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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Variations in embodied energy and carbon emission intensities of construction materials

Identification of parameter variation allows us to conduct more detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) of energy and carbon emission material over their lifecycle. Previous research studies have demonstrated that hybrid LCA (HLCA) can generally overcome the problems of incompleteness and accuracy of embodied energy (EE) and carbon (EC) emission assessment. Unfortunately, the current interpretation and quantification procedure has not been extensively and empirically studied in a qualitative manner, especially in hybridising between the process LCA and I-O LCA. To determine this weakness, this study empirically demonstrates the changes in EE and EC intensities caused by variations to key parameters in material production. Using Australia and Malaysia as a case study, the results are compared with previous hybrid models to identify key parameters and issues. The parameters considered in this study are technological changes, energy tariffs, primary energy factors, disaggregation constant, emission factors, and material price fluctuation. It was found that changes in technological efficiency, energy tariffs and material prices caused significant variations in the model. Finally, the comparison of hybrid models revealed that non-energy intensive materials greatly influence the variations due to high indirect energy and carbon emission in upstream boundary of material production, and as such, any decision related to these materials should be considered carefully. - Highlights: • We investigate the EE and EC intensity variation in Australia and Malaysia. • The influences of parameter variations on hybrid LCA model were evaluated. • Key significant contribution to the EE and EC intensity variation were identified. • High indirect EE and EC content caused significant variation in hybrid LCA models. • Non-energy intensive material caused variation between hybrid LCA models.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Band Limited Correlation Estimates for A(ξω/U) and B(ηω/U) Using Beresh et. al. 2013 Data Sets

Here we discuss an improved Corcos (Corcos (1963), (1963)) style cross spectral density utilizing zero pressure gradient, supersonic (Beresh et. al. (2013)) data sets. Using the connection between narrow band measurements with broadband cross-spectral density, i.e. Γ(ξ ,η ,ω )= Φ (ω) A(ωη/U )exp (-i ωξ/U) we focus on estimating coherence expressions of the form: A (ξω nb /U) and B (ηω nb / U) where ω nb denotes the narrow band frequency, i.e. the band center frequency value and ξ and η are sensors spacing in streamwise/longitudinal and cross-stream/lateral directions, respectively. A methodology to estimate the parameters which retains the Corcos exponential functional form, A(ξω/U)=exp(-k lat ηω/U) but identifies new parameters (constants) consistent with the Beresh et. al. data sets is discussed. The Corcos result requires that the data be properly explained by self-similar variable: ξω/U and ηω/U. The longitudinal (streamwise) variable ξω/U tends to provide a better data collapse, while, consistent with the literature the lateral ηω/U is only successful for higher band center frequencies. Assuming the similarity variables provide a useful description of the data, the longitudinal coherence decay constant result using the Beresh et. al. data sets yields a value for the longitudinal constant k long ≈0.36-0.28 that is approximately 3x larger than the “traditional” (low speed, large Reynolds number and zero pressure gradient) of k long ≈0.11. We suggest that the most likely reason that the Beresh et. al. data sets incur increased longitudinal decay which results in reduced coherence lengths is due to wall shear induced compression causing an adverse pressure gradient. Focusing on the higher band center frequency measurements where the frequency dependent similarity variables are applicable, the lateral or transverse coherence decay constant k lat ≈0.7 is consistent with the “traditional” (low speed, large Reynolds number and zero pressure gradient). It should be noted, that the longitudinal/streamwise coherence decay deviates from the value observed by other researchers while the lateral/ cross-stream value is consistent has been observed by other researchers. We believe that while the measurements used to obtain new decay constant estimates are from internal wind tunnel tests, they likely provide a useful estimate expected reentry flow behavior and are therefore recommended for use. These data could also be useful in determining the uncertainty of correlation length for a uncertainty quantification (UQ) analysis.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Ion heat and parallel momentum transport by stochastic magnetic fields and turbulence

