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Detector Simulation Challenges for Future Accelerator Experiments

Detector simulation is a key component for studies on prospective future high-energy colliders, the design, optimization, testing and operation of particle physics experiments, and the analysis of the data collected to perform physics measurements. This review starts from the current state of the art technology applied to detector simulation in high-energy physics and elaborates on the evolution of software tools developed to address the challenges posed by future accelerator programs beyond the HL-LHC era, into the 2030–2050 period. New accelerator, detector, and computing technologies set the stage for an exercise in how detector simulation will serve the needs of the high-energy physics programs of the mid 21st century, and its potential impact on other research domains.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Speeding-up fuzzing through directional seeds

Abstract Fuzzing is an automated process for discovering inputs in a program that may trigger unexpected behavior. Today, fuzzing has become a standard practice for the discovery of bugs and security vulnerabilities. However, the main issue with such practices is that the exploration of the input space of programs can often be prohibitively expensive. Therefore, several alternative fuzzing strategies have been introduced during the last few years. Some fuzzing techniques rely on human expertise to provide a plausible set of initial input examples, namely, seeds. However, the process of handcrafting seeds for fuzzing purposes often becomes strenuous for humans as it requires a deeper understanding of the Program-Under-Test (PUT). Also, the use of known inputs to programs often does not trigger vulnerable program behavior or may not reach potentially vulnerable code locations. To address those issues, we propose a seed generation framework that enables Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) directed fuzzing where the human assumes a more active role in the creation of seeds that can penetrate and assess desired locations of the PUT. Our proposed framework uses Symbolic Execution (SE) to generate seeds that exercise paths to target program locations. Moreover, our framework enables the visualization of the explored execution paths in the binary of the PUT for the generated seeds. We evaluated our approach on a set of 12 carefully designed C programs with diverse characteristics that mimic real-world programs. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach in improving the performance of standard fuzzing tools such as the American Fuzzy Lop ("Image missing" <#comment/> ). Specifically, our solution can generate seeds that substantially enhance the performance of the fuzzer, achieving speedups ranging from $$1.46\times $$ 1.46 × to $$68.53\times $$ 68.53 × for branch conditions, $$1.39\times $$ 1.39 × to $$254.62\times $$ 254.62 × for branch depths, $$14,879.59\times $$ 14 , 879.59 × to $$30,295.88\times $$ 30 , 295.88 × for branch widths over traditional seeds. Additionally, the speedup increases with the number of target function ranging from $$12,260\times $$ 12 , 260 × to $$22,856.07\times $$ 22 , 856.07 × over traditional seeds while only requiring less than 15 seconds on average for the seed generation step.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Characterization of Two Extraordinary AmLi Neutron Sources

Two legacy AmLi sources, MRC-101 and MRC-103, are routinely used for neutron detector characterization and testing campaigns that Pacific Northwest National Laboratory manages for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency within the U.S. Department of Defense. However, applicability of source measurement data has been substantially limited due to the lack of original manufacturer documentation and cross comparison to other sources. This paper summarizes results of the measurement campaign conducted to better quantify source radionuclide content, neutron energy spectrum and emission rate of the AmLi sources. The source characterization study consisted of three major consecutive measurement exercises. First, gamma spectrometry measurements using a high purity germanium detector were used to estimate the radionuclide content and potential impurities of the AmLi sources. Then neutron spectral measurements were taken to determine the unique neutron energy distribution. Finally, assessments of the total neutron yields of the sources were made with measurements in a neutron well counter. The neutron detection efficiency for these measurements was determined via detailed Monte Carlo modeling based on the neutron energy distribution measured with the rotating neutron spectrometer. The most exciting and unexpected finding of the study was a significant contamination of the source material with beryllium, contributing up to 17% to the total neutron emission rate and correspondingly changing the neutron energy spectrum. Also, the obtained lithium-only portion of the measured energy distribution of the sources was compared against several AmLi spectra previously reported by different researchers.

