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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

MHD effects and heat transfer for the UCM fluid along with Joule heating and thermal radiation using Cattaneo-Christov heat flux model

Present study examines the numerical analysis of MHD flow of Maxwell fluid with thermal radiation and Joule heating by considering the recently developed Cattaneo-Christov heat flux model which explains the time relaxation characteristics for the heat flux. The objective is to analyze the governing parameters such as viscoelastic fluid parameter, Magnetic parameter, Eckert and Prandtl number’s impact on the velocity and temperature profiles through graphs and tables. Suitable similarity transformations have been used to reduce the formulated PDEs into a system of coupled non-linear ODEs. Shooting technique has been invoked for finding the numerical solutions of the dimensionless velocity and temperature profiles. Additionally, the MATLAB built-in routine bvp4c has also been used to verify and strengthen the results obtained by shooting method. From some special cases of the present work, a comparison with the previously published results has been presented.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Sensitivity analysis of numerical modeling input parameters on floating offshore wind turbine loads in extreme idling conditions

Abstract. Floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) systems are subject to complex environmental loads, with significant potential for damage in extreme storm conditions. Design simulations in these conditions are required to assess the survivability of the device with some level of confidence. Aero-hydro-servo-elastic engineering tools can be used with a reasonable balance of accuracy and computational efficiency. The models require many input parameters to describe the air and water conditions, the system properties, and the load calculations. Each of these parameters has some possible range, due to either statistical uncertainty or variations with time. Variation in the input parameters can have important effects on the uncertainty in the resulting loads, but it is not practical to perform detailed assessments of the impact of this uncertainty for every input parameter. This work demonstrates a method to identify the input parameters that have the most impact on the loads to focus further inspection. The process is done specifically for extreme storm load cases defined in the International Electrotechnical Commission design requirements for floating offshore wind turbines. The analysis was performed using the International Energy Agency Wind 15 MW offshore reference wind turbine atop the University of Maine VolturnUS-S reference platform in two US offshore wind regions, the Gulf of Maine and Humboldt Bay. It was found that the direction of incident waves and current, yaw misalignment, and the length of mooring line sections were among the primary sensitivities.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Integration of high-density genetic mapping with transcriptome analysis uncovers numerous agronomic QTL and reveals candidate genes for the control of tillering in sorghum

Phenotypes such as branching, photoperiod sensitivity, and height were modified during plant domestication and crop improvement. Here, we perform quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of these and other agronomic traits in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from an interspecific cross between Sorghum propinquum and Sorghum bicolor inbred Tx7000. Using low-coverage Illumina sequencing and a bin-mapping approach, we generated ~1920 bin markers spanning ~875 cM. Phenotyping data were collected and analyzed from two field locations and one greenhouse experiment for six agronomic traits, thereby identifying a total of 30 QTL. Many of these QTL were penetrant across environments and co-mapped with major QTL identified in other studies. Other QTL uncovered new genomic regions associated with these traits, and some of these were environment-specific in their action. To further dissect the genetic underpinnings of tillering, we complemented QTL analysis with transcriptomics, identifying 6189 genes that were differentially expressed during tiller bud elongation. We identified genes such as Dormancy Associated Protein 1 (DRM1) in addition to various transcription factors that are differentially expressed in comparisons of dormant to elongating tiller buds and lie within tillering QTL, suggesting that these genes are key regulators of tiller elongation in sorghum. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of this RIL population in detecting domestication and improvement-associated genes in sorghum, thus providing a valuable resource for genetic investigation and improvement to the sorghum community.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Framework for Characterizing Strain in the Vicinity of Leaky Reservoirs

The identification of leaks in the vicinity of reservoirs is critical to determining the feasibility of long-term geologic storage of CO2, methane, wastewater and other fluids. We have established a series of basic reservoir leakage scenarios and performed numerical analysis to characterize the associated pressure and strain fields created from injection into these leaky reservoir settings, as well from ambient loads, such as barometric pressure and earth tides. The end-member conceptual models evaluated include injection and ambient loads applied to: 1) a thin, horizontal layer with no leakage pathways (baseline), 2) a thin layer with a vertical conduit to the surface (e.g., a leaky fault or abandoned well) and 3) a thin layer with a conduit to an overlying aquifer. The pressure and strain fields are sensitive to the reservoir and confining unit geometry, material properties, the distribution, composition and compressibility of the pore fluid and the type of applied load (e.g., constant vs. cyclical injection, barometric pressure fluctuations, earth tides, etc.). Initial results from the numerical analyses indicate that an induced pressure change of 1 MPa in a formation at 1 km depth with a Young’s modulus of 10 GPa is sufficient to create vertical and horizontal strain signals as high as 2 με at a depth of 100 m. The signals predicted from leaky conditions compared to an intact reservoir differ by as much as 0.2 με in magnitude and evolve at different rates. We have developed instruments capable of measuring vertical and horizontal strain at a resolution of better than 5 nε and have recorded repeatable strain signals at 30 m depth in response to wastewater injection into the Avant field in Oklahoma. Based on these findings, strain signals predicted in the shallow subsurface (< 100 m) with numerical analysis are expected to be measurable, and this signal may be inverted to characterize the location and magnitude of leaks, as well as to characterize the geometry and hydromechanical properties of the formation and overlying confining units. This suggests that shallow strain measurements could be a cost effective method for characterizing and monitoring gas storage projects.

