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At least 379 records · Page 21

SU-C-209-05: Monte Carlo Model of a Prototype Backscatter X-Ray (BSX) Imager for Projective and Selective Object-Plane Imaging

Purpose: To develop a Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) model for the validation of a prototype backscatter x-ray (BSX) imager, and optimization of BSX technology for medical applications, including selective object-plane imaging. Methods: BSX is an emerging technology that represents an alternative to conventional computed tomography (CT) and projective digital radiography (DR). It employs detectors located on the same side as the incident x-ray source, making use of backscatter and avoiding ring geometry to enclose the imaging object. Current BSX imagers suffer from low spatial resolution. A MCNP model was designed to replicate a BSX prototype used for flaw detection in industrial materials. This prototype consisted of a 1.5mm diameter 60kVp pencil beam surrounded by a ring of four 5.0cm diameter NaI scintillation detectors. The imaging phantom consisted of a 2.9cm thick aluminum plate with five 0.6cm diameter holes drilled halfway. The experimental image was created using a raster scanning motion (in 1.5mm increments). Results: A qualitative comparison between the physical and simulated images showed very good agreement with 1.5mm spatial resolution in plane perpendicular to incident x-ray beam. The MCNP model developed the concept of radiography by selective plane detection (RSPD) for BSX, whereby specific object planes can be imaged by varying kVp. 10keV increments in mean x-ray energy yielded 4mm thick slice resolution in the phantom. Image resolution in the MCNP model can be further increased by increasing the number of detectors, and decreasing raster step size. Conclusion: MCNP modelling was used to validate a prototype BSX imager and introduce the RSPD concept, allowing for selective object-plane imaging. There was very good visual agreement between the experimental and MCNP imaging. Beyond optimizing system parameters for the existing prototype, new geometries can be investigated for volumetric image acquisition in medical applications. This material is based upon work supported under an Integrated University Program Graduate Fellowship sponsored by the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program: Evaluation of Localized Cable Test Methods for Nuclear Power Plant Cable Aging Management Programs

This Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) milestone report describes progress to date on the investigation of nondestructive test (NDE) methods focusing particularly on local measurements that provide key indicators of cable aging and damage. The work includes a review of relevant literature as well as hands-on experimental verification of inspection capabilities. As NPPs consider applying for second, or subsequent, license renewal (SLR) to extend their operating period from 60 years to 80 years, it important to understand how the materials installed in plant systems and components will age during that time and develop aging management programs (AMPs) to assure continued safe operation under normal and design basis events (DBE). Normal component and system tests typically confirm the cables can perform their normal operational function. The focus of the cable test program is directed toward the more demanding challenge of assuring the cable function under accident or DBE. Most utilities already have a program associated with their first life extension from 40 to 60 years. Regrettably, there is neither a clear guideline nor a single NDE that can assure cable function and integrity for all cables. Thankfully, however, practical implementation of a broad range of tests allows utilities to develop a practical program that assures cable function to a high degree. The industry has adopted 50% elongation at break (EAB) relative to the un-aged cable condition as the acceptability standard. All tests are benchmarked against the cable EAB test. EAB is a destructive test so the test programs must apply an array of other NDE tests to assure or infer the overall set of cable’s system integrity. These cable NDE programs vary in rigor and methodology. As the industry gains experience with the efficacy of these programs, it is expected that implementation practice will converge to a more common approach. This report addresses the range of local NDE cable tests that are or could be practically implemented in a field test situation. These tests include: visual, infrared thermography, interdigital capacitance, indenter, relaxation time indenter, dynamic mechanical analyzer, infrared/near-infrared spectrometry, ultrasound, and distributed fiber optic temperature measurement.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Decaf: Decoupled Dataflows for In Situ High-Performance Workflows