AWCC, AmLi, beryllium contamination, neutron spect↗

Magnetic Gears: The Key to Robust, Cost-Effective Hydropower Drivetrains

Based on previous demonstrated success at fabricating 5 and 10 kW scale magnetic gearbox (MGB) prototypes, Emrgy and its partners (the project team) proposed to design and construct a 100 kW scale MGB with a 30:1 gear ratio for the low-head hydro applications. The Statement of Project Objectives included tasks covering: 1) Market Applicability; 2) Technical Metrics; 3) Design (initial); 4) Electromagnetic (EM) Load and Structural Analysis; 5) Modal Analysis; 6) Sealing Design and 7) Final Design during Budget Period 1. Budget Period 2 included tasks covering: 1) Materials Procurement and Test Plan Development; 2) Assembly; and 3) Testing. The Market Applicability study (Task 1) led to a clear conclusion and recommendation toward “Low Head” technologies for maximum market share of both New Stream Reach development as well as powering Non-Powered Dams. The findings of this study also identified the opportunity for a larger scale magnetic gearbox-based drive train as a function of increased torque, as opposed to increased speed. The Technical Metrics Study (Task 2) concluded a horizontal orientation was preferred, examined potential loss mechanisms, concluded that a Halbach Array magnetic design was preferred, established a 30:1 gear ratio as optimal, and established a power rating of 100 kW as optimal. The subsequent initial and final detailed design process included electro-magnetic (EM) load and structural analysis (Task 4), a Modal analysis (for vibration) (Task 5), and a sealing design (Task 6) to assure water impermeability. The final design package (Task 7) included 729 individual parts, 117 unique part numbers, and 15 assemblies. In order to facilitate procurement, the full bill of materials was broken down into several sub-components: 1) custom magnetic parts; 2) custom machined parts; 3) custom casted parts; and 4) commercial off the shelf (COTS) parts. The casted parts were fabricated by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) via a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Emrgy and funded by the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO). The procurement effort (Task 8) ultimately covered three time periods based on challenges encountered in meeting the budgeted cost for the prototype. Following the first effort in the early stages of Budget Period 2 in 2017, a no-cost time extension was granted to seek alternative fabrication and procurement options. The project was re-booted in 2020 based on the new ORNL CRADA that would focus on five (5) of the more difficult and expensive parts using their advanced manufacturing expertise. Procurement efforts for the other custom machined parts resulted in quotations that still exceeded the budget by more than $\$$100k. This was, in part, also due to the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic that caused both supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. As the project continued, pricing and availability degraded further. In Q2 FY’22, it was decided to not proceed with the fabrication of the prototype (Task 9) based on budgetary limitations. Outcomes included a full and detailed design of a 100 kW magnetic gearbox and associated indented bill of materials (BOM) and CAD drawings, a full assembly instruction manual with an associated BOM for materials necessary to support assembly, the fabrication of the double Halbach magnetic array for the rotor/stator system, fabrication of five (5) sand-casted/machined parts (via CRADA with ORNL) and an initial draft of a comprehensive testing plan. The most significant non-outcome was the actual fabrication and testing of the prototype gearbox based on budget limitations. Lessons learned included the need for an Application / Design / Cost trade analysis to better elucidate the cost potential of the MGB in the projected volumes anticipated for future demand. This would better establish the efficacy of the original cost target ($\$$0.80/Watt) and/or the need for reconsideration of designs and applications. Likewise, additional consideration of the prototype nature of the gearbox – single use, short lifetime, etc. - either as a separate exercise or in place of the design process completed, to reduce the cost of the demonstration prototype device. Additionally, project continuity was cited as a significant risk based on the loss of the primary design engineering firm after Budget Period 1. A design analysis exercise was conducted at the conclusion of the project to identify potential areas for cost reduction. One concept considered was the removal of the inner ring of magnets (with associated changes in the outer ring magnets) to enable a horizontal collapse of the design. It was estimated this could reduce cost by 10-25% without impacting performance.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

PINN surrogate of Li-ion battery models for parameter inference, Part II: Regularization and application of the pseudo-2D model

