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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 541 records · Page 30
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Wind turbine blade testing system using base excitation

An apparatus (500) for fatigue testing elongate test articles (404) including wind turbine blades through forced or resonant excitation of the base (406) of the test articles (404). The apparatus (500) includes a testing platform or foundation (402). A blade support (410) is provided for retaining or supporting a base (406) of an elongate test article (404), and the blade support (410) is pivotally mounted on the testing platform (402) with at least two degrees of freedom of motion relative to the testing platform (402). An excitation input assembly (540) is interconnected with the blade support (410) and includes first and second actuators (444, 446, 541) that act to concurrently apply forces or loads to the blade support (410). The actuator forces are cyclically applied in first and second transverse directions. The test article (404) responds to shaking of its base (406) by oscillating in two, transverse directions (505, 507).

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2017

Introducing Weirs: An Abstraction for Next Generation Streaming Workflows

In HPC applications, it is widely understood that in situ systems will play a significant role in next generation systems. The rate that next-generation leadership machines will be able to generate data will exceed the bandwidths of the planned I/O systems, leading to a need for in situ processing of the resulting data to reduce it. There have been a number of techniques proposed for in situ workflow systems; we are concerned here specifically with the needs of publish/subscribe or streaming-based approaches, which allow the in situ system to be composed of completely separate executables running concurrently on the hardware. In this paper we introduce an abstract known as a Weir. A weir is a useful mechanism to control state in a point to point streaming workflow in the absence of a third party publish subscribe system.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1983

A methodology for collecting valid software engineering data

An effective data collection method for evaluating software development methodologies and for studying the software development process is described. The method uses goal-directed data collection to evaluate methodologies with respect to the claims made for them. Such claims are used as a basis for defining the goals of the data collection, establishing a list of questions of interest to be answered by data analysis, defining a set of data categorization schemes, and designing a data collection form. The data to be collected are based on the changes made to the software during development, and are obtained when the changes are made. To insure accuracy of the data, validation is performed concurrently with software development and data collection. Validation is based on interviews with those people supplying the data. Results from using the methodology show that data validation is a necessary part of change data collection. Without it, as much as 50% of the data may be erroneous. Feasibility of the data collection methodology was demonstrated by applying it to five different projects in two different environments. The application showed that the methodology was both feasible and useful.

Basili, Victor R.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Structural Simluation Toolkit (SST) v.12.0

The Structural Simulation Toolkit (SST) was developed to explore innovations in highly concurrent computing systems where the instruction set architecture (ISA), micro-architecture, and memory interact with the programming model and communications system. The package provides a fully modular design for extensive exploration of an individual system parameter as well as a parallel simulation environment based on message passing interface (MPI) which enable a high level of performance as well as the ability to look at large systems. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Rodrigues, ArunF.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Densification and coarsening during solid state sintering of ceramics: A review of the models. II - Grain growth

Two processes occur simultaneously during the sintering of a ceramic powder compact: densification and coarsening (or grain growth). Both processes have as their driving force the reduction of the excess free surface energy of the powder particles. Several different mechanisms of atom transport, operating concurrently or consecutively, may be responsible for the two processes. Algebraic, geometric and topological models have been proposed and refined in attempts to determine the mechanism, or mechanisms, responsible for densification under defined processing conditions. These efforts have met with varying degrees of success. Recently, it has become apparent that more attention must be paid to the coarsening processes during sintering. The models for both densification and coarsening during solid state sintering are reviewed with particular emphasis on their applicability to engineering ceramics.

Shaw, Nancy J.↗
NASA NTRS1996

A Model-based Approach to Reactive Self-Configuring Systems

This paper describes Livingstone, an implemented kernel for a self-reconfiguring autonomous system, that is reactive and uses component-based declarative models. The paper presents a formal characterization of the representation formalism used in Livingstone, and reports on our experience with the implementation in a variety of domains. Livingstone's representation formalism achieves broad coverage of hybrid software/hardware systems by coupling the concurrent transition system models underlying concurrent reactive languages with the discrete qualitative representations developed in model-based reasoning. We achieve a reactive system that performs significant deductions in the sense/response loop by drawing on our past experience at building fast prepositional conflict-based algorithms for model-based diagnosis, and by framing a model-based configuration manager as a prepositional, conflict-based feedback controller that generates focused, optimal responses. Livingstone automates all these tasks using a single model and a single core deductive engine, thus making significant progress towards achieving a central goal of model-based reasoning. Livingstone, together with the HSTS planning and scheduling engine and the RAPS executive, has been selected as the core autonomy architecture for Deep Space One, the first spacecraft for NASA's New Millennium program.

