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At least 451 records · Page 25

Generative AI models for learning flow maps of stochastic dynamical systems in bounded domains

Simulating stochastic differential equations (SDEs) in bounded domains, presents significant computational challenges due to particle exit phenomena, which requires accurate modeling of interior stochastic dynamics and boundary interactions. Despite the success of machine learning-based methods in learning SDEs, existing learning methods are not applicable to SDEs in bounded domains because they cannot accurately capture the particle exit dynamics. We present a unified hybrid data-driven approach that combines a conditional diffusion model with an exit prediction neural network to capture both interior stochastic dynamics and boundary exit phenomena. Our ML model consists of two major components: a neural network that learns exit probabilities using binary cross-entropy loss with rigorous convergence guarantees, and a training-free diffusion model that generates state transitions for non-exiting particles using closed-form score functions. The two components are integrated through a probabilistic sampling algorithm that determines particle exit at each time step and generates appropriate state transitions. Here, the performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated via three test cases: a one-dimensional simplified problem for theoretical verification, a two-dimensional advection-diffusion problem in a bounded domain, and a three-dimensional problem of interest to magnetically confined fusion plasmas.

Bounded domains↗

Hydrologic Data for the Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport Model of Corrective Action Units 101 and 102: Central and Western Pahute Mesa, Nye County, Nevada, Revision 1

This hydrologic data document (HDD) has been prepared for Corrective Action Units (CAUs) 101 and 102, Central and Western Pahute Mesa, in order to support the development of a groundwater flow and contaminant transport model. Central and Western Pahute Mesa are two of the five CAUs on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) (formerly the Nevada Test Site [NTS]) used for underground nuclear testing (Figure 1-1). The nuclear tests resulted in groundwater contamination in the vicinity of the underground test areas. As a result, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Management (EM) Nevada Program is currently conducting a corrective action investigation (CAI) of the Pahute Mesa underground test areas. This work is a part of the Underground Test Area (UGTA) Activity in accordance with the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (FFACO) (1996, as amended). The CAU groundwater flow and transport model is composed of two pieces, a flow model and a transport model, that together provide the contaminant boundary forecasts required by the FFACO. The hydrologic data necessary for the flow model portion of the CAU model are presented in this report. The transport data necessary for the transport model portion of the CAU model will be provided in a separate report.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

MENT-Flow: maximum-entropy phase space tomography using normalizing flows

Generative models can be trained to reproduce low-dimensional projections of high-dimensional phase space distributions. Normalizing flows are generative models that parameterize invertible transformations, allowing exact probability density evaluation and sampling. Consequently, flows are unbiased entropy estimators and could be used to solve the high-dimensional maximum-entropy tomography (MENT) problem. In this work, we evaluate a flow-based MENT solver (MENT-Flow) against exact maximum-entropy solutions and Minerbo's iterative MENT algorithm in two dimensions.

Hoover, Austin↗

Slip velocity boundary conditions for the lattice Boltzmann modeling of microchannel flows

Abstract Slip flows in ducts are important in numerous engineering applications, most notably in microchannel flows. Compared to the standard no‐slip Dirichlet condition, the case of slip formulates as a Robin‐type condition for the fluid tangential velocity. Such an increase in mathematical complexity is accompanied by a more challenging numerical transcription. The present work concerns with this topic, addressing the modeling of the slip velocity boundary condition in the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) applied to steady slow viscous flows inside ducts of nontrivial shapes. As novelty, we extend the newly revised local second‐order boundary (LSOB) Dirichlet fluid flow method [ Philos. Trans. R. Soc. A 378, 20190404 (2020)] to implement the slip velocity condition within the two‐relaxation‐time (TRT) framework. The LSOB follows an in‐node philosophy where its operation principle seeks to explicitly reconstruct the unknown boundary populations in the form of a third‐order accurate Chapman–Enskog expansion, where the wall slip condition is built‐in as a normal Taylor‐type condition. The key point of this approach is that the required first‐ and second‐order momentum derivatives, rather than computed through nonlocal finite difference approximations, are locally determined through a simple local linear algebra procedure, whose formulation is particularly aided by the TRT symmetry argument. To express the obtained derivatives, two approaches are considered, called and , which operate with node and wall variables, respectively. These two formulations are developed to prescribe the physical slip condition over plane and curved walls, including the corners. Their consistency and accuracy characteristics are examined against alternative linkwise strategies to impose the wall slip velocity, such as the kinetic‐based diffusive bounce‐back scheme, the central linear interpolation slip scheme, and the multireflection slip scheme. The several slip schemes are tested over different 3D microchannel configurations, with walls not conforming with the LBM uniform mesh. Numerical tests confirm the advanced accuracy characteristics of the proposed LSOB slip boundary scheme, revealing the added challenge of the wall slip modeling, and that parabolic accuracy is a necessary requirement to reach second‐order accuracy within this problem class.