Bayesian parameter inference is useful to improve Li-ion battery diagnostics and can help formulate battery aging models. However, it is computationally intensive and cannot be easily repeated for multiple cycles, multiple operating conditions, or multiple replicate cells. To reduce the computational cost of Bayesian calibration, numerical solvers for physics-based models can be replaced with faster surrogates. A physics-informed neural network (PINN) is developed as a surrogate for the pseudo-2D (P2D) battery model calibration. For the P2D surrogate, additional training regularization was needed as compared to the PINN single-particle model (SPM) developed in Part I. Both the PINN SPM and P2D surrogate models are exercised for parameter inference and compared to data obtained from a direct numerical solution of the governing equations. A parameter inference study highlights the ability to use these PINNs to calibrate scaling parameters for the cathode Li diffusion and the anode exchange current density. By realizing computational speed-ups of ~2250x for the P2D model, as compared to using standard integrating methods, the PINN surrogates enable rapid state-of-health diagnostics. Finally, in the low-data availability scenario, the testing error was estimated to ~2 mV for the SPM surrogate and ~10 mV for the P2D surrogate which could be mitigated with additional data.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Development of an Improved RELAP5-3D Model for the High Temperature Test Facility

High-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) are rapidly approaching deployment. Confidence in transient analysis of these systems for design, optimization, and licensing calculations requires modeling and simulation tools that have been validated against data relevant to HTGR conditions. The High Temperature Test Facility (HTTF) is an integral effects thermal hydraulics test facility for prismatic HTGRs. In spring and summer of 2019, HTTF was used for a series of experiments that now serve as the basis for the OECD/NEA Thermal Hydraulic Code Validation Benchmark for High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors using HTTF Data (HTGR T/H Benchmark). This benchmark contains problems for systems code, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and coupled systems code/CFD modeling representing lower plenum mixing and both the depressurized and pressurized conduction cooldown (DCC and PCC respectively) transients. Benchmark problems include exercises for code-to-code and code-to-data comparisons as well as an exercise for error scaling between HTTF and the Modular High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor, which serves as the basis for the HTTF design. Previous analysis as part of the HTGR T/H benchmark used a RELAP5-3D model developed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and demonstrated an ability to reproduce trends in the measured data but difficulties reproducing experimental values within their uncertainty. These difficulties were largely attributed to assumptions made during the development of the initial RELAP5-3D model, which predated the HTTF experiments. A significant cause of difficulty reproducing the measured temperatures may be the radial nodalization of the previous RELAP5-3D model. The new model provides a finer nodalization to assess the impact of radial nodalization and allows for asymmetric heating within the core, which was a feature of multiple HTTF experiments. In this paper, we present the new RELAP5-3D model of HTTF. In addition to describing the new model, this paper compares the new and old models and provides results for a full-power steady state, a DCC, and a PCC in HTTF. These analyses are based on the code-to-code comparison exercises for the DCC and PCC problems of the HTGR T/H benchmark. We present the results of these exercises from the new model and compare them to the results of the old model.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Validation of numerical models for seismic fluid-structure-interaction analysis of nuclear, safety-related equipment

Seismic design, qualification, and risk assessment of nuclear safety-related vessels filled with liquid will have to consider the interaction between the vessel (tank), the contained liquid, and submerged components, if any. Seismic fluid-structure-interaction (FSI) analysis of nuclear vessels will rely on numerical models, which are required to be verified and validated. This study validates previously-verified numerical models using test data generated from earthquake-simulator experiments involving a cylindrical tank. Two solvers in LS-DYNA for FSI simulations are used for the numerical analysis: Arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) and Incompressible Computational Fluid Dynamics (ICFD). Numerical and test results are compared for responses critical to seismic design of advanced reactor vessels: hydrodynamic pressures on the tank wall, reactions at the support, and wave heights of the contained liquid. Analysis is performed for one-, two-, and three-directional seismic inputs with a range of intensity, and rocking motions. The accuracy of the numerical results and different methods for outputting wave heights are discussed. Recommendations for validation of seismic FSI numerical models of advanced reactors are provided. As a result, the validation exercise presented in this study is broadly applicable to cylindrical tanks, regardless of industry sector.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