Decaf is a dataflow system for the parallel communication of coupled tasks in an HPC workflow. The dataflow can perform arbitrary data transformations ranging from simply forwarding data to complex data redistribution. Decaf does this by allowing the user to allocate resources and execute custom code in the dataflow. All communication through the dataflow is efficient parallel message passing over MPI. The runtime for calling tasks is entirely message-driven; Decaf executes a task when all messages for the task have been received. Such a messagedriven runtime allows cyclic task dependencies in the workflow graph, for example, to enact computational steering based on the result of downstream tasks. Decaf includes a simple Python API for describing the workflow graph. This allows Decaf to stand alone as a complete workflow system, but Decaf can also be used as the dataflow layer by one or more other workflow systems to form a heterogeneous task-based computing environment. In one experiment, we couple a molecular dynamics code with a visualization tool using the FlowVR and Damaris workflow systems and Decaf for the dataflow. In another experiment, we test the coupling of a cosmology code with Voronoi tessellation and density estimation codes using MPI for the simulation, the DIY programming model for the two analysis codes, and Decaf for the dataflow. Such workflows consisting of heterogeneous software infrastructures exist because components are developed separately with different programming models and runtimes, and this is the first time that such heterogeneous coupling of diverse components was demonstrated in situ on HPC systems.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Visualizing Macro-Dataflow Graph Final Report CRADA No. TSB-0725-93

The goal of this collaborative effort was to develop a data-flow graphics tool (DFG) to visualize the execution of macro-dataflow graphs. LSI incorporated DFG into their graphic user interface to support parallel code development_ and text handling for natural language applications. The CRADA applied LLNL' s expertise in high-performance parallel programming systems based on the dataflow paradigm.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Creating an Interprocedural Analyst-Oriented Data Flow Representation for Binary Analysts (CIAO)

National security missions require understanding third-party software binaries, a key element of which is reasoning about how data flows through a program. However, vulnerability analysts protecting software lack adequate tools for understanding data flow in binaries. To reduce the human time burden for these analysts, we used human factors methods in a rolling discovery process to derive user-centric visual representation requirements. We encountered three main challenges: analysis projects span weeks, analysis goals significantly affect approaches and required knowledge, and analyst tools, techniques, conventions, and prioritization are based on personal preference. To address these challenges, we initially focused our human factors methods on an attack surface characterization task. We generalized our results using a two-stage modified sorting task, creating requirements for a data flow visualization. We implemented these requirements partially in manual static visualizations, which we informally evaluated, and partially in automatically generated interactive visualizations, which have yet to be integrated into workflows for evaluation. Our observations and results indicate that 1) this data flow visualization has the potential to enable novel code navigation, information presentation, and information sharing, and 2) it is an excellent time to pursue research applying human factors methods to binary analysis workflows.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Plant Disease Detection Technology Assessment

Visual inspections by US Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists have identified approximately 20,000 regulated, quarantined pests each year in agricultural products entering the United States. Most of these pests identified in the Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection (AQI) program are insects. Many pathogens are difficult to detect in agricultural products, particularly in early stages of infection. New technologies can help to detect plant pathogens and the diseases that they cause. This technology assessment was performed for the US Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) through the Food, Agriculture, and Veterinary Defense (FAV-D) program to identify emerging technologies that could address this hard problem. These emerging technologies differ in their diagnostic sensitivities and specificities, as well as in their measurement time and training requirements. New instruments that detect volatile organic compounds characteristic of plant disease or pathogens could provide a less invasive inspection method. Dogs, which can successfully detect many concealed agricultural products, have also been trained to detect some plant pests and pathogens. Simple immunological tests offer sensitive and specific detection of many pathogens at the point of use. Advanced imaging methods that use AI to sort fruits and vegetables and recognize anomalies at high speeds could be used in cooperation with exporters to improve food quality and reduce pests. Advances in nucleic acid–based detection methods that have become gold standards for confirmatory diagnostics are now making those methods available for faster, point-of-use detection. These new methods should be developed in the context of AQI operational requirements, which apply risk-based sampling protocols to protect agriculture and facilitate commerce and passenger transit.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Tour Robot Dance