In this work, the theory of turbulent transport of parallel momentum and ion heat by the interaction of stochastic magnetic fields and turbulence is presented. Attention is focused on determining the kinetic stress and the compressive energy flux. A critical parameter is identified as the ratio of the turbulent scattering rate to the rate of parallel acoustic dispersion. For the parameter large, the kinetic stress takes the form of a viscous stress. For the parameter small, the quasilinear residual stress is recovered. In practice, the viscous stress is the relevant form, and the quasilinear limit is not observable. This is the principal prediction of this paper. A simple physical picture is developed and shown to recover the results of the detailed analysis.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Uncertainty evaluation for the realistic safety analysis methodology of RIA by utilizing experimental results

An audit calculation methodology for the safety analysis of reactivity-initiated accident (RIA) in a PWR based on the realistic approach is under developing in Korean Institute of Nuclear Safety. In this paper important uncertainty parameters to the rod performance were described, and the validity of those parameters was assessed by utilizing the CABRI and NSRR experimental results. Sensitivity study has been carried out to identify the parameters by changing fuel burnup, injected energy and full-width half maximum (FWHM) of given RIA power pulses. FRAPCON-3.5 and FRAPTRAN-1.5 fuel performance code were utilized. Non-parametric order statistics was used for the uncertainty quantification, and 124 inputs on each experimental case were produced by simple random sampling technique. Analysis results showed that the assessed fuel performance uncertainties such as the fuel enthalpy, fission gas release and clad plastic hoop strain could not bound some experimental results. This means that the currently considered uncertainty range, particularly for the peak power, is not enough to cover the fuel performance uncertainty within a sufficient probability and confidence level. (author)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1987

Analysis of adaptive identifiers in the presence of unmodelled dynamics: Averaging and tuned parameters

The behavior of a standard identifier is analyzed for the case in which the plant contains additional dynamics, called unmodeled dynamics, which invalidate the known order assumption. An input richness condition is obtained that does not depend on the order of the unmmodeled dynamics to guarantee persistency of excitation (PE) of the regressor. It is shown that the PE condition leads to a BIBO stability property for the identifier. The method of averaging is used to define formally the notion of tuned parameters as the equilibrium of the identifier-averaged system. It is shown that the tuned parameters always exist and that the actual parameters converge to some neighborhood of the tuned parameters. An explicit expression is derived to calculate and interpret them as the fixed parameter values that minimize the mean-squared output error.

Mason, J. E.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Processing and 3D printing of SiCN polymer-derived ceramics

Preceramic polymer resins are attractive for the 3D printing of net-shaped ceramic components. Recently various processes have been demonstrated for 3D printing of polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs). Ultimately in these processes, the process outcomes strongly depend on the process parameters. In particular, for PDCs the ceramic density, and ceramic yield are affected by the catalyst concentration and cross-linking duration. Here, we use thermal analysis and FTIR to quantify the interrelation of the process parameters on the process outcome for polysilazanes and demonstrate 3D printing of PDC components based on the best-identified process parameters. Furthermore, the results of this work can be used as guidelines for future additive manufacturing of PDCs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

pyvisco [SWR-22-30]

pyvisco is a Python library that supports the identification of Prony series parameters for linear viscoelastic materials described by a Generalized Maxwell model. The necessary material model parameters are identified by fitting a Prony series to the experimental measurement data. pyvisco allows for the identification of Prony series parameters from experimental data measured in either the frequency-domain (via Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis) or time-domain (via relaxation measurements). The experimental data can be provided as raw measurement sets at different temperatures or as pre-processed master curves. An optional minimization routine is included to reduce the number of Prony elements. This routine is helpful in Finite Element simulations where reducing the computational complexity of the linear viscoelastic material models can shorten the simulation time. See also, https://pypi.org/project/pyvisco/