Williams, Brian C.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Predictive Engineering of Interfaces and Cathodes for High-Performance All Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

The primary goal of this project is to leverage data-driven methods and machine learning strategies to develop accurate multi-physics models for all-solid-state Li-S battery (ASLSB) materials that can capture electrochemical and transport phenomena over atomic to mesoscopic length/timescales. These models will be rigorously validated by synthesis and advanced characterization experiments. The team will leverage the predictive power of these models, alongside synthesis/characterization experiments and battery fabrication to address longstanding issues at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces in ASLSBs. The project’s proposed technology involves the following: (1) halide-doped solid sulfide electrolytes that can concurrently provide high Li + ion conductivity and suppress dendrite growth; (2) novel mesoporous cathode composed of super-P and carbon nanotubes co-infiltrated with sulfur and sulfide electrolyte, which hold potential to allow high sulfur loading and optimal ion/electron pathways; and (3) functionalization of sulfide electrolyte with ionic liquids to improve physical contact and minimize impedance at the cathode/electrolyte interface. Successful development of proposed predictive models (at multiple scales) will bridge this knowledge gap and will advance fundamental understanding of reaction chemistry, kinetics, charge transfer, and dendrite growth at electrified SSIs. This will enable predictive design of effective strategies to mitigate interfacial problems in ASSLSBs, including poor interfacial contact, interfacial impedance to Li + ion transport, and poor electron/ion conduction within cathodes. Ultimately, the fundamental knowledge gained will lead to development of high-performance ASSLSBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS2008

Enabling and Enhancing Space Mission Success and Reduction of Risk through the Application of an Integrated Data Architecture

The engineering phases of design, development, test, and evaluation (DDT and E) and subsequent planning, preparation, and operation (Ops) of space vehicles in a complex and distributed environment requires massive and continuous flows of information across the enterprise and across temporal stages of the vehicle lifecycle. The resulting capabilities at each subsequent stage depend in part on the capture, preparation, storage, and subsequent provision of information from prior stages. The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently designing a fleet of new vehicles that will replace the Space Shuttle and expand space operations and exploration capabilities. This includes the 2 stage human rated lift vehicle Ares 1 and its associated crew vehicle the Orion, and a service module; the heavy lift cargo vehicle, Ares 5, and an associated cargo stage known as the Earth Departure Stage; and a Lunar Lander vehicle that contains a descent stage, and ascent stage, and a habitation module. A variety of concurrent assorted ground operations infrastructure including software and facilities are also being developed, assorted technology and assembly designs and development for equipment such as EVA suits, life support systems, command and control technologies are also in the pipeline. The development is occurring in a distributed manner, with project deliverables being contributed by a large and diverse assortment of vendors and most space faring nations. Critical information about all of the components, software, and procedures must be shared during the DDT and E phases and then made readily available to the mission operations staff for access during the planning, preparation, and operations phases, and also need to be readily available for system to system interactions. The Constellation Data Systems Project (CxDS) is identifying the needs, and designing and deploying systems and processes to support these needs. This paper details the steps and processes that NASA is applying within the Constellation Program to manage this data and information, and to insure that the correct information is available, correctly annotated, and can be provisioned digitally to enhance response times, and support engineering analysis and anomaly resolution.