This program exercises the robotic elements in Oracle Storage Tek tape libraries. This is useful for two known cases: 1.) shaking out marginal or new hardware by ensuring hardware robustness under high-duty usage. 2.) ensuring tape libraries are visually interesting during datacenter tours

Cleary, Geoff↗

An interactive machine learning platform for analyzing multi-particle coincidence data from cold target recoil ion momentum spectroscopy

We present SCULPT (Supervised Clustering and Uncovering Latent Patterns with Training), a comprehensive software platform for analyzing tabulated high-dimensional multi-particle coincidence data from Cold Target Recoil Ion Momentum Spectroscopy (COLTRIMS) experiments. The software addresses critical challenges in modern momentum spectroscopy by integrating advanced machine learning techniques with physics-informed analysis in an interactive web-based environment. SCULPT implements uniform manifold approximation and projection for non-linear dimensionality reduction to reveal correlations in high-dimensional data. We also discuss potential extensions to deep autoencoders for feature learning and genetic programming for automated discovery of physically meaningful observables. A novel adaptive confidence scoring system provides quantitative reliability assessments by evaluating user-selected clustering quality metrics with predefined weights that reflect each metric’s robustness. The platform features configurable molecular profiles for different experimental systems, interactive visualization with selection tools, and comprehensive data filtering capabilities. Utilizing a subset of SCULPT’s capabilities, we analyze photo-double-ionization data measured using the COLTRIMS method for three-body dissociation of the D 2 O molecule, revealing distinct fragmentation channels and their correlations with physics parameters. The software’s modular architecture and web-based implementation make it accessible to the broader atomic and molecular physics community, significantly reducing the time required for complex multi-dimensional analyses. This opens the door to finding and isolating rare events exhibiting non-linear correlations on the fly during experimental measurements, which can help steer exploration and improve the efficiency of experiments.

Artificial neural networks↗

Input visualization for the Cyclus nuclear fuel cycle simulator: CYClus Input Control

This paper discusses and demonstrates the methods used for the graphical user interface for the Cyclus fuel cycle simulator being developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Cyclus Input Control (CYCIC) is currently being designed with nuclear engineers in mind, but future updates to the program will be made to allow even non-technical users to quickly and efficiently simulate fuel cycles to answer the questions important to them. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Department of Energy's Biological and Environmental Research Strategic Data Roadmap for Earth System Science

Rapid advances in experimental, sensor, and computational technologies and techniques are driving exponential growth in the volume, acquisition rate, variety, and complexity of scientific data. This wealth of scientifically meaningful data has tremendous potential to lead to scientific discovery. However, to achieve scientific breakthroughs, these data must be exploitable—they must be analyzed effectively and efficiently and the results shared and communicated easily within the wider Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Biological and Environmental Research (BER) Climate and Environmental Sciences Division (CESD) community. The explosion in data complexity and scale makes these tasks exceedingly difficult to achieve, particularly given that an increasing number of disciplines are working across techniques, integrating simulation and experimental or observational results (see Table 5 in Appendix 2). Consequently, we need new approaches to data management, analysis, and visualization that provide research teams with easy-to-use and scalable end-to-end solutions. These solutions must facilitate (and where feasible, automate and capture) every stage in the data lifecycle (shown in Figure 1), from collection to management, annotation, sharing, discovery, analysis, and visualization. In addition, the core functionalities are the same across climate science communities, but they require customization to adapt to specific needs and fit into research and analysis workflows. To this end, the mission of CESD’s Data and Informatics Program is to integrate all existing and future distributed CESD data holdings into a seamless and unified environment for the acceleration of Earth system science.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Status of the Full Circumference Examination of the Inner Container Closure Weld Region for Selected 3013 DE Container

