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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 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

OpenET: Filling a Critical Data Gap in Water Management for the Western United States

The lack of consistent, accurate information on evapotranspiration (ET) and consumptive use of water by irrigated agriculture is one of the most important data gaps for water managers in the western United States (U.S.) and other arid agricultural regions globally. The ability to easily access information on ET is central to improving water budgets across the West, advancing the use of data-driven irrigation management strategies, and expanding incentive-driven conservation programs. Recent advances in remote sensing of ET have led to the development of multiple approaches for field-scale ET mapping that have been used for local and regional water resource management applications by U.S. state and federal agencies. The OpenET project is a community-driven effort that is building upon these advances to develop an operational system for generating and distributing ET data at a field scale using an ensemble of six well-established satellite-based approaches for mapping ET. Key objectives of OpenET include: Increasing access to remotely sensed ET data through a web-based data explorer and data services; supporting the use of ET data for a range of water resource management applications; and development of use cases and training resources for agricultural producers and water resource managers. Here we describe the OpenET framework, including the models used in the ensemble, the satellite, meteorological, and ancillary data inputs to the system, and the OpenET data visualization and access tools. We also summarize an extensive intercomparison and accuracy assessment conducted using ground measurements of ET from 139 flux tower sites instrumented with open path eddy covariance systems. Results calculated for 24 cropland sites from Phase I of the intercomparison and accuracy assessment demonstrate strong agreement between the satellite-driven ET models and the flux tower ET data. For the six models that have been evaluated to date (ALEXI/DisALEXI, eeMETRIC, geeSEBAL, PT-JPL, SIMS, and SSEBop) and the ensemble mean, the weighted average mean absolute error (MAE) values across all sites range from 13.6 to 21.6 mm/month at a monthly timestep, and 0.74 to 1.07 mm/day at a daily timestep. At seasonal time scales, for all but one of the models the weighted mean total ET is within ±8% of both the ensemble mean and the weighted mean total ET calculated from the flux tower data. Overall, the ensemble mean performs as well as any individual model across nearly all accuracy statistics for croplands, though some individual models may perform better for specific sites and regions. We conclude with three brief use cases to illustrate current applications and benefits of increased access to ET data, and discuss key lessons learned from the development of OpenET.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Improving FERRY: Visualization, Refactoring, and Testing

The Frontier Experiment RegistRY System (FERRY) is a metadata database that contains information about employees, the groups and experiments they belong to, and grid mapping and quota management for the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. It is predominantly used to acquire user information. FERRY is accessed through the use of APIs (Application Programming Interface), shown in Figure 1. Corresponding attributes are then displayed for the user in JSON (Java Script Object Notation) format. The goal of this project has been to build upon and improve aspects of FERRY. Including the refactoring of the code, building a visual interface, and creating a testing system for FERRY’s APIs.

Segura, Antonio Thomas↗
DOE OSTI2022

Root system architecture and environmental flux analysis in mature crops using 3D root mesocosms

Current methods of root sampling typically only obtain small or incomplete sections of root systems and do not capture their true complexity. To facilitate the visualization and analysis of full-sized plant root systems in 3-dimensions, we developed customized mesocosm growth containers. While highly scalable, the design presented here uses an internal volume of 45 ft 3 (1.27 m 3 ), suitable for large crop and bioenergy grass root systems to grow largely unconstrained. Furthermore, they allow for the excavation and preservation of 3-dimensional root system architecture (RSA), and facilitate the collection of time-resolved subterranean environmental data. Sensor arrays monitoring matric potential, temperature and CO 2 levels are buried in a grid formation at various depths to assess environmental fluxes at regular intervals. Methods of 3D data visualization of fluxes were developed to allow for comparison with root system architectural traits. Following harvest, the recovered root system can be digitally reconstructed in 3D through photogrammetry, which is an inexpensive method requiring only an appropriate studio space and a digital camera. We developed a pipeline to extract features from the 3D point clouds, or from derived skeletons that include point cloud voxel number as a proxy for biomass, total root system length, volume, depth, convex hull volume and solidity as a function of depth. Ground-truthing these features with biomass measurements from manually dissected root systems showed a high correlation. We evaluated switchgrass, maize, and sorghum root systems to highlight the capability for species wide comparisons. We focused on two switchgrass ecotypes, upland (VS16) and lowland (WBC3), in identical environments to demonstrate widely different root system architectures that may be indicative of core differences in their rhizoeconomic foraging strategies. Finally, we imposed a strong physiological water stress and manipulated the growth medium to demonstrate whole root system plasticity in response to environmental stimuli. Hence, these new “3D Root Mesocosms” and accompanying computational analysis provides a new paradigm for study of mature crop systems and the environmental fluxes that shape them.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Evaluating adaptive and predictive power management strategies for optimizing visualization performance on supercomputers

