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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 433 records · Page 24

Efficient Multi-Dimensional Simulation of Quantum Confinement Effects in Advanced MOS Devices

We investigate the density-gradient (DG) transport model for efficient multi-dimensional simulation of quantum confinement effects in advanced MOS devices. The formulation of the DG model is described as a quantum correction to the classical drift-diffusion model. Quantum confinement effects are shown to be significant in sub-100nm MOSFETs. In thin-oxide MOS capacitors, quantum effects may reduce gate capacitance by 25% or more. As a result, the inclusion or quantum effects in simulations dramatically improves the match between C-V simulations and measurements for oxide thickness down to 2 nm. Significant quantum corrections also occur in the I-V characteristics of short-channel (30 to 100 nm) n-MOSFETs, with current drive reduced by up to 70%. This effect is shown to result from reduced inversion charge due to quantum confinement of electrons in the channel. Also, subthreshold slope is degraded by 15 to 20 mV/decade with the inclusion of quantum effects via the density-gradient model, and short channel effects (in particular, drain-induced barrier lowering) are noticeably increased.

Biegel, Bryan A.↗

Recent Improvements in Pronghorn for Advanced Reactor Modeling

Pronghorn is a thermal-hydraulics computational tool developed using the Idaho National Laboratory's Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE). It is designed to support Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, ranging from subchannel and porous media analysis to Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence modeling. As an integral part of the MOOSE-based suite of tools, Pronghorn seamlessly couples with other MOOSE-based applications to simulate a variety of physical phenomena. This article highlights recent significant enhancements to Pronghorn's CFD modeling capabilities and demonstrates their application to advanced nuclear reactor designs. The recent improvements in Pronghorn primarily focus on modifications to its turbulence modeling capabilities, near-wall corrections and numerical schemes. In terms of turbulence modeling, the two-equation $k-\epsilon$ and $k-\omega$ SST models have been implemented and validated with both equilibrium and non-equilibrium wall treatments. Additionally, corrections for wall roughness, and curvature, and wall-channeling in pebble beds have been introduced in the near-wall modeling. These developments enable more accurate simulations of advanced nuclear reactors. Two case studies are presented in this work: a pool-type Molten Chloride Reactor and a salt-cooled Pebble-Bed High Temperature Reactor. In both cases, the previous models in Pronghorn are compared with the new implementations, demonstrating the improved accuracy achieved with the updated models.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Efficient Multi-Dimensional Simulation of Quantum Confinement Effects in Advanced MOS Devices

We investigate the density-gradient (DG) transport model for efficient multi-dimensional simulation of quantum confinement effects in advanced MOS devices. The formulation of the DG model is described as a quantum correction ot the classical drift-diffusion model. Quantum confinement effects are shown to be significant in sub-100nm MOSFETs. In thin-oxide MOS capacitors, quantum effects may reduce gate capacitance by 25% or more. As a result, the inclusion of quantum effects may reduce gate capacitance by 25% or more. As a result, the inclusion of quantum effects in simulations dramatically improves the match between C-V simulations and measurements for oxide thickness down to 2 nm. Significant quantum corrections also occur in the I-V characteristics of short-channel (30 to 100 nm) n-MOSFETs, with current drive reduced by up to 70%. This effect is shown to result from reduced inversion charge due to quantum confinement of electrons in the channel. Also, subthreshold slope is degraded by 15 to 20 mV/decade with the inclusion of quantum effects via the density-gradient model, and short channel effects (in particular, drain-induced barrier lowering) are noticeably increased.

Biegel, Bryan A.↗

A mathematical representation of an advanced helicopter for piloted simulator investigations of control system and display variations

A mathematical model of an advanced helicopter is described. The model is suitable for use in control/display research involving piloted simulation. The general design approach for the six degree of freedom equations of motion is to use the full set of nonlinear gravitational and inertial terms of the equations and to express the aerodynamic forces and moments as the reference values and first order terms of a Taylor series expansion about a reference trajectory defined as a function of longitudinal airspeed. Provisions for several different specific and generic flight control systems are included in the model. The logic required to drive various flight control and weapon delivery symbols on a pilot's electronic display is also provided. Finally, the model includes a simplified representation of low altitude wind and turbulence effects. This model was used in a piloted simulator investigation of the effects of control system and display variations for an attack helicopter mission.