One of the main focus areas of the 3013 Surveillance Program is a thorough evaluation of the inner container closure weld region (ICCWR) opened for destructive examination (DE). As part of the protocol to investigate the corrosion in the ICCWR a laser confocal microscope (LCM) is used to perform close visual examination of the surface and measurements of corrosion features on the surface. In FY17, DE containers from FY13 through FY16 were evaluated to select candidates for a full circumference analysis of the ICCWR. In FY18, the selected DE containers for full circumference evaluation (FCE) were processed according to the ICCWR protocol. However, due to the time intensive task for collecting high magnification images for a full circumference, only FY15 DE07 was selected for completion of LCM data collection in FY18 with the remaining DE containers scheduled to be completed in FY19.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

FY19 Status of the Full Circumference Examination of the Inner Container Closure Weld Region for Selected 3013 DE Containers

One of the main focus areas of the 3013 Surveillance Program is a thorough evaluation of the inner container closure weld region (ICCWR) opened for destructive examination (DE). As part of the protocol to investigate the corrosion in the ICCWR a laser confocal microscope (LCM) is used to perform close visual examination of the surface and measurements of corrosion features on the surface. In FY17, DE containers from FY13 through FY16 were evaluated to select candidates for a full circumference analysis of the ICCWR. In FY18, the selected DE containers for full circumference evaluation (FCE) were processed according to the ICCWR protocol and LCM data collection was completed for the full circumference only for FY15 DE07. In FY19 the remaining DE containers were completed. The ICCWR protocol was completed as follows: (1) the FCE containers were sectioned into quarters and the weld removed to access the ICCWR; (2) a series of images of the ICCWR full circumference were taken using a stereo microscope and assembled into panoramic views; (3) SEM/EDS analysis performed on selected sections showed what is most likely corrosion products on the surface and chlorides randomly dispersed; (4) the presence of chlorides was also confirmed with ion chromatography of citric acid washes, in which FY15 DE07 and FY16 DE05 showed a significant amount of chlorides with FY15 DE08 showing the less amount of chlorides; (5) dye penetrant examination was performed on the interior and exterior surfaces of all the sidewall sections but reveled no relevant indication of surface-breaking defects, (6) finally, as described above, the full circumference examination of the ICCWR by LCM was completed. The three ICCWRs show general and localized corrosion on the surface. However, FY15 DE08 show more areas with agglomerated pits in Zones 2 and 3 than the other two DEs. The major suspect corrosion events were observed for FY15 DE07 on Sections C1 and C2 and for FY15 DE08 on Section C2. These events correspond to suspect cracks or crack-like features identified with a unique name to easily refer to each feature. FY15 DE07 shows a crack-like feature, identified as Acrux, in Section C1 and three features in Section C2 identified as Bellatrix, Cursa Minor and Cursa Major. Acrux and Bellatrix are located at the boundary of Zone 2 and Zone 3. Cursa Minor and Cursa Major are in Zone 2. FY15 DE08 shows two crack-like features, identified as Denebola and Draco, in Section C2. Both features are located at the boundary of Zone 2 and Zone 3. However, gas analysis and statistical evaluation of the gas compositions and pressures via GEST analyses suggest that leakage between the OI and IC volumes was unlikely. Additional characterization and analysis will be performed on the locations where the cracks were found.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Status of the Characterization of DEs from the Full Circumference Examination of the Inner Container Closure Weld Region (FY2020)

One of the main focus areas of the 3013 Surveillance Program is a thorough evaluation of the inner container closure weld region (ICCWR) opened for destructive examination (DE). As part of the protocol to investigate the corrosion in the ICCWR a laser confocal microscope (LCM) is used to perform close visual examination of the surface and measurements of corrosion features on the surface. DE containers from FY13 through FY16 were screened with three candidates selected for full circumference evaluation (FCE) according to the ICCWR examination protocol, During the FCE, FY16 DE05 and FY15 DE07 showed suspect major corrosion events, FY16 DE05 Section C2 shows two crack-like features, identified as Denebola and Draco. Both features are located at the boundary of Zone 2 and Zone 3. Consequently, Section C2 of FY16 DE05 was selected for examination by serial metallography at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). For FY15 DE07 the suspect corrosion events were observed on Sections Cl and C2. Section Cl shows one crack-like feature, identified as Acrux. Section C2 shows three crack-like features, identified as Bellatrix, Cursa Minor and Cursa Major. Unlike Acrux and Bellatrix, which are located at the boundary of Zone 2 and Zone 3, Cursa Minor and Cursa Major are located in Zone 2. Sections Cl and C2 of FY15 DE07 were sent to Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANE) for characterization by X-Ray Tomography (XRT).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Wide Area 3D Measurement System for Analysis of 3013 Inner Container Closure Weld Region