Springer, Martin↗
DOE OSTI2017

Sensitivity analysis for III–V/Si tandem solar cells: A theoretical study

Material and structural parameters may affect the efficiency of a tandem solar cell differently from the way they do in a single-junction solar cell. Here, we fabricated a III–V/Si four-terminal tandem solar cell and developed an opto-electronic model simulating this device. The optical properties were simulated with the transfer matrix method, while the electrical properties were simulated using the numerical device simulator PC1D. For this simulated tandem structure, we determined the parameters which have the largest potential impact on the device efficiency. A sensitivity analysis of the impact of these parameters on the device efficiency was also performed. Furthermore, to reduce the cost of the tandem solar cells, we identified the parameters that do not require tight control during the manufacturing process. The Si cell was simulated both as a single-junction cell and as the bottom cell of a tandem device. Lastly, we determined those device parameters that are more critical in a tandem configuration than in a single-junction configuration.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Machine Learning Driven Sensitivity Analysis of E3SM Land Model Parameters for Wetland Methane Emissions

Methane (CH 4 ) is globally the second most critical greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, contributing to 16%–25% of the observed atmospheric warming. Wetlands are the primary natural source of methane emissions globally. However, wetland methane emission estimates from biogeochemistry models contain considerable uncertainty. One of the main sources of this uncertainty arises from the numerous uncertain model parameters within various physical, biological, and chemical processes that influence methane production, oxidation, and transport. Sensitivity Analysis (SA) can help identify critical parameters for methane emission and achieve reduced biases and uncertainties in future projections. This study performs SA for 19 selected parameters responsible for critical biogeochemical processes in the methane module of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) land model (ELM). The impact of these parameters on various CH 4 fluxes is examined at 14 FLUXNET- CH 4 sites with diverse vegetation types. Given the extensive number of model simulations needed for global variance-based SA, we employ a machine learning (ML) algorithm to emulate the complex behavior of ELM methane biogeochemistry. We found that parameters linked to CH 4 production and diffusion generally present the highest sensitivities despite apparent seasonal variation. Comparing simulated emissions from perturbed parameter sets against FLUXNET-CH 4 observations revealed that better performances can be achieved at each site compared to the default parameter values. This presents a scope for further improving simulated emissions using parameter calibration with advanced optimization techniques.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Contrasting Parametric Sensitivities in Two Global Vegetation Models Using Parameter Perturbation Ensembles

Uncertainty in land model projections remains high and the roles of parametric and structural uncertainty are difficult to disentangle. To compare parametric sensitivity across model structures we present two parameter perturbation ensembles using the Community Land Model (CLM) operating in satellite phenology mode. The ensembles contrast two vegetation modules: (a) the default CLM vegetation module and (b) the Functionally Assembled Terrestrial Ecosystem Simulator (CLM-FATES). We perturbed over 300 parameters and quantified their effects on biophysical fluxes globally and across biomes. Most parameters have minimal impact on biophysical fluxes, with only a few substantially influencing results. While both models exhibit similar parameter sensitivity for some fluxes, CLM-FATES shows larger spread in gross primary productivity (GPP), driven by strong sensitivity to carboxylation rate. CLM-FATES also shows a weaker GPP response to soil hydrology parameters and exhibits higher water use efficiency (WUE). Cross-model comparisons reveal similar sensitivities for some parameters (e.g., leaf dimension) but divergent responses to others (e.g., stomatal intercept), highlighting underlying structural differences. Differences in WUE and sensitivity to hydrology and stomatal conductance parameters underscore how model structure fundamentally alters parametric sensitivity. The data sets generated from these ensembles can be used to identify influential parameters and guide future calibration efforts.

Foster, A. C. [NSF National Center for Atmospheric↗
DOE OSTI2022

Exploring Critical Synthetic Parameters for Nanoscale ε-Fe 2 O 3 and Their Influence on Magnetic Behaviors