Aiken, E. W.↗

An Evaluation and Qualification of U.S.-Based Research Reactors for Irradiation Capabilities Supporting Advanced Nuclear Systems

Irradiation experiments are a prerequisite for evaluating nuclear reactor system designs, analyzing the performance of these systems, and obtaining licenses. Likewise, irradiation facilities are necessary for producing the radioisotopes used in industrial and medical applications. Recent developments in modeling and simulation capabilities and advancements in computational resources have further enabled the design of irradiation experiments for evaluating radiation-induced phenomena and determining nuclear fuel, material, and system design and safety criteria pertaining to both normal and accident scenarios. These computational tools and models require comprehensive experimental datasets acquired under prototypic radiation conditions—for exploring material and system performance under the uniquely harsh environments found in nuclear reactors—to enable verification and validation for qualification and licensing purposes. However, qualification of irradiation experimental facilities, primarily research and test reactors (RTRs), necessitates that their performance be evaluated based on the irradiation environment (e.g. flux, power, testing capabilities) using an appropriate scoring matrix. Although many university campus RTRs are available for research and development (R&D) activities and initiatives, this study focuses on evaluating and qualifying the irradiation facilities (mostly RTRs) within the United States that are suitable for advanced nuclear fuel, material, and system irradiation experiments aimed at establishing operational-performance limits and informing component and fuel designs so as to improve operational efficiencies and mitigate proliferation vulnerabilities, as well as for radioisotope production aimed at multipurpose applications. As a result, the findings of the present study support the acceleration of nuclear fuel and material qualifications, thus hastening new and advanced nuclear energy system demonstrations and radioisotope production efforts by using extended R&D.

irradiation experiment↗

Advances in the Co-Simulation of Detailed Electrical and Whole-Building Energy Performance

This article describes recent co-simulation advances for the simultaneous modeling of detailed building electrical distribution systems and whole-building energy performance. The co-simulation architecture combines the EnergyPlus® engine for whole-building energy modeling with a new Modelica library for building an electrical distribution system model that is based on harmonic power flow. This new library allows for a higher-fidelity modeling of electrical power flows and losses within buildings than is available with current building electrical modeling software. We demonstrate the feasibility of the architecture by modeling a simple, two-zone thermal chamber with internal power electronics converters and resistive loads, and we validate the model using experimental data. The proposed co-simulation capability significantly expands the capabilities of building electrical distribution system models in the context of whole-building energy modeling, thus enabling more complex analyses than would have been possible with individual building performance simulation tools that are used to date.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Modeling and Simulation Tools for Heavy Lift Airships

For conventional fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft a variety of modeling and simulation tools have been developed to provide designers the means to thoroughly investigate proposed designs and operational concepts. However, lighter-than-air (LTA) airships, hybrid air vehicles, and aerostats have some important aspects that are different from heavier-than-air (HTA) vehicles. In order to account for these differences, modifications are required to the standard design tools to fully characterize the LTA vehicle design and performance parameters.. To address these LTA design and operational factors, LTA development organizations have created unique proprietary modeling tools, often at their own expense. An expansion of this limited LTA tool set could be accomplished by leveraging existing modeling and simulation capabilities available in the National laboratories and public research centers. Development of an expanded set of publicly available LTA modeling and simulation tools for LTA developers would mitigate the reliance on proprietary LTA design tools in use today. A set of well researched, open source, high fidelity LTA design modeling and simulation tools would advance LTA vehicle development and also provide the analytical basis for accurate LTA operational cost assessments. This paper will present the modeling and analysis tool capabilities required for LTA vehicle design, analysis of operations, and full life-cycle support. A survey of the tools currently available will be assessed to identify the gaps between their capabilities and the LTA industry's needs. Options for development of new modeling and analysis capabilities to supplement contemporary tools will also be presented.

airship design and analysis↗

Assessment of Microreactor Safety Analysis Challenges and Recommendations for Utilization of the Comprehensive Reactor Analysis Bundle

