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At least 487 records · Page 27

Numerical Multilevel Upscaling for Incompressible Flow in Reservoir Simulation: An Element-Based Algebraic Multigrid (AMGe) Approach

Here, we study the application of a finite element numerical upscaling technique to the incompressible two-phase porous media total velocity formulation. Specifically, an element-agglomeration-based algebraic multigrid (AMGe) technique with improved approximation properties is used, for the first time, to generate upscaled and accurate coarse systems for the reservoir simulation equations. The upscaling technique is applied to both the mixed system for velocity and pressure and to the hyperbolic transport equations, providing fully upscaled systems. By introducing additional degrees of freedom associated with nonplanar interfaces between agglomerates, the coarse velocity space has guaranteed approximation properties. The employed AMGe technique provides coarse spaces with desirable local mass conservation and stability properties analogous to the original pair of Raviart--Thomas and piecewise discontinuous polynomial spaces, resulting in strong mass conservation for the upscaled systems. Due to the guaranteed approximation properties and the generic nature of the AMGe method, recursive multilevel upscaling is automatically obtained. Furthermore, this technique works for both structured and unstructured meshes. Multiscale mixed finite elements exhibit accuracy for general unstructured meshes but do not in general lead to nested hierarchy of spaces. Multiscale multilevel mimetic finite differences generate nested spaces but lack the adaptivity of the flux representation on coarser levels that the proposed AMGe approach offers. Thus, the proposed approach can be seen as a rigorous bridge that merges the best properties of these two existing methods. The accuracy and stability of the studied multilevel AMGe upscaling technique is demonstrated on two challenging test cases.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Structural Evolution of Mixed-Addenda Keggin Polyoxometalate Anions with Atom-by-Atom Substitution

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are molecular metal oxides with distinctive electronic properties that make them promising materials for applications in energy, sensors, and memory devices. One of the most promising methods of tuning the stability, photochromic, redox, and electron-spin properties of POMs is through the substitution of the metal “addenda” atoms that, along with oxygen, constitute their cage-like structures. Because traditional synthesis methods typically produce a distribution of POMs, the isolation and characterization of multimetallic POMs with predetermined stoichiometry remains challenging. The presence of multiple energetically accessible isomers further complicates the experimental characterization and theoretical modeling of multimetallic POMs. Herein, we leverage the distinguishing mass-selection capabilities of ion soft landing to prepare stoichiometrically selected Keggin PMo x W 12-x O 40 3- (x = 0 – 6, 8, 10, and 12) POMs on self-assembled monolayer surfaces free of the solvent molecules and counterions that often confound characterization of complex species at interfaces. The structures of the supported POMs are characterized with atom-by-atom precision using in situ infrared (IR) reflection absorption spectroscopy complemented by detailed density functional theory calculations. Our joint experimental and theoretical results reveal an almost linear shift in the positions of the IR bands towards lower wavenumbers with an increase in the number of lighter molybdenum atoms compared to heavier W atoms in PMoxW 12-x O 40 3- . The theoretical calculations also indicate that numerous isomeric structures may be populated at the experimental conditions and, consequently, contribute to the overall IR spectra. In conclusion, our findings indicate that in addition to the number of substituted addenda atoms and the presence of multiple isomeric structures, interactions with the surface play an important role in determining the IR spectra and structure of supported bimetallic POMs.

Prabhakaran, Venkateshkumar [Pacific Northwest Nat↗

Discontinuous Galerkin algorithms for fully kinetic plasmas

Here, we present a new algorithm for the discretization of the non-relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell system of equations for the study of plasmas in the kinetic regime. Using the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the spatial discretization, we obtain a high order accurate solution for the plasma's distribution function. Time stepping for the distribution function is done explicitly with a third order strong-stability preserving Runge–Kutta method. Since the Vlasov equation in the Vlasov–Maxwell system is a high dimensional transport equation, up to six dimensions plus time, we take special care to note various features we have implemented to reduce the cost while maintaining the integrity of the solution, including the use of a reduced high-order basis set. A series of benchmarks, from simple wave and shock calculations, to a five dimensional turbulence simulation, are presented to verify the efficacy of our set of numerical methods, as well as demonstrate the power of the implemented features.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Singularly Perturbed Lie Bracket Approximation

Here, we consider the interconnection of two dynamical systems where one has an input-affine vector field. We show that by employing a singular perturbation analysis and the Lie bracket approximation technique, the stability of the overall system can be analyzed by regarding the stability properties of two reduced, uncoupled systems.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Voltage Stability Assessment Using Synchronized Phasor Measurements Applied to the Argentine Power System

This paper presents tests of different methods for long term voltage stability analysis based on PMU measurements. In particular, Thevenin Impedance Matching and sensitivity calculation are studied. Simulation are performed in a modified Argentine power system model, to include the main components for studying long term voltage stability. Disconnection of a large Thermal Generating Station causing long-term voltage instability at Gran Buenos Aires Area is studied. It is shown that computing the apparent impedance of Thevenin equivalent at load bus from measurements taken at a single time but at various locations of the transmission corridor produce a significant reduction of the estimation error produce when only local measurements are used. Voltage Stability analysis is performed using a reduced power system model where changing parameters are fully computed through PMU data at each time. Over this reduced power system model, voltage stability index and sensibility calculations are performed.

