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At least 55 records · Page 3

Structural Characterization of Loblolly Pine Derived Biochar by X-ray Diffraction and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy

Biochar from lignocellulosic biomass is emerging as a sustainable material with versatile applications, but its detailed properties are poorly understood because of its structural complexity. We propose a biochar structural development model based on experimental results including composition analysis, surface area and pore analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, electron microscopy imaging, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Loblolly pine derived biochars were produced at different carbonization temperatures between 300 to 1000 °C. Fixed carbon, sp 2 content, and number of graphene layers increased with increased carbonization temperature. Alternating average C–C bond length, interlayer spacing distance, and layer coherence length were observed. Bulk plasmon excitation energy was correlated to the average C–C bond length, and it serves as a good indicator of the carbon structure development when compared to the perfect graphitic carbon structure. On the basis of the experimental results, four different structural development phases are identified, which provide a comprehensive understanding of biochar nanocarbon crystallite development. Unlike previous biochar structure models, which proposed radially growing polyaromatic carbon crystallite, we propose a lengthwise growing polyaromatic carbon crystallite model. Furthermore, this experiment-based biochar model should be helpful when determining the structure of unknown biomass-derived carbon materials and disordered pyrolytic carbon materials.

Biomass carbonization↗

A Composition-Based Approach for Predicting Hanford Tank Waste Liquid Viscosity

Liquid viscosity is an important Hanford waste physical property that governs, in part, the performance of key Hanford flowsheet unit operations and processes, including waste filtration, ion exchange, pumping and transport, and mixing. Evaluation and optimization of these processes rely on liquid viscosity correlations subject to substantial error (at least ±60%) that can lead to overly conservative, and sometimes physically unachievable, limits for validation and operation of these unit operations. The current liquid viscosity correlations used for the Hanford flowsheet attempt to capture the effects of specific waste chemistry (namely, the speciation of various salts) on liquid viscosity using liquid density alone. It is postulated that the ±60% or greater error associated with these “density-based” liquid viscosity predictions is driven in part by the inability of waste density to capture the full impact of waste chemistry on liquid viscosity, and that improved prediction accuracy could be achieved by implementing a composition-based approach to evaluating liquid viscosity for Hanford wastes. Recent publications, namely those of Lencka et al. (1998), Hu (2004), and Laliberté (2007a), provide correlations and comprehensive, consolidated databases of single-salt solution viscosity that enable composition-based predictions for Hanford-type liquids (i.e., concentrated multi-component aqueous electrolyte solutions). In the current study, the viscosities of Hanford wastes and waste simulants were predicted using a composition-based model developed by Laliberté (2007a) (hereafter referred to as the “Laliberté viscosity model”) to evaluate its accuracy relative to the current density-based models used to predict waste viscosity for engineering applications at the Hanford Site. A viscosity database that captured the composition and viscosity of wastes and waste simulants was developed to support this evaluation. To facilitate application of the Laliberté viscosity model, waste and waste simulant compositions were converted to an equivalent salt recipe composed of salts with known viscosity coefficients using a number of simplifying assumptions that have the potential to impact the fidelity of the model prediction. Despite these simplifications, the Laliberté viscosity model was able to predict viscosity more accurately than the density-based correlations currently available for Hanford flowsheet use, such as that proposed in RPP-RPT- 51652. The use of composition-based viscosity models, like that proposed by Laliberté (2007a), shows promise for leading to improved prediction of liquid waste viscosity. As implemented in this study, application of the Laliberté viscosity model could lead to a decrease in the uncertainty associated with liquid viscosity prediction by as much as a factor of two, allowing for reduction in unit operation design conservatism and for the more realistic selection of test simulants for flowsheet process evaluation and optimization, all of which could potentially reduce flowsheet design margins, lower costs and reduce duration of the Hanford mission, and reduce Hanford flowsheet risks.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