To enable the broad deployment of microreactors in fundamentally new application regimes (i.e., mobile and autonomous operations), their safety must be indisputable in terms of possessing inherent resistance to severe offsite dose consequences. Therefore, mechanistic beyond-design-basis event source term calculations that demonstrate a sufficiently large margin of safety will be required to accommodate these new application regimes, which have no history of commercial regulation. Even for traditional reactor operation configurations, safety analysis expertise and familiarity with accident phenomena and conditions in microreactors—specifically those with heat pipe primary cooling arrangements—are lacking compared with other advanced reactor concepts and small modular reactors. Recently, modeling and simulation tools to account for unique heat pipe design aspects have been developed by Sandia National Laboratories with MELCOR and by the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation Program with BlueCRAB. However, further demonstration and assessment of potential knowledge gaps are needed to support these codes’ broad usage by the microreactor community. Through the DOE Microreactor Program, an initial assessment of these two tools and guidance on how an evaluation model could be constructed was performed and is reported herein. Moreover, a proposed approach for demonstrating an evaluation model using these two tools is outlined.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

A Detailed Vehicle Modeling & Simulation Study Quantifying Energy Consumption and Cost Reduction of Advanced Vehicle Technologies Through 2050

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) aim to develop sustainable, affordable, and efficient technologies for transportation of goods and people. Translating investments in advanced transportation component technologies and powertrains to estimate vehicle-level fuel savings potential is critical for understanding DOE’s impact. In this work, we simulated technologies funded by VTO and HFTO for light duty vehicles. The simulations were performed across: (1) Multiple powertrain configurations (conventional, power-split, extended-range electric vehicle, battery electric drive, and fuel-cell vehicles); (2) Vehicle classes (compact car, midsize car, small sport utility vehicle [SUV], midsize SUV, and pickup trucks); and (3) Fuels (gasoline, diesel, natural gas, hydrogen, and battery electricity). These various technologies are assessed for six different timeframes: laboratory years 2015 (reference), 2020, 2025, 2030, and 2045. A delay of five years is assumed between laboratory year and model year (the year the technology is introduced into production).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Species Transport Framework Development in SAM for System-Level Tritium Source Term Analysis

The SAM code is under development as a modern system-level modeling and simulation tool for advanced non–light water reactor safety analyses, with recent efforts to add capabilities to evaluate radiological source term risks in these novel reactor concepts. By leveraging the established system-level multiphysics thermal-hydraulic models in SAM, a framework for tightly coupled species transport modeling has been integrated into the code for engineering-scale source term evaluation. This species transport framework was first applied to the simulation of tritium, which is a well-known source term in conventional light water reactors. Tritium poses a unique risk in salt-cooled reactors, especially those with lithium-bearing salts such as the fluoride salt–cooled high-temperature reactor (FHR) concept, as tritium is generated in the salt coolant in significant quantities due to neutron interactions. A compounding factor is the increased mobility of tritium at high temperatures, which is able to permeate through metals while also potentially being retained in graphite pebbles and structures. Engineering-scale models for the tritium transport pathways in a FHR have been developed using the new species transport framework in SAM. The capabilities are assessed through analytical verification problems and validated with data from a graphite retention experiment. In conclusion, the system-level model is demonstrated by performing an initial estimate of baseline tritium generation and flows in a generic reference SAM FHR model, setting a foundation for future studies of source term transient analysis with the potential for further multiscale and multiphysics integration.

SAM↗

rSHUD v2.0: advancing the Simulator for Hydrologic Unstructured Domains and unstructured hydrological modeling in the R environment

Abstract. Hydrological modeling is a crucial component in hydrology research, particularly for projecting future scenarios. However, achieving reproducibility and automation in distributed hydrological modeling research for modeling, simulation, and analysis is challenging. This paper introduces rSHUD v2.0, an innovative, open-source toolkit developed in the R environment to enhance the deployment and analysis of the Simulator for Hydrologic Unstructured Domains (SHUD). The SHUD is an integrated surface–subsurface hydrological model that employs a finite-volume method to simulate hydrological processes at various scales. The rSHUD toolkit includes pre- and post-processing tools, facilitating reproducibility and automation in hydrological modeling. The utility of rSHUD is demonstrated through case studies of the Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory in the USA and the Waerma watershed in China. The rSHUD toolkit's ability to quickly and automatically deploy models while ensuring reproducibility has facilitated the implementation of the Global Hydrological Data Cloud (https://ghdc.ac.cn, last access: 1 September 2023), a platform for automatic data processing and model deployment. This work represents a significant advancement in hydrological modeling, with implications for future scenario projections and spatial analysis.