Brummett, Robert C.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Fermentation of dilute acid pretreated Populus by Clostridium thermocellum , Caldicellulosiruptor bescii , and Caldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis

Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP), which merges enzyme production, biomass hydrolysis, and fermentation into a single step, has the potential to become an efficient and economic strategy for the bioconversion of lignocellulosic feedstocks to transportation fuels or chemicals. In this study, we evaluated Clostridium thermocellum , Caldicellulosiruptor bescii , and Caldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis , three , thermophilic,cellulolytic, mixed-acid fermenting candidate CBP microorganisms, for their fermentation capabilities using dilute acid pretreated Populus as a model biomass feedstock. Under pH controlled, anaerobic fermentation conditions, each candidate successfully digested a minimum of 75% of the cellulose from dilute acid pretreated Populus , as indicated by an increase in planktonic cells and end-product metabolites and a concurrent decrease in glucan content. C. thermocellum , which employs a cellulosomal approach to biomass degradation, required 120 hours to achieve 75% cellulose utilization. In contrast, the non-cellulosomal, secreted hydrolytic enzyme system of the Caldicellulosiruptor sp. required 300 hours to achieve similar results. End-point fermentation conversions for C. thermocellum , C. bescii , and C. obsidiansis were determined to be 0.29, 0.34, and 0.38 grams of total metabolites per gram of loaded glucan, respectively. This data provide a starting point for future strain engineering efforts that can serve to improve the biomass fermentation capabilities of these three promising candidate CBP platforms.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
NASA NTRS1994

Shear coaxial injector instability mechanisms

There is no definitive knowledge of which of several concurrent processes ultimately results in unstable combustion within liquid rocket chambers employing shear coaxial injectors. Possible explanations are a detrimental change in the atomization characteristics due to a decrease in the gas-to-liquid velocity ratio, a change in the gas side injector pressure drop allowing acoustic coupling to the propellant feed system or the disappearance of a stabilizing recirculation region at the base of the LOX post. The aim of this research effort is to investigate these proposed mechanisms under conditions comparable to actual engine operation. Spray characterization was accomplished with flash photography and planar laser imaging to examine the overall spray morphology and liquid jet breakup processes and with a PDPA to quantify the spatial distribution of droplet size and mean axial velocity. A simplified stability model based on the Rayleigh criterion was constructed for the flow dynamics occurring within the chamber and injector to evaluate the potential coupling between the chamber and injector acoustic modes and was supported by high frequency measurements of chamber and injector pressure oscillations. To examine recirculation within the LOX post recess, velocity measurements were performed in the recess region by means of LDV. Present experiments were performed under noncombusting conditions using LOX/GH2 stimulants at pressures up to 4 MPa.

Puissant, C.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Labyrinth Seal Flutter Analysis and Test Validation in Support of Robust Rocket Engine Design

High energy-density turbomachines, like the SSME turbopumps, utilize labyrinth seals, also referred to as knife-edge seals, to control leakage flow. The pressure drop for such seals is order of magnitude higher than comparable jet engine seals. This is aggravated by the requirement of tight clearances resulting in possible unfavorable fluid-structure interaction of the seal system (seal flutter). To demonstrate these characteristics, a benchmark case of a High Pressure Oxygen Turbopump (HPOTP) outlet Labyrinth seal was studied in detail. First, an analytical assessment of the seal stability was conducted using a Pratt & Whitney legacy seal flutter code. Sensitivity parameters including pressure drop, rotor-to-stator running clearances and cavity volumes were examined and modeling strategies established. Second, a concurrent experimental investigation was undertaken to validate the stability of the seal at the equivalent operating conditions of the pump. Actual pump hardware was used to construct the test rig, also referred to as the (Flutter Rig). The flutter rig did not include rotational effects or temperature. However, the use of Hydrogen gas at high inlet pressure provided good representation of the critical parameters affecting flutter especially the speed of sound. The flutter code predictions showed consistent trends in good agreement with the experimental data. The rig test program produced a stability threshold empirical parameter that separated operation with and without flutter. This empirical parameter was used to establish the seal build clearances to avoid flutter while providing the required cooling flow metering. The calibrated flutter code along with the empirical flutter parameter was used to redesign the baseline seal resulting in a flutter-free robust configuration. Provisions for incorporation of mechanical damping devices were introduced in the redesigned seal to ensure added robustness

El-Aini, Yehia↗
DOE OSTI2014

Towards real time diagnostics of Hybrid Welding Laser/GMAW

Methods are currently being developed towards a more robust system real time feedback in the high throughput process combining laser welding with gas metal arc welding. A combination of ultrasonic, eddy current, electronic monitoring, and visual techniques are being applied to the welding process. Initial simulation and bench top evaluation of proposed real time techniques on weld samples are presented along with the concepts to apply the techniques concurrently to the weld process. Consideration for the eventual code acceptance of the methods and system are also being researched as a component of this project. The goal is to detect defects or precursors to defects and correct when possible during the weld process.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2003