Silva, Goncalo↗

Flow and thermal modelling of the argon volume in the DarkSide-20k TPC

The DarkSide-20k dark matter experiment, currently under construction at LNGS, features a dual-phase time projection chamber (TPC) with a ∼ 50 t argon target from an underground well. At this scale, it is crucial to optimise the argon flow pattern for efficient target purification and for fast distribution of internal gaseous calibration sources with lifetimes of the order of hours. To this end, we have performed computational fluid dynamics simulations and heat transfer calculations. The residence time distribution shows that the detector is well-mixed on time-scales of the turnover time (∼ 40 d). Notably, simulations show that despite a two-order-of-magnitude difference between the turnover time and the half-life of 83m Kr of 1.83 h, source atoms have the highest probability to reach the centre of the TPC 13 min after their injection, allowing for a homogeneous distribution before undergoing radioactive decay. We further analyse the thermal aspects of dual-phase operation and define the requirements for the formation of a stable gas pocket on top of the liquid. We find a best-estimate value for the heat transfer rate at the liquid-gas interface of 62 W with an upper limit of 144 W and a minimum gas pocket inlet temperature of 89 K to avoid condensation on the acrylic anode. This study also informs the placement of liquid inlets and outlets in the TPC. The presented techniques are widely applicable to other large-scale, noble-liquid detectors.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

An approximate inertial manifold (AIM) based closure for turbulent flows

A closure model for turbulent flows is developed based on a dynamical system theory. An appropriately discretized formulation of the governing equations is considered for this process. The key ingredient is an approximation of the system’s attractor, where all the trajectories in phase space are confined. This approximate inertial manifold based approach provides a path to track trajectories of the system in a lower-dimensional subspace. Unlike conventional coarse-graining approaches, the turbulent field is decomposed into resolved and unresolved dynamics using the properties of the governing equations. The novelty of the approach relies on the reconstruction of the unresolved field constrained by the governing equations. A posteriori tests for homogeneous isotropic turbulence and the Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation show promising results for considerable dimension reduction with strong convergence properties. The proposed model outperforms the dynamic Smagorinsky model, and the computational overhead is competitive with similar approaches.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Fractional Modeling in Action: A Survey of Nonlocal Models for Subsurface Transport, Turbulent Flows, and Anomalous Materials

Modeling of phenomena such as anomalous transport via fractional-order differential equations has been established as an effective alternative to partial differential equations, due to the inherent ability to describe large-scale behavior with greater efficiency than fully-resolved classical models. In this review article, we first provide a broad overview of fractional-order derivatives with a clear emphasis on the stochastic processes that underlie their use. We then survey three exemplary application areas – subsurface transport, turbulence, and anomalous materials – in which fractional-order differential equations provide accurate and predictive models. For each area, we report on the evidence of anomalous behavior that justifies the use of fractional-order models, and survey both foundational models as well as more expressive state-of-the-art models. We also propose avenues for future research, including more advanced and physically sound models, as well as tools for calibration and discovery of fractional-order models.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Next Generation Co-Molded One-Piece Automotive Parts

