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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Nuclear Astrophysics through simulations of neutron star mergers using Monte‐Carlo neutrino radiation transport (DE-SC0020435 Final Technical Report)

Neutron star mergers are an important source of information for nuclear physics. Except for black holes, neutron stars are the densest macroscopic objects known to exist in the Universe. They provide us with a remarkable laboratory to study the poorly understood high-density states of matter, complementing the study of heavy nuclei performed by nuclear physics experiments on Earth. Collisions of neutron stars are of particular interest. They are among the most energetic events observable in the Universe, powering a broad range of signals across the electromagnetic spectrum as well as gravitational wave signals. These signals contain important information about the properties of extremely dense matter. Colliding neutron stars additionally eject large amounts of neutron-rich material into the surrounding interstellar medium -- material that then undergoes rapid neutron-capture (r-process) nucleosynthesis, the mechanism thought to be responsible for the production of about half of the heavy nuclei. In order to understand current and future observations of neutron star mergers, we need reliable models for the signals that they power. An important component in the construction of such models are numerical simulations of colliding neutron stars. These simulations are costly, running for multiple months on supercomputers, and require the inclusion of complex physics (general relativity, magnetohydrodynamics, neutrino physics, nuclear reactions). In this document, we describe the development of new methods for the treatment of neutrinos in merger simulations, as well as the first simulations capable of evolving the equations of neutrino radiation transport directly and their impact on our understanding of neutron star mergers and more broadly in nuclear astrophysics. We also discuss additional work performed in the study of nucleosynthesis and neutrino physics in neutron star mergers as part of Early Career Award DE-SC0020435.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Numerical Solution of the Steady-State Network Flow Equations for a Non-Ideal Gas

Herein we formulate a steady-state network flow problem for non-ideal gas that relates injection rates and nodal pressures in the network to flows in pipes. For this problem, we present and prove a theorem on uniqueness of generalized solution for a broad class of non-ideal pressure-density relations that satisfy a monotonicity property. Further, we develop a Newton-Raphson algorithm for numerical solution of the steady-state problem, which is made possible by a systematic non-dimensionalization of the equations. The developed algorithm has been extensively tested on benchmark instances and shown to converge robustly to a generalized solution. Previous results [1]-[4], indicate that the steady-state network flow equations for an ideal gas are difficult to solve by the Newton-Raphson method because of its extreme sensitivity to the initial guess. In contrast, we find that non-dimensionalization of the steady-state problem is key to robust convergence of the Newton-Raphson method. We identify criteria based on the uniqueness of solutions under which the existence of a non-physical generalized solution found by a non-linear solver implies non-existence of a physical solution, i.e., infeasibility of the problem. Finally, we compare pressure and flow solutions based on ideal and non-ideal equations of state to demonstrate the need to apply the latter in practice. The solver developed in this article is open-source and is made available for both the academic and research communities as well as the industry.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Toward the analytic bootstrap of energy correlators

In this paper, we present a framework for the analytic bootstrap of three-point energy correlators, a crucial observable in $\mathcal{N}$ = 4 super Yang-Mills theory and quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Our approach combines spherical contour techniques, general physical constraints such as pole cancellations, and power correction data in the singular limits to determine its analytic expression. In contrast to previous bootstrap studies restricted to scattering amplitudes for supersymmetric theories, our framework makes use of the properties of Feynman integrals, marking a significant step toward bootstrapping realistic QCD observables. Using this method, we derive analytic expressions for leading-order three-point energy correlators in the multi-collinear limit with equal and unequal energy weights, where the latter are crucial ingredients for projected N -point energy correlators. We also apply the recently developed technique of analytic regression with lattice reduction as a way to bypass needing explicit expressions for the singular limits. Bridging theoretical advances in scattering amplitudes with the renewed interest in weighted cross-sections, our work opens the door to precision tests of QCD dynamics through analytic event-shape predictions.

jet substructure↗
DOE OSTI2024

Detecting single gravitons with quantum sensing

The quantization of gravity is widely believed to result in gravitons – particles of discrete energy that form gravitational waves. But their detection has so far been considered impossible. Here we show that signatures of single graviton exchange can be observed in laboratory experiments. We show that stimulated and spontaneous single-graviton processes can become relevant for massive quantum acoustic resonators and that stimulated absorption can be resolved through continuous sensing of quantum jumps. We analyze the feasibility of observing the exchange of single energy quanta between matter and gravitational waves. Our results show that single graviton signatures are within reach of experiments. In analogy to the discovery of the photo-electric effect for photons, such signatures can provide the first experimental clue of the quantization of gravity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Learning linear optical circuits with coherent states

