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At least 19 records

Development of risk mitigation guidance for sensor placement inside mechanically ventilated enclosures – Phase 1

Guidance on Sensor Placement was identified as the top research priority for hydrogen sensors at the 2018 HySafe Research Priority Workshop on hydrogen safety in the category Mitigation, Sensors, Hazard Prevention, and Risk Reduction. This paper discusses the initial steps (Phase 1) to develop such guidance for mechanically ventilated enclosures. This work was initiated as an international collaborative effort to respond to emerging market needs related to the design and deployment equipment for hydrogen infrastructure that is often installed in individual equipment cabinets or ventilated enclosures. The ultimate objective of this effort is to develop guidance for an optimal sensor placement such that, when integrated into a facility design and operation, will allow earlier detection at lower levels of incipient leaks, leading to significant hazard reduction. Reliable and consistent early warning of hydrogen leaks will allow for the risk mitigation by reducing or even eliminating the probability of escalation of small leaks into large and uncontrolled events. To address this issue, a study of a real-world mechanically ventilated enclosure containing GH2 equipment was conducted, where CFD modeling of the hydrogen dispersion (performed by AVT and UQTR, and independently by the JRC) was validated by the NREL Sensor laboratory using a Hydrogen Wide Area Monitor (HyWAM) consisting of a 10-point gas and temperature measurement analyzer. In the release test, helium was used as a hydrogen surrogate. Expansion of indoor releases to other larger facilities (including parking structures, vehicle maintenance facilities and potentially tunnels) and incorporation into QRA tools, such as HyRAM is planned for Phase 2. It is anticipated that results of this work will be used to inform national and international standards such as NFPA 2 Hydrogen Technologies Code, Canadian Hydrogen Installation Code (CHIC) and relevant ISO/TC 197 and CEN documents.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Heat transfer device having an enclosure and a non-permeable barrier inside the enclosure

A heat transfer device includes a hollow spacer between opposed substrates, defining an enclosure, at least one of the substrates adapted to be secured to at least one heat source. A non-permeable barrier is in the enclosure between the substrates. A first chamber inside the enclosure is defined by the spacer, the substrates, and the barrier, the first chamber in fluid communication with at least one first inlet and first outlet. A second chamber inside the enclosure and outside the first chamber and is defined by the spacer, the substrates, and the barrier, the second chamber in fluid communication with at least one second outlet. A wick structure is secured to at least one substrate, a first portion of the wick structure in the first chamber, and a second portion of the wick structure in the second chamber and interconnecting in passive liquid communication with the first portion.

Shaeri, Mohammad Reza↗

Tamper-Indicating Enclosures with Visually Obvious Tamper Response (Final Project Report)

Sandia National Laboratories is developing a new method for detecting penetration of tamper - indicating enclosures (TIEs). This method incorporates the use of "bleeding" materials (analogous to visually obvious, colorful bruised skin that doesn't heal) into the design of TIEs. As designed, it will allow inspectors to use simple visual observation to detect attempts to penetrate the external surfaces of a TIE, without providing adversaries the ability to repair damage. A material of this type can enhance tamper indication of current TIEs used to support treaty verification regimes. Current TIE inspections are time - consuming and rely on subjective visual assessment by an inspector, equipment such as eddy current or camera devices, or involve approaches that may be limited due to application environment. The complexities and requirements that volumetric sealing methods (or TIEs) must address are: (1) enclosures that are non - standard in size/shape; (2) enclosures that may be inspectorate - or facility - owned; (3) finding tamper attempts that are difficult and time consuming for an inspector to locate; (4) enclosures that are reliable and durable enough to survive the conditions that exist in the operating environment (including facility handling); and (5) methods that prevent adversaries from repairing penetrations. Early project R&D [1] focused on encapsulated transition metals. Due to the challenges associated with the transition metal - based approach, a mitigation approach was investigated resulting in two separate research paths — one that involves fabricating custom TIE molds that meet the specific (size and shape) needs of safeguards equipment a nd one that can be deployed as a sprayed on or painted coating to an existing TIE or surface. The "custom mold" approach is based on creating thin layers of materials that , when penetrated, expose an inner material to O 2 which causes an irreversible color change. The "in-situ coating" approach is based on applying a sensor solution containing color changing microcapsules that bleed when the microcapsule is ruptured. The anticipated benefits of this work are passive, flexible, scalable, robust , cost-effective TIEs with visually obvious responses to tamper attempts. This provides more efficient and effective monitoring , as inspectors will require little or no additional equipment and will be able to detect tamper without extensive time - consuming visual examination. Applications include custom TIEs (cabinets , equipment enclosures or seal bodies ), or spray-coating/painting onto facility-owned items, walls or structures, or circuit boards. The paper describes research and testing completed to-date on the method and integration of select system components.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development of Hydrogen Permeation Barrier and Matrix Interaction Protection Coatings for TZM Enclosure of Hydride Moderators (Microreactor Program M3 Report)