An intermediate polymorph of iron oxide, ε-Fe 2 O 3 , has attracted significant attention due to its giant coercive field ( H c ) and potential applications in high-frequency millimeter-wave absorption and high-density magnetic recording. However, the fabrication of ε-Fe 2 O 3 with high phase purity is still a challenge due to complicated synthetic procedures and a large variety of reaction parameters. In this study, we have identified critical reaction parameters to improve the phase purity of ε-Fe 2 O 3 , and the effects of all possible reaction parameters have been tested through systematic studies. A combination of structural and magnetic characterization techniques provides us with an accurate and reliable phase purity analysis of the ε-Fe 2 O 3 phase. Specifically, we observed that (1) the reaction temperature and time and (2) the addition of Ba are critical parameters to improve the phase purity. We identified the optimal conditions that maximize the coercivity and phase purity, giving insight into the effects of each parameter on the γ- to ε- to α-phase-transition pathway. We obtained nearly single-phase ε-Fe 2 O 3 (~87 wt % with ~13 wt % α-phase) with a large coercivity of H c = 20.6 kOe, enabling us to obtain pure ε-Fe 2 O 3 by a simple magnetic separation protocol, and tuned the H c of the ε-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles in the range of 4.0–20.6 kOe by controlling the reaction parameters. Furthermore, the structural properties of the resulting ε-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles are confirmed by characterizing their chemical and magnetic properties using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Dark energy or modified gravity? An effective field theory approach

We take an Effective Field Theory (EFT) approach to unifying existing proposals for the origin of cosmic acceleration and its connection to cosmological observations. Building on earlier work where EFT methods were used with observations to constrain the background evolution, we extend this program to the level of the EFT of the cosmological perturbations — following the example from the EFT of Inflation. Within this framework, we construct the general theory around an assumed background which will typically be chosen to mimic ΛCDM, and identify the parameters of interest for constraining dark energy and modified gravity models with observations. We discuss the similarities to the EFT of Inflation, but we also identify a number of subtleties including the relationship between the scalar perturbations and the Goldstone boson of the spontaneously broken time translations. We present formulae that relate the parameters of the fundamental Lagrangian to the speed of sound, anisotropic shear stress, effective Newtonian constant, and Caldwell's varpi parameter, emphasizing the connection to observations. It is anticipated that this framework will be of use in constraining individual models, as well as for placing model-independent constraints on dark energy and modified gravity model building.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1986

Evaluation of a nonlinear parameter extraction mathematical model including the term C(subm(sub delta e squared))

Shuttle flight test data were used to determine values for the short-period parameters. The best identified, as judged by its estimated standard deviation, was the elevon effectiveness parameter C (sub m (sub sigma e squared)). However, the scatter about the preflight prediction of C (sub m (sub sigma e squared)) was large. Other investigators have suggested that adding nonlinear terms to the mathematical model used to identify C (sub m (sub sigma e)) could reduce the scatter. The results of this investigation show that C (sub m (sub sigma e squared)) is the only identifiable nonlinear parameter applicable and that the changes in C (sub m (sub sigma e)) values when C (sub m (sub sigma e squared)) is included are in the order of ten percent for the data estimated.

Suit, W. T.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Use of friction stir processing to synthesize nanocrystalline, grain boundary segregating Fe-Ti alloys

Grain boundary segregating alloys, a class of alloys designed such that nanocrystalline grain sizes are thermodynamically stabilized by the presence of high segregation energy solutes at the grain boundaries, are typically produced through geometrically limited processing techniques such as equal channel angular extrusion or thin film sputtering. Here, this study explores the use of friction stir processing (FSP) as a novel means of studying and producing these alloys using a test system of Fe-6at%Ti. Spot FSPs with a range of processing parameter sets were produced on bulk, coarse grained bars of material and optimal parameters were identified. Microscopy identified a range of processed materials which achieved nanocrystalline grains on the order of 100 nm, delineating a critical window of processing parameters which limit heat input while inducing sufficient plastic deformation for grain refinement. The finest grained nanocrystalline Fe-Ti achieved a hardness of 7.68 GPa, a significant increase in hardness over pure Fe with a similar microstructure due to increased dislocation density from FSP as well as several strengthening mechanisms produced through the presence and segregation of Ti. These results demonstrated the feasibility of using FSP to produce nanocrystalline grain boundary segregating alloys.

