project requires the construction of a new addition to the Fermilab accelerator complex – an 800-MeV high-intensity superconducting linear accelerator. Ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of this ambitious project is paramount, necessitating thorough dose rate assessments under both normal operational and accidental scenarios to align with the Fermilab Radiological Control Manual (FRCM) standards. Our approach included a shielding optimization used for the simulations with the Monte Carlo code MARS [1,2,3] to incorporate new magnet and collimator designs, essential for reflecting the current state of PIP-II infrastructure. The implementation of high-resolution detector planes, despite their computational demands, enabled us to gather detailed radiation field data crucial for optimizing shielding configurations. To overcome the significant computational demands, we developed a branching code that drastically reduced simulation runtimes while maintaining statistical integrity. This was achieved through geometry splitting and the application of Russian Roulette techniques, tailored to prioritize regions of interest based on predefined importances and weight limits.

Makovec, Alajos↗

GaN-based W-band receiver chip development for fusion plasma diagnostics

Millimeter-wave diagnostics have proven effective on various magnetic fusion devices worldwide, yet the formidable challenges posed by the harsh environments of future burning plasma devices, characterized by extreme temperatures, pressures, and radiation levels, remain a significant hurdle. To address these challenges, the utilization of wide bandgap Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based millimeter-wave diagnostics is a most promising solution for fusion reactor safety monitoring and control. A noteworthy W-band GaN-based system-on-chip receiver has been the demonstrated by employing HRL T3 40 nm GaN technology. This receiver chip, compactly designed with dimensions of 3 × 5 mm 2 , incorporates essential components such as the 75–110 GHz RF Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA), mixer, Intermediate Frequency (IF) amplifier, and Local Oscillator (LO) chain. This receiver chip will be packaged as a millimeter-wave receiver module and applied on the DIII-D National Fusion Facility, for fusion plasma edge shape monitoring for operational safety and dangerous disruption prediction. The laboratory measurement results have demonstrated suitable performance. Furthermore, this advancement is pivotal for accurate analysis of plasma behavior in the extreme conditions of burning plasma devices, driving progress in fusion research and technology.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Advances in High-Power Wireless Charging Systems: Overview and Design Considerations

Wireless charging systems are foreseen as an effective solution to improve the convenience and safety of conventional conductive chargers. As this technology has matured, recent broad applications of wireless chargers to electrified transportation have indicated a trend toward higher power, power density, modularity, and scalability of designs. In this article, commercial systems and laboratory prototypes are reviewed, focusing mostly on the advances in high-power wireless charging systems. The recent endeavors in magnetic pad designs, compensation networks, power electronics converters, control strategies, and communication protocols are illustrated. Both stationary and dynamic (in-motion) wireless charging systems are discussed, and critical differences in their designs and applications are emphasized. On that basis, the comparisons among different solutions and design considerations are summarized to present the essential elements and technology roadmap that will be necessary to support large-scale deployment of high-power wireless charging systems. The review is concluded with the discussion of several fundamental challenges and prospects of high-power wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. Foreseen challenges include utilization of advanced materials, electric and electromagnetic field measurement and mitigation, customization, communications, power metering, and cybersecurity.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Linear simulation of kinetic electromagnetic instabilities in a tokamak plasma with weak magnetic shear

Gyrokinetic simulation and eigenvalue calculation of electromagnetic instabilities are carried out for an experimentally observed low-n mode in weak magnetic shear discharge. With different magnetic shear values, the Gyrokinetic Toroidal Code simulation of the ion temperature gradient mode is consistent with the eigenvalue code (HD7) calculation. Due to the sensitivity of the kinetic ballooning mode (KBM) to global equilibrium, the simulation of the KBM deviates from the eigenvalue results, for the ballooning representation used in HD7 satisfies its spatial scale separations. Under a flat safety factor profile, the KBM is more unstable and its mode structure tends to move with the peak of the ion temperature drive. Further simulation of the KBM in an HL-2A-like equilibrium shows that the β excitation threshold of the mode is lower than 0.2% and the dominant toroidal mode number is n = 4, which is consistent with the measured experimental spectrum.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

$\mathrm{T}$ransient $\mathrm{CHI}$ System Design Studies for $\mathrm{P}$ EGASUS -$\mathrm{III}$

