Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “code comparisons”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 469 records · Page 26

Performance-Portable GPU Acceleration of the EFIT Tokamak Plasma Equilibrium Reconstruction Code

This paper presents the steps followed to GPU-offload parts of the core solver of EFIT-AI, an equilibrium reconstruction code suitable for tokamak experiments and burning plasmas. For this work, we will focus on the fitting procedure that consists of a Grad–Shafranov (GS) equation inverse solver that calculates equilibrium reconstructions on a grid. We will show profiling results of the original code (CPU-baseline), as well as the directives used to GPU-offload the most time-consuming function, initially to compare OpenACC and OpenMP on NVIDIA and AMD GPUs and later on to assess OpenMP performance portability on NVIDIA, AMD and Intel GPUs. We will make a performance comparison for different spatial grid sizes and show the speedup achieved on NVIDIA A100 (Perlmutter-NERSC), AMD MI250X (Frontier-OLCF) and Intel PVC GPUs (Sunspot-ALCF). Finally, we will draw some conclusions and recommendations to achieve high-performance portability for an equilibrium reconstruction code on the new HPC architectures

GPU↗

Statistical (n,$$\gamma $$) cross section model comparison for short-lived nuclei

Abstract Neutron-capture cross sections of neutron-rich nuclei are calculated using a Hauser–Feshbach model when direct experimental cross sections cannot be obtained. A number of codes to perform these calculations exist, and each makes different assumptions about the underlying nuclear physics. We investigated the systematic uncertainty associated with the choice of Hauser-Feshbach code used to calculate the neutron-capture cross section of a short-lived nucleus. The neutron-capture cross section for $$^{73}\hbox {Zn}$$ 73 Zn (n, $$\gamma $$ γ ) $$^{74}\hbox {Zn}$$ 74 Zn was calculated using three Hauser-Feshbach statistical model codes: TALYS, CoH, and EMPIRE. The calculation was first performed without any changes to the default settings in each code. Then an experimentally obtained nuclear level density (NLD) and $$\gamma $$ γ -ray strength function ( $$\gamma \hbox {SF}$$ γ SF ) were included. Finally, the nuclear structure information was made consistent across the codes. The neutron-capture cross sections obtained from the three codes are in good agreement after including the experimentally obtained NLD and $$\gamma \hbox {SF}$$ γ SF , accounting for differences in the underlying nuclear reaction models, and enforcing consistent approximations for unknown nuclear data. It is possible to use consistent inputs and nuclear physics to reduce the differences in the calculated neutron-capture cross section from different Hauser-Feshbach codes. However, ensuring the treatment of the input of experimental data and other nuclear physics are similar across multiple codes requires a careful investigation. For this reason, more complete documentation of the inputs and physics chosen is important.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Load Following Analysis of the Holos-Quad 10MWe Micro-Reactor with Plant Dynamics Code

This report presents the load following analysis of the “Holos-Quad” 10MWe micro-reactor design developed by HolosGen LLC. This analysis is focused on the Holos-Quad micro-reactor ability to match the changing grid demand at 10%/min rate. The control mechanisms for the plant are identified, simulated, and compared. Based on the comparison results, control strategy for load following of the Holos-Quad micro-reactor is developed. The control strategy and load following capabilities are demonstrated in a full-range down-and-up reactor power transient from 100% to 0% and back to 100% load at 10%/min rate. All calculations are carried out with Argonne’s Plant Dynamics Code.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

A Review of Remote Welding and Nondestructive Examination Technologies for the DOE Standard Canister