It is important to develop a high-performance enclosure solution for hydride-based microreactor moderation components to effectively suppress hydride thermal decomposition and prevent hydrogen loss in harsh in-reactor environments. Currently, the DOE-NE Microreactor Program (MR program) is investigating the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum (TZM) canned yttrium hydride (YH 2-x ) solution, which provides acceptable hydrogen retainment performance up to ~700 °C. However, improvements in the enclosure are necessary for increasing long-term operation temperature beyond 700 °C and enhancing short-term survivability at even higher temperatures during power transients. One potential solution is the addition of a dedicated hydrogen permeation barrier, which can potentially improve the enclosure's performance. Furthermore, the hydride moderator components will be inserted into the microreactor matrix, which may consist of materials that are not chemically inert against TZM. Therefore, the TZM might need to be protected from the external environment through the application of another surface protection coating. To address these critical issues, two types of barrier coatings optimized for TZM-based moderator enclosure has been developed. A multilayer coating approach has been used to identify TZM-compatible barrier materials. Behavior of these coating designs against H 2 permeation and long-term high-temperature graphite matrix interactions has been examined in detail. Additionally, the developed coatings' behavior when exposed to both high-temperature thermal cycling and heavy-ion irradiation has also been investigated. Overall, the development of these barrier coatings is essential for achieving maturity for the metal hydride moderator technology. The results in this report will provide crucial insights into the behavior of the developed coatings and their potential for improving the long-term performance of TZM-based moderator enclosures.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Spliced soft-core interaction potential for filling small-scale enclosures

A molecular dynamics system employing a spliced soft-core potential (the “MD/SSCP”) facilitates studying the arrangement of particles in an enclosure and/or near an interface. In some embodiments, the MD/SSCP initializes a three-dimensional representation containing the enclosure and the particles in a first arrangement. The MD/SSCP conducts a first simulation to transition the representation to a second arrangement, during which the particles are allowed to move through a wall of the enclosure while the SSCP is unengaged. The MD/SSCP conducts a second simulation to transition the representation to a third arrangement, during which it becomes more difficult for the particles to move through the wall of the enclosure while the SSCP is gradually engaged. The MD/SSCP conducts a third simulation to transition the representation to a fourth arrangement of the particles, during which it becomes almost impossible for the particles to move through the wall of the enclosure.