We report transient coaxial helicity injection (transient CHI), first developed on the Helicity Injected Torus-II (HIT-II) and later on the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) for implementing solenoid-free plasma current startup capability in a spherical tokamak (ST), is now planned to be tested on the Pegasus-III ST using a novel double-biased configuration. Such a configuration is likely needed for transient CHI deployment in a reactor. The transient CHI system optimization will be studied on Pegasus-III to enable startup toroidal persisting currents at the limits permitted by the external poloidal field coils. A transient CHI discharge is generated by driving injector current along magnetic field lines that connect the inner and outer divertor plates on one end of the ST. Simulations using the Tokamak Simulation Code are used to assess the transient CHI toroidal current generation potential and electrode gap location on the Pegasus-III. While past transient CHI systems have used high-voltage, oil-filled capacitors for driving the injector current, for improved safety, Pegasus-III will use a high-current capacitor bank based on low-voltage electrolytic capacitors. The designed and fabricated system is capable of over 32 kA. The modular design features permit the system to be upgraded to higher currents, as needed, to meet the future needs of the Pegasus-III facility.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Detecting Hardware Trojans in PCBs Using Side Channel Loopbacks

Malicious modifications to printed circuit boards (PCBs) are known as hardware Trojans. These may arise when malafide third parties alter PCBs premanufacturing or postmanufacturing and are a concern in safety-critical applications, such as industrial control systems. In this research, we examine how data-driven detection can be utilized to detect such Trojans at run-time. We develop a flexible and reconfigurable PCB test bed derived from the popular open-source programmable logic controller (PLC) platform “OpenPLC.” We then develop a Trojan detection framework, which utilizes and analyzes multimodal side channels (e.g., timing, magnetic signals, power, and hardware performance counters). We consider defender-configurable input/output (I/O) loopback test, comparison with design-document baselines, and magnetometer-aided monitoring of system behavior under defender-chosen excitations. Our approach can extend to golden-free environments. Golden (known-good) versions of the PCBs are assumed not available, but design information, datasheets, and component-level data are available. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach on a range of Trojans instantiated in the test bed.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Energetic particle-induced geodesic acoustic modes on DIII-D

Various properties of the energetic particle-induced geodesic acoustic mode (EGAM) are explored in this large database analysis of DIII-D experimental data. EGAMs are n = 0 modes with m = 0 electrostatic potential fluctuations (where n/m = toroidal/poloidal mode number), m = 1 density fluctuations, and m = 2 magnetic fluctuations. The fundamental frequency (~20–40 kHz) of the mode is typically below that of the traditional geodesic acoustic mode frequency. EGAMs are most easily destabilized by beams in the counter plasma current (counter-I p ) direction as compared to co-Ip and off-axis beams. During counter beam injection, the mode frequency is found to have the strongest linear dependence (correlation coefficient r = –0.71) with the safety factor (q). Here, the stability of the mode in the space of q and poloidal beta (β p ) shows a clear boundary for the mode stability. The stability of the mode depends more strongly on damping rate than on fast-ion drive for a given injection geometry.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Integrating Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers in a Modular Robotic Gripper for Inspecting Tubular Components

Tubular structures are critical components in infrastructure such as power plants. Throughout their life, they are subjected to extreme conditions or suffer from defects such as corrosion and cracks. Although regular inspection of these components is necessary, such inspection is limited by safety-related risks and limited access for human inspection. Robots can provide a solution for automatic inspection. The main challenge, however, lies in integrating sensors for nondestructive evaluation with robotic platforms. As part of developing a versatile lizard-inspired tube inspector robot, in this study the authors propose to integrate electromagnetic acoustic transducers into a modular robotic gripper for use in automated ultrasonic inspection. In particular, spiral coils with cylindrical magnets are integrated into a novel friction-based gripper to excite Lamb waves in thin cylindrical structures. To evaluate the performance of the integrated sensors, the gripper was attached to a robotic arm manipulator and tested on pipes of different outer diameters. Two sets of tests were carried out on both defect-free pipes and pipes with simulated defects, including surface partial cracking and corrosion. The inspection results indicated that transmitted and received signals could be acquired with an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio in the time domain. Moreover, the simulated defects could be successfully detected using the integrated robotic sensing system.

Materials Science↗