Endurance Exercise Performance Is Reduced after 6-h Dives at 1.35 ATA When Breathing 100% Oxygen Compared with Air

ABSTRACT Introduction Long-duration dives on consecutive days reduces muscular performance, potentially affecting military personnel. However, a paucity of data exists on how breathing gases affect endurance performance. This study examined the influence of long-duration diving with different breathing gases on aerobic endurance and handgrip performance. Methods Twenty-three military divers completed a single 6-h dive (single dive [SD]) and five 6-h dives over consecutive days (dive week [DW]) with 30-min cycling intervals using air (AIR,n= 13) or 100% oxygen (OXY,n= 10). Before and after SD and DW, subjects completed a maximum handgrip strength test, a handgrip endurance test at 40% maximal strength, and a time to exhaustion run. Results Handgrip endurance decreased after DW in OXY (SD, 1.9 ± 0.0 vs 1.4 ± 0.3 min) compared with AIR (1.8 ± 0.0 vs 1.8 ± 0.2 min) (P< 0.001). Run time decreased after SD (Pre, 20.7 ± 10.4 min; Post, 16.6 ± 7.6 min;P= 0.039) and DW (Pre, 21.6 ± 9.0 min; Post, 11.2 ± 4.0 min;P< 0.001) in OXY and after overall diving in AIR (Pre, 26.5 ± 10.2 min; Post, 22.3 ± 7.5 min;P= 0.025). V̇O 2 decreased after diving only in AIR (Pre, 42.6 ± 3.4 mL·kg −1 ⋅min −1 ; Post, 40.4 ± 3.7 mL·kg −1 ⋅min −1 ;P= 0.010). There were no other significant effects. Conclusions Breathing 100% oxygen during long-duration dives on consecutive days may exacerbate decreases in aerobic endurance and impairs handgrip endurance compared with air. Additional research is needed to elucidate mechanisms of action and possible mitigation strategies.

Sport Sciences↗

Medium and Heavy Duty Vehicle Powertrain Electrification and Fleet Demonstration

The Contract Award Grant # EE0007513 dated 2 June, 2016 is for the design, development and demonstration of medium duty package delivery vehicles that will result in a 100% increase in fuel economy as measured in miles per gallon. The project was proposed in 3 phases over two budget periods. The Phases were: 1. Modeling and Simulation – This phase was completed and formed the basis of the specifications for the design and build of the physical systems. The modeling and simulation was conducted by AVL and used real world package delivery routes that AVL mapped. The motors, battery pack, range extender and balance of plant support systems were modeled and iterated until a system with the desired fuel economy improvement was realized. Early design of the major subsystems using the actual vehicle space constraints was also completed. This phase was successfully completed in May of 2017. 2. 1st Build and FE Confirmation - This phase was completed and resulted in the final design, release, procurement and build of all major vehicle systems for commissioning into the first vehicle. The work was a partnered effort between McLaren and AVL. McLaren built the eAxle system while AVL built the range extender and integrated the range extender, battery and balance of plant sub-systems into the first vehicle with a control system to make it operate. Prior to the end of this phase a real world HIL system test gave evidence that the fuel economy improvement would be achieved in the real world. This phase was exited with a 7 month delay due mostly to procurement and supply base issues and ended in May, 2018. 3. Final Build and Demonstration - This phase included the final build and commissioning of the four program vehicles and the operation of a demonstration on a set of routes near San Diego California. During this phase, a multitude of issues arose in different systems in the vehicle. These issue resolution exercises were quite complex and caused repeated delays but were all successfully completed. It should also be noted that an early commercialization analysis resulted in the conclusion that the complexity of the system would not make it cost effective, leading to the start of a follow-on design that used newly available component technologies to specify a more cost effective system. This design will be repurposed and put into demonstration on a separately (non-DOE) funded program. It was decided and agreed with DOE that this phase should be considered completed. The knowledge and know-how gained on this program has been incorporated into and transferred to the new program. This phase and the entire program was considered closed on June 1, 2021.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