Robert, Moak↗
DOE OSTI2015

Nonlinear Time Domain Seismic Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) Deep Soil Site Methodology Development

Currently the Department of Energy (DOE) and the nuclear industry perform seismic soil-structure interaction (SSI) analysis using equivalent linear numerical analysis tools. For lower levels of ground motion, these tools should produce reasonable in-structure response values for evaluation of existing and new facilities. For larger levels of ground motion these tools likely overestimate the in-structure response (and therefore structural demand) since they do not consider geometric nonlinearities (such as gaping and sliding between the soil and structure) and are limited in the ability to model nonlinear soil behavior. The current equivalent linear SSI (SASSI) analysis approach either joins the soil and structure together in both tension and compression or releases the soil from the structure for both tension and compression. It also makes linear approximations for material nonlinearities and generalizes energy absorption with viscous damping. This produces the potential for inaccurately establishing where the structural concerns exist and/or inaccurately establishing the amplitude of the in-structure responses. Seismic hazard curves at nuclear facilities have continued to increase over the years as more information has been developed on seismic sources (i.e. faults), additional information gathered on seismic events, and additional research performed to determine local site effects. Seismic hazard curves are used to develop design basis earthquakes (DBE) that are used to evaluate nuclear facility response. As the seismic hazard curves increase, the input ground motions (DBE’s) used to numerically evaluation nuclear facility response increase causing larger in-structure response. As ground motions increase so does the importance of including nonlinear effects in numerical SSI models. To include material nonlinearity in the soil and geometric nonlinearity using contact (gaping and sliding) it is necessary to develop a nonlinear time domain methodology. This methodology will be known as, NonLinear Soil-Structure Interaction (NLSSI). In general NLSSI analysis should provide a more accurate representation of the seismic demands on nuclear facilities their systems and components. INL, in collaboration with a Nuclear Power Plant Vender (NPP-V), will develop a generic Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) structural design to be used in development of the methodology and for comparison with SASSI. This generic NPP design has been evaluated for the INL soil site because of the ease of access and quality of the site specific data. It is now being evaluated for a second site at Vogtle which is located approximately 15 miles East-Northeast of Waynesboro, Georgia and adjacent to Savanna River. The Vogtle site consists of many soil layers spanning down to a depth of 1058 feet. The reason that two soil sites are chosen is to demonstrate the methodology across multiple soil sites. The project will drive the models (soil and structure) using successively increasing acceleration time histories with amplitudes. The models will be run in time domain codes such as ABAQUS, LS-DYNA, and/or ESSI and compared with the same models run in SASSI. The project is focused on developing and documenting a method for performing time domain, non-linear seismic soil structure interaction (SSI) analysis. Development of this method will provide the Department of Energy (DOE) and industry with another tool to perform seismic SSI analysis.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Towards accurate cosmological predictions for rapidly oscillating scalar fields as dark matter

As we are entering the era of precision cosmology, it is necessary to count on accurate cosmological predictions from any proposed model of dark matter. In this paper we present a novel approach to the cosmological evolution of scalar fields that eases their analytic and numerical analysis at the background and at the linear order of perturbations. The new method makes use of appropriate angular variables that simplify the writing of the equations of motion, and which also show that the usual field variables play a secondary role in the cosmological dynamics. We apply the method to a scalar field endowed with a quadratic potential and revisit its properties as dark matter. Some of the results known in the literature are recovered, and a better understanding of the physical properties of the model is provided. It is confirmed that there exists a Jeans wavenumber k {sub J} , directly related to the suppression of linear perturbations at wavenumbers k > k {sub J} , and which is verified to be k {sub J} = a √ mH . We also discuss some semi-analytical results that are well satisfied by the full numerical solutions obtained from an amended version of the CMB code CLASS. Finally we draw some of the implications that this new treatment of the equations of motion may have in the prediction of cosmological observables from scalar field dark matter models.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1990