Shu, Lele (ORCID:0000000269034466)↗

Advancing research on compound weather and climate events via large ensemble model simulations

Societally relevant weather impacts typically result from compound events, which are rare combinations of weather and climate drivers. Focussing on four event types arising from different combinations of climate variables across space and time, here we illustrate that robust analyses of compound events — such as frequency and uncertainty analysis under present-day and future conditions, event attribution to climate change, and exploration of low-probability-high-impact events — require data with very large sample size. In particular, the required sample is much larger than that needed for analyses of univariate extremes. We demonstrate that Single Model Initial-condition Large Ensemble (SMILE) simulations from multiple climate models, which provide hundreds to thousands of years of weather conditions, are crucial for advancing our assessments of compound events and constructing robust model projections. Combining SMILEs with an improved physical understanding of compound events will ultimately provide practitioners and stakeholders with the best available information on climate risks.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Advancing the Understanding of Cloud Microphysical Processes and Aerosol Indirect Effects in High-Latitude Mixed-Phase Clouds by Linking ARM Measurements with Climate Model Simulations (Final Report)

The key objectives of this project were to advance our understanding of cloud microphysical characteristics and aerosol indirect effects on mixed-phase clouds in high latitudes. To improve the representation of ice and mixed-phase clouds in Earth System Models (ESMs), we propose an integrated observation and modeling study of cloud macro- and microphysical properties, including spatial heterogeneities, mass partitioning between ice crystals and supercooled liquid water, effects of ice nucleating particles (INPs), and efficiency of secondary ice production (SIP), etc. Specifically, we took four main approaches in this project: (1) examining macro- and microphysical properties of ice and mixed-phase clouds based on in-situ and ground-based observations from multiple field campaigns funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program, including the Mixed-Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment (M-PACE), Indirect and Semi-Direct Aerosol Campaign (ISDAC), Ice Nucleating Particle Sources at Oliktok Point (INPOP), ARM West Antarctic Radiation Experiment (AWARE), Measurements of Aerosols, Radiation, and Clouds over the Southern Ocean (MARCUS), and Macquarie Island Cloud and Radiation Experiment (MICRE); (2) evaluating the DOE Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) simulations based on observations, particularly for ice and mixed-phase cloud microphysical properties; (3) examining the impacts of INPs on ice and mixed-phase clouds. Specifically, a series of comparisons were conducted using observations over the Arctic, Southern Ocean, and Antarctica, including comparisons between the lower and higher southern latitudes as well as comparisons between the northern and southern hemispheres. In addition, aerosol indirect effects from distinct sources of dust particles were examined; and (4) investigating the impacts of SIP. Ultimately, these results helped to improve cloud microphysics and aerosol-cloud interaction parameterizations in the E3SM model. Overall, the project provided improved understanding regarding various factors, including thermodynamic, dynamic, and aerosol conditions, on the micro- and macrophysical properties of ice and mixed-phase clouds in the high latitudes. Resulting analysis helped to provide an improved physical basis for refining the current cloud microphysics parameterizations related to ice and mixed-phase clouds in E3SM.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

FOCAL Campaign I: Advanced Wind Turbine Control Strategies

Campaign I of the Floating Offshore-wind Controls Advanced Laboratory Experimental Program (FOCAL) aims to generate a dataset enabling the validation of aerodynamic performance of a scaled turbine mounted on a rigid tower in a fixed condition. The turbine considered in the FOCAL testing campaigns is the IEA-Wind 15MW Reference Wind Turbine. This scaled model is capable of simulating advanced blade-pitch control strategies in a high-quality wind field. The turbine is fully instrumented to record a variety of parameters in real time such as structural loads and dynamics. The test data considered was generated at the University of Maine's Harold Alfond Wind and Wave (W2) testing facility. The Load Cases (LC) considered in this testing campaign are as follows: LC 1.X - Constant wind and blade-pitch with varying rotor speeds LC 2.X - Constant wind and rotor speed with varying blade-pitch LC 3.X - Varying wind with active closed-loop control Detailed properties on the modeled system are found in the following reference: Lenfest E., Floating Offshore-wind Controls Advanced Laboratory (FOCAL) Experimental Program - Campaign I: 1:70 Model-scale Testing of the IEA-Wind 15MW Reference Turbine. UMaine ASCC Report Number 23-40-1183. Details on the results of the verification and validation are found in the following reference: Mendoza, Nicole et al., "Verification and Validation of Model-Scale Turbine Performance and Control for the IEA Wind 15 MW Reference Wind Turbine," Energies, vol. 15, no. 20, 2022, https://doi.org/10.3390/en15207649.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Advanced Ceramic Matrix Composites: Science and Technology of Materials, Design, Applications, Performance and Integration