The purpose of this project was to determine the feasibility of co-molding Class A Sheet Molding Compound (SMC), structural SMC, and continuous fiber prepreg materials to produce a single piece co-molded automotive part, such as a hood. The combination of the three molding materials and the incorporation of selective design features (ribs, flanges, corrugations) was expected to eliminate the need for inner reinforcement panels, significantly reducing tooling costs and simplifying the manufacturing process. A multi-material solution would also result in significant weight savings. The scope of this project included the material characterization of the three materials, development of cure and flow simulation models, and validation of the models against parts molded with different combinations of the materials on an 11”x11” plaque tool with rib features. The intent of this project was to apply the learnings obtained from co-molding a part with simplified geometry to a Phase 2 project that would produce a single piece hood, co-molded with the same materials. Resins from INEOS Composites were provided to IDI to produce SMC and continuous fiber prepregs. Purdue University and INEOS Composites characterized the rheological and curing behavior of the different materials as well as the mechanical properties of the co-molded parts. This data was used by Purdue University to create simulation models. Models were created to predict both flow patterns and predict mechanical properties of different laminate constructions in and around the ribs. Michigan State University - Corktown validated Purdue’s models by co-molding the three materials in different combinations on a tool containing rib features provided by Century Tool. The co-molded parts were evaluated against the simulation models by Purdue, Corktown and INEOS. The project team demonstrated the following: • The ability to obtain a cohesive co-molded structure made up of Class A SMC, Structural SMC, and continuous fiber prepreg. • The ability to obtain a co-molded part with a Class A surface • Modeling of flow and fiber orientation • Modeling to predict mechanical properties of multi-material co-molded structures The predicted flow behavior and fiber orientation from simulations were then compared with the molded samples. Exact local orientation state was difficult to compare between microscopy and flow simulation, but captured general trends. Multi-material flow behavior was generally modeled well with SMC materials, but the introduction of woven material sheets requires further model development. Purdue compared the predicted versus actual mechanical properties, and INEOS Composites evaluated the surface appearance of unpainted and painted co-molded parts. The models developed by Purdue demonstrated that the mechanical properties can be predicted for parts with varying material configurations. The resulting models can be applied to future co-molded part design, tooling design, and molding conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The revised FLORIDyn model: implementation of heterogeneous flow and the Gaussian wake

In this paper, a new version of the FLOw Redirection and Induction Dynamics (FLORIDyn) model is presented. The new model uses the three-dimensional parametric Gaussian FLORIS model and can provide dynamic wind farm simulations at a low computational cost under heterogeneous and changing wind conditions. Both FLORIS and FLORIDyn are parametric models which can be used to simulate wind farms, evaluate controller performance and can serve as a control-oriented model. One central element in which they differ is in their representation of flow dynamics: FLORIS neglects these and provides a computationally very cheap approximation of the mean wind farm flow. FLORIDyn defines a framework which utilizes this low computational cost of FLORIS to simulate basic wake dynamics. This is achieved by creating so-called observation points (OPs) at each time step at the rotor plane which inherit the turbine state. In this work, we develop the initial FLORIDyn framework further considering multiple aspects. The underlying FLORIS wake model is replaced by a Gaussian wake model. The distribution and characteristics of the OPs are adapted to account for the new parametric model but also to take complex flow conditions into account. To achieve this, a mathematical approach is developed to combine the parametric model and the changing, heterogeneous world conditions and link them with each OP. We also present a computationally lightweight wind field model to allow for a simulation environment in which heterogeneous flow conditions are possible. FLORIDyn is compared to Simulator for Offshore Wind Farm Applications (SOWFA) simulations in three- and nine-turbine cases under static and changing environmental conditions. The results show a good agreement with the timing of the impact of upstream state changes on downstream turbines. They also show a good agreement in terms of how wakes are displaced by wind direction changes and when the resulting velocity deficit is experienced by downstream turbines. A good fit of the mean generated power is ensured by the underlying FLORIS model. In the three-turbine case, FLORIDyn simulates 4 s simulation time in 24.49 ms computational time. The resulting new FLORIDyn model proves to be a computationally attractive and capable tool for model-based dynamic wind farm control.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

From Points to Planes: A Workflow for Converting Three‐Dimensional Point Cloud Data Into Discrete Fracture Network Flow and Transport Models