We analyze the energy and training data requirements for supervised learning of an M-mode linear optical circuit by minimizing an empirical risk defined solely from the action of the circuit on coherent states. When the linear optical circuit acts non-trivially only on k < M unknown modes (i.e. a linear optical k-junta), we provide an energy-efficient, adaptive algorithm that identifies the junta set and learns the circuit. We compare two schemes for allocating a total energy, E, to the learning algorithm. In the first scheme, each of the T random training coherent states has energy E/T. In the second scheme, a single random MT-mode coherent state with energy E is partitioned into T training coherent states. The latter scheme exhibits a polynomial advantage in training data size sufficient for convergence of the empirical risk to the full risk due to concentration of measure on the $(2MT-1)$-sphere. Specifically, generalization bounds for both schemes are proven, which indicate that for ε-approximation of the full risk by the empirical risk with high probability, $O(E^{2/3}M^{2/3}/\epsilon^{2/3})$ training states are sufficient for the first scheme and $O(E^{1/3}M^{1/3}/\epsilon^{2/3})$ training states are sufficient for the second scheme.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2026

Subplane Decusping for BWRs in MPACT

Control blade cusping can introduce significant error in boiling water reactor (BWR) calculations with MPACT when blade tips fall partway within an axial method of characteristics (MOC) plane, requiring homogenization of controlled and uncontrolled regions. This work implements subplane decusping for BWRs in MPACT by enabling BWR-compatible subplane coarse mesh finite difference (CMFD) and extending the existing decusping framework to represent between-assembly control blades that insert from the bottom of the core. The method resolves axial heterogeneity on a refined subplane mesh in the low-order solve and uses the resulting subplane flux shape to form flux-volume homogenized transport cross sections for the partially rodded MOC plane. The capability is evaluated using a single physics General Electric (GE)-14 assembly and a multiphysics Peach Bottom Unit 2 Type 1 assembly (PB2T1A) with thermal hydraulic feedback. In both cases, coarse axial meshes with and without subplane decusping are compared against fine mesh reference solutions over the full range of blade withdrawal positions. Subplane decusping reduces maximum/average eigenvalue errors from 3,369/220 pcm to 303/36 pcm for GE-14 and from 6,689/585 pcm to 1,582/109 pcm for PB2T1A. Additionally, it reduces pin power root mean square errors from 5.2%/0.8% to 1.8%/0.2% for GE-14 and from 6.9%/0.6% to 2.3%/0.1% for PB2T1A. These results demonstrate an effective, practical correction for BWR blade cusping in VERA-MPACT.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Toward the Analytic Bootstrap of Energy Correlators

In this paper, we present a framework for the analytic bootstrap of three-point energy correlators, a crucial observable in N = 4 N=4 super Yang-Mills theory and quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Our approach combines spherical contour techniques, general physical constraints such as pole cancellations, and power correction data in the singular limits to determine its analytic expression. In contrast to previous bootstrap studies restricted to scattering amplitudes for supersymmetric theories, our framework makes use of the properties of Feynman integrals, marking a significant step toward bootstrapping realistic QCD observables. Using this method, we derive analytic expressions for leading-order three-point energy correlators with equal and unequal energy weights, where the latter are crucial ingredients for projected N N-point energy correlators. We also apply the recently developed technique of analytic regression with lattice reduction as a way to bypass needing explicit expressions for the singular limits. Bridging theoretical advances in scattering amplitudes with the renewed interest in weighted cross-sections, our work opens the door to precision tests of QCD dynamics through analytic event-shape predictions.

Gong, Jianyu [State Key Laboratory]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Perspective of Fermi’s golden rule and its generalizations in chemical physics

This perspective provides a succinct history of Fermi’s golden rule (FGR), an overview of its derivation, assumptions, and representative forms. Major applications of FGR, mostly in the field of chemical physics, are reviewed. These illustrate the broad applicability and success of FGR. Ambiguities and open issues encountered in practical applications of FGR are clarified. Recent advances in generalizations of FGR and computational methods for practical applications are addressed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Deep Learning with Physics Priors as Generalized Regularizers

In various scientific and engineering applications, there is typically an approximate model of the underlying complex system, even though it contains both aleatoric and epistemic uncertainties. In this paper, we present a principled method to incorporate these approximate models as physics priors in modeling, to prevent overfitting and enhancing the generalization capabilities of the trained models. Utilizing the structural risk minimization (SRM) inductive principle pioneered by Vapnik, this approach structures the physics priors into generalized regularizers. The experimental results demonstrate that our method achieves up to two orders of magnitude of improvement in testing accuracy.