Power is becoming an increasingly scarce resource on the next generation of supercomputers, and should be used wisely to improve overall performance. One strategy for improving power usage is hardware overprovisioning, i.e., systems with more nodes than can be run at full power simultaneously without exceeding the system-wide power limit. With this study, we compare two strategies for allocating power throughout an overprovisioned system – adaptation and prediction – in the context of visualization workloads. While adaptation has been suitable for workloads with more regular execution behaviors, it may not be as suitable on visualization workloads, since they can have variable execution behaviors. This study considers a total of 104 experiments, which vary the rendering workload, power budget, allocation strategy, and node concurrency, including tests processing data sets up to 1 billion cells and using up to 18,432 cores across 512 nodes. Overall, we find that prediction is a superior strategy for this use case, improving performance up to 27% compared to an adaptive strategy.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2017

Performance Analysis of Large Scale HPC Workflows for Earth System Models

Climate assessment reports, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 5th assesment report [IPCC AR5; IPCC et al., 2014] or the United States National Climate Assessment [U.S. Global Change Research Program, 2014], increasingly rely on many-ensemble climate projections from fully-coupled Earth system models (ESM) to asses possible future climate states. ESM participate in a large set of Coupled Model Intercomparson Projects (CMIP) to better understand their models and the climate system, so that they may provide credible climate projections. However, fully participating in these intercomparison exercises represents an extremely large computational personnel burden for modeling centers [Eyring et al., 2016, Williams et al., 2016a]. However, there has been little attention within the climate modeling community paid to the in situ performance of ESMs up until now. Recently a computational performance model intercomparison project (CPMIP) for CMIP6 has begun [Balaji et al., 2017], but there has not yet been an effort to gather, process, and analyze the historical performance data that has been saved within archived log files from previous modeling efforts, nor the development of performance analysis system capable of providing detailed statistical analyses or visualizations of this performance data. Therefore, we’ve begun a joint effort to analyze the historical and current performance data on both GFDL and OLCF modeling systems. Here, we have developed a preliminary performance analysis system to captue, analyize, and visualize end-to-end in situ performance data and applied it to NOAA/GFDL’s post-processing system. Through the course of the project a number of performance improvements have been made, with the steps necessary to handle the expected volume of data (Big Data) likely to come out of the CMIP6 exercises (TB to PB) provided. We have also begun developing a statistical workload model that will allow modeling centers to determined their expected scientific throughput in the context of expected resource (computational and personnel) availability and accounting for typical workflow disruptions. This will allow them to develop a CMIP participation strategy and maximize their level of participation in the exercises. We expect this infrastructure, and the data it produces, to ultimately allow us to identify performance issues and workflow errors that exist across Earth system modeling centers, and possibly HPC modeling centers in general. Center-independent solutions to workflow or performance issues would help alleviate the computational burden for CMIP6+ modeling projects and should realize both labor and cost savings benefits throughout the CMIP community.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Systems and methods of generating a chart matrix in a data visualization region

An exemplary method of generating a chart matrix comprises outputting a user interface (UI) comprising a row header UI section, a column header UI section, and a grid header UI section in a headers UI section, outputting a chart matrix defined by associating a first data dimension corresponding to a data dimension placed in a first position in the row header with a row edge of the chart matrix, and a second data dimension corresponding to a data dimension placed in a first position in the column header with a column edge of the chart matrix, outputting two or more charts nested within each of two or more cells of the chart matrix, providing a user option to perform a drill operation on a selected member displayed in the chart matrix, and outputting, in response to the user input to perform the drill operation, a modified chart matrix.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Systems and methods of generating color saturated data marks in data visualizations

A method of displaying data visualizations includes retrieving a dataset from a multidimensional database, where the dataset includes a plurality of fields, including first and second fields, and the first field is a data hierarchy that includes multiple subfields. The method further includes displaying a GUI with a first region displaying the plurality of fields (with the first field in a collapsed state), a second region with a plurality of shelves, and a third region. In response to receiving a user action to display the first field in an expanded state, the method displays the first field and the multiple subfields in a hierarchical structure. The method receives additional user actions to: (i) associate a first subfield of the plurality with a first shelf, and (ii) associate the second field with a second shelf, and then displays, in accordance with the user actions, a data visualization in the third region.