Flywheels Upgraded for Systems Research

With the advent of high-strength composite materials and microelectronics, flywheels are becoming attractive as a means of storing electrical energy. In addition to the high energy density that flywheels provide, other advantages over conventional electrochemical batteries include long life, high reliability, high efficiency, greater operational flexibility, and higher depths of discharge. High pulse energy is another capability that flywheels can provide. These attributes are favorable for satellites as well as terrestrial energy storage applications. In addition to energy storage for satellites, the several flywheels operating concurrently can provide attitude control, thus combine two functions into one system. This translates into significant weight savings. The NASA Glenn Research Center is involved in the development of this technology for space and terrestrial applications. Glenn is well suited for this research because of its world-class expertise in power electronics design, rotor dynamics, composite material research, magnetic bearings, and motor design and control. Several Glenn organizations are working together on this program. The Structural Mechanics and Dynamics Branch is providing magnetic bearing, controls, and mechanical engineering skills. It is working with the Electrical Systems Development Branch, which has expertise in motors and generators, controls, and avionics systems. Facility support is being provided by the Space Electronic Test Engineering Branch, and the program is being managed by the Space Flight Project Branch. NASA is funding an Aerospace Flywheel Technology Development Program to design, fabricate, and test the Attitude Control/Energy Storage Experiment (ACESE). Two flywheels will be integrated onto a single power bus and run simultaneously to demonstrate a combined energy storage and 1-degree-of-freedom momentum control system. An algorithm that independently regulates direct-current bus voltage and net torque output will be experimentally demonstrated.

Jansen, Ralph H.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Area 2. Use Of Engineered Nanoparticle-Stabilized CO 2 Foams To Improve Volumetric Sweep Of CO 2 EOR Processes

The goal of this project was to develop a new CO 2 injection enhanced oil recovery (CO 2 -EOR) process using engineered nanoparticles with optimized surface coatings that has better volumetric sweep efficiency and a wider application range than conventional CO 2 -EOR processes. The main objectives of this project were to (1) identify the characteristics of the optimal nanoparticles that generate extremely stable CO 2 foams in situ in reservoir regions without oil; (2) develop a novel method of mobility control using “self-guiding” foams with smart nanoparticles; and (3) extend the applicability of the new method to reservoirs having a wide range of salinity, temperatures, and heterogeneity. Concurrent with our experimental effort to understand the foam generation and transport processes and foam-induced mobility reduction, we also developed mathematical models to explain the underlying processes and mechanisms that govern the fate of nanoparticle-stabilized CO 2 foams in porous media and applied these models to (1) simulate the results of foam generation and transport experiments conducted in beadpack and sandstone core systems, (2) analyze CO 2 injection data received from a field operator, and (3) aid with the design of a foam injection pilot test. Our simulator is applicable to near-injection well field-scale foam injection problems and accounts for the effects due to layered heterogeneity in permeability field, foam stabilizing agents effects, oil presence, and shear-thinning on the generation and transport of nanoparticle-stabilized C/W foams. This report presents the details of our experimental and numerical modeling work and outlines the highlights of our findings.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Interfacial Engineering Using Covalent Organic Frameworks in Polymer Composites for High‐Temperature Electrostatic Energy Storage

Abstract The use of inorganic nanofillers has been an effective method to improve high‐temperature capacitive performance of dielectric polymers, though there are unmet challenges such as undesirable organic–inorganic compatibility, and low efficiencies and energy densities. Herein, a surface functionalization strategy using covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is employed to address such challenges in realizing high‐performing polymer composites. Specifically, core–shell structured nanoparticles, where ZrO 2 nanoparticles act as the core and a COF material forms the shell, are constructed and composited with the polyetherimide (PEI) matrix. The design leverages the high electron affinity ( E A ) of the outer COF shell to create energy traps, thereby capturing free charges and limiting electrical conduction. Concurrently, the low E A and wide bandgap of the ZrO 2 core introduce energy barriers to impede charge injection and migration. This orchestrated “energy level cascade” results in a marked reduction of leakage current and energy loss. The resulting polymer composite showcases an impressive discharged energy density of 6.21 J cm −3 at an efficiency above 90%, with a maximum discharged energy density reaching 7.43 J cm −3 at 150 °C. These performance metrics position the PEI/ZrO 2 @COF polymer composite to surpass or be on par with state‐of‐the‐art high‐temperature PEI composites and other advanced polymer dielectrics.