We present the Point cLoud Algorithm for NEtwork Extraction of Discrete Fracture Networks (PLANE-DFN), a point cloud–based algorithm for automatic fracture network extraction designed to support discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling workflows. PLANE-DFN segments three-dimensional fracture planes from raw point cloud data using RANdom SAmple Consensus coupled with statistical outlier removal and density-based clustering to isolate individual fracture features. Each candidate plane is constrained against site-specific structural constraints based on strike and dip. After segmentation, each fracture is converted into a 2-D convex polygon suitable for meshing and simulation. The PLANE-DFN algorithm is validated by comparing geometric and flow and transport data against data from dfnWorks simulations with ensembles of plane-fit networks. We find that the flow and transport in plane-fit networks are comparable to dfnWorks-generated networks when realistic network geometry is maintained. The PLANE-DFN algorithm provides an automated and streamlined workflow to transform point clouds of data into DFN network geometry.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Toroidal modeling of plasma flow damping and density pump-out by RMP during ELM mitigation in HL-2A

Reduction of both the plasma density and toroidal flow speed, due to application of the predominantly n = 1 (n is the toroidal mode number) resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) for controlling the edge localized mode in the HL-2A tokamak, is numerically investigated utilizing the quasi-linear initial-value code MARS-Q (Liu et al 2013 Phys. Plasmas 20 042503). Simulation results reveal that the neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) due to three dimensional fields plays the key role in modifying the plasma momentum and particle transport in the HL-2A discharge. By comparing the modeling results with the measured density pump-out in the experiment, the electron NTV particle flux model, in combination with the free-boundary condition for the axisymmetric change of the density at the plasma edge, is found to yield the best agreement in terms of both the pump-out level and the overall time scale. Further sensitivity studies show that the simulated density pump-out level is reasonably robust against variations in the model assumptions, including the particle diffusion model and the non-ambipolar versus ambipolar NTV particle flux. The latter however affects the time scale for reaching the steady state solution. Finally, it is found that the plasma edge-peeling response, the NTV torque, as well as the plasma momentum and particle transport, all are sensitive to the toroidal phase difference between the upper and lower rows of the RMP coil currents in HL-2A, with the 30 ∘ coil phasing producing the minimal side effects on the plasma.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Modeling the effects of active wake mixing on wake behavior through large-scale coherent structures

The use of active wake mixing (AWM) to mitigate downstream turbine wakes has created new opportunities for reducing power losses in wind farms. However, many current analytical or semi-empirical wake models do not capture the flow instabilities that are excited through the blade pitch actuation. In this work, we develop a framework, which accounts for the impacts of the large-scale coherent structures and turbulence on the mean flow, for modeling AWM. The framework uses a triple-decomposition approach for the unsteady flow field and models the mean flow and fine-scale turbulence with a parabolized Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) system. The wave components are modeled using a simplified spatial linear stability formulation that captures the growth and evolution of the coherent structures. Comparisons with high-fidelity large eddy simulations (LESs) of the turbine wakes showed that this framework was able to capture the additional wake mixing and faster wake recovery in the far-wake regions for both the pulse and helix AWM strategies with minimal computational expense. In the near-wake region, some differences are observed in both the RANS velocity profiles and initial growth of the large-scale structures, which may be due to some simplifying assumptions used in the model.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Eddy Current Flow Meter Measurements and Modeling Validation

The goal of the eddy current flow meter (ECFM) is to monitor velocities and temperatures of conductive liquid metals. The ECFM can also detect voids in two-phase liquid metal flows. Measurement of these flows can greatly improve the accuracy of the empirical formulas used for fluid dynamics near the reactor core and aid in mapping any non-uniformities in fluid flow such as estimates of temperature and phase. While the eventual goal is to develop the ECFM for the liquid sodium surrounding the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) core, this report focuses on modeling and experimental validation of ECFM for a moving solid test rod and for liquid mercury in the Target Test Facility (TTF) flow loop to better understand and further develop ECFM measurement capabilities by validating model predictions with benchmark experiments. Eventually the models could be used to design and optimize future ECFMs for specific applications such as monitoring flow within the VTR pool.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