BOPTest As a Platform for Building Controls and Grid-Interactive Buildings Workforce Training

Building automation and controls are becoming increasingly complex with the emergence of Grid Integrated Efficient Buildings (GEBs) as well as new highly efficient sequences of operation and data-driven control schemes. However, there remains a significant gap in hands-on training opportunities for building operators and technicians to gain practical experience with advanced control systems in a low-risk environment. This paper presents BOPTEST (Building Optimization Performance Test) as a suitable platform for workforce training in building controls and GEB technologies. BOPTEST provides a suite of standardized building simulation test cases with a REST API, real-time control interfaces through BACnet, semantic models connecting users to building data, and built-in calculation of control metrics and performance indicators. The platform enables trainees to interact with virtual buildings using industry-standard protocols while learning how to implement and innovate control strategies. The training platform is designed to offer a structured and interactive learning experience for building engineers, helping them effectively develop, learn, and retain skills in fault identification, troubleshooting, and correction. The workflow is divided into three main phases: 1) Setup, 2) Exercise, and 3) Review, each comprising specific activities performed by either the instructor or the student. Initial pilot training sessions have yielded positive feedback from instructors and participants and demonstrates that BOPTEST effectively fills an industry need for a low-risk training resource via simulation of real building control systems, allowing trainees to gain practical experience before working in the field. The platform's ability to provide immediate performance feedback while maintaining familiar industry interfaces makes it particularly suitable for workforce development programs. This work provides a replicable model for leveraging building simulation in control education and training.

Paul, Lazlo↗

BOPTEST as a Platform for Building Controls and Grid-Interactive Buildings Workforce Training

Building automation and controls are becoming increasingly complex with the emergence of Grid Integrated Efficient Buildings (GEBs) as well as new highly efficient sequences of operation and data-driven control schemes. However, there remains a significant gap in hands-on training opportunities for building operators and technicians to gain practical experience with advanced control systems in a low-risk environment. This paper presents BOPTEST (Building Optimization Performance Test) as a suitable platform for workforce training in building controls and GEB technologies. BOPTEST provides a suite of standardized building simulation test cases with a REST API, real-time control interfaces through BACnet, semantic models connecting users to building data, and built-in calculation of control metrics and performance indicators. The platform enables trainees to interact with virtual buildings using industry-standard protocols while learning how to implement and innovate control strategies. The training platform is designed to offer a structured and interactive learning experience for building engineers, helping them effectively develop, learn, and retain skills in fault identification, troubleshooting, and correction. The workflow is divided into three main phases: 1) Setup, 2) Exercise, and 3) Review, each comprising specific activities performed by either the instructor or the student. Initial pilot training sessions have yielded positive feedback from instructors and participants and demonstrates that BOPTEST effectively fills an industry need for a low-risk training resource via simulation of real building control systems, allowing trainees to gain practical experience before working in the field. The platform's ability to provide immediate performance feedback while maintaining familiar industry interfaces makes it particularly suitable for workforce development programs. This work provides a replicable model for leveraging building simulation in control education and training.