Meshot, Eric↗

Tamper-Indicating Enclosures with Visually Obvious Tamper Response

Sandia National Laboratories is developing a way to visualize molecular changes that indicate penetration of a tamper-indicating enclosure (TIE). Such "bleeding" materials (analogous to visually obvious, colorful bruised skin that doesn't heal) allows inspectors to use simple visual observation to readily recognize that penetration into a material used as a TIE has been attempted, without providing adversaries the ability to repair damage. Such a material can significantly enhance the current capability for TIEs, used to support treaty verification regimes. Current approaches rely on time-consuming and subjective visual assessment by an inspector, external equipment, such as eddy current or camera devices, or active approaches that may be limited due to application environment. The complexity of securing whole volumes includes: (1) enclosures that are non-standard in size/shape; (2) enclosures that may be inspectorate- or facility-owned; (3) tamper attempts that are detectable but difficult or timely for an inspector to locate; (4) the requirement for solutions that are robust regarding reliability and environment (including facility handling); and (5) the need for solutions that prevent adversaries from repairing penetrations. The approach is based on a transition metal ion solution within a microsphere changing color irreversibly when the microsphere is ruptured. Investigators examine 3D printing of the microspheres as well as the spray coating formulation. The anticipated benefits of this work are passive, flexible, scalable, cost-effective TIEs with obvious and robust responses to tamper attempts. This results in more efficient and effective monitoring, as inspectors will require little or no additional equipment and will be able to detect tamper without extensive time-consuming visual examination. Applications can include custom TIEs (cabinets or equipment enclosures), spray-coating onto facility-owned items, spray-coating of walls or structures, spray-coatings of circuit boards, and 3D-printed seal bodies. The paper describes research to-date on the sensor compounds and microspheres.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

Reduction in RF sheath rectification with insulating antenna enclosure walls

Abstract Radiofrequency (RF) sheath rectification is one of the most prominent deleterious effects associated with ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) heating in fusion plasmas. RF sheaths and associated effects, such as impurity generation and convective cell generation, need to be mitigated to ensure that ICRF is a viable option for heating in future fusion devices. Experiments were performed on the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at UCLA to explore the effects of using electrically-insulating antenna enclosures on RF rectified sheaths. Three different enclosure side-wall materials were used, including copper, MACOR (electrically insulating), and MACOR over copper. In the case of the MACOR–copper side walls, the non-conductive MACOR material was exposed to the bulk plasma but a layer of copper was added below to allow for image currents to flow. All three of the experiments had similar plasma density, temperature, and background magnetic field. In the case of the copper enclosure, RF rectified potentials, many times the local electron temperature, and associated formation of convective cells were observed and reported Martin M. et al (2017 Phys. Rev. Lett. 119 205002). In the experiments with MACOR and MACOR–copper enclosures, RF rectification was significantly reduced. Additionally, these latter two experiments showed no evidence of convective cell formation. Although the results from the MACOR experiment are reminiscent of the results obtained in ASDEX-U with a three-strap antenna optimized to reduce image currents on the antenna limiters Bobkov V. et al (2016 Nucl. Fusion 56 084001), the MACOR–copper experiment seems to suggest that insulating plasma facing materials have at least an equally strong impact on reducing potential rectification.

Physics↗

Enclosure for light detection and ranging unit and related methods

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to light detection and ranging. In one aspect, a method comprises providing an apparatus. The apparatus comprises a LiDAR unit and a LiDAR enclosure. The LiDAR enclosure comprises a four-sided container having a square or rectangular cross-section with a first open end and a second open end comprising two opposite ends of the four-sided container. The LiDAR unit is attached to a mounting area inside the four-sided container. A reflective material is disposed on an interior of a second side and a third side of the four-sided container. Laser light is generated with the LiDAR unit. The laser light that has interacted with environment surrounding the LiDAR enclosure and that has been reflected back to the LiDAR unit is detected. The detected laser light is processed to construct an image of the environment surrounding the LiDAR enclosure.

Bandstra, Mark S.↗

Finite Element Analysis and Machine Learning Guided Design of Carbon Fiber Organosheet-Based Battery Enclosures for Crashworthiness

Carbon fiber composite can be a potential candidate for replacing metal-based battery enclosures of current electric vehicles (E.V.s) owing to its better strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. However, the strength of carbon fiber-based structures depends on several parameters that should be carefully chosen. Here, in this work, we implemented high throughput finite element analysis (FEA) based thermoforming simulation to virtually manufacture the battery enclosure using different design and processing parameters. Subsequently, we performed virtual crash simulations to mimic a side pole crash to evaluate the crashworthiness of the battery enclosures. This high throughput crash simulation dataset was utilized to build predictive models to understand the crashworthiness of an unknown set. Our machine learning (ML) models showed excellent performance (R 2 > 0.97) in predicting the crashworthiness metrics, i.e., crush load efficiency, absorbed energy, intrusion, and maximum deceleration during a crash. We believe that this FEA-ML work framework will be helpful in down select process parameters for carbon fiber-based component design and can be transferrable to other manufacturing technologies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of Protective Shell Enclosures on Uranium Adsorbing Polymers