Gill-Estebez, Pablo↗

An extension of the localized artificial diffusivity method for immiscible and high density ratio flows

The localized artificial diffusivity (LAD) method is widely regarded as the preferred multi-material regularization scheme for the compact finite difference method, because it is conservative, easy to implement, and generally robust for a wide range of multi-material problems. However, traditional LAD methods face significant challenges when applied to flows with large density ratios and when maintaining thermodynamic equilibrium across material interfaces. These limitations arise from the formulation of the artificial diffusivity flux and the reliance on enthalpy diffusion for interface regularization. Additionally, traditional LAD methods struggle to ensure stability under large density ratio conditions, fail to maintain a finite interface thickness, and are therefore unsuitable for modeling immiscible interfaces. Here, in this work, we discuss the origins of these issues in traditional LAD methods and propose modifications which enable the simulation of large density ratio and immiscible flows. The proposed method targets the artificial diffusion fluxes at gradients and ringing in the volume fraction, rather than the mass fraction in traditional methods, to consistently regularize large density ratio interfaces. Furthermore, the proposed method introduces an artificial bulk density diffusion term to enforce equilibrium conditions across interfaces. To address the challenge of modeling immiscible flows, a conservative diffuse interface term is incorporated into the formulation to ensure a finite interface thickness. Specific consideration is taken in the design of the method to ensure that these crucial properties are maintained for N -material flows. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through a series of canonical test cases, and its accuracy is validated by comparison with experimental data on micro-bubble collapse in water. These results highlight the method’s robustness and its ability to overcome the limitations of traditional LAD approaches.

Artificial diffusivity↗

Key materials of vanadium flow batteries: electrolytes

Electrolytes not only dictates the device performance, but also the major part of VRFB system cost, making it as main focus of extensive research efforts in this field. Most research efforts directed towards finding an optimal supporting electrolyte and/or additive materials, which can increase the vanadium cations solubility and stability. Current research efforts were mostly trial and error methods, yielding marginal improvements in chemical/thermal stability while potentially compromising on other functional properties such as conductivity and viscosity. In addition, any supporting electrolyte and/or additives used to enhance vanadium solubility or cell potential will eventually diffuse across the membrane making it necessary to be compatible with both half-cell reactions to ensure long battery life. Another aspect of ensuring longer battery life cycle with minimum self-discharge of VRFB would be the additive/supporting electrolyte should exhibit prolonged thermal and chemical stability, typically over 30 days at battery operating temperature of -5 to 50 C. These practical requirements may limit the implementation of many additives currently under investigation. Despite extensive research, identifying the optimal material for stabilizing the vanadium electrolyte has been rather slow owing to the widely used empirical approach.

Murugesan, Vijayakumar↗

A phase-field method for boiling heat transfer

Here we present a phase field method for heat transfer in two-phase flow with boiling. The vapor/liquid interface evolution is modeled by the Cahn-Hilliard equation. The phase change rate is determined by accounting for the heat conduction balance on either vapor or liquid side of the interfacial area, depending on which side the temperature is assumed to be maintained at the saturation temperature during boiling. The velocity correction scheme proposed by Dong & Shen [27] is extended to solve the Navier-Stokes equations for a non-solenoidal velocity field, and the entropy viscosity method is employed for stabilization. The phase change model is verified by two-dimensional simulations of a vapor bubble growing in super-heated liquid and in film boiling. In both cases, mesh independence of the results is systematically performed. Subsequently, the method is applied to predict the growth of three-dimensional vapor bubble in a rectangular microchannel with boiling flow, achieving good agreement with experimental measurements and available simulation results using the level-set method. The numerical experiments demonstrate that the required mesh resolution for the phase field method is comparable with that of volume of fluid (VoF) and level-set methods.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

GAMMA SPECTRUM STABILIZATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION MONITORING STATIONS USING NAI(TL) DETECTOR

Abstract Gamma spectrum measured by an NaI(Tl) detector is known to be unstable with the in situ temperature. In the present work, an advanced method has been applied to stabilize the gamma spectrum measured by the NaI(Tl) detector at environmental radiation monitoring (ERM) stations. The method is based on experimental data obtained under controlled conditions in laboratory. In the temperature range from 4 to 45°C, the relative deviation of the peak positions within the stabilized gamma spectrum is less than 2%. To test this method in a real scenario, it has been integrated into the ERM station at the Military Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering in Hanoi, Vietnam. The results show that the proposed method is ready for a real application.