Numerical prediction of turbulent flame stability in premixed/prevaporized (HSCT) combustors

A numerical analysis of combustion instabilities that induce flashback in a lean, premixed, prevaporized dump combustor is performed. KIVA-II, a finite volume CFD code for the modeling of transient, multidimensional, chemically reactive flows, serves as the principal analytical tool. The experiment of Proctor and T'ien is used as a reference for developing the computational model. An experimentally derived combustion instability mechanism is presented on the basis of the observations of Proctor and T'ien and other investigators of instabilities in low speed (M less than 0.1) dump combustors. The analysis comprises two independent procedures that begin from a calculated stable flame: The first is a linear increase of the equivalence ratio and the second is the linear decrease of the inflow velocity. The objective is to observe changes in the aerothermochemical features of the flow field prior to flashback. It was found that only the linear increase of the equivalence ratio elicits a calculated flashback result. Though this result did not exhibit large scale coherent vortices in the turbulent shear layer coincident with a flame flickering mode as was observed experimentally, there were interesting acoustic effects which were resolved quite well in the calculation. A discussion of the k-e turbulence model used by KIVA-II is prompted by the absence of combustion instabilities in the model as the inflow velocity is linearly decreased. Finally, recommendations are made for further numerical analysis that may improve correlation with experimentally observed combustion instabilities.

Winowich, Nicholas S.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Thermal Studies of the Laser Inertial Fusion Energy (LIFE) Target during Injection into the Fusion Chamber

The tests of the external heat transfer coefficient suggests that the values used in the numerical analysis for the temperature distribution within the fusion fuel target following flight into the target chamber are probably valid. The tests of the heat transfer phenomena occurring within the target due the rapid heating of the LEH window for the hot gasses within the fusion chamber show that the heat does indeed convect via the internal helium environment of the target towards the capsule and that the pressure in the front compartment of the target adjacent to the LEH window increases such that t bypass venting of the internal helium into the second chamber adjacent to the capsule is needed to prevent rupture of the membranes. The bypass flow is cooled by the hohlraum during this venting. However, the experiments suggest that our internal heat flow calculations may be low by about a factor of 2. Further studies need to be conducted to investigate the differences between the experiment and the numerical analysis. Future studies could also possibly bring the test conditions closer to those expected in the fusion chamber to better validate the results. A sacrificial layer will probably be required on the LEH window of the target and this can be used to mitigate any unexpected target heating.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

An Adaptive Geometry-Free Thermo-Mechanical Model for Directed Energy Deposition Process Modeling

This presentation describes a novel, geometry-free thermo-mechanical model with adaptive subdomain con- struction to accurately predict the thermal conditions, distortions, and residual stresses throughout the directed energy deposition (DED) process. A novel finite element workflow is designed to con- duct the numerical analysis, based on the multi-app and data transfer capabilities in the open-source Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE). Unlike with traditional methods, the part geometry in this model is not predefined. Instead, it is a combined effect of the processing parameters and material properties. At each time step, the model utilizes a subdomain construction paradigm to model the material deposition. A specialized mesh adaptivity scheme is incorporated to provide an accurate prediction while reducing the overall computational cost. The results generated by the proposed model show general agreement with the experimental measurements for the single track scan with varying processing parameters and demonstrate reasonable predictions for higher material buildups.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

A comparative analysis of numerical approaches for the description of gas flow in clay-based repository systems: From a laboratory to a large-scale gas injection test

There is nowadays a consensus among many countries that geological disposal is a favourable solution for the long-term management. Although different host formations and different barrier systems are under consideration around the world, clay-based materials form an important component for waste isolation in most national programmes. Hence, a good comprehension of the effect of gas flow on the hydro-mechanical behaviour of clay-based soils is essential, both at laboratory and field scale. Task B under the international cooperative project DECOVALEX-2023 has recently shown that, after some enhancement, models can be employed to reproduce laboratory scale tests, even with different sample geometries 37 . However, further work is required to understand whether they can be applied to simulate a large-scale experiment. Up-scaling of models for the advective transport of gas through clay-based low permeable material presents a number of problems related to the difficulty in obtaining consistent hydrogeological parameters and constitutive relationships at both laboratory and field scale. Based on a unique dataset from a large-scale gas injection test (Lasgit) performed at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (Sweden), Task B within DECOVALEX-2023 has explored the refinement of these numerical strategies applied to the simulation of gas flow. Work performed within the task reveals that codes do not need to be substantially modified from the laboratory models to reproduce full-scale tests: indeed, model parameters calibrated and validated at laboratory scale have been applied to predict field scale gas flow at Lasgit, including peak gas pressure and injected cumulative gas volume. By means of (1) the introduction of interfaces between blocks to reflect the experimental configuration and the (2) adjustment of some parameters (e.g., higher permeability), the updated models are able to represent most of the key features observed in the experimental data, even at a large scale.