Here, this study aims to evaluate the impact of shell enclosures on the uranium uptake of amidoxime-based polymeric adsorbents they contain. Researchers have observed that the tensile strength of the adsorbent’s polyethylene backbone is degraded after γ-irradiation to induce grafting of the amidoxime ligand. A two-part system was developed to decouple the mechanical and chemical requirements of the adsorbent by encapsulating them in a hard, permeable shell. The water flow in six shell designs and an unenclosed adsorbent for control in a recirculating flume was analyzed via a novel method developed using the measurement of radium extracted onto MnO 2 impregnated acrylic fibers. Although the water flow was found to vary with enclosure design, orien- tation to the flow, and placement within the flume, little to no difference was observed in the uranium adsorption rate between all enclosures. The results of this study will be used to design a large-scale ocean deployment of a uranium harvesting system.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Numerical simulation of transient moisture transfer into an electronic enclosure

Electronic systems are sometimes exposed to harsh environmental conditions of temperature and humidity. Moisture transfer into electronic enclosures and condensation can cause several problems such as corrosion and alteration in thermal stresses. It is therefore essential to study the local climate inside the enclosures to be able to protect the electronic systems. In this work, moisture transfer into a typical electronic enclosure is numerically studied using CFD. In order to reduce the CPU-time and make a way for subsequent factorial design analysis, a simplifying modification is applied in which the real 3D geometry is approximated by a 2D axial symmetry one. The results for 2D and 3D models were compared in order to calibrate the 2D representation. Furthermore, simulation results were compared with experimental data and good agreement was found.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Mixed convection flow of nanofluid in a square enclosure with an intruded rectangular fin

Mixed convection flow in enclosures has been a subject of interest for many years due to their ever increasing applications in solar collectors, electronic cooling, lubrication technologies, food processing, and nuclear reactors. In comparison, little effort has been given to the problem of mixed convection in enclosures filled with nanofluids, while the addition of nanoparticles in a fluid base to alter specific material properties is considered a feasible solution for many heat transfer problems. Mixed convection of nanofluids is a challenging problem as the addition of nanoparticles changes the fluid’s thermo-physical properties as well as due to the complex interactions among inertia, viscous, and buoyancy forces. In this study, a two-dimensional steady-state numerical model has been developed to investigate mixed convection flow of nanofluids in a square enclosure with an intruded rectangular fin and to optimize the fin geometry for maximizing the heat transfer using the Constructal design. The model has been developed using ANSYS-FLUENT for various fin geometries. Flow fields, temperature fields, and heat transfer rates are examined for different values of Rayleigh and Reynolds numbers for several geometries of the fin with the aim of maximizing the heat transfer from the fin to the surrounding flow. Outcome of this study provides important insight into the heat transfer behavior of nanofluids, which will help in developing novel geometries with enhanced and controlled heat transfer for solar collectors and electronic devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Benchmark analytical solutions for steady state high frequency broadband sound fields in three rectangular enclosures