One of the main focus areas of the 3013 Surveillance Program is a thorough evaluation of the inner container closure weld region (ICCWR) opened for destructive examination (DE). As part of the protocol to investigate the corrosion in the ICCWR, a laser confocal microscope (LCM) is used to perform close visual examination of the surface and to measure corrosion features on the surface. However, in FY20, the introduction of the Wide Area 3D Measurement System (WAMS) was tested as a method for faster inspection of the ICCWR. Optimization of the WAMS parameters for data collection was carried out using a generic tear-drop type sample containing large and fine Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) fractures and high resolution images were compared to the image obtained with the LCM. Although the image with the LCM shows higher resolution than the WAMS images, the small features can be still identified in the WAMS images. The advantage of collecting data for the full circumference using the WAMS is that it can take about a week to complete, which represents 1/16 of the time needed with the LCM. Nonetheless, both systems offer capabilities that combined can be utilized to expedite the examination of the ICCWR. The WAMS can be utilized to obtain images for faster screening or identification of corrosion features on the surface while the LCM can be utilized to obtain higher resolution images of those areas identified by the WAMS.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Evaluating FRI3D for Cost Savings in Fire Hazard Analysis at DOE Sites

A fire hazard analysis, required for many U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, is a complex, cumbersome, and costly process. Fire hazard analyses may be viewed as a checkbox, but ideally and in spirit with the DOE-STD-1066, the fire hazard analysis (FHA) should be a part of the workflow and used to help in modifications, maintenance, and improving operational safety. With current FHA development processes, it is both time and cost prohibitive for true integration. A tool called Fire Risk Investigation in 3D or FRI3D was developed under the DOE Light Water Reactor Sustainability program to simplify and automate many aspects of a fire probabilistic risk analysis for existing nuclear power plants. The FRI3D tool automates fire scenarios by combining approved fire simulation codes, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission fire calculations methods, 3D modeling and visualization, and probabilistic risk analysis models into a single workflow supported with a user interface. FRI3D was initially designed for used in combination with a PRA, this case study, evaluated using FRI3D for a plant modification, determined the benefits that detailed fire modeling can have for U.S. Department of Energy facilities with or without a PRA model. It also looked at what tasks from DOE requirements could be reduced using the tool and what is needed to integrate fire hazard analysis into site workflow.

97 - MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

SNF Data Visualization on the Centralized Used Fuel Resource for Information Exchange (CURIE) Website