Paul, Lazlo↗

Summary Report of the FY24 DOE Contributions to the GIF VHTR CMVB

The Generation-IV Forum (GIF) Very-High-Temperature Reactor-Computational Methods Validation and Benchmark (VHTR-CMVB) initiative, involving organizations from Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) (South Korea), Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology of Tsinghua University (INET) (China), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) (U.S.), Joint Research Centre (JRC) (Europe), and Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) (Japan), is dedicated to the verification and validation of tools for High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) analysis, using data shared by Computational Methods Validation and Benchmark (CMVB) signatories. For FY24, the US DOE CMVB has committed to several critical activities. Under WP1, led by the US, the integration of the High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor - Pebble-Bed Module (HTR-PM) Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table (PIRT) into the comparative PIRT is progressing, with a new draft of the comparison tables issued earlier this year and currently being utilized by INET for their contribution. Neutronic validation efforts under WP3 include the preparation of the burnup analysis benchmark, preliminary calculations, and the development of reference models and results. In WP2, a validation exercise for hot gas mixing in the lower plenum of HTR-PM is in progress, using experimental data from INET (China) to validate modeling approaches. A model of the experimental facility has been developed using StarCCM+, with initial calculations slated for presentation at the GIF CMVB meeting this fall. Another WP2 activity focuses on validating numerical models for air-cooled Reactor Cavity Cooling System (RCCS) with experimental data from the Wisconsin Madison RCCS facility. A high-fidelity model, developed using NEK-RS, is currently being validated with available data from a low power forced convection test. These efforts are aimed at enhancing and confirming the accuracy of HTGR analysis tools, ensuring their alignment with experimental data and regulatory requirements.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Beam and Spin Optics Simulation Tutorials, Using Zgoubi Exercises and Solutions 2 - RHIC Run 22 Spin Transparency Experiment

High electron and ion polarizations are paramount design requirements for the future Electron Ion Collider (EIC) at BNL. A “spin transparency” mode of operation, inherited from the “figure-8” ring design [1], allows preservation and control of electron and ion spin polarization in a collider or storage ring [2, 3]. It makes the ring lattice “invisible” to the spin and allows for polarization control by small quasi-static magnetic fields with practically no effect on beam orbital parameters. Beam polarization can then be fully controlled by small adjustments of snake axis orientation (a few degrees) and snake strengths (a few percent); polarization orientation at IPs can be controlled without spin rotators, spins can be adiabatically flipped without the need of ac magnets. The transparent spin mode has been demonstrated in simulations [2] for the purpose of being tested experimentally during RHIC Run 22. This experiment was aimed at providing data to validate the principles. Yellow RHIC ring (Fig. 1.1) was configured in the transparent spin mode by aligning the axes of its two helical snakes (located respectively in the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock sextants) parallel to the longitudinal axis. Experiment goals and expected results, ad hoc procedures and hardware requirements, are addressed in Refs. [2, 3].

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Selecting and Implementing Resilience Metrics in Existing Energy Sector Models [Slides]

Resilience is a topic receiving much attention in relation to energy systems, with particular attention being paid to the supply of electricity. As a result of the growing interest in energy sector resilience, research communities have proposed a plethora of candidate resilience indicators and metrics, most of which remain immature at different scales and segments within the energy system. A necessary focus of the research community lies in implementing, testing, and validating resilience metrics and analysis approaches in energy sector models, which will be invaluable for informing resilience planning and investment decisions. Recognizing these challenges that need to be addressed, we explore how to effectively integrate resilience considerations into energy sector models and tools. The overarching goal of the effort was to evaluate the data needs, methodologies, and outcomes - including consequences and/or changes in investment or operational decisions due to avoided consequences - based on resilience analysis in a range of existing tools. In particular, we selected five models originally built at NREL to explore non-resilience energy research questions to implement and exercise resilience metrics and analysis approaches. To demonstrate the importance of perspective, we selected models that represent different segments of the energy sector, geographic scales, and modeling approaches. A second important aspect of our effort was the development of generalized power interruption scenarios. These scenarios were intended to help establish a framework for simulating the effects of real-world threats in terms of their impacts on system components and, in turn, power interruption.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Adapting Existing Energy Models for Resilience Analysis

Resilience is a topic receiving much attention in relation to energy systems, with particular attention being paid to the supply of electricity. As a result of the growing interest in energy sector resilience, research communities have proposed a plethora of candidate resilience indicators and metrics, most of which remain immature at different scales and segments within the energy system. A necessary focus of the research community lies in implementing, testing, and validating resilience metrics and analysis approaches in energy sector models, which will be invaluable for informing resilience planning and investment decisions. Recognizing these challenges that need to be addressed, we explore how to effectively integrate resilience considerations into energy sector models and tools. The overarching goal of the effort was to evaluate the data needs, methodologies, and outcomes—including consequences and/or changes in investment or operational decisions due to avoided consequences—based on resilience analysis in a range of existing tools. In particular, we selected five models originally built at NREL to explore non-resilience energy research questions to implement and exercise resilience metrics and analysis approaches. To demonstrate the importance of perspective, we selected models that represent different segments of the energy sector, geographic scales, and modeling approaches. A second important aspect of our effort was the development of generalized power interruption scenarios. These scenarios were intended to help establish a framework for simulating the effects of real-world threats in terms of their impacts on system components and, in turn, power interruption.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Validation Exercise of a Coarse Finite Element Model of Laser Welds