A Thermo‐Flow‐Mechanics‐Fracture Model Coupling a Phase‐Field Interface Approach and Thermo‐Fluid‐Structure Interaction

This work proposes a novel approach for coupling non-isothermal fluid dynamics with fracture mechanics to capture thermal effects within fluid-filled fractures accurately. This method addresses critical aspects of calculating fracture width in enhanced geothermal systems, where the temperature effects of fractures are crucial. The proposed algorithm features an iterative coupling between an interface-capturing phase-field fracture method and interface-tracking thermo-fluid-structure interaction using arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian coordinates. We use a phase-field approach to represent fractures and reconstruct the geometry to frame a thermo-fluid-structure interaction problem, resulting in pressure and temperature fields that drive fracture propagation. We developed a novel phase-field interface model accounting for thermal effects, enabling the coupling of quantities specific to the fluid-filled fracture with the phase-field model through the interface between the fracture and the intact solid domain. We provide several numerical examples to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed algorithm. In particular, we analyze mesh convergence of our phase-field interface model, investigate the effects of temperature on crack width and volume in a static regime, and highlight the method's potential for modeling slowly propagating fractures.

fracture↗

A Data-Driven Method for Modeling Creep-Fatigue Stress- Strain Behavior Using Neural ODEs

In this paper, we introduce a data-driven machine learning approach for modeling one-dimensional stress–strain behavior under cyclic loading, utilizing experimental data from the nickel-based Alloy 617. The study employs uniaxial creep–fatigue test data acquired under various loading histories and compares two distinct neural network-based ODE models. The first model, known as the black-box model, comprehensively describes the strain–stress relationship using a Neural ODE equation. To interpret this black-box model, we apply the Sparse Identification of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems (SINDy) technique, transforming the black-box model into an equation-based model using symbolic regression. The second model, the Neural flow rule model, incorporates Hooke’s Law for the linear elastic component, with the nonlinear part characterized by a Neural ODE. Both models are trained with experimental data to accurately reflect the observed stress–strain behavior. We conduct a detailed comparison with the standard Chaboche model, which includes three back stresses. Our results demonstrate that the neural network-based ODE models precisely capture the experimental creep–fatigue mechanical behavior, exceeding the standard Chaboche model’s accuracy. Furthermore, an interpretable model derived from the black-box neural ODE model through symbolic regression achieves accuracy comparable to the Chaboche model, enhancing its interpretability. The results highlight the potential of neural network-based ODE models to depict complex creep–fatigue behavior, eliminating the necessity for experts to define a specific, material-focused model form.

creep-fatigue↗

Multiphase computational fluid dynamics modeling of reacting flows in absorption columns for carbon capture

First-principles derived computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have been proposed as a fundamental tool for investigating solvent-based CO 2 absorption in packed columns due to their ability to accurately represent the underlying nonlinear, multiscale dynamics. Numerous studies have previously utilized such CFD simulations to investigate hydrodynamics of columns with structured and random packings by assessing the key hydrodynamic metrics such as the interfacial and wetted areas. While mapping such metrics for different conditions is essential to the optimization of absorption columns, it is not sufficient, as the CO 2 capture rate depends also on the coupled, nonlinear dynamics from the underlying chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and heat-transfer rates. In this work, we present detailed CFD simulation results augmented by incorporating the effects of interfacial physical mass transfer of CO 2 , heat release from chemical reaction kinetics, and thermophysical property variations from resulting temperature gradients. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach in numerically assessing the performance of packed columns by evaluating key hydrodynamic quantities, CO 2 absorption rates, and temperature rise in a reference column with packings that are structurally similar to the Sulzer Mellapak™ 250.Y packing, for different solvent inflow velocities and temperatures. Predictions from simulation results are found to be consistent with the trends in experimental observations from the literature, suggesting that the predictive capabilities of the simulation framework can be leveraged to guide the future development of absorber-column designs and optimized process flowsheets.

Absorption columns↗