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) manages a wide variety of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) that poses a unique management challenge. To help address this challenge, the DOE Standard Canister (DOESC), designed to remain sealed during handling, storage, transportation, and disposal, was conceptualized as a standardized containment vessel to accommodate DOE-managed SNF. Since 1999, several welding and examination processes have been independently developed for the DOESC’s closure welds. However, neither the DOESC nor these processes have been realized in an operational capacity. This review paper seeks to present and compare previously developed DOESC closure weld, nondestructive examination, and repair processes and technologies. Specific processes developed for the Idaho Spent Fuel Facility, in preparation for the Yucca Mountain geological repository, and the recent Road-Ready Demonstration Project are discussed. Further, specific focus is given to how different operating constraints and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) have driven certain welding and nondestructive examination requirements. Historical DOESC welding and examination strategies are assessed against current regulatory and BPVC requirements. The comparison of welding processes, technologies, and DOESC designs presented in this review paper will inform further construction efforts for other commercial and DOE-managed SNF containments, including the DOESC.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Exploring the dependence of gas cooling and heating functions on the incident radiation field with machine learning

ABSTRACT Gas cooling and heating functions play a crucial role in galaxy formation. But, it is computationally expensive to exactly compute these functions in the presence of an incident radiation field. These computations can be greatly sped up by using interpolation tables of pre-computed values, at the expense of making significant and sometimes even unjustified approximations. Here, we explore the capacity of machine learning to approximate cooling and heating functions with a generalized radiation field. Specifically, we use the machine learning algorithm XGBoost to predict cooling and heating functions calculated with the photoionization code cloudy at fixed metallicity, using different combinations of photoionization rates as features. We perform a constrained quadratic fit in metallicity to enable a fair comparison with traditional interpolation methods at arbitrary metallicity. We consider the relative importance of various photoionization rates through both a principal component analysis (PCA) and calculation of SHapley Additive exPlanation (shap) values for our XGBoost models. We use feature importance information to select different subsets of rates to use in model training. Our XGBoost models outperform a traditional interpolation approach at each fixed metallicity, regardless of feature selection. At arbitrary metallicity, we are able to reduce the frequency of the largest cooling and heating function errors compared to an interpolation table. We find that the primary bottleneck to increasing accuracy lies in accurately capturing the metallicity dependence. This study demonstrates the potential of machine learning methods such as XGBoost to capture the non-linear behaviour of cooling and heating functions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Deciphering enhancer sequence using thermodynamics-based models and convolutional neural networks

Abstract Deciphering the sequence-function relationship encoded in enhancers holds the key to interpreting non-coding variants and understanding mechanisms of transcriptomic variation. Several quantitative models exist for predicting enhancer function and underlying mechanisms; however, there has been no systematic comparison of these models characterizing their relative strengths and shortcomings. Here, we interrogated a rich data set of neuroectodermal enhancers in Drosophila, representing cis- and trans- sources of expression variation, with a suite of biophysical and machine learning models. We performed rigorous comparisons of thermodynamics-based models implementing different mechanisms of activation, repression and cooperativity. Moreover, we developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, called CoNSEPT, that learns enhancer ‘grammar’ in an unbiased manner. CoNSEPT is the first general-purpose CNN tool for predicting enhancer function in varying conditions, such as different cell types and experimental conditions, and we show that such complex models can suggest interpretable mechanisms. We found model-based evidence for mechanisms previously established for the studied system, including cooperative activation and short-range repression. The data also favored one hypothesized activation mechanism over another and suggested an intriguing role for a direct, distance-independent repression mechanism. Our modeling shows that while fundamentally different models can yield similar fits to data, they vary in their utility for mechanistic inference. CoNSEPT is freely available at: https://github.com/PayamDiba/CoNSEPT.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Averaged cluster approach to including chemical short-range order in KKR-CPA

The single-site Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker coherent potential approximation (KKR-CPA) ignores short-range ordering present in disordered metallic systems. Here in this paper, we establish a technique to fix this shortcoming by embedding an averaged cluster that displays chemical short-range order (SRO). The degree of SRO can be tuned by externally defined order parameters. This averaged cluster can be embedded in the single-site CPA medium or a self-consistently obtained effective medium that contains SRO information. The validity of this method is demonstrated by applying it to two alloy systems—the CuZn body-centered cubic (BCC) solid solution, and AlCrTiV, a four-element BCC high entropy alloy. A comparison between the non-self-consistent and self-consistent modes is also provided for the two above-mentioned systems. We make the code available on the internet. Planned extensions to this paper are discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