Stolte, Chris↗
DOE OSTI2025

Isochronous and period-doubling diagrams for symplectic maps of the plane

Symplectic mappings of the plane serve as key models for exploring the fundamental nature of complex behavior in nonlinear systems. Central to this exploration is the effective visualization of stability regimes, which enables the interpretation of how systems evolve under varying conditions. While the area-preserving quadratic Hénon map has received significant theoretical attention, a comprehensive description of its mixed parameter-space dynamics remain lacking. This limitation arises from early attempts to reduce the full two-dimensional phase space to a one-dimensional projection, a simplification that resulted in the loss of important dynamical features. Consequently, there is a clear need for a more thorough understanding of the underlying qualitative aspects. This paper aims to address this gap by revisiting the foundational concepts of reversibility and associated symmetries, first explored in the early works of G.D. Birkhoff. We extend the original framework proposed by Hénon by adding a period-doubling diagram to his isochronous diagram, which allows to represents the system’s bifurcations and the groups of symmetric periodic orbits that emerge in typical bifurcations of the fixed point. A qualitative and quantitative explanation of the main features of the region of parameters with bounded motion is provided, along with the application of this technique to other symplectic mappings, including cases of multiple reversibility. Modern chaos indicators, such as the Reversibility Error Method (REM) and the Generalized Alignment Index (GALI), are employed to distinguish between various dynamical regimes in the mixed space of variables and parameters. These tools prove effective in differentiating regular and chaotic dynamics, as well as in identifying twistless orbits and their associated bifurcations. Additionally, we discuss the application of these methods to real-world problems, such as visualizing dynamic aperture in accelerator physics, where our findings have direct relevance.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Investigation of Relevant Distribution System Representation With DG for Voltage Stability Margin Assessment

This paper emphasizes the importance of including unbalanced distribution systems for voltage stability studies in power systems. The paper aims to: discuss the various simulation methods for power system analysis; highlight the need for modeling unbalanced distribution system for accurate load margin assessment; demonstrate the influence of net-load unbalance (NLU) on voltage stability margin (VSM). We also share a T&D co-simulation interface with commercial power system solvers. The distribution system is evolving rapidly with high proliferation of distributed energy resources (DERs); these are not guaranteed to proliferate in a balanced manner and uncertainty resulting due to these DERs is well acknowledged. These uncertainties cannot be captured or visualized without representing the distribution system in detail along with the transmission system. We show the impact of proliferation of DERs in various 3-phase proportions on voltage stability margin through T&D co-simulation. We also study the impact of volt/VAR control on voltage stability margin. This analysis is only possible by representing the distribution system in detail through T&D co-simulation. In conclusion, higher percentage of net-load unbalance (NLU) in distribution system aggravates the voltage stability margin of the distribution system, which can further negatively influence the overall voltage stability margin of the system.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Applications of Thermochemical Modeling in Molten Salt Reactors

The extensively evaluated and consistent thermodynamic database, the Molten Salt Thermal Properties Database—Thermochemical (MSTDB-TC), was used along with additional thermodynamic values from other sources as examples of ways to examine molten salt reactor (MSR) fuel behavior. Relative stability with respect to halide potential and temperature for likely fuel and fission product components were mapped in Ellingham diagrams for the chloride and fluoride systems. The Ellingham diagrams provide a rich, visual means for identifying halide-forming components in proposed fuel/solvent salt systems. Thermochemical models and values from MSTDB-TC and ancillary sources were used in global equilibrium calculations to provide compositions for a close analysis of the behavior of a possible Molten Chloride Salt Fast Reactor and a Molten Salt Reactor Experiment-type system at high burnup (100 GWd/t). The results illustrated the oxidative nature of burnup in MSRs and provided information about redox behavior and possible control.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

The ParFlow Sandtank: An interactive educational tool making invisible groundwater visible

Physical aquifer models are a highly effective teaching tool for hydrology education, however they come with inherent limitations that include the high cost to purchase, the static configuration of the model materials, the time required to visualize hydrogeological phenomena, and the effort to reset and clean them over time. To address these and other limitations, we have developed an interactive computer simulation of a physical aquifer model called the ParFlow Sandtank. In this gamified interface, users run the simulation using a familiar web-app like interface with sliders and buttons while learning real hydrologic concepts. Our user interface allows participants to dive into the world of hydrology, understanding assumptions about model parameters such as hydraulic conductivity, making decisions about inputs to groundwater aquifer systems such as pumping rates, visualizing outputs such as stream flow, transport, and saturation, and exploring various factors that impact real environmental systems such as climate change. The ParFlow Sandtank has already been used in a variety of educational settings with more than 9,000 users per year, and we feel this emerging educational tool can be used broadly in educational environments and can be scaled-up to provide greater accessibility for students and educators. Here we present the capabilities and workflow of the ParFlow Sandtank, two use cases, and additional tools and custom templates that have been developed to support and enhance the reach of the ParFlow Sandtank.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Pulsar Movement Animation and its Corresponding Signal Visualization for Timing Source