An Overview of Material Models in the BISON Fuel Performance Code

BISON is a modern finite element-based nuclear fuel performance code that has been under development at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) since 2009. The code is applicable to both steady and transient fuel behavior and supports the use of one-, two-, and three-dimensional meshes. BISON is designed to be a multi-fuels code. Although primarily applied to Light Water Reactor (LWR) fuel to date, the code has been used to analyze TRISO-coated particle fuel and metal fuel in rod and plate form, design and interpret fuel irradiation experiments and investigate novel fuel concepts. Nuclear fuel operates in an extreme environment that induces complex multiphysics phenomena occurring over distances ranging from inter-atomic spacing to meters, and times scales ranging from microseconds to years. To simulate this behavior requires a wide variety of material models which are often complex and nonlinear. Nearly all of the material models currently available in BISON are empirical, using correlations from existing fuel performance codes or material property libraries. Although these models perform adequately under many conditions, they have well-understood limitations. One obvious weakness is that the models are only valid in the domain of the associated experimental data, and extrapolating beyond this domain can result in substantial errors. A further weakness is that these models are often correlated in terms of imprecise quantities, such as burnup. Materials can, for example, reach a given burnup under very different circumstances, leading to very different material behavior. To overcome these weaknesses, efforts are underway with BISON to develop models based on a multi-scale approach, where material behavior is described with a series of interdependent microstructure based models. This paper provides an overview of the material models available in BISON. To keep the scope manageable, only LWR fuel will be considered. The first section focuses on UO{sub 2} fuel, identifying the models generally required and briefly describing those that have been implemented in the code. The second section repeats this approach for Zircaloy cladding. A final section provides examples of areas where multi-scale material modeling has been applied to BISON. BISON is a modern 2D and 3D nuclear fuel performance code that is applicable to multiple fuel forms. A wide variety of complex and nonlinear material models are required to simulate fuel behavior. Focusing on UO{sub 2} fuel and Zircaloy cladding (LWR fuel), the set of empirical models currently implemented in BISON have been reviewed. To overcome some of the deficiencies associated with empirical models, multi-scale material models are being developed. Two multi-scale models that have been used in BISON were reviewed. (authors)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Gas-Induced Motion of a Piston in a Vibrated Liquid-Filled Housing

We present that models and experiments are developed to investigate how a small amount of gas can cause large rectified motion of a piston in a vibrated liquid-filled housing when piston drag depends on piston position so that damping is nonlinear even for viscous flow. Two bellows serve as surrogates for the upper and lower gas regions maintained by Bjerknes forces. Without the bellows, piston motion is highly damped. With the bellows, the piston, the liquid, and the two bellows move together so that almost no liquid is forced through the gaps between the piston and the housing. This Couette mode has low damping and a strong resonance: the piston and the liquid vibrate against the spring formed by the two bellows (like the pneumatic spring formed by the gas regions). Near this resonance, the piston motion becomes large, and the nonlinear damping produces a large rectified force that pushes the piston downward against its spring suspension. A recently developed model based on quasi-steady Stokes flow is applied to this system. A drift model is developed from the full model and used to determine the equilibrium piston position as a function of vibration amplitude and frequency. Corresponding experiments are performed for two different systems. In the two-spring system, the piston is suspended against gravity between upper and lower springs. Lastly, in the spring-stop system, the piston is pushed up against a stop by a lower spring. Model and experimental results agree closely for both systems and for different bellows properties.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Characterization Of Microwave Discharge Plasmas For Surface Processing