PayamDiba/CoNSEPT

Deciphering the sequence-function relationship encoded in enhancers holds the key to interpreting non-coding variants and understanding mechanisms of transcriptomic variation. Several quantitative models exist for predicting enhancer function and underlying mechanisms; however, there has been no systematic comparison of these models characterizing their relative strengths and shortcomings. Here, we interrogated a rich data set of neuroectodermal enhancers in Drosophila, representing cis- and trans- sources of expression variation, with a suite of biophysical and machine learning models. We performed rigorous comparisons of thermodynamics-based models implementing different mechanisms of activation, repression and cooperativity. Moreover, we developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, called CoNSEPT, that learns enhancer ‘grammar’ in an unbiased manner. CoNSEPT is the first general-purpose CNN tool for predicting enhancer function in varying conditions, such as different cell types and experimental conditions, and we show that such complex models can suggest interpretable mechanisms. We found model-based evidence for mechanisms previously established for the studied system, including cooperative activation and short-range repression. The data also favored one hypothesized activation mechanism over another and suggested an intriguing role for a direct, distance-independent repression mechanism. Our modeling shows that while fundamentally different models can yield similar fits to data, they vary in their utility for mechanistic inference.

Dibaeinia, Payam↗

The LAKE model input dataset for three Arctic lakes

This dataset contains meteorological data collected for three Arctic lakes and compiled to satisfy input requirements of the LAKE 2.0 model. The dataset was generated to act as a benchmarking dataset for future model-data inter-comparisons. The LAKE 2.0 model simulates temperatures within the water later and the sedimentary layer of a lake. The LAKE2.0. is an open-source code and available to download via this weblike http://tesla.parallel.ru/Viktor/LAKE/-/wikis/LAKE-model (last visit July 14, 2021). The meteorological data are required to simulate the surface energy balance at the surface of a lake. This dataset includes a compilation of the meteorological data pulled from multiple data streams, including National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) climate data, Circumarctic Lakes Observation Network (CALON) data, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) data. The data were compiled for three Arctic lakes: FoxDen (66.55877, -164.45670), Atqasuk (70.452497, -156.951984), and Toolik (68.63150, -149.60740). Each meteorological data is in comma-delimited format (file extension ‘.dat’) and includes eight columns: Temperature [K], Pressure [Pa], longwave downward radiation [W/m2], shortwave downward radiation [W/m2], “U” wind speed [m/s], ”V” wind speed [m/s], humidity [kg/kg], precipitation [m/s]. In addition to the meteorological data file, we included setup and driver files. The Toolik lake is the deepest out of three lakes and has inflowing and outflowing groundwater data. InflowOutflowREADME.txt has more information about inflow and outflow flies. The other two lakes are much shallower and modeled as a closed system (i.e. no water inflow or outflow).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Conjugate Heat Transfer Modeling of Salt-Filled Fuel Pins for Stable Salt Reactor Safety Analysis

The Stable Salt Reactor (SSR) combines the proven structural design of light water reactor fuel assemblies with the inherent safety and fuel-cycle advantages of molten salt technology. In its fast reactor configuration, the SSR utilizes recycled nuclear waste as fuel, sealed within narrow salt-filled fuel pins and cooled by a surrounding liquid salt coolant. Reliable transfer of heat from the molten fuel salt through the cladding to the external coolant is essential for both reactor safety and performance. This work investigates conjugate heat transfer (CHT) in the SSR’s salt-filled fuel pins using NekRS, a high-fidelity spectral element computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver. The analyses capture internal natural convection within the molten fuel salt and external forced convection in the coolant, under steady-state and transient operating conditions. Parametric studies evaluate how variations in reactor power and coolant flow rate influence heat transfer distributions and system response. The high-fidelity CFD results are time-averaged and post-processed for direct comparison with moderate-fidelity Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) models, and for the development of reduced-order models within the SAM system code. These validated models support fast-running safety analyses of normal and off-normal transients, improving predictive capability for key safety margins. By integrating advanced CFD with system-level safety tools, this study strengthens the modeling framework for SSR design, reduces uncertainty in molten salt CHT simulations, and accelerates the engineering and licensing of next-generation nuclear reactors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