The global positioning system, widely used for synchronization in energy systems, faces vulnerabilities, while Pulsars—natural cosmic clocks—offer long-term stability as potential backup timing sources. Existing research lacks sufficient exploration of Pulsar signal animation under astrophysical factors, limiting practical applications. This study establishes a mathematical model based on the rotation dynamics of dual-beam Pulsars and implements dynamic signal visualization through MATLAB. The model dynamically illustrates the relative motion between Pulsar beams and observers via timeline calculations, beam intensity modeling, and rotation matrix derivation. A case study on the millisecond Pulsar J1939+2134 reveals that observer angles influence signal peak timing, while beam widths determine signal duration, highlighting the critical role of parameter calibration for timing accuracy. Open-source code and animation results are publicly shared, providing tools for interdisciplinary research. This study validates the feasibility of Pulsar-based timing in energy systems, offering new insights to enhance synchronization robustness.

Wu, Ori [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000326723410)↗
DOE OSTI2014

A small, novel, remote in-vessel inspection system for the Alcator C-Mod tokamak

A small vigorous system has been built for in-situ visual inspection of the Alcator C-Mod tokamak. The system consists of a small, light, wide-angle high definition camera and LED package housed in a nacelle on the end of thin, rigid, 3.5 m long support pole. The nacelle has two actuated degrees of freedom allowing the camera to observe nearly 4π steradians. The support pole has a specific slight curve that allows it to pass to either side of the center column of the tokamak to observe the entirety of the vessel interior, while still fitting through the small aspect ratio Alcator C-Mod vacuum port structure. The support pole and camera can enter the vessel through any horizontal vacuum port with an inner diameter greater than 4 cm, thus a dedicated port is not required. The inspection is typically undertaken during maintenance periods when the vessel is filled with a noble gas near atmospheric pressure thus minimizing the influx of water vapor and the concomitant loss of wall conditioning. The system is operated manually, producing photos and video which are reviewed in near real-time. Nearly the entire vessel, including the plasma facing components, can be carefully inspected in 3–5 h. The system provides improved characterization of the interior components and surfaces of the tokamak with a modest engineering and operational effort. Information collected from the system has identified damage to plasma facing components that were interfering with tokamak operation, as well as damage to mechanical components which were redesigned during the remainder of the campaign, thereby enhancing program planning.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Topological superconductivity in skyrmion lattices

Atomic manipulation and interface engineering techniques have provided an intriguing approach to custom-designing topological superconductors and the ensuing Majorana zero modes, representing a paradigm for the realization of topological quantum computing and topology-based devices. Magnet-superconductor hybrid (MSH) systems have proven to be experimentally suitable to engineer topological superconductivity through the control of both the complex structure of its magnetic layer and the interface properties of the superconducting surface. Here, we demonstrate that two-dimensional MSH systems containing a magnetic skyrmion lattice provide an unprecedented ability to control the emergence of topological phases. By changing the skyrmion radius, which can be achieved experimentally through an external magnetic field, one can tune between different topological superconducting phases, allowing one to explore their unique properties and the transitions between them. In these MSH systems, Josephson scanning tunneling spectroscopy spatially visualizes one of the most crucial aspects underlying the emergence of topological superconductivity, the spatial structure of the induced spin–triplet correlations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Coupling Visualization, Simulation, and Deep Learning for Ensemble Steering of Complex Energy Models

We describe a new framework that allows users to explore and steer ensembles of energy systems simulations by coupling multiple energy models and interactive visualization through a dataflow API. Through the visual interface, users can interactively explore complex parameter spaces populated by hundreds, or thousands, of simulation runs and interactively spawn new simulations to 'fill in' regions of interest in the parameter space. The computational and visualization capabilities reside within a general-purpose dataflow architecture for connecting producers of multidimensional timeseries data, such as energy simulations, with consumers of that data, whether they be visualizations, statistical analyses, or datastores. Fast computation and agile dataflow can enhance the engagement with energy simulations, allowing users to populate the parameter space in real time. However, many energy simulations are far too slow to provide an interactive response. To support interactive feedback, we are creating reduced-form simulations developed through machine learning techniques, which provide statistically sound estimates of the results of the full simulations at a fraction of the computational cost. These reduced-form simulations have response times on the order of seconds, suitable for real-time human-in-the-loop design and analysis. The approximation methods apply to a wide range of computational models, including supply-chain models, electric power grid simulations, and building models. Such reduced-form representations do not replace or re-implement existing simulations, but instead supplement them by enabling rapid scenario design and exploration for large ensembles of simulations. The improved understanding, facilitated by the reduced-form models, dataflow API, and visualization tools, allows researchers to better allocate computational resources to capture informative relationships within the system as well as provide a low-cost method for validating and quality-checking large-scale modeling efforts.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