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Anomalies in the space of coupling constants and their dynamical applications I

It is customary to couple a quantum system to external classical fields. One application is to couple the global symmetries of the system (including the Poincaré symmetry) to background gauge fields (and a metric for the Poincaré symmetry). Failure of gauge invariance of the partition function under gauge transformations of these fields reflects ’t Hooft anomalies. It is also common to view the ordinary (scalar) coupling constants as background fields, i.e. to study the theory when they are spacetime dependent. We will show that the notion of ’t Hooft anomalies can be extended naturally to include these scalar background fields. Just as ordinary ’t Hooft anomalies allow us to deduce dynamical consequences about the phases of the theory and its defects, the same is true for these generalized ’t Hooft anomalies. Specifically, since the coupling constants vary, we can learn that certain phase transitions must be present. We will demonstrate these anomalies and their applications in simple pedagogical examples in one dimension (quantum mechanics) and in some two, three, and four-dimensional quantum field theories. An anomaly is an example of an invertible field theory, which can be described as an object in (generalized) differential cohomology. We give an introduction to this perspective. Also, we use Quillen’s superconnections to derive the anomaly for a free spinor field with variable mass. In a companion paper we will study four-dimensional gauge theories showing how our view unifies and extends many recently obtained results.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Development of the PROTEUS and ANSYS Coupled System for Simulating Heat Pipe Cooled Micro Reactors

The objective of this project is to develop the coupled system of PROTEUS/ANSYS for simulating a heat pipe cooled micro reactor. As an initial effort, while figuring out controlling ANSYS Mechanical with Workbench, the coupled system of PROTEUS/FLUENT in the CORBA environment were tried to demonstrate the coupled simulation for a transient problem of a heat pipe cooled micro reactor. Finally, the coupled system of PROTEUS/ANSYS was constructed using APDL commands in the CORBA environment, instead of ANSYS Workbench, since we found that ANSYS with the current version of Workbench Python scripting did not provide capabilities necessary for simulating a transient problem.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Representing DC-Coupled PV+Battery Hybrids in a Capacity Expansion Model

Recent technology cost and performance improvements and the federal investment tax credit (ITC) have driven growing interest in coupling solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery systems. Combining these technologies into co-located or hybridized PV+battery systems has the potential to lower costs and increase energy output relative to multiple independent systems. In this work, we provide an overview of PV+battery systems and demonstrate methods for incorporating them into NREL’s Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) capacity expansion model. Although the methods are applied to a specific model, we anticipate that the approaches used here can be useful for informing PV+battery method development for other capacity expansion models. The implemented method relies heavily on the native representations of PV and battery technologies; therefore, the focus of this work is on capturing and parameterizing the interactions between them for a configuration in which the PV and battery technologies share a single bi-directional inverter. This work also demonstrates the impacts of including PV+battery systems in the ReEDS optimization for the conterminous United States through 2050. In particular, we perform parametric sensitivities for input assumptions that are uncertain and expected to influence PV+battery deployment levels, including (a) the cost of PV+battery systems relative to independent PV and battery systems, (b) the battery component’s qualification for the ITC, and (c) future cost trajectories for PV and battery systems. We find that PV+battery deployment could occur throughout the conterminous United States if there are cost savings associated with DC coupling PV and battery technologies. If even modest (5%) cost savings can be achieved (through a shared inverter and balance-of-system costs), then approximately one-third of utility-scale PV deployment through 2050 adopts the DC-coupled hybrid configuration, resulting in total PV+battery deployment that exceeds the magnitude of PV+battery projects in U.S. interconnection queues in 2020. If greater cost savings can be achieved through DC coupling (e.g., due to a growing amount of shared balance-of-system costs, reduced financial risk, or modularity) or more rapid cost and performance improvements are realized for PV and battery technologies, then total PV+battery deployment and the share of PV and battery deployment that adopts the hybrid configuration grows (to >50%). In all cases, growing PV+battery deployment primarily displaces independent PV and battery technologies, indicating the strong competition between the hybrid and independent configurations comprising technologies with similar performance characteristics.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Coupling MOOSE-Wrapped MPACT to BISON

As part of the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program, an effort is being made to leverage codes like Virtual Environment for Reactor Analysis (VERA) and Michigan Parallel Characteristics Transport (MPACT) by coupling them with other NEAMS codes. To facilitate coupling with other Multiphysics Objected Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) applications, a MOOSE-wrapped MPACT app is created. The capability of this app, named Trogdor, is demonstrated by coupling it with another MOOSE app, BISON. Several single pin problems were run to test the Trogdor and BISON coupling.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Report of the Atmosphere to Electrons Land-Based Mesoscale-to-Microscale Coupling Project (FY2020)