Hung, Dinh Tien↗

Safe Reinforcement Learning-Based Transient Stability Control for Islanded Microgrids With Topology Reconfiguration

This paper proposes a safe reinforcement learning (RL)-based transient stability emergency control (TSEC) method for islanded microgrids. RL requires extensive interaction with the environment to learn control strategies, hence, a data-driven approach is used as a substitute for time-consuming time-domain simulation calculations. Deep sigma point processes (DSPP), which is a Gaussian process model, is utilized to predict the normal distribution of transient stability of microgrids and to construct a transient stability chance constraint. Reward-constrained policy optimization (RCPO) can simultaneously achieve objective prediction, policy learning, and constraint cost coefficient update across multiple timescales. RCPO interacts with the DSPP-based microgrid environment through a multi-process parallel manner, greatly increasing the training speed. Case studies on a real islanded microgrid demonstrate that the proposed method can efficiently and quickly obtain the optimal emergency control strategy while adhering to all hard constraints.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

An atomistic investigation of the effect of strain on frictional properties of suspended graphene

We performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a diamond probe scanned on a suspended graphene to reveal the effect of strain on the frictional properties of suspended graphene. The graphene was subjected to some certain strain along the scanning direction. We compared the friction coefficient obtained from different normal loads and strain. The results show that the friction coefficient can be decreased about one order of magnitude with the increase of the strain. And that can be a result of the decreased asymmetry of the contact region which is caused by strain. The synthetic effect of potential energy and the fluctuation of contact region were found to be the main reason accounting for the fluctuation of the friction force. The strain can reduce the fluctuation of the contact region and improve the stability of friction.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Investigation of Nd x Y 0.25-x Zr 0.75 O 1.88 inert matrix fuel materials made by a co-precipitation synthetic route

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is a material that we are considering in our inert matrix fuel nuclear reactors, but a complete characterization of these materials is required for them to be licensed for use. A series of NdxY0.25–xZr0.75O1.88 materials have been synthesized using a co-precipitation method, and the thermal stability of these materials has been studied by annealing them at 1400 and 1500 °C. (Nd was used as surrogate for Am.) The long-range and local structures of the materials were characterized via powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Zr K- and Y K-edges. These results were compared with the previous characterization of Nd-YSZ materials synthesized using a ceramic method. Moreover, the results indicated that the ordering in the local metal–oxygen polyhedral remains relatively unaffected by the synthetic method, but there was increased long-range disorder in the materials prepared by the co-precipitation method. Further, it was found that the materials produced by the co-precipitation method were unexpectedly unstable when annealed at high temperature. This study highlights the importance of determining the effect of synthetic method on material properties and demonstrates how the co-precipitation route could be used to produce inert matrix fuels.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Neutron star under homotopy perturbation method

Highlights: • We study isotropic neutron star under Einstein’s General Relativity. • We get mass function by solving TOV equation via homotopy perturbation method. • Using causality and stability conditions we find allowed ranges of parameters. • We provide stable, physically valid and non-singular solution set. - Abstract: We obtain a mass function solving the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equation for isotropic and spherically symmetric system via homotopy perturbation method (HPM). Using the mass function we construct a stellar model which can be determined from the equation of state (EOS) parameter (ω) and a model parameter (n). With the help of Einstein field equations we develop three solutions which can describe different properties and the core–crust structure of neutron star (NS). Solution I is valid for NS having the inner and outer radius near the surface of the star. The star is physical up to the inner radius whereas negative density occurs and the energy conditions are violated in the upper region from the inner to outer radius. Solution II represents NS with high gravitational redshift as well as compactification factor. All the features of NS can be given by solution III which involves only the EOS parameter. Our model predicts maximum mass for a NS with the central density 5.5×10{sup 15} g/cm{sup 3} and surface redshift 0.69 is to be 2.01 M{sub ⊙} for the EOS parameter ω=0.73. The predicted range for the surface redshift is 0.57<Z{sub s}<1.95 for the allowed ranges 8.4<n<10.9 and 1/3<ω<1 in the presented NS model.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Fluid-Dynamic Mechanisms Underlying Wind Turbine Wake Control with Strouhal-Timed Actuation

A reduction in wake effects in large wind farms through wake-aware control has considerable potential to improve farm efficiency. This work examines the success of several emerging, empirically derived control methods that modify wind turbine wakes (i.e., the pulse method, helix method, and related methods) based on Strouhal numbers on the O(0.3). Drawing on previous work in the literature for jet and bluff-body flows, the analyses leverage the normal-mode representation of wake instabilities to characterize the large-scale wake meandering observed in actuated wakes. Idealized large-eddy simulations (LES) using an actuator-line representation of the turbine blades indicate that the n=0 and ±1 modes, which correspond to the pulse and helix forcing strategies, respectively, have faster initial growth rates than higher-order modes, suggesting these lower-order modes are more appropriate for wake control. Exciting these lower-order modes with periodic pitching of the blades produces increased modal growth, higher entrainment into the wake, and faster wake recovery. Modal energy gain and the entrainment rate both increase with streamwise distance from the rotor until the intermediate wake. This suggests that the wake meandering dynamics, which share close ties with the relatively well-characterized meandering dynamics in jet and bluff-body flows, are an essential component of the success of wind turbine wake control methods. A spatial linear stability analysis is also performed on the wake flows and yields insights on the modal evolution. In the context of the normal-mode representation of wake instabilities, these findings represent the first literature examining the characteristics of the wake meandering stemming from intentional Strouhal-timed wake actuation, and they help guide the ongoing work to understand the fluid-dynamic origins of the success of the pulse, helix, and related methods.

17 WIND ENERGY↗