Tamayo-Mas, E↗
DOE OSTI2019

LaserOrigami (LO) of three-dimensional (3D) components: Experimental analysis and numerical modeling-part II

The present work explores how the choice of the scanning patterns can affect the final shapes of 3D components manufactured by laser-origami with a High-Power Diode Laser (HPDL). The experimental approach allowed the achievement of high bending angles, also avoiding any distortion on the surface of AISI 304 stainless steel workpiece. Optimization of the operational parameters led to the best prototype of the 3D components, with the closest respect of the strictest dimensional and geometrical tolerances. In addition, a thermo-mechanical model to predict the final shape of the 3D components was developed. The numerical model, implemented by Finite Element Method (FEM), was discovered to be a reliable tool in predicting the final shape of the prototypes, matching with a great deal of accuracy the experimental results. Specifically, the model allowed the estimation of the temperature distribution and nodal displacements of the components varying both the setting of the laser parameters and the choice of the scanning patterns.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Robust Interpretation of Electrochemical Impedance Spectra Using Numerical Complex Analysis

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a noninvasive technique widely used for understanding charge transfer and charge transport processes in electrochemical systems and devices. Standard approaches for the interpretation of EIS data involve starting with a hypothetical circuit model for the physical processes in the device based on experience/intuition and then fitting the EIS data to this circuit model. This work explores a mathematical approach for extracting key characteristic features from EIS data by relying on fundamental principles of complex analysis. These characteristic features can suggest the presence of inductors and constant phase elements (nonideal capacitors) from impedance data and enable us to answer questions about the identifiability and nonuniqueness of equivalent circuit models. In certain scenarios such as models with only resistors and capacitors, we are able to enumerate all possible families of circuit models. Finally, we apply the mathematical framework presented here to real-world electrochemical systems and highlight results using impedance measurements from a lithium-ion battery coin cell.

charge transfer↗
DOE OSTI2014

Note: Optimization of the numerical data analysis for conductivity percolation studies of drying moist porous systems

A simplified data analysis protocol, for dielectric spectroscopy use to study conductivity percolation in dehydrating granular media is discussed. To enhance visibility of the protonic conductivity contribution to the dielectric loss spectrum, detrimental effects of either low-frequency dielectric relaxation or electrode polarization are removed. Use of the directly measurable monofrequency dielectric loss factor rather than estimated DC conductivity to parameterize the percolation transition substantially reduces the analysis work and time.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Numerical Stress Analysis during Cooldown and Compressive Loading in an Imperfect Nb 3 Sn Wire

In this paper, high field superconductors are critical to the success of next step magnetic fusion confinement devices such as ITER and DEMO. The low-temperature superconducting material that is currently favored for these applications, Nb 3 Sn, is susceptible to performance due to its brittleness and high strain-sensitivity. Under extreme loads, an irreversible degradation in the maximum critical current density has been shown to occur and believed to be strongly influenced by two factors: plasticity and cracked filaments. Cracks in filaments are induced when sufficiently high stress concentrations occur in the wire. In this paper, we explore using finite element analysis the impact that voids have on the stress distributions and peak stresses under two loading conditions: transverse compressive loading in a 2D model, and a full cool down phase in a 3D model.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

A unified and constructive framework for the universality of neural networks

Abstract One of the reasons why many neural networks are capable of replicating complicated tasks or functions is their universal approximation property. Though the past few decades have seen tremendous advances in theories of neural networks, a single constructive and elementary framework for neural network universality remains unavailable. This paper is an effort to provide a unified and constructive framework for the universality of a large class of activation functions including most of the existing ones. At the heart of the framework is the concept of neural network approximate identity (nAI). The main result is as follows: any nAI activation function is universal in the space of continuous functions on compacta. It turns out that most of the existing activation functions are nAI, and thus universal. The framework induces several advantages over the contemporary counterparts. First, it is constructive with elementary means from functional analysis, probability theory, and numerical analysis. Second, it is one of the first unified and constructive attempts that is valid for most of the existing activation functions. Third, it provides new proofs for most activation functions. Fourth, for a given activation and error tolerance, the framework provides precisely the architecture of the corresponding one-hidden neural network with a predetermined number of neurons and the values of weights/biases. Fifth, the framework allows us to abstractly present the first universal approximation with a favorable non-asymptotic rate. Sixth, our framework also provides insights into the developments, and hence providing constructive derivations, of some of the existing approaches.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