New Grids of Pure-hydrogen White Dwarf NLTE Model Atmospheres and the HST/STIS Flux Calibration

Nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) calculations of hot white dwarf (WD) model atmospheres are the cornerstone of modern flux calibrations for the Hubble Space Telescope and for the CALSPEC database. These theoretical spectral energy distributions (SEDs) provide the relative flux versus wavelength, and only the absolute flux level remains to be set by reconciling the measured absolute flux of Vega in the visible with the Midcourse Space Experiment values for Sirius in the mid-IR. The most recent SEDs calculated by the tlusty and tmap NLTE model atmosphere codes for the primary WDs G191-B2B, GD 153, and GD 71 show improved agreement to 1% from 1500 Å to 30 μm, in comparison to the previous 1% consistency only from 2000 Å to 5 μm. These new NLTE models of hot WDs now provide consistent flux standards from the far UV to the mid-IR.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

An Integral-based Technique to Accelerate the Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer Computation for Supernovae

We present an integral-based technique (IBT) algorithm to accelerate supernova (SN) radiative transfer calculations. The algorithm utilizes “integral packets,” which are calculated by the path integral of the Monte Carlo (MC) energy packets, to synthesize the observed spectropolarimetric signal at a given viewing direction in a 3D time-dependent radiative transfer program. Compared to the event-based technique (EBT) proposed by M. Bulla et al., our algorithm significantly reduces the computation time and increases the MC signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). Using a 1D spherical symmetric Type Ia SN ejecta model DDC10 and its derived 3D model, the IBT algorithm has successfully passed the verification of spherical symmetry and cross comparison on a 3D SN model with the direct-counting technique and EBT. Notably, with our algorithm implemented in the 3D MC radiative transfer code SEDONA, the computation time is faster than EBT by a factor of 10−30, and the S/N is better by a factor of 1.5−3, with the same number of MC quanta.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Fast Reactor Physics Model Verification Studies using ARC and PyARC Workflows

PyARC was recently developed at Argonne National Laboratory to automate many of the tasks required in the ARC (Argonne Reactor Computation) fast reactor simulation workflow, from input file generation, code execution, data transfer between ARC codes, and output postprocessing. PyARC will likely be the path forward to train new users of the ARC codes with the goal of wide adoption by the national laboratories, academia, and industry. In particular, for the ANL-JAEA collaboration under the Civil Nuclear Working Group (CNWG) project agreement NE-01, PyARC will be used to model the Joyo and EBR-II reactors for comparisons with measured data and calculated results from JAEA (Task 3: Fast Reactor Fuel and Core). As an additional avenue for verification and validation, this report investigates the use of PyARC towards a variety of existing ARC-based reactor models, in order to understand its efficacy in replicating the behavior of base ARC codes and better understand any limitations within modeling realistic fast reactor problems. To this end, PyARC was used to model the Joyo MKI, RBEC Benchmark-M, PRISM Mod-B, and EBR-II Run 138B cores, and its results were compared to those from existing ARC-based models. It was found that for hexagonal-based geometries PyARC was able to replicate the behavior of ARC codes to within 10 pcm for small reactor cores, and ~150pcm difference in eigenvalue for larger cores. These discrepancies are attributed primarily to differences in local mesh refinement options between ARC and PyARC, which currently cannot be resolved with PyARC’s latest version (1.6.0). In some of these cases, PyARC was used to model steady-state problems with initial core compositions originating from a prior REBUS depletion calculation. While PyARC was not designed to support such steady-state calculations, workarounds were applied to replicate the behavior of ARC-based calculations as closely as possible. Thus, these results demonstrate the wide extent to which they can be applied to fast reactor problems while still providing immense benefit to the user in terms of automating and standardizing common routines within the fast reactor analysis workflow. This study concluded that PyARC will be suitable for modeling the steady-state conditions of the EBR-II and Joyo fast reactors as part of the CNWG project agreement.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