Liu, Frank↗
DOE OSTI2025

Transverse orbital angular momentum and polarization entangled spatiotemporal structured light

Intra-system entanglement occurs between non-separable modes within the same system. For optical systems, the various degrees of freedom of light represent different modes, and the potential use of light to create higher dimensional classical entangle states offers a promising potential to drive new technological developments. In this work, we present experimental results demonstrating the orthogonality between transverse orbital angular momentum (t-OAM) of different spatiotemporal topological charges, a previously unverified property of t-OAM. Based on those results, we developed methods to create and characterize a novel family of t-OAM and polarization entangled spatiotemporal structured light. We further provide theoretical analysis to support our study of the entanglement between those modes. By demonstrating the feasibility of leveraging t-OAM as a new family of modes for classical entanglement, our work represents a new advancement towards higher dimensional classical entanglement strategies.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Determining Exact RANS Operators with the Macroscopic Forcing Method (Final Report)

This report contains a compilation of key results and findings from the ACT project “Determining Exact RANS Operators with the Macroscopic Forcing Method.” The Macroscopic Forcing Method (MFM), a numerical tool for determining closure operators, is used to measure eddy diffusivity moments in Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) instability. It is first applied to low-Atwood 2D RT instability; that work is then extended to 3D RT at different finite Atwood numbers. It is found that nonlocality is important for modeling the mean scalar transport closure operator in RT mixing. Additionally, work is done to improve the statistical convergence of MFM for chaotic problems like RT mixing.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tensile-stress effect on ferroelectric Barkhausen noise

Here, this study examines the effect of tensile stress on the ferroelectric properties of Pb(Zr 0.4 Ti 0.6 )O 3 thin film, with a focus on Barkhausen noise, observed for the first time under such conditions. Tensile stress significantly alters domain wall motions, affecting Barkhausen noise more than average polarization. Frequency analysis identifies grain boundaries as primary pinning sites, consistent across stress levels. A nonlinear relationship between stress, domain wall mobility, and polarization is found, where increased stress initially enhances pinning and polarization changes, but this effect diminishes at higher stress levels, indicating a shift in behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Dissociation slowdown by collective optical response under strong coupling conditions

We consider an ensemble of diatomic molecules resonantly coupled to an optical cavity under strong coupling conditions at normal incidence. Photodissociation dynamics is examined via direct numerical integration of the coupled Maxwell–Schrödinger equations with molecular rovibrational degrees of freedom explicitly taken into account. It is shown that the dissociation is significantly affected (slowed down) when the system is driven at its polaritonic frequencies. The observed effect is demonstrated to be of transient nature and has no classical analog. An intuitive explanation of the dissociation slowdown at polaritonic frequencies is proposed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Improved Kelbg Potentials for Z > 1 and Application to Carbon Plasmas

In this work, we present a general form for the electron‐ion diffractive potential derived from the quantum pair density matrix and fit to the improved Kelbg potential for atomic numbers up to $Z = 54$. We apply classical molecular dynamics using the improved Kelbg potential for carbon with various forms of the Pauli potential to compute internal energies and pressures for hot, dense plasma conditions. Our results are compared to an equation of state model based on path integral Monte Carlo and density functional theory simulations to examine the extent to which the improved Kelbg potential reproduces the internal energy and pressure of carbon plasmas. The regions of validity for carbon agree generally with those derived previously for hydrogen once pressure ionization effects are incorporated. Based on our carbon results and previously published hydrogen studies, we discuss the general applicability and limitations of these potentials for equation of state studies in warm dense matter and high energy density plasmas.

general physics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hyperbolic vacua in Minkowski space

Families of Lorentz, but not Poincare, invariant vacua are constructed for a massless scalar field in 4D Minkowski space. These are generalizations of the Rindler vacuum with a larger symmetry group. Explicit expressions are given as squeezed excitations of the Poincare vacuum. The effective reduced vacua on the 3D hyperbolic de Sitter slices are the well-known de Sitter α-vacua with antipodal singularities in the Wightman function. Several special interesting cases are discussed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development and assessment of models for turbulent Rayleigh-Taylor mixing using the macroscopic forcing method

Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations are a popular method for designing ICF experiments, and accurate mixing models are crucial for these simulations to give good predictions. To this end, the present work seeks to demonstrate the Macroscopic Forcing Method (MFM) as a tool for both improving existing RANS models as well as assessing RANS model forms. First, MFM analysis from Lavacot et al. (Phys. Rev. Fluids, 2025) is used to develop the k–L–F model, an extension of the k–L model of Dimonte and Tipton (Phys. Fluids, 2006) that incorporates nonlocality through addition of a turbulent species flux transport equation. MFM is then applied to the k–L–F model along with the k–L and BHR–4 models to assess their forms and compare the model-implied eddy diffusivity moments to those measured from high-fidelity simulations. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that models incorporating nonlocality (k–L–F and BHR–4) match the high-fidelity simulation data better than purely local models (k–L), both in terms of mean fields and eddy diffusivity moments. However, all of the considered RANS models struggle to match temporal moments at high Atwood numbers, highlighting the importance of temporal nonlocality in these regimes and the need for additional improvement even among models incorporating nonlocality.

general physics↗