Analytical solutions are presented for broadband sound fields in three rectangular enclosures with absorption applied on the floor and ceiling, rigid sidewalls, and a vertically oriented dipole source. The solutions are intended to serve as benchmarks that can be used to assess the performance of broadband techniques, particularly energy-based methods, in a relatively straightforward configuration with precisely specified boundary conditions. A broadband Helmholtz solution is developed using a frequency-by-frequency modal approach to determine the exact band averaged mean-square pressures along spatial trajectories within each enclosure. Due to the specific choice of enclosure configuration and absorption distribution, an approximate specular solution can be obtained through a summation of uncorrelated image sources. Comparisons between the band averaged Helmholtz solution and the uncorrelated image solution reveal excellent agreement for a wide range of absorption levels and improve the understanding of correlation effects in broadband sound fields. In conclusion, a boundary element solution with diffuse boundaries is also presented, which produces consistently higher mean-square pressures in comparison with the specular solution, emphasizing the careful attention that must be placed on correctly modeling reflecting boundary conditions and demonstrating the errors that can result from assuming a Lambertian surface.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Arc Weld Robotic Arm & Enclosure Seismic Anchorage in B226

The Arc Weld Robotic Arm & Enclosure is adequately anchored by the details shown on sheets SKS-01 through SKS-03. Two different Hilti anchors have been provided to allow for installation flexibility. Existing documentation shows that the existing enclosure base has been anchored with 5/8”Ø Kwik Bolt TZ’s. As a result, it is believed that the existing holes are sized for that 5/8”Ø anchor. The first option is to install a 5/8”Ø Kwik Bolt TZ2, similarly to the existing conditions. The second option is to use a threaded insert anchor. Since the largest allowable diameter of HIS-N insert is 1/2”Ø based on the slab thickness, 2”x2” square plate washers with a 9/16”Ø hole will need to be installed on the top of the existing enclosure base plates to reduce the diameter of the existing holes. This is required for the anchorage to provide proper restraint in a seismic event.

42 ENGINEERING↗

SPRUCE Enclosure Corral and Sump System: Description, Operation, and Calibration

This document describes the subsurface corral system that has been designed and constructed to measure water flow and allow the collection of water samples from the outflow of each experimental enclosure at the Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Environments (SPRUCE) experimental site within the Marcell Experimental Forest in northern Minnesota, USA. SPRUCE implemented 10 years of whole-ecosystem warming, deep peat heating, and elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) treatments from 2015-2025 to assess the response of northern peatland ecosystems to increases in temperature and exposures to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations. This document: 1. Describes belowground corrals, sump systems, and the operation of sump systems, which are used to calculate the volumes of water that naturally drain enclosures and to trigger automatic collection of water samples; 2. Describes the calibration between water level and water volume in the sump system. This relationship is used to calculate near-surface lateral runoff (“outflow” in L/s) from each enclosure by measuring the change in water level over time. The water volume vs. water level relationship must be re-calibrated if water level sensors (or components) are replaced; and 3. Describes the data and data products that are and will be available from outflow measurements.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Titanium Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Inert Enclosure and Material Handling Safety Considerations

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) via metal inert gas (MIG)/gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is a viable option for fabrication of large-scale titanium parts; however, it introduces new safety hazards associated with both the material and the additional system hardware required for the process. Localized gas shielding of the weld arc via standard GMAW torch is inadequate for titanium due to its affinity for oxygen; thereby requiring the use of an inert enclosure to protect the weld from entraining oxygen. The use of the inert enclosure presents potential safety hazards such as operator asphyxiation and brings up discussion of confined space considerations. In addition, the titanium welding process creates pyrophoric titanium soot residue around the deposit, which can undergo deflagration during part cleaning and part removal. This paper provides an overview of the titanium WAAM process along with safety considerations for the design and operation of the inert enclosure as well as functional solutions for the safe handling of the titanium soot by-product.

Walters, Alex↗

Lead Shielded Enclosures for CHESS-U

Shielded enclosures are critical components of radiation safety at scientific, medical, and industrial facilities around the world. As part of the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source Upgrade (CHESS-U), ADC has designed, fabricated, and installed highly modular shielded enclosures ("hutches" at synchrotron facilities). ADC utilized expert consultation offered by several facilities including engineers from Advanced Photon Source (APS)(1-3) and Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS); with each facility providing guidance to assure that the design satisfies the rigorous radiation safety requirements. In this paper, ADC will discuss the design of these hutches, particularly the modular design elements which facilitate rapid installation to minimize downtime at the synchrotron.

enclosure↗