TDCOSMO. X. Automated modeling of nine strongly lensed quasars and comparison between lens-modeling software

When strong gravitational lenses are to be used as an astrophysical or cosmological probe, models of their mass distributions are often needed. We present a new, time-efficient automation code for the uniform modeling of strongly lensed quasars with GLEE, a lens-modeling software for multiband data. By using the observed positions of the lensed quasars and the spatially extended surface brightness distribution of the host galaxy of the lensed quasar, we obtain a model of the mass distribution of the lens galaxy. We applied this uniform modeling pipeline to a sample of nine strongly lensed quasars for which images were obtained with the Wide Field Camera 3 of the Hubble Space Telescope. The models show well-reconstructed light components and a good alignment between mass and light centroids in most cases. We find that the automated modeling code significantly reduces the input time during the modeling process for the user. The time for preparing the required input files is reduced by a factor of 3 from ~3 h to about one hour. The active input time during the modeling process for the user is reduced by a factor of 10 from ~ 10 h to about one hour per lens system. This automated uniform modeling pipeline can efficiently produce uniform models of extensive lens-system samples that can be used for further cosmological analysis. A blind test that compared our results with those of an independent automated modeling pipeline based on the modeling software Lenstronomy revealed important lessons. Quantities such as Einstein radius, astrometry, mass flattening, and position angle are generally robustly determined. Other quantities, such as the radial slope of the mass density profile and predicted time delays, depend crucially on the quality of the data and on the accuracy with which the point spread function is reconstructed. Better data and/or a more detailed analysis are necessary to elevate our automated models to cosmography grade. Nevertheless, our pipeline enables the quick selection of lenses for follow-up and further modeling, which significantly speeds up the construction of cosmography-grade models. This important step forward will help us to take advantage of the increase in the number of lenses that is expected in the coming decade, which is an increase of several orders of magnitude.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Improving the modeling of near-wall interphase heat transfer in porous media models of Pebble Bed Reactors

Here, this work aims to improve capabilities for modeling localized effects in porous media models of Pebble Bed Reactors. The wall-channeling effect is the primary local phenomenon of interest in a PBR, where the presence of the reflector wall disrupts the pebble packing, causing the pebbles near the wall to pack less efficiently and creating large void regions. Accurate modeling of the near-wall region is important as it will affect core bypass flow and temperature predictions. Porous media models are commonly used for design scoping and plant-level simulations of PBRs. Although these models have some capabilities to model the near-wall region, the correlations that are available in porous media codes are often inaccurate when a multi-region model is used to discretize the near-wall region. This work employs a high-to-low analysis to study the accuracy of available interphase heat transfer closures. NekRS, a spectral element computational fluid dynamics code, is used to perform Large Eddy Simulations. These LES simulation results are compared to porous media model results from the Pronghorn porous media code. The friction term of the KTA drag closure is first improved, reducing the error in the prediction of the near-wall velocity from over 50% to less than 5%. This is combined with improvements to the form term from previous works to produce a drag closure that is capable of accurately modeling the wall-channeling effect across a variety of flow conditions. The Nusselt number predictions of several heat transfer correlations are compared to the high-fidelity results where it is found that the KTA heat transfer correlation is capable of accurately predicting the local Nusselt numbers that were determined in the high-fidelity simulation. Comparison of the radial solid temperature profiles, however, reveal discrepancies between NekRS and Pronghorn. It is discovered that the implementation of the interphase heat transfer coefficient that exists in many current porous media codes is not valid when local porosities are modeled. Instead, it is suggested that the interphase heat transfer coefficient should be dependent on the local porosity, the Nusselt number, and the local solid surface-to-volume ratio. Implementation of this change produces improvement in the agreement between the results obtained by NekRS and Pronghorn while using the KTA heat transfer correlation.