The overall goal of the Mesoscale-to-Microscale Coupling (MMC) project is to improve coupling between mesoscale and microscale simulations via improved guidance and new strategies for setting up simulations and for the development of new tools that can be used across the community. Including the mesoscale forcing is critical to modeling the full energy transfer across scales in the atmosphere. The project-specific objectives include: 1) To apply rigorous verification and validation (V&V) techniques to the new modeling tools that are developed as part of the project to ensure the accuracy of our codes and results and to develop estimates of the relative uncertainty. 2) To improve computational performance of the coupled MMC models through the development of methods that can be used to reduce turbulence spin-up time and hence the size of computational domains. 3) To improve representation of the surface layer in microscale models to enhance simulations of hub-height wind speed. 4) To develop guidance for the community describing the best ways to couple mesoscale and microscale models, including specific spatial scales at which the handoff to the microscale model should occur. 5) To prepare documentation and a suite of software tools that can be used across the community. And 6) To transition MMC research to the offshore environment. Major progress was made in each of these areas during FY20. The land-based portion of the project is reported herein, while the offshore portion will be reported separately. The team continued to advance the MMC tools and methodologies as well as to document their performance in journal papers and conference presentations, although several planned conferences were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Thermal-Hydraulics Modeling and Simulations of Hot Pool Using the SAS-CFD Coupled Code

The main goal of this activity is to test the dynamic coupling of the SAS4A/SASSYS-1 (SAS) and CFD models, using a recently patched version of the SAS code intended to address an undocumented limitation that hindered the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) simulation efforts in FY21. As described in previous VTR calculation reports, the undocumented limitation in SAS v5.4 does not allow the user to activate the CFD coupling option during restart calculations. Since the analysts were unaware of this limitation, prior SAS-CFD simulation results for the protected station blackout (PSBO) transient were erroneous. Root-cause analysis was performed to determine the cause of this undocumented limitation in SAS v5.4, the SAS software was updated in a new patch, and the SAS-CFD simulations were repeated with this patched software. The results of the SAS-CFD simulations documented in this report show that the software patch does address the cited issue, and that the patched software indeed supports the activation of the CFD coupling model in restart calculations. The SAS development team will determine the schedule for implementing the patch in an official software release. This report documents updated SAS-CFD simulations of the PSBO transient response in the VTR. The hot pool is modeled with the CFD code STAR-CCM+, which is coupled at the flow boundaries to the SAS model of the primary heat transport system. SAS computes the mass flow rate and temperature at each core subassembly outlet, the thermal insulation cavity bypass, and the IHX inlet windows. CFD in turn computes the absolute pressure and temperature at each of these boundaries. The SAS code will ignore the temperature data at flow boundaries where flow is directed into the hot pool, i.e., at the core subassembly outlets unless flow reversal occurs. Similarly, CFD will ignore temperature data at boundaries where the flow is directed out of the hot pool, i.e., at the IHX inlets except under flow reversal. The focus of this work is to ensure that the SAS software patch addresses the undocumented limitation described in prior VTR calculation reports, rather than the accurate assessment of thermal stratification in the VTR during protected transients. This motivates the development of a new, simplified CFD model with a coarser mesh to accelerate the testing process. The updated model, and simplifying assumptions, are documented in this report. In future work, the thermal stratification assessment should be performed in more detail. The simplified CFD model can be improved by performing grid convergence studies sensitivity studies of turbulence parameters (e.g., Prandtl number, turbulence production and dissipation parameters) on temperature distributions and thermal stratification.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

The Schwarz Alternating Method for the Seamless Coupling of Nonlinear Reduced Order Models and Full Order Models

Projection-based model order reduction allows for the parsimonious representation of full order models (FOMs), typically obtained through the discretization of a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) using conventional techniques (e.g., finite element, finite volume, finite difference methods) where the discretization may contain a very large number of degrees of freedom. As a result of this more compact representation, the resulting projection-based reduced order models (ROMs) can achieve considerable computational speedups, which are especially useful in real-time or multi-query analyses. One known deficiency of projection-based ROMs is that they can suffer from a lack of robustness, stability and accuracy, especially in the predictive regime, which ultimately limits their useful application. Another research gap that has prevented the widespread adoption of ROMs within the modeling and simulation community is the lack of theoretical and algorithmic foundations necessary for the “plug-and-play” integration of these models into existing multi-scale and multi-physics frameworks. This paper describes a new methodology that has the potential to address both of the aforementioned deficiencies by coupling projection-based ROMs with each other as well as with conventional FOMs by means of the Schwarz alternating method [41]. Leveraging recent work that adapted the Schwarz alternating method to enable consistent and concurrent multiscale coupling of finite element FOMs in solid mechanics [35, 36], we present a new extension of the Schwarz framework that enables FOM-ROM and ROM-ROM coupling, following a domain decomposition of the physical geometry on which a PDE is posed. In order to maintain efficiency