Fe alloys↗
NASA NTRS2003

Phased Array Antenna Testbed Development at the NASA Glenn Research Center

Ideal phased array antennas offer advantages for communication systems, such as wide-angle scanning and multibeam operation, which can be utilized in certain NASA applications. However, physically realizable, electronically steered, phased array antennas introduce additional system performance parameters, which must be included in the evaluation of the system. The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is currently conducting research to identify these parameters and to develop the tools necessary to measure them. One of these tools is a testbed where phased array antennas may be operated in an environment that simulates their use. This paper describes the development of the testbed and its use in characterizing a particular K-Band, phased array antenna.

Lambert, Kevin M.↗
DOE OSTI2014

The IAEA Coordinated Research Program on HTGR Uncertainty Analysis: Phase I Status and Initial Results

The continued development of High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) requires verification of HTGR design and safety features with reliable high fidelity physics models and robust, efficient, and accurate codes. One way to address the uncertainties in the HTGR analysis tools is to assess the sensitivity of critical parameters (such as the calculated maximum fuel temperature during loss of coolant accidents) to a few important input uncertainties. The input parameters were identified by engineering judgement in the past but are today typically based on a Phenomena Identification Ranking Table (PIRT) process. The input parameters can also be derived from sensitivity studies and are then varied in the analysis to find a spread in the parameter of importance. However, there is often no easy way to compensate for these uncertainties. In engineering system design, a common approach for addressing performance uncertainties is to add compensating margins to the system, but with passive properties credited it is not so clear how to apply it in the case of modular HTGR heat removal path. Other more sophisticated uncertainty modelling approaches, including Monte Carlo analysis, have also been proposed and applied. Ideally one wishes to apply a more fundamental approach to determine the predictive capability and accuracies of coupled neutronics/thermal-hydraulics and depletion simulations used for reactor design and safety assessment. Today there is a broader acceptance of the use of uncertainty analysis even in safety studies, and it has been accepted by regulators in some cases to replace the traditional conservative analysis. Therefore some safety analysis calculations may use a mixture of these approaches for different parameters depending upon the particular requirements of the analysis problem involved. Sensitivity analysis can for example be used to provide information as part of an uncertainty analysis to determine best estimate plus uncertainty results to the required confidence level. In order to address uncertainty propagation in analysis and methods in the HTGR community the IAEA initiated a Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on the HTGR Uncertainty Analysis in Modelling (UAM) that officially started in 2013. Although this project focuses specifically on the peculiarities of HTGR designs and its simulation requirements, many lessons can be learned from the LWR community and the significant progress already made towards a consistent methodology uncertainty analysis. In the case of LWRs the NRC has already in 1988 amended 10 CFR 50.46 to allow best-estimate (plus uncertainties) calculations of emergency core cooling system performance. The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also established an Expert Group on "Uncertainty Analysis in Modelling" which finally led to the definition of the "Benchmark for Uncertainty Analysis in Modelling (UAM) for Design, Operation and Safety Analysis of LWRs". The CRP on HTGR UAM will follow as far as possible the on-going OECD Light Water Reactor UAM benchmark activity.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Taming parallel I/O complexity with auto-tuning

We present an auto-tuning system for optimizing I/O performance of HDF5 applications and demonstrate its value across platforms, applications, and at scale. The system uses a genetic algorithm to search a large space of tunable parameters and to identify effective settings at all layers of the parallel I/O stack. The parameter settings are applied transparently by the auto-tuning system via dynamically intercepted HDF5 calls. To validate our auto-tuning system, we applied it to three I/O benchmarks (VPIC, VORPAL, and GCRM) that replicate the I/O activity of their respective applications. We tested the system with different weak-scaling configurations (128, 2048, and 4096 CPU cores) that generate 30 GB to 1 TB of data, and executed these configurations on diverse HPC platforms (Cray XE6, IBM BG/P, and Dell Cluster). In all cases, the auto-tuning framework identified tunable parameters that substantially improved write performance over default system settings. In conclusion, we consistently demonstrate I/O write speedups between 2x and 100x for test configurations.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