To better inform stakeholders regarding the nature of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) at utility sites, an online data visualization system has been created for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy (DOENE). The data visualization system is part of the Centralized Used Fuel Resource for Information Exchange (CURIE) website, hosted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for DOE-NE. The visualization employs a database that is part of an analysis tool known as the Used Nuclear Fuel Storage, Transportation and Disposal Analysis Resource and Data System (UNF-ST[and]DARDS). Because many of the previous document management and sharing tools related to SNF have been terminated (or are inaccessible), a new tool, the CURIE, was developed for DOE-NE and launched on March 1, 2013 at http://curie.ornl.gov. In addition to supporting DOE SNF programs, CURIE is a national resource that is accessible to industry, vendor, federal, and laboratory partners, as well as other stakeholders. CURIE's architecture was initially based on previous work that supported DOE's Bioenergy Technologies Office on the Bioenergy Knowledge Discovery Framework (KDF). The site uses an open-source search engine, Apache Solr, which provides intuitive search results based on a faceted search method similar to that used by Amazon.com{sup R}. This algorithm helps to ensure that finding documents and data is straightforward. SNF data visualization capability was added to the CURIE website which provides a capability to post and access documents and data related to the management of SNF. CURIE currently maintains over 4,100 documents and the Siting Experience Database (SED), which was developed in response to a near-term recommendation by the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future (BRC). The SED is a database of the experience that has been gained and relevant documentation that has been produced in efforts to site nuclear waste facilities, both in the US and abroad. Most of these documents are publicly accessible. In addition, CURIE maintains a current calendar of related events, an SNF image gallery, featured documents, and external links to related databases and websites. CURIE also maintains private groups (or communities) to facilitate collaborative development through sharing and editing documents that are not publicly available. There are more than 250 registered users in 23 different communities within CURIE.ORNL has also been developing UNF-ST[and]DARDS to provide a controlled source of technical data for various waste management system analysis/evaluation tools, access to key technical data, and analysis capabilities for characterizing the SNF inventory. UNF-ST[and]DARDS also provides enhanced capabilities to assess safety, risk, and uncertainty throughout the integrated waste management system. This paper describes the UNF-ST[and]DARDS data available for visualization and the associated visualization techniques used by CURIE to display this data.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Investigation of Correlation Methods for Use in Criticality Safety

Although their adoption by practitioners has been limited, the introduction of similarity indices in criticality safety was a major step forward in reducing the reliance on expert judgement in discerning applicable experiments for the validation of new appliations in criticality safety analyses. Similarity indices have been successfully employed in bias trending and data assimilation techniques, but it is often unclear which acceptance criteria should be used. In their 2004 paper, Broadhead et al. specify the most widely used similarity parameter, ck, as an acceptance cutoff at 0.9. (Broadhead et al., ”Sensitivity and Uncertainty-Based Criticality Safety Validation Techniques,” Nucl. Sci. Eng. 146, 340–366, 2004). Experiments with a ck < 0.9 are often not considered applicable for code validation. This heuristic is based on quantitative studies and engineering judgement, but in some cases, experiments with ck < 0.9 can be used to accurately estimate computational bias. This suggests that further analysis is needed to determine what components of ck are driving applicability and accuracy in bias estimation. For cases in which applicable experiments may not be available (as is the case with UF6 transport canisters), understanding what distinguishes experiments in providing adequate bias estimates aside from just the similarity index is particularly necessary. To further the goal to better interpret ck values, several visualization tools were developed to assist in the investigation of which components of ck are driving applicability.

ck↗

Elucidation of a Metastable p(2 × 1) O Atom Adlayer Structure on Cu(111)

Cu-based catalysts are ubiquitous in many industrial reactions, including methanol synthesis. Under partially oxidizing conditions, Cu catalysts can have dynamic surface structures that greatly influence their reactivities. Therefore, elucidating the surface structures that are present on Cu, and looking for metastable structures, aids in the long term goal of understanding and controlling their catalytic behavior. Thin-film copper oxides such as the “29” and “44” structures have been described at length in the literature, but precursors to these thin-film oxides can be challenging to study because they exist only under certain conditions. Using a combination of experimental and computational surface science techniques, we discovered, modeled, and quantified a previously unreported O atom adlayer structure on Cu(111) with a p(2 × 1) unit cell. Here, we used scanning tunneling microscopy to visualize the striped 2 × 1 structure and density functional theory (DFT) structure optimizations to identify the thermodynamically most favorable positions of Cu and O atoms in a p(2 × 1) unit cell. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and temperature-programmed desorption, we determined the stoichiometry of the structure to be 2:1 for surface Cu atoms to O adatoms, the same stoichiometry as that modeled by DFT. This work reports a new metastable structure formed on Cu(111) at the very initial stages of oxidation and is therefore worth considering in models of catalytically relevant redox processes at Cu surfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