Overview of NASA Transformational Tools and Technologies Project's 2700F CMC/EBC Technology Challenge J. Hurst, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH USA Key Words: ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), SiC/SiC composites, environmental barrier coatings (EBCs), CMC modeling, simulated engine testing As advanced gas turbine engine designs continue to move toward both higher operating temperatures and increased pressures, materials capable of functioning under these extreme conditions are being sought by both government and industry. As part of its mission, the NASA's Transformational Tools and Technologies Project, under the auspices of NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, has been pursuing a five year Technology Challenge problem. This challenge problem has sought to develop high temperature materials for turbine engines that enable a 6% reduction in fuel burn for commercial aircraft, compared to current SOA materials. Specifically this is accomplished by the development and demonstration of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) and environmental barrier coating (EBC) system capable of sustained performance at temperature of 2700F. The NASA Glenn Research Center has continued its two decade long interest in CMC/EBCs technology by pursuing this 2700F performance goal. This ambitious effort included an array of vendors, universities and engine companies. Included in this challenge was fiber development, fiber architecture considerations, ceramic matrix composition, environmental barrier compositions and processing routes as well as test development. Evaluation of the CMC/EBC materials included a variety of testing, from coupon testing for strength and creep resistance, to testing aimed at determining material behavior under more engine-like conditions. The development and validation of thermomechanical models and computational tools for design, analysis, and life prediction, have been an important part of this effort as well. Simulated engine testing of vane subcomponents by P&W was the final step following years of development. In addition to achieving the temperature goals and enhanced durability performance of the Tech Challenge, an additional goal achieved by this work was reaching a Technology Readiness Level of 5 for the 3-D CMC/EBC system. As this five year Technical Challenge comes to a conclusion, future development interests in environmental barrier coatings and environmental modeling are discussed.

SiC/SiC composites↗

Modeling Dynamic Crush Behavior of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Structures Using MAT213

Modeling crushing of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites is challenging, and current simulation methodologies involve tuning of non-physical parameters. MAT213, a next-generation material model, has advanced functionality to better simulate dynamic impact loading. The objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the potential for using MAT213 to simulate dynamic crushing of CFRPs. Two sets of simulations were performed: one for calibration based on a set of coupon-level experiments and another for prediction of the response of structural elements. Simulations involving dynamic crushing of flat specimens were iteratively run to calibrate model parameters. The calibration demonstrated that MAT213 could produce a simulated force-displacement response within experimental scatter. The simulated failure morphology was also comparable to the experiments. After successful calibration, predictive simulations of dynamic crushing of C-channel shaped specimens were completed using a simulated crash sled test rig and two pairs of impactor mass/velocity conditions. The simulated force-displacement curve in the crash sled simulations for the lower-velocity condition fell within the experimental scatter, but the stable crush force was underpredicted by 27% in the higher-velocity simulations. Better correlation in the lower-velocity test condition likely results from the calibration condition being a similar velocity to the lower-velocity crash sled condition.

Dynamic Crush↗

3.0 - MOOSE: Enabling massively parallel multiphysics simulations

The development of MOOSE has kept accelerating since the last release, with over 2,100 pull requests merged over the last 30 months that involved nearly fifty contributors across close to a dozen institutions internationally. The growth in MOOSE's capabilities and downstream applications is reflected in the growth of the community. User support provided on the GitHub discussions forum has steadily increased to nearly 50 daily interactions. New simulation projects, notably to model advanced nuclear reactor and fusion devices, are driving a significant expansion of the capabilities. This paper reports on these developments, with several major released features, new physics modules, and key improvements to the user experience and simulation workflow.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