We have developed several diagnostic techniques to characterize two types of microwave (MW) discharge plasmas: a supersonic flowing argon MW discharge maintained in a cylindrical quartz cavity at frequency / = 2.45 GHz and a pulse repetitive MW discharge in air at f = 9.5 GHz. Low temperature MW discharges have been proven to possess attractive properties for plasma cleaning and etching of niobium surfaces of superconductive radio frequency (SRF) cavities. Plasma based surface modification technologies offer a promising alternative for etching and cleaning of SRF cavities. These technologies are low cost, environmentally friendly and easily controllable, and present a possible alternative to currently used acid based wet technologies, such as buffered chemical polishing (BCP), or electrochemical polishing (EP). In fact, weakly ionized, non-equilibrium, and low temperature gas discharges represent a powerful tool for surface processing due to the strong chemical reactivity of plasma radicals. Therefore, characterizing these discharges by applying non-perturbing, in situ measurement techniques is of vital importance. Optical emission spectroscopy has been employed to analyze the molecular structure and evaluate rotational and vibrational temperatures in these discharges. The internal plasma structure was studied by applying a tomographic numerical method based on the two-dimensional Radon formula. An automated optical measurement system has been developed for reconstruction of local plasma parameters. It was found that excited argon states are concentrated near the tube walls, thus confirming the assumption that the post discharge plasma is dominantly sustained by a travelling surface wave. Employing a laser induced fluorescence technique in combination with the time synchronization device allowed us to obtain time-resolved population densities of some excited atomic levels in argon. We have developed a technique for absolute measurements of electron density based on the time-resolved absolute intensity of a Nitrogen spectral band belonging to the Second Positive System, the kinetic model and the detailed particle balance of the iV2 (C3IIU) state. Measured electron density waveforms are in fair agreement with electron densities obtained using the Stark broadening technique. In addition, time dependent population densities of Ar I metastable and resonant levels were obtained by employing a kinetic model developed based on analysis of population density rates of excited Ar I p levels. Both the experimental results and numerical models for both types of gas discharges indicate that multispecies chemistry of gases plays an important role in understanding the dynamics and characterizing the properties of these discharges.

Nikolic, Milka↗

Flight Software for the LADEE Mission

The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft was launched on September 6, 2013, and completed its mission on April 17, 2014 with a directed impact to the Lunar Surface. Its primary goals were to examine the lunar atmosphere, measure lunar dust, and to demonstrate high rate laser communications. The LADEE mission was a resounding success, achieving all mission objectives, much of which can be attributed to careful planning and preparation. This paper discusses some of the highlights from the mission, and then discusses the techniques used for developing the onboard Flight Software. A large emphasis for the Flight Software was to develop it within tight schedule and cost constraints. To accomplish this, the Flight Software team leveraged heritage software, used model based development techniques, and utilized an automated test infrastructure. This resulted in the software being delivered on time and within budget. The resulting software was able to meet all system requirements, and had very problems in flight.

LADEE↗

A Verification-Driven Approach to Traceability and Documentation for Auto-Generated Mathematical Software

Model-based development and automated code generation are increasingly used for production code in safety-critical applications, but since code generators are typically not qualified, the generated code must still be fully tested, reviewed, and certified. This is particularly arduous for mathematical and control engineering software which requires reviewers to trace subtle details of textbook formulas and algorithms to the code, and to match requirements (e.g., physical units or coordinate frames) not represented explicitly in models or code. Both tasks are complicated by the often opaque nature of auto-generated code. We address these problems by developing a verification-driven approach to traceability and documentation. We apply the AUTOCERT verification system to identify and then verify mathematical concepts in the code, based on a mathematical domain theory, and then use these verified traceability links between concepts, code, and verification conditions to construct a natural language report that provides a high-level structured argument explaining why and how the code uses the assumptions and complies with the requirements. We have applied our approach to generate review documents for several sub-systems of NASA s Project Constellation.

Denney, Ewen W.↗

Rainier Mesa/Shoshone Mountain Hydrostratigraphic Framework Model-Prime Model Model Development Process and Model Description, Revision 0

This document presents the results of revisions to the Rainier Mesa/Shoshone Mountain (RM/SM) hydrostratigraphic framework model (HFM) that was constructed for Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 99: Rainier Mesa/Shoshone Mountain. The revised HFM is described as the “RM/SM HFM-Prime” and serves as the base HFM. The modeling efforts and the revisions described in this report have been performed as part of the Underground Test Area (UGTA) Activity that was initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office (NNSA/NFO) to assess and evaluate the effects of the underground nuclear tests on groundwater at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) and vicinity. This document builds on the content of the internal Hydrostratigraphic Framework Model of the Rainier Mesa Area Phase I' - Base Model: Model Development Process & Data Package Description (N-I, 2014a) and specific document review comments from the UGTA RM/SM CAU Preemptive Review members (Zavarin, 2015). This document provides, where necessary, the justifications and rationale for interpretations and revisions to the hydrostratigraphic framework of the RM/SM CAU. The fundamental objective of the effort described in this report was to revise the RM/SM HFM, particularly in the areas and vicinity of the sub-CAU models, in order to incorporate some of the higher-resolution hydrogeologic interpretations used to construct several of the sub-CAU scale flow and transport models.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Development of a NASA Integrated Technical Workforce Career Development Model Entitled Requisite Occupation Competencies and Knowledge -- the ROCK

This paper shares the findings of NASA's Integrated Learning and Development Program (ILDP) in its effort to reinvigorate the HANDS-ON practice of space systems engineering and project/program management through focused coursework, training opportunities, on-the job learning and special assignments. Prior to March 2005, NASA responsibility for technical workforce development (the program/project manager, systems engineering, discipline engineering, discipline engineering and associated communities) was executed by two parallel organizations. In March 2005 these organizations merged. The resulting program-ILDP-was chartered to implement an integrated competency-based development model capable of enhancing NASA's technical workforce performance as they face the complex challenges of Earth science, space science, aeronautics and human spaceflight missions. Results developed in collaboration with NASA Field Centers are reported on. This work led to definition of the agency's first integrated technical workforce development model known as the Requisite Occupation Competence and Knowledge (the ROCK). Critical processes and products are presented including: 'validation' techniques to guide model development, the Design-A-CUrriculuM (DACUM) process, and creation of the agency's first systems engineering body-of-knowledge. Findings were validated via nine focus groups from industry and government, validated with over 17 space-related organizations, at an estimated cost exceeding $300,000 (US). Masters-level programs and training programs have evolved to address the needs of these practitioner communities based upon these results. The ROCK reintroduced rigor and depth to the practitioner's development in these critical disciplines enabling their ability to take mission concepts from imagination to reality.

Menrad, Robert J.↗

Integrating Advanced Modeling and Accelerated Testing for a Modernized Fuel Qualification Paradigm

With the increasing interest in sodium fast reactor technology, as seen by applications to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the OKLO Aurora plant, fuel testing for the TerraPower Traveling Wave Reactor, and the impending construction and startup of the versatile test reactor (VTR), a modernized, accelerated approach to fuel qualification is needed. To guide this effort, a Phenomena Identification Ranking Table–styled analysis was performed for a U-Pu-Zr sodium-free annular fuel system. This analysis evaluated a series of fuel design properties and parameters against their contributions to key fuel performance phenomena. The resulting priority parameters were then reviewed against existing modeling and experimental capabilities to support investigation of the highest-priority parameters. A pathway for qualification was then established using highthroughput, high-volume experiments from MiniFuel and FAST in parallel with advanced physics-based model development. This effort outlines how the first stages of qualification can be reduced from the typical 20+-year development cycle to 5 to 7 years by deploying accelerated irradiation testing platforms. As with any accelerated test, these methods are prototypic in some aspects and less so in others; however, by coupling with advanced fuel performance modeling and simulation capabilities, the larger space of irradiation parameters and material response provided offers advantages for the validation of physics-based models supporting the deployment of novel fuel designs. As a test case, this paper utilizes a proposed Mark II fuel system for the upcoming VTR. Thus, an accelerated qualification method can be tested for the development of MARK II driver fuel so that by the time of VTR startup, lead test assemblies for a Mark II fuel can be initiated.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Experimental Setup and Learning-Based AI Model for Developing Accurate PV Inverter Models [Slides]

The integration of power electronics-based interfaces presents challenges due to the absence of detailed models and the high computational complexity. Generic models used in system studies lack accuracy in capturing converter dynamics. This paper proposes a data-driven approach developed from experimental setup data. This approach enhances accuracy in photovoltaic inverter modeling. We used two types of PV inverters in the experiment. The recorded experimental data undergo processing through a machine learning model. Results from the model trained through machine learning is also presented.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

A mechanistic model for creep and thermal aging in Alloy 709

This report describes a physics-based model for creep and thermal aging in Alloy 709. Alloy 709 is an advanced austenitic alloy, targeted for use in future Sodium Fast Reactors (SFRs) and other advanced reactors. The material has superior high temperature properties compared to currently qualified 316 and 304 stainless steels. However, the available creep and thermal aging test database for Alloy 709 is significantly more limited compared to the historical materials. The physics-based model developed here is one way to accelerate the qualification of the material by providing more accurate long-term predictions for creep properties and thermal aging, compared to current empirical time-extrapolate techniques. The crystal plasticity finite element model is used to predict the deformation and failure of alloy 709. The same setup for the CPFE model is used in both the baseline model calibration process and the simulation campaigns for parameter inference. Specific constitutive choices are made for Alloy 709 to capture the primary deformation mechanisms. The dislocation creep formulation developed by Hu and Cocks is extended to account for coupled precipitation formation and the grain boundary cavitation model developed by Sham, Needleman, et al. is used to model grain boundary cavitation-induced failure. A novel update algorithm is proposed to render the semi-discrete constitutive update for the Sham-Needleman model unconditionally stable. A progressive calibration approach is adopted based on the observations that several types of material responses can be effectively decoupled. A surrogate model is trained based on full-fledged CPFE simulations to accelerate the forward model evaluations, and stochastic variational inference (SVI) is used to calibrate the unknown microstructural model parameters. The calibrated mechanistic model is used to predict the long-term creep life of Alloy 709, and the predictions are compared against classical empirical approaches.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Extension of Ostwald Ripening Theory

The objective is to develop models based on the mean field approximation of Ostwald ripening to describe the growth of second phase droplets or crystallites. The models will include time variations in nucleation rate, control of saturation through addition of solute, precipitating agents, changes in temperature, and various surface kinetic effects. Numerical integration schemes have been developed and tested against the asymptotic solution of Liftshitz, Slyozov and Wagner (LSW). A second attractor (in addition to the LSW distribution) has been found and, contrary to the LSW theory, the final distribution is dependent on the initial distribution. A series of microgravity experiments is being planned to test this and other results from this work.

Baird, J.↗

CDL2PLC translator v0.1.0

The CDL-PLC translator aims at translating control sequences for building energy systems from the CDL CXF format to the PLCopen XML format. The CDL CXF developed at LBL within the OpenBuildingControl project, and now being standardized via ASHRAE Standard 231P, enables expressing control sequences developed in the simulation environment Modelica in a JSON format. The PLCopen XML is an existing exchange format standardized in IEC 61131-10 for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) following the IEC 61131 standard as one target system of CDL among others. The translation from the CDL CXF to the PLCopen XML contributes to a seamless workflow from the model-based development of control sequences in simulation environments, which is not building practice today, and their digital implementation on building controllers, which replaces graphical and textual documents used for this purpose today. The translator is at a prototypical stage and enables, as a proof of concept, the translation of very simple control sequences composed of 4 selected function blocks out of 137 function blocks defined in CDL. The translation includes the connection of inputs and outputs of function blocks and the expression of a control function in CDL to the equivalent code in IEC 61131-3.

Walther, Karl↗

Inorganic characterization of switchgrass biomass using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

The inorganic characterization of 74 samples of switchgrass using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was undertaken. Determination of ash and inorganic elements content in biomass materials is vital for feedstock screening for bioconversion processes. Hierarchical models using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square analysis (PLS) were used to determine the presence of specific elemental micronutrients that are important in determining plant health for robust biomass production. LIBS uses a 532 nm laser with 45 mJ of laser power to excite the samples of switchgrass plant material and the emission of all the elements present in the plant samples were recorded in single spectra with a wide wavelength range of 200–800 nm. The results were compared to the laboratory standard technique, e.g., ICP-OES technique, to determine the true values for major micronutrients such as, silicon (Si), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S). Overall, our objectives were: 1) To determine the spectral features of switchgrass containing different amounts of these elements and 2) To examine the viability of this technique for determining the quality of the feedstock in terms of its inorganic composition. Cross-validation results showed that the broad-based model developed is promising for inorganics prediction in switchgrass. The LIBS validation prediction for the micronutrient elements mentioned here have been obtained. The regression coefficients for Si, were obtained to be 0.995, 0.994 for calibration and validation respectively, in case of Ca the regression coefficients were, 0.994 and 0.992 for calibration and validation. Similarly, in the case of Mg and K these were calculated to be 0.992 and 0.985, and 0.994 and 0.993 respectively. The regression coefficients are not as good as those for the elements mentioned, in case of the two elements S and P. They are 0.957, and 0.878, and 0.952 and 0.894 respectively for calibration, validation for the two elements. This demonstrates that LIBS-based techniques are inherently well suited for diverse environmental applications. Furthermore, LIBS along with PLS model can show capability in determining the viability of switchgrass as a biomass in the production of biofuels and survivability of switchgrass in processes associated with climate change. LIBS can help determining which switchgrass would be appropriate for a specific conversion process that favors low ash content overall or low value of specific inorganics.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Carolina Coastal Plain Ecological Forecasting: Utilizing NASA Earth Observations to Map Suitable Venus Flytrap Habitat in an Effort to Inform Conservation, Seed Banking, and Reintroduction in the Carolina Coastal Plain and Sandhills Regions

Although the carnivorous plant Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is recognized globally, its native range is restricted to a small portion of the North and South Carolina Coastal Plain and Sandhills. Within this limited range, Venus flytrap populations are threatened by habitat loss, fire suppression, and poaching. NASA DEVELOP partnered with the North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG), the University of North Carolina Herbarium (NCU), and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) to support Venus flytrap conservation. The team developed models based on species presence data and environmental variables using the Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling (SAHM) to create a 2021 habitat suitability map for Venus flytrap. These models incorporated Earth observations collected by Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS), Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR), and Sentinel-2 Multispectral Instrument (MSI). To predict areas at high risk of development, the team produced a 2050 land-use change map using TerrSet Land Change Modeler. The team found potential areas of conflict between predicted habitat and forecasted future development. Many areas of suitable habitat were concentrated along the coast where development was likely to occur, placing populations there at risk of extirpation. Overlaying suitable habitat with forecasted land change also identified suitable habitats with minimal risk of development, which may serve as lasting Venus flytrap habitat. These results can inform the NCBG and NCNHP’s conservation decision-making, including targeted seed banking, reintroduction, and prioritization of enduring habitats for protection and management.

Monika Rock↗

Carolina Coastal Plain​ Ecological Forecasting

Although the carnivorous plant Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is recognized globally, its native range is restricted to a small portion of the North and South Carolina Coastal Plain and Sandhills. Within this limited range, Venus flytrap populations are threatened by habitat loss, fire suppression, and poaching. NASA DEVELOP partnered with the North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG), the University of North Carolina Herbarium (NCU), and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) to support Venus flytrap conservation. The team developed models based on species presence data and environmental variables using the Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling (SAHM) to create a 2021 habitat suitability map for Venus flytrap. These models incorporated Earth observations collected by Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS), Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR), and Sentinel-2 Multispectral Instrument (MSI). To predict areas at high risk of development, the team produced a 2050 land-use change map using TerrSet Land Change Modeler. The team found potential areas of conflict between predicted habitat and forecasted future development. Many areas of suitable habitat were concentrated along the coast where development was likely to occur, placing populations there at risk of extirpation. Overlaying suitable habitat with forecasted land change also identified suitable habitats with minimal risk of development, which may serve as lasting Venus flytrap habitat. These results can inform the NCBG and NCNHP’s conservation decision-making, including targeted seed banking, reintroduction, and prioritization of enduring habitats for protection and management.

Monika Rock↗

Temperature compensated transfer function for probability of detection (POD) in high temperature ultrasonic NDE using low temperature signals - 249

Ultrasonic piezoelectric based transducers offer the potential for in-coolant NDT measurements and imaging required at high temperature for the safe operation of advanced small modular reactors (SMRs). Current work estimates a significant 97% reduction in the probability of detection (POD) for an artificial flaw size of 2{lambda} due to degradation of the transducer performance at elevated temperature. The source of variability for POD in the current work is the temperature dependence of material matrix of piezoelectric material PZT-5A used in the sensor. The physics based model developed using finite element method quantifies reduction in the scattering amplitude for the side drilled hole (SDH) from 15 C to 195 C. Using model assisted probability of detection (MAPOD) approach, sensor temperature effect on the POD is demonstrated for SDHs in the low carbon steel specimen. Scattering amplitudes for the room temperature simulated data is validated with the experimental data. A temperature correction factor and transfer factors are reported to transform the simulated temperature effect from physics based model to the experimental data for estimation of high temperature POD using low temperature ultrasonic measurements. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