The objective of this project is to validate low-fidelity models of 304L to 304L stainless steel partial-penetration laser welds for thin sheets. Low-fidelity means that the weld is represented by coarsely meshed element blocks. Here, the hexahedral element size is approx imately half the weld penetration depth. The material behavior of the block is represented by a J2 plasticity model with a Voce hardening function. The source of the data used in this work is an extensive experimental study conducted by Sharlotte Kramer (1528) and published in 2015. Figure 1 shows a cross-section of the weld of interest. The nominal thickness of the sheets is 0.063 in. while the target penetration depth of the weld is in the range of 0.028 to 0.032 in., extending about half the sheet thickness. Uniaxial tension tests provided data for calibration of base material and weld models. Results of two validation geometries were also provided. The principal validation geometry is shown in Fig. 2. It consists of a plate specimen with in-plane dimensions 6 in × 2.875 in loaded in tension. A circular plug with a 1.5 in. diameter was cut from the center of the plate and then welded in place. The details of the welding schedule are given. An important assumption is that the welds in the calibration and validation specimens have similar geometric and material properties as those in the validation tests. The task was to first calibrate models for the base material and the welds and then simulate the validation tests until the point of weld first failure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Adapting Existing Energy Planning, Simulation, and Operational Models for Resilience Analysis

Resilience is a topic receiving much attention in relation to energy systems, with particular attention being paid to the supply of electricity. As a result, research communities have proposed a plethora of candidate indicators and metrics for resilience, most of which remain immature at different scales and segments within the energy system. Given the complexity of resilience analyses and mitigation strategies, there is limited value in attempting to identify a single resilience metric, as no one metric can quantify resilience or its associated value for all stakeholders. Instead, a necessary focus of the research community should lie in implementing, testing, and validating resilience metrics and analysis approaches in energy sector models, which will be invaluable for informing resilience planning and investment decisions. Recognizing that implementing, testing, and validating resilience metrics are challenges that need to be addressed, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) dedicated staff and time to researching how to effectively integrate resilience considerations into energy sector models and tools, as part of the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program. The overarching goal of the effort was to evaluate the data needs, methodologies, and outcomes - including consequences and/or changes in investment or operational decisions due to avoided consequences - based on resilience analysis in a range of existing tools. In particular, we selected five models originally built at NREL to explore non-resilience energy research questions to implement and exercise resilience metrics and analysis approaches.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Descriptor: Infrastructure Perception and Control: Multi-Sensor Object Tracking Dataset (IPC-MSOT)

Traffic intersections are crucial and challenging nodes in transportation networks where multiple lanes of vehicles and pedestrians converge. Traffic accidents often occur at traffic intersections, including a large proportion of traffic fatalities and about one-half of all traffic injuries in the United States. Object detection data were collected in 2024 across three intersections in Colorado Springs, CO, USA, over the course of multiple days and various times to induce a heterogeneous mix of traffic conditions and behaviors. The purpose of the data collection exercises was to learn various attributes about infrastructure sensors and to build a repository of high-resolution, object-level data that can be used for research and development (e.g., to develop multisensor data fusion algorithms). The Infrastructure Perception and Control:Multi-Sensor Object tracking (IPC-MSOT) dataset was collected as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) project, where the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory collaborated to collect object-level trajectory data from road users using multiple types of infrastructure sensors deployed at different intersections. This dataset allows for testing of late-stage sensor fusion algorithms and their ability to ingest multimodal sensor data, and it can be utilized by traffic engineers to design and evaluate trajectory-based signal control strategies.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