interphase heat transfer↗

Computation and Comparison of the Stable Northeastern US Marine Boundary Layer

In this work we investigate the behavior of stable marine boundary layers located near the coast of the Northeastern United States. Using the ExaWind large eddy simulation (LES) codes, three stable atmospheric conditions were chosen to match the Cape Wind measurements of Archer et al. with wind speeds of 5 m/s, 10 m/s, and 15 m/s at the 20 m measurement height. The behavior of the stable boundary layers, including mean flow quantities and turbulent statistics, are examined and compared to previous computations of the neutral and unstable offshore boundary layer at the same location. This study also examines the domain and mesh requirements necessary to capture the turbulent scales for the stable offshore boundary layers. Finally, we compare solutions computed using both Nalu-Wind and AMR-Wind solvers, and compare their predicted solutions and performance in this study.

49 EE - Wind and Water Power Program - Wind (EE-4W↗

Solidification and crystallographic texture modeling of laser powder bed fusion Ti-6Al-4V using finite difference-monte carlo method

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing makes near-net-shaped parts with reduced material cost and time, rising as a promising technology to fabricate Ti-6Al-4V, a widely used titanium alloy in aerospace and medical industries. However, LPBF Ti-6Al-4V parts produced with 67° rotation between layers, a scan strategy commonly used to reduce microstructure and property inhomogeneity, have varying grain morphologies and weak crystallographic textures that change depending on processing parameters. Here, this study predicts LPBF Ti-6Al-4V solidification at three energy levels using a finite difference-Monte Carlo method and validates the simulations with large-area electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) scans. The developed model accurately shows that a <001> texture forms at low energy and a <111> texture occurs at higher energies parallel to the build direction but with a lower strength than the textures observed from EBSD. A validated and well-established method of combining spatial correlation and general spherical harmonics representation of texture is developed to calculate a difference score between simulations and experiments. The quantitative comparison enables effective fine-tuning of nucleation density (N 0 ) input, which shows a nonlinear relationship with increasing energy level. Future improvements in texture prediction code and a more comprehensive study of N 0 with different energy levels will further advance the optimization of LPBF Ti-6Al-4V components. These developments contribute a novel understanding of crystallographic texture formation in LPBF Ti-6Al-4V, the development of robust model validation and calibration pipeline methodologies, and provide a platform for mechanical property prediction and process parameter optimization.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Slender-body approach for computing second-order wave loads in the frequency domain

This work presents a slender-body approach to evaluate the second-order wave loads acting on a floating structure in the frequency domain. The approach is in the same spirit as the common use of Morison’s equation to approximate the wave loads without solving the radiation/diffraction problem. To do so, we employ Rainey’s equation, which can be seen as an extension of the inertial part of Morison’s equation to include nonlinear effects. We introduce modifications to Rainey’s formulation in order to evaluate wave kinematics at the mean body position instead of the original approach of considering instantaneous displacements. We also propose a simple approximation to partially account for wave scattering effects on the second-order loads based on the analytical solution of a surface-piercing bottom-mounted vertical circular cylinder. Though limited to structures composed of cylinders, this slender-body approach is orders of magnitude faster than computing second-order wave coefficients with a radiation/diffraction code. We implemented this approach for difference-frequency (slow drift) loads in an open-source frequency-domain floating wind turbine model. We present comparisons against results obtained with radiation/diffraction theory for three reference floating wind turbine designs: the OC3-Hywind spar, the OC4-DeepCwind semisubmersible, and the VolturnUS-S semisubmersible. In general, the results show that the proposed slender-body approach with the correction to approximate wave scattering effects provides useful estimations of the difference-frequency wave loads and the resulting motions of the floater.

17 WIND ENERGY↗