Xie, Zongliang↗
DOE OSTI2023

S4PST: Sustainability for Programming Systems and Tools: May Workshop Report

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Exascale Computing Project (ECP) has fostered and strengthened the use of modern software engineering practices for developing applications and libraries, and this effort has resulted in the coordinated and interoperable E4S1 and xSDK2 ecosystems. Although this approach is cost-effective, it relies on robust programming systems and tools (PST) as the underlying foundation for our HPC software. At present, our primary PST stack consists of traditional high-performance computing (HPC) languages, namely Fortran, C, C++, and the popular Python language for data analysis and AI workflows. These languages support various programming frameworks and run-time abstractions that enable parallelism and concurrency across multiple node architectures and thousands of nodes through a variety of interconnect systems. However, to accommodate users’ diverse needs, certain aspects of the HPC ecosystem are delegated to vendor-specific or third-party implementations that extend beyond a particular scientific domain. This broader scope results in a multitude of specifications and variations, which leads to a complex orchestration of many-ecosystems. Unfortunately, this complexity in the ecosystem imposes additional overhead costs on consumers during the latter stages of the development cycle. In addition to the software ecosystem challenge, the upcoming conclusion of the ECP by December 2023 has raised significant concerns within the HPC programming systems community, from both the economic and social perspectives. The ECP has implemented a management structure for software development and funding decisions across all ECP participants by following a conventional hierarchical and centralized approach. However, this structure has prompted certain considerations within the community, particularly in anticipation of the Software Sustainability initiative by the DOE’s Advanced Scientific Computing Research Program (ASCR). For the success of this new initiative, it is of utmost importance to secure consistent funding and foster close engagement with researchers and core developers of existing programming-system products. This collaboration is vital to maintaining the critical capabilities of the current software during the transition phase while proactively adapting to future technology and workforce trends. The community recognizes the significance of adapting to emerging trends and is aware of the inherent fragility of the HPC software ecosystem, particularly in relation to programming systems that cater to all users. The ability to adapt and evolve is essential to staying relevant and effectively addressing these technical, economic, and social challenges. The S4PST team, which represents one of the six ASCR Software Sustainability seedling projects, is dedicated to tackling these challenges through community-based approaches that go beyond the scope of the DOE. This involves collaboration between national laboratories with academia, non-DOE institutions, hardware and system vendors, and international partners. By fostering these partnerships, we aim to create a robust and sustainable HPC software ecosystem that can effectively meet the needs of the community. This new community effort, driven by the eight DOE labs, will take on the responsibility of guiding funding decisions for programming-systems development and maintenance with transparency and consistency across all decisions. Additionally, the team will offer common technical services to the programming systems community, irrespective of their funding situations, and facilitate community-wide incubation to proactively nurture the software ecosystem. By actively engaging with stakeholders and employing a collaborative approach, we can collectively shape the future of programming systems and ensure a robust and thriving HPC software landscape. On May 11–12, 2023, the S4PST team conducted its inaugural kick-off workshop at the Innovative Computing Laboratory (ICL) in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, hosted by Hartwig Anzt. The workshop encompassed various sessions dedicated to presentations and discussions, with the aim of comprehending the team members’ perspectives on the vision of software sustainability. Additionally, the workshop aimed to identify the technical, economic, and social requirements for sustaining the programming-systems community in the field of HPC. This report provides a summary of the S4PST effort by highlighting five major thrust areas discussed during the workshop: (i) community, (ii) technical support, (iii) training and diversity, (iv) verification, validation and correctness, and (v) emerging technologies. It also encompasses an overview of the presentations and discussions held throughout the event, our views and potential synergies with other seedling efforts, along with the outcomes and key takeaways from our initial discussions.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1992

Teamwork for Oversight of Processes and Systems (TOPS). Implementation guide for TOPS version 2.0, 10 August 1992

As the nation redefines priorities to deal with a rapidly changing world order, both government and industry require new approaches for oversight of management systems, particularly for high technology products. Declining defense budgets will lead to significant reductions in government contract management personnel. Concurrently, defense contractors are reducing administrative and overhead staffing to control costs. These combined pressures require bold approaches for the oversight of management systems. In the Spring of 1991, the DPRO and TRW created a Process Action Team (PAT) to jointly prepare a Performance Based Management (PBM) system titled Teamwork for Oversight of Processes and Systems (TOPS). The primary goal is implementation of a performance based management system based on objective data to review critical TRW processes with an emphasis on continuous improvement. The processes are: Finance and Business Systems, Engineering and Manufacturing Systems, Quality Assurance, and Software Systems. The team established a number of goals: delivery of quality products to contractual terms and conditions; ensure that TRW management systems meet government guidance and good business practices; use of objective data to measure critical processes; elimination of wasteful/duplicative reviews and audits; emphasis on teamwork--all efforts must be perceived to add value by both sides and decisions are made by consensus; and synergy and the creation of a strong working trust between TRW and the DPRO. TOPS permits the adjustment of oversight resources when conditions change or when TRW systems performance indicate either an increase or decrease in surveillance is appropriate. Monthly Contractor Performance Assessments (CPA) are derived from a summary of supporting system level and process-level ratings obtained from objective process-level data. Tiered, objective, data-driven metrics are highly successful in achieving a cooperative and effective method of measuring performance. The teamwork-based culture developed by TOPS proved an unequaled success in removing adversarial relationships and creating an atmosphere of continuous improvement in quality processes at TRW. The new working relationship does not decrease the responsibility or authority of the DPRO to ensure contract compliance and it permits both parties to work more effectively to improve total quality and reduce cost. By emphasizing teamwork in developing a stronger approach to efficient management of the defense industrial base TOPS is a singular success.

Strand, Albert A.↗
DOE OSTI2015

An overview of the 2014 revision of ANSI/ANS-ANS-8.1-2014, 'Nuclear criticality safety in operations with Fissionable Materials Outside Reactors' - 14577

A revision to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Nuclear Society (ANS) standard, 'Nuclear Criticality Safety in Operations with Fissionable Materials Outside Reactors' [ANSI/ANS-8.1 (ANS-8.1)], was completed and published in 2014. The approved scope for the 2014 revision included two major efforts: (1) an editorial revision to clarify the meaning of the process analysis requirement (PA) and the double contingency principle recommendation (DCP) and (2) the generation of new subcritical limits for uranium and uranium compounds for enrichments less than 10 wt % {sup 235}U. After a clarification request was submitted regarding the PA and DCP in 2009, the scope of the revision became focused almost entirely on the editorial revision. With approval from the ANS-8 subcommittee chairman, the computational effort was postponed until the editorial revision could be completed. The 2014 revision of ANS-8.1 involved nuclear criticality safety experts from 14 different sites, each with many years of experience, either maintaining the standard as a working group member or as a criticality safety practitioner. Many of the represented sites had implemented the PA with the language of the DCP to ensure that process operations with fissionable materials would be subcritical. However, the early working group deliberations made it clear that the general industry focus was on the DCP rather than the PA, which requires that 'all normal and credible abnormal conditions remain subcritical'. Over the course of the revision, two new definitions and a new appendix (Appendix B) were developed to enhance understanding of the PA and DCP. The emphasis of Appendix B is on the requirement for subcriticality (PA) rather than the DCP. The phrase 'credible abnormal conditions' in the PA is broader in meaning than 'changes in process conditions,' as recommended by the DCP. This is because a single credible abnormal condition can potentially affect multiple independent process conditions, and consequently, multiple process parameters, simultaneously. The DCP is a technical practice meant to support the PA and cannot be applied to all situations. However, when it can be properly applied, the DCP technical practice, in most cases, ensures compliance with the PA because two unlikely, independent, and concurrent changes in process conditions are generally judged not to be a credible abnormal condition, as specified in the PA. This paper elaborates on the intense working group discussions over the course of the ANSI/ANS-8.1 standard revision and summarizes the modifications made to the revised standard. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