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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3

The time-resolved atomic, molecular and optical science instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source

The newly constructed time-resolved atomic, molecular and optical science instrument (TMO) is configured to take full advantage of both linear accelerators at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, the copper accelerator operating at a repetition rate of 120 Hz providing high per-pulse energy as well as the superconducting accelerator operating at a repetition rate of about 1 MHz providing high average intensity. Both accelerators power a soft X-ray free-electron laser with the new variable-gap undulator section. With this flexible light source, TMO supports many experimental techniques not previously available at LCLS and will have two X-ray beam focus spots in line. Thereby, TMO supports atomic, molecular and optical, strong-field and nonlinear science and will also host a designated new dynamic reaction microscope with a sub-micrometer X-ray focus spot. The flexible instrument design is optimized for studying ultrafast electronic and molecular phenomena and can take full advantage of the sub-femtosecond soft X-ray pulse generation program.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Real-Time On-Ramp Merging Control of Connected and Automated Vehicles using Pseudospectral Convex Optimization

Highway on-ramp merging can be a challenging task for human drivers due to the complex vehicle negotiations and interactions in limited time and space. Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) have great potential to address the problem and offer many benefits in terms of safety, traffic efficiency, and fuel economy. However, real-time optimal control of CAVs still faces many challenges, including nonlinear dynamics, complex inter-vehicle interactions, and a highly dynamic and uncertain traffic environment. To address these challenges, we develop a novel control approach that balances the solution optimality and computational efficiency to determine optimal merging speed profiles in real time. Specifically, by employing a pseudospectral method and a sequential convex programming approach, two algorithms are proposed and implemented within the model predictive control (MPC) framework to enable real-time generation of optimal solutions for potential on-vehicle applications. The convergence and optimality of the proposed algorithms are validated by comparing with a general-purpose solver under different traffic scenarios.

Shi, Yang↗

Programmable soft valves for digital and analog control

In soft devices, complex actuation sequences and precise force control typically require hard electronic valves and microcontrollers. Existing designs for entirely soft pneumatic control systems are capable of either digital or analog operation, but not both, and are limited by speed of actuation, range of pressure, time required for fabrication, or loss of power through pull-down resistors. Using the nonlinear mechanics intrinsic to structures composed of soft materials—in this case, by leveraging membrane inversion and tube kinking—two modular soft components are developed: a piston actuator and a bistable pneumatic switch. These two components combine to create valves capable of analog pressure regulation, simplified digital logic, controlled oscillation, nonvolatile memory storage, linear actuation, and interfacing with human users in both digital and analog formats. Three demonstrations showcase the capabilities of systems constructed from these valves: 1) a wearable glove capable of analog control of a soft artificial robotic hand based on input from a human user’s fingers, 2) a human-controlled cushion matrix designed for use in medical care, and 3) an untethered robot which travels a distance dynamically programmed at the time of operation to retrieve an object. This work illustrates pathways for complementary digital and analog control of soft robots using a unified valve design.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Efficient Region of Attraction Characterization for Control and Stabilization of Load Tap Changer Dynamics

In this article, we study the monitoring and control of long-term voltage stability considering load tap changer (LTC) dynamics. We show that under generic conditions, the LTC dynamics admit a unique stable equilibrium. For the stable equilibrium, we characterize an explicit inner approximation of its largest region of attraction (ROA). Compared to existing results, the computational complexity of the ROA characterization is drastically reduced. We propose a quadratically constrained linear program formulation for the ROA characterization problem. In addition, we formulate a second-order cone program for online voltage stability monitoring and control exploiting the proposed ROA characterization. Finally, we demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed formulations on the ROA characterization and stability monitoring and control using a standard IEEE test system.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

JuTrack: A Julia package for auto-differentiable accelerator modeling and particle tracking

Efficient accelerator modeling and particle tracking are key for the design and configuration of modern particle accelerators. In this work, we present JuTrack, a nested accelerator modeling package developed in the Julia programming language and enhanced with compiler-level automatic differentiation (AD). With the aid of AD, JuTrack enables rapid derivative calculations in accelerator modeling, facilitating sensitivity analyses and optimization tasks. Here we demonstrate the effectiveness of AD-derived derivatives through several practical applications, including sensitivity analysis of space-charge-induced emittance growth, nonlinear beam dynamics analysis for a synchrotron light source, and lattice parameter tuning of the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). Through the incorporation of automatic differentiation, this package opens up new possibilities for accelerator physicists in beam physics studies and accelerator design optimization.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Pseudospectral convex optimization for on-ramp merging control of connected vehicles

It can be a daunting task for human drivers to merge into highways because of the intricate vehicle negotiations and potential risk within limited time and space. Connected vehicle (CV) technologies could be a solution to this problem and offer many benefits to the road safety, traffic mobility, and energy efficiency. However, real-time optimal control of CVs is still an open challenge, due to the nonlinear vehicle dynamics, non-convex fuel consumption model, and highly dynamic uncertain inter-vehicle interactions. To tackle these issues, a novel real-time optimal control approach that balances the computational efficiency and solution optimality is proposed for the purpose of onboard application. To this end, the pseudospectral collocation method is integrated with a sequential convex programming approach to develop two new optimization algorithms, which are implemented within a model predictive control (MPC) framework to allow for real-time generation of optimal merging speed profiles. One algorithm leverages the line search technique to improve convergence, and the other benefits from the trust region method for better computational efficiency. The optimality and convergence process of both proposed algorithms are investigated by comparing their solutions with a popular non-linear solver. Furthermore, simulation results show that the proposed methods outperform the benchmark in terms of computational cost, fuel consumption, and traffic efficiency. In particular, the proposed fuel-economy merging rule can save 57.1% fuel consumption on average on four different traffic volumes. Meanwhile, the proposed optimal control algorithms can reduce 2.2% travel time on average comparing to the “first-in-first-out” merging rule.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Practical Challenges in Real-Time Demand Response

We report on a real-time demand response experiment with 100 controllable devices. The experiment reveals several key challenges in the deployment of a real-time demand response program, including time delays, uncertainties, characterization errors, multiple timescales, and nonlinearity, which have been largely ignored in previous studies. To resolve these practical issues, we develop and implement a two-level multi-loop control structure integrating feed-forward proportional-integral controllers and optimization solvers in closed loops, which eliminates steady-state errors and improves the dynamical performance of the overall building response. Furthermore, the proposed methods are validated by Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) tests.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Estimating epistemic uncertainty in soil parameters for nonlinear site response analyses: Introducing the Latin Hypercube Sampling technique

This study quantifies the effects of epistemic uncertainty in soil parameters on nonlinear (NL) site response analysis (SRA) results, validated against the data recorded at a well-instrumented geotechnical downhole array located in Japan. To this end, a one-dimensional soil column model of the Service Hall Array (SHA) near the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is developed using the finite element (FE) program LS-DYNA. The dynamic stress–strain relationship is characterized by a modified two-stage hyperbolic (MTH) NL backbone curve formulation capable of capturing soil behavior at both small- and large-shear strains. The model is then validated against the ground motion recordings to capture the model bias. The uncertainties associated with the shear-wave velocity profile (a small-strain soil property) and soil shear strength (a large-strain soil property) are incorporated in NL SRA to quantify their separate and joint randomization effects on the results. This study proposes using the Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) method as an efficient alternative to commonly used methods, such as Standard Monte Carlo (SMC), to account for uncertainty propagation in such reliability analysis. Both low-intensity and design-level records from the recordings at the SHA are applied to study the contribution of the small- and large-strain NL dynamic soil properties. Results from 46,200 NL FE analyses (23,100 per input motion) are presented. Measured and predicted site response, using recorded ground motions at this downhole array, is compared to assess the significance of soil parameter uncertainty on the observed ground motion dispersions. It is demonstrated that increasing the number of soft realizations and implementing higher level earthquake intensity lead to higher ground motion dispersion. Unlike past studies in randomization of Vs profiles with the SMC method, the LHS method is shown to have no significant effect on the predicted median surface response spectra and amplification factors (AFs) for this case study.

Engineering↗

A symbolic framework to obtain mid-fidelity models of flexible multibody systems with application to horizontal-axis wind turbines

Abstract. The article presents a symbolic framework (also called computer algebra program) that is used to obtain, in symbolic mathematical form, the linear and nonlinear equations of motion of a mid-fidelity multibody system including rigid and flexible bodies. Our approach is based on Kane's method and a nonlinear shape function representation for flexible bodies. The shape function approach does not represent the state of the art for flexible multibody dynamics but is an effective trade-off to obtain mid-fidelity models with few degrees of freedom, taking advantage of the separation of space and time. The method yields compact symbolic equations of motion with implicit account of the constraints. The general and automatic framework facilitates the creation and manipulation of models with various levels of complexity by adding or removing degrees of freedom. The symbolic treatment allows for analytical gradients and linearized equations of motion. The linear and nonlinear equations can be exported to Python code or dedicated software. There are multiple applications, such as time domain simulation, stability analyses, frequency domain analyses, advanced controller design, state observers, and digital twins. In this article, we describe the method we used to systematically generate the equations of motion of multibody systems and present the implementation of the framework using the Python package SymPy. We apply the framework to generate illustrative land-based and offshore wind turbine models. We compare our results with OpenFAST simulations and discuss the advantages and limitations of the method. The Python implementation is provided as an open-source project.

Branlard, Emmanuel (ORCID:0000000277506128)↗

Building Battery Energy Storage System Performance Data into an Economic Assessment

Economic assessments of battery energy storage systems (BESSs) rely on optimal dispatch methods to capture temporal interdependency of BESS operations and coupling among different grid applications. Many existing BESS economic assessment studies are based on a simplified first-order scalar model using BESS nameplate numbers. Such a method cannot accurately capture varying capabilities and nonlinear dynamics of a BESS, leading to inaccurate assessment results. This paper presents a practical implementation of performance data into the economic assessment of the BESSs recently developed within the Snohomish Public Utility District system in Washington State. Extensive testing conducted over multiple seasons is used to assess the technical performance and develop high-fidelity models of the BESSs. A dynamic programming algorithm is proposed to optimally dispatch the BESSs and assess the potential benefits from stacked value streams. The proposed method can be adapted for the economic assessment of other BESSs with different applications.

Wu, Di↗

Electron Coherence and Interactions in Nanostructures (Final Report)

The goal of this program was to develop the tools of quantum many-body theory suitable for studying electronic properties of nanostructures, to apply them to recent or contemporaneous experiments, and to chart the directions of future development in the physics of low-dimensional quantum materials and devices. Over the duration of this Program, we introduced and developed the notion of Nonlinear Luttinger liquid, which is viewed by peers as one of a few major developments in the theory of one-dimensional quantum liquids since the notion of Tomonaga-Luttinger liquids was introduced by Tomonaga in 1950. Later, motivated by the raise of the ideas of topological quantum computing, we contributed to the theory of structure and dynamics of Majorana states in superconducting devices. In parallel, we worked to understand the sources of decoherence of experimentally-implemented superconducting qubits. Over time, we developed a comprehensive theory of the qubit relaxation by quasiparticles. This theory is widely used in the interpretation of experiments and in developing practical ways to mitigate the qubit decoherence.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Inversion of Time-Lapse Seismic Reservoir Monitoring Data Using CycleGAN: A Deep Learning-Based Approach for Estimating Dynamic Reservoir Property Changes

Carbon capture and storage is being pursued globally as a geoengineering measure for reducing the emission of anthropogenic CO 2 the atmosphere. Comprehensive monitoring, verification, and accounting programs must be established for demonstrating the safe storage of injected CO 2 . One of the most commonly deployed monitoring techniques is time-lapse seismic reservoir monitoring (also known as 4-D seismic), which involves comparing 3-D seismic survey data taken at the same study site but over different times. Analyses of 4-D seismic data volumes can help improve the quality of storage reservoir characterization, track the movement of injected CO 2 plume, and identify potential CO 2 spillover/leakage from the storage reservoirblue. However, the derivation of high-resolution CO 2 saturation maps from 4-D seismic data is a highly nonlinear and ill-posed inverse problem, often requiring significant computational effort. In this research, we apply a physics-based deep learning method to facilitate the solution of both the forward and inverse problems in seismic inversion while honoring physical constraints. A cycle generative adversarial neural network (CycleGAN) model is trained to learn the bidirectional functional mappings between the reservoir dynamic property changes and seismic attribute changes, such that both forward and inverse solutions can be obtained efficiently from the trained model. We show that our CycleGAN-based approach not only improves the reliability of 4-D seismic inversion but also expedites the quantitative interpretation. Our deep learning-based workflow is generic and can be readily used for reservoir characterization and reservoir model updates involving the use of 4-D seismic data.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Usability and Optimization Improvements in MOOSE

The Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework is a foundational capability used by the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program to create over 15 different simulation tools for advanced nuclear reactors. Due to MOOSE’s broad use, improvements to the framework in support of modeling and simulation goals are critical to the program. Such improvements can take many forms, including optimization, improved user experience, streamlined application programming interfaces (APIs), parallelism, and new capabilities. The work described in this report was conducted in direct support of the simulation tools and has already been deployed. The capabilities were implemented in the same order as they are covered in this report: multiple nonlinear systems in the same input file, implementation of generic field transfers and other transfer system enhancements, support for stateful material property redistribution for adaptivity and distributed meshes, and dynamic linking and loading of individually compiled applications. These four additions are fundamental capabilities that will be leveraged by many NEAMS applications.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Overview of the New Beam Physics Research at the IOTA/FAST Facility

The Fermilab Accelerator Science and Technology (FAST) facility is dedicated to the exploration of novel concepts in accelerator and beam physics, and the development of a robust workforce, in order to enable and enhance next-generation particle accelerators. FAST comprises a high-brightness superconducting electron linac, and a storage ring, the Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA). Experiments in the most recent operational run include studies of nonlinear integrable lattices; tracking of single electrons; precise characterization of undulator radiation; studies with low-momentum-compaction lattices; and ultra-wide range beam diagnostics based on Photomultiplier tubes. In the linac, experiments on noise in intense electron bunches were conducted. The IOTA proton injector, currently being commissioned, will enable a diverse program on space-charge-dominated beams. Research areas include non-invasive beam profile monitoring for proton beams; beam dynamics with electron lenses; halo suppression, feedback systems, and electron cooling. In this presentation, we provide an overview of the recent results and highlight future plans together with opportunities for collaboration.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Solving the Dynamics-Aware Economic Dispatch Problem with the Koopman Operator

The dynamics-aware economic dispatch (DED) problem embeds low-level generator dynamics and operational constraints to enable near real-time scheduling of generation units in a power network. DED produces a more dynamic supervisory control policy than traditional economic dispatch (T-ED) that reduces overall generation costs. However, in contrast to T-ED, DED is a nonlinear, non-convex optimization problem that is computationally prohibitive to solve. We introduce a machine learning-based operator-theoretic approach for solving the DED problem efficiently. Specifically, we develop a novel discrete-time Koopman Operator (KO) formulation that embeds domain information into the structure of the KO to learn high-fidelity approximations of the generator dynamics. Using the KO approximation, the DED problem can be reformulated as a computationally tractable linear program (abbreviated DED-KO). We demonstrate the high solution quality and computational-time savings of the DED-KO model over the original DED formulation on a 9-bus test system.

King, Ethan↗

Experimental Studies of Single Invariant Quasi-Integrable Nonlinear Optics at IOTA

The Integrable Optics Test Accelerator is a research electron and proton storage ring recently commissioned at the Fermilab Accelerator Science and Technology facility. Its research program is focused on testing novel techniques for improving beam stability and quality, notably the concept of non-linear integrable optics. In this paper, we report on run 1 results of experimental studies of a quasi-integrable transverse focusing system with one invariant of motion, a Henon-Heiles type system implemented with octupole magnets. Good agreement with simulations is demonstrated on key parameters of achievable tune spread, dynamic aperture, and invariant conservation. We also outline current simulation and hardware improvement efforts for run 2, planned for fall of 2019.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Regional surrogates for predictive control of digital twins

Digital twins of complex systems must involve a model that is fast, generalizable, and usable for real-time control. For example, high-fidelity nonlinear multiphysics simulations can capture laser-material interactions, but are too slow for optimization or model predictive control (MPC). Reduced-order models, used to accelerate such computation, frequently fail to generalize to unseen inputs or control states. We show theoretically that this failure is intrinsic, i.e., that a learned model is non-unique outside the sampled subspace when its low-rank structure arises from limited excitation and clustered eigenvalues, rather than from a user-imposed truncation alone. Motivated by this result, we propose a control-ready regional surrogate-construction framework for both autonomous and nonautonomous dynamics; it employs Koopman lifting to represent nonlinearities, while preserving spatial locality. We illustrate our approach by constructing a control-ready surrogate for the digital twin of a thermal component of additive-manufacturing process. Our surrogate, localized in space through a von Neumann stencil, is learned from noisy high-fidelity simulations that emulate thermal-camera images collected during the manufacturing. It is linear in thermo-physically augmented states so that MPC reduces to a convex quadratic program. The surrogate requires no online correction, generalizes to unseen scan paths and power profiles of the laser, and is more than three orders of magnitude faster than a finite-difference solver. Furthermore, when the MPC sequence computed on the digital twin is applied to this solver, closed-loop temperature regulation is recovered, showing that the surrogate preserves control-relevant input-output behavior.

Data-driven model↗

Investigation of Nonlinear Difference-Frequency Wave Excitation on a Semisubmersible Offshore-Wind Platform with Bichromatic-Wave CFD Simulations: Preprint

The natural surge and pitch frequencies of semisubmersible offshore wind platforms are typically designed to be below the wave frequencies to avoid direct excitation. However, surge or pitch resonance can be excited by the nonlinear low-frequency loads generated by irregular incident waves. Second-order potential-flow models with added Morison drag have been found to underpredict this low-frequency excitation and response. As part of the OC6 project, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to enable a better understanding of the low-frequency loads and the limitations of lower-fidelity models. The focus of the current paper is to set up a computationally cost-effective CFD simulation of a fixed semisubmersible platform to investigate nonlinear difference-frequency loads and establish the corresponding uncertainty in the results. Due to the high computing cost, CFD simulations of irregular waves can be challenging. Instead, simulations were performed with bichromatic waves having a shorter repeat period. A preliminary comparison with Quadratic Transfer Functions from second-order potential-flow theory shows that CFD models consistently predict higher nonlinear wave loads at the difference frequency, likely due to flow separation and viscous drag not accounted for in potential-flow theory.

2nd order↗