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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,405 records · Page 78

Development of a neutron spectrometer utilizing rubberized Eu:LiCAF wafers

A portable ten-layer neutron spectrometer has been developed using a novel material, LiCAF. The spectrometer consists of rubber matrix wafers with embedded europium doped lithium calcium aluminum uoride (Eu:LiCAF) crystals and crosshatched wave shifting fibers (WSF). Layers of high density polyethylene (HDPE) separating each Eu:LiCAF wafer serve as neutron moderating material. Neutrons entering the spec- trometer react in the Eu:LiCAF crystal, creating scintillation photons. The photons travel down the WSFs to silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) that convert the photons to an electrical signal. Custom electronics are used to gather, amplify, process, and readout the signal. A library of several neutron response curves was created in Geant4 and MCNP. The experimental output of the spectrometer was unfolded using a maximum entropy algorithm, MAXED. The spectrometer was tested using two separate DD generators. These two tests resulted in unfolded neutron spectra with average neutron energies of 2.71 and 2.78 MeV and chi-squared values of 0.88 and 1.51 χ 2 /D.O.F. respectively, when fit to a 2.45 MeV monoenergetic energy spectrum.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Autonomous and dynamic precursor selection for solid-state materials synthesis

Abstract Solid-state synthesis plays an important role in the development of new materials and technologies. While in situ characterization and ab-initio computations have advanced our understanding of materials synthesis, experiments targeting new compounds often still require many different precursors and conditions to be tested. Here we introduce an algorithm (ARROWS 3 ) designed to automate the selection of optimal precursors for solid-state materials synthesis. This algorithm actively learns from experimental outcomes to determine which precursors lead to unfavorable reactions that form highly stable intermediates, preventing the target material’s formation. Based on this information, ARROWS 3 proposes new experiments using precursors it predicts to avoid such intermediates, thereby retaining a larger thermodynamic driving force to form the target. We validate this approach on three experimental datasets, containing results from over 200 synthesis procedures. In comparison to black-box optimization, ARROWS 3 identifies effective precursor sets for each target while requiring substantially fewer experimental iterations. These findings highlight the importance of domain knowledge in optimization algorithms for materials synthesis, which are critical for the development of fully autonomous research platforms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A machine learning approach for efficient multi-dimensional integration

Many physics problems involve integration in multi-dimensional space whose analytic solution is not available. The integrals can be evaluated using numerical integration methods, but it requires a large computational cost in some cases, so an efficient algorithm plays an important role in solving the physics problems. We propose a novel numerical multi-dimensional integration algorithm using machine learning (ML). After training a ML regression model to mimic a target integrand, the regression model is used to evaluate an approximation of the integral. Then, the difference between the approximation and the true answer is calculated to correct the bias in the approximation of the integral induced by ML prediction errors. Because of the bias correction, the final estimate of the integral is unbiased and has a statistically correct error estimation. Three ML models of multi-layer perceptron, gradient boosting decision tree, and Gaussian process regression algorithms are investigated. The performance of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated on six different families of integrands that typically appear in physics problems at various dimensions and integrand difficulties. The results show that, for the same total number of integrand evaluations, the new algorithm provides integral estimates with more than an order of magnitude smaller uncertainties than those of the VEGAS algorithm in most of the test cases.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Physics-guided machine learning approaches to predict the ideal stability properties of fusion plasmas

One of the biggest challenges to achieve the goal of producing fusion energy in tokamak devices is the necessity of avoiding disruptions of the plasma current due to instabilities. The disruption event characterization and forecasting (DECAF) framework has been developed in this purpose, integrating physics models of many causal events that can lead to a disruption. Two different machine learning approaches are proposed to improve the ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) no-wall limit component of the kinetic stability model included in DECAF. First, a random forest regressor (RFR), was adopted to reproduce the DCON computed change in plasma potential energy without wall effects for a large database of equilibria from the national spherical torus experiment (NSTX). This tree-based method provides an analysis of the importance of each input feature, giving an insight into the underlying physics phenomena. Secondly, a fully-connected neural network has been trained on sets of calculations with the DCON code, to get an improved closed form equation of the no-wall β limit as a function of the relevant plasma parameters indicated by the RFR. The neural network has been guided by physics theory of ideal MHD in its extension outside the domain of the NSTX experimental data. The estimated value has been incorporated into the DECAF kinetic stability model and tested against a set of experimentally stable and unstable discharges. Moreover, the neural network results were used to simulate a real-time stability assessment using only quantities available in real-time. Finally, the portability of the model was investigated, showing encouraging results by testing the NSTX-trained algorithm on the mega ampere spherical tokamak (MAST).

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Estimation Matrix Calibration of PMU Data-driven State Estimation Using Neural Network

Linear state estimation (LSE) is a phasor measurement unit (PMU) data-based power system state estimation that incorporates a linear measurement model in rectangular coordinates. Due to the high computational efficiency and high observational time-resolution, LSE can act as a supplementary state estimation in a wide-area monitoring system (WAMS). The performance of LSE is relatively sensitive to noises in measurements. Therefore, the estimation accuracy relies heavily on the accuracy of the estimation matrix, which is directly influenced by the measurement weight matrix. This paper proposes two novel calibration method of the estimation matrix using neural networks. One is based on the minimum absolute network loss (ANL), and the other is based on the minimum average squared network loss (ASNL). Both methods are tested and compared with LSE algorithms on the IEEE 14-bus system

neural network↗

A Model Calibration Method for Grid-Forming Inverters Using Iterative Bayesian Optimization

As inverter-based resources (IBRs) are rapidly deployed, especially at the distribution and microgrid levels, the need to include their accurate representations in power systems models increases. With well-calibrated models, IBR-interactions can be examined, preventing any stability and operational issues, especially in islanded systems. This paper proposes a method to calibrate generic inverter models using Bayesian optimization, but with a parameter-grouping approach to improve speed and accuracy. This approach is illustrated for a grid-forming inverter using synthetic data and field measurements from a simple IBRbased microgrid. Tests show that the calibration algorithm has modest computation cost and is robust to noisy measurements..

Biswas, Shuchismita↗

Optimal Load Ensemble Control in Chance-Constrained Optimal Power Flow

Distribution system operators (DSOs) world-wide foresee a rapid roll-out of distributed energy resources. From the system perspective, their reliable and cost effective integration requires accounting for their physical properties in operating tools used by the DSO. This work describes an decomposable approach to leverage the dispatch flexibility of thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs) for operating distribution systems with a high penetration level of photovoltaic resources. Each TCL ensemble is modeled using the Markov Decision Process (MDP). The MDP model is then integrated with a chance constrained optimal power flow that accounts for the uncertainty of PV resources. Since the integrated optimization model cannot be solved efficiently by existing dynamic programming methods or off-the-shelf solvers, this paper proposes an iterative Spatio-Temporal Dual Decomposition algorithm (ST-D2). Finally, we demonstrate the merits of the proposed integrated optimization and ST-D2 algorithm on the IEEE 33-bus test system.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Decentralized Low-Rank State Estimation for Power Distribution Systems

This article considers the low-observability state estimation problem in power distribution networks and develops a decentralized state estimation algorithm leveraging the matrix completion methodology. Matrix completion has been shown to be an effective technique in state estimation that exploits the low dimensionality of the power system measurements to recover missing information. This technique can utilize an approximate (linear) load flow model, or it can be used with no physical models in a network where no information about the topology or line admittance is available. The direct application of matrix completion algorithms requires solving a semi-definite programming (SDP) problem, which becomes computationally challenging for large networks. We therefore develop a decentralized algorithm that capitalizes on the popular proximal alternating direction method of multipliers (proximal ADMM). The method allows us to distribute the computation among different areas of the network, leading to a scalable algorithm. By doing all computations at individual control areas and only communicating with neighboring areas, the algorithm eliminates the need for data to be sent to a central processing unit and thus increases efficiency and contributes to the goal of autonomous control of distribution networks. We illustrate the advantages of the proposed algorithm numerically using standard IEEE test cases.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗

GRIDAPPSD/distopf (33583-E)

DistOPF is an open-source Python package providing a three-phase, asymmetric optimal power flow (OPF) tool specifically designed for distribution systems. The key inventive features include: - Asymmetrical 3-phase OPF modeling for distribution systems with unbalanced phases - Comprehensive control optimization supporting both active (P) and reactive (Q) power control variables - Built-in visualization and validation tools - Standard test system benchmarking platform for algorithm development and comparison - Modular CSV-based input system using Pandas DataFrames for flexible model specification - Standard power distribution model importer enabling direct conversion from CIM and OpenDSS format to optimization-ready models - Multiple solve interface compatibility (PYOMO, CVXPY, SciPy) with automatic solver selection based on problem type

Gray, Nathan [Pacific Northwest National Laborator↗

BoBa

BoBa is a C++ software library for working with large matrices, tensors, and tensor decompositions. The library provides tools for dense matrix and tensor operations, tensor decompositions, and tensor decomposition methods that support modern CPU and GPU architectures. It includes portable abstractions for linear algebra, tensor algebra, and multidimensional computation. BoBa is intended for scientific computing applications that involve large multidimensional data sets or high dimensional mathematical models. Its capabilities support tasks such as data compression, linear algebra, efficient numerical computation, and the development of scalable algorithms for heterogeneous hardware. Tutorials, tests, and example applications are included to help users learn and apply the library.

Yao, Jin [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (↗

Dimensionally reduced machine learning model for predicting single component octanol–water partition coefficients

Abstract MF-LOGP, a new method for determining a single component octanol–water partition coefficients ( $$LogP$$ LogP ) is presented which uses molecular formula as the only input. Octanol–water partition coefficients are useful in many applications, ranging from environmental fate and drug delivery. Currently, partition coefficients are either experimentally measured or predicted as a function of structural fragments, topological descriptors, or thermodynamic properties known or calculated from precise molecular structures. The MF-LOGP method presented here differs from classical methods as it does not require any structural information and uses molecular formula as the sole model input. MF-LOGP is therefore useful for situations in which the structure is unknown or where the use of a low dimensional, easily automatable, and computationally inexpensive calculations is required. MF-LOGP is a random forest algorithm that is trained and tested on 15,377 data points, using 10 features derived from the molecular formula to make $$LogP$$ LogP predictions. Using an independent validation set of 2713 data points, MF-LOGP was found to have an average $$RMSE$$ RMSE = 0.77 ± 0.007, $$MAE$$ MAE = 0.52 ± 0.003, and $${R}^{2}$$ R 2 = 0.83 ± 0.003. This performance fell within the spectrum of performances reported in the published literature for conventional higher dimensional models ( $$RMSE$$ RMSE = 0.42–1.54, $$MAE$$ MAE = 0.09–1.07, and $${R}^{2}$$ R 2 = 0.32–0.95). Compared with existing models, MF-LOGP requires a maximum of ten features and no structural information, thereby providing a practical and yet predictive tool. The development of MF-LOGP provides the groundwork for development of more physical prediction models leveraging big data analytical methods or complex multicomponent mixtures. Graphical Abstract

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Innovative Technologies for Optical Detection of Stress Corrosion Cracks

Stress corrosion cracks (SCC) represent a major concern for the structural integrity of engineered metal structures. In hazardous or restricted-access environments, remote detection of corrosion or SCC frequently relies on visual methods; however, with standard VT-1 visual inspection techniques, probabilities of SCC detection are low. Here, we develop and evaluate an improved optical sensor for SCC in restricted access-environments by combining a robotically controlled camera/fiber-optic based probe with software-based super-resolution imaging (SRI) techniques to increase image quality and detection of SCC. SRI techniques combine multiple images taken at different viewing angles, locations, or rotations, to produce a single higher- resolution composite image. We have created and tested an imaging system and algorithms for combining optimized, controlled camera movements and super- resolution imaging, improving SCC detection probabilities, and potentially revolutionizing techniques for remote visual inspections of any type.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Introduction to Special Section: Machine Learning for Image-based Geologic Interpretation

Image-based geological interpretation has been a labor-intensive and time-consuming process because it requires well-trained geoscientists to identify geological structures, features, and textures from various types of images. These images include scanning electron microscopic images, optical microscopic images, optical photos, resistivity images, seismic volumes, remote-sensing images, etc. With fast-evolving machine learning (ML) technology and computing power in recent decades, computers can achieve nearhuman-level to super-human-level performance with scalable high efficiency in the computer vision field. These technological revolutions facilitated image-based geological interpretation in petroleum exploration and production. For example, a fault picking method applied to 3-D seismic volume data using deep learning can achieve superior performance in comparison to conventional auto-picking methods. In addition, under the new normal of low oil prices, the petroleum industry seeks cost-effective strategies such as automating traditionally labor-intensive processes. Nevertheless, the potential of applying ML to geological image interpretation is still facing a few key challenges including data scarcity, data distribution, poor data and/or label quality, data leakage, learning algorithms, model architecture, training methodologies, testing and evaluation metrics, hyper-parameters optimization, model drift, production deployment, and the like.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Safeguards-Informed Hybrid Imagery Dataset [Poster]

Deep Learning computer vision models require many thousands of properly labelled images for training, which is especially challenging for safeguards and nonproliferation, given that safeguards-relevant images are typically rare due to the sensitivity and limited availability of the technologies. Creating relevant images through real-world staging is costly and limiting in scope. Expert-labeling is expensive, time consuming, and error prone. We aim to develop a data set of both realworld and synthetic images that are relevant to the nuclear safeguards domain that can be used to support multiple data science research questions. In the process of developing this data, we aim to develop a novel workflow to validate synthetic images using machine learning explainability methods, testing among multiple computer vision algorithms, and iterative synthetic data rendering. We will deliver one million images – both real-world and synthetically rendered – of two types uranium storage and transportation containers with labelled ground truth and associated adversarial examples.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Enhanced PDV waveform search and analysis method using parallel circular-convolution / cross-correlation for improved dynamic surface velocity extraction [Poster]

Previous work on exhaustive search methodologies for extracting best-match parameters pertaining to dynamic surface quantities from PDV was done by cross-correlating synthetically generated PDV waveforms with observed counterparts using the circular-convolution theorem. This work was further developed into an open-source PDV analysis toolkit called CCPDVANALYSIS which expands upon and enhances the previously tested methods by parallelizing serial algorithmic components and incorporating a comprehensive script library for different flavors of instantaneous frequency functions utilized in generating synthetic PDV waveforms. Results of these enhancements have been shown to markedly decrease execution times of exhaustive search and extraction algorithms and produce improved velocity recoveries for low-velocity and dynamically varying velocity signals. The CCPDVANALYSIS script library demonstrates an advanced method for extracting velocities from low-velocity and non-constant velocity signals further extending and improving the methods beyond capabilities of traditional frequency domain tools.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

First Observation of Neutrino Candidates in ProtoDUNE

The Neutrino Platform at CERN hosts two massive prototypes for the DUNE Far Detector to test the technology for the coming Horizontal Drift and Vertical Drift designs, almost perfectly on axis with the direction of the SPS beamline pointed towards the North Area. The 400 GeV/c SPS protons impacting on the T2 target area may produce exotic particles that could travel ~700 meters to the detectors, in addition to a substantial flux of neutrinos. Simulations of the neutrino flux demonstrate that thousands of neutrino interactions are expected per week in the active volume of NP04 spanning energies from a few GeV up to 180 GeV, constituting the main background for such search. The first step towards establishing a BSM physics program at the Neutrino Platform is therefore to observe neutrinos originating from the SPS beam. A sample of high-energy neutrino events in a DUNE FD-like LArTPC may also be of broader use to the DUNE collaboration. For example, by testing the performance of reconstruction algorithms on highly-energetic neutrino interactions with large hadronic showers. An initial neutrino search was performed by developing filters to remove cosmic events. After filtering, the remaining events were eye-scanned to identify neutrino candidates amongst the residual cosmic background. Over two of the available NP04 runs, 29 neutrino candidates were identified. A separate run taken with the SPS beam off yielded no neutrino candidates. An analysis is now under development that will use all available data, large Monte Carlo samples and full event reconstruction, with the aim of confirming whether NP04 is capable of observing feebly interacting particles originating from the SPS beam.

Pullia, Dario [CERN]↗

Deep Reinforcement Learning for Autonomous Water Heater Control

Electric water heaters represent 14% of the electricity consumption in residential buildings. An average household in the United States (U.S.) spends about USD 400–600 (0.45 ¢/L–0.68 ¢/L) on water heating every year. In this context, water heaters are often considered as a valuable asset for Demand Response (DR) and building energy management system (BEMS) applications. To this end, this study proposes a model-free deep reinforcement learning (RL) approach that aims to minimize the electricity cost of a water heater under a time-of-use (TOU) electricity pricing policy by only using standard DR commands. In this approach, a set of RL agents, with different look ahead periods, were trained using the deep Q-networks (DQN) algorithm and their performance was tested on an unseen pair of price and hot water usage profiles. The testing results showed that the RL agents can help save electricity cost in the range of 19% to 35% compared to the baseline operation without causing any discomfort to end users. Additionally, the RL agents outperformed rule-based and model predictive control (MPC)-based controllers and achieved comparable performance to optimization-based control.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

An Optimization-Based Framework to Define the Probabilistic Design Space of Pharmaceutical Processes with Model Uncertainty

To increase manufacturing flexibility and system understanding in pharmaceutical development, the FDA launched the quality by design (QbD) initiative. Within QbD, the design space is the multidimensional region (of the input variables and process parameters) where product quality is assured. Given the high cost of extensive experimentation, there is a need for computational methods to estimate the probabilistic design space that considers interactions between critical process parameters and critical quality attributes, as well as model uncertainty. In this paper we propose two algorithms that extend the flexibility test and flexibility index formulations to replace simulation-based analysis and identify the probabilistic design space more efficiently. The effectiveness and computational efficiency of these approaches is shown on a small example and an industrial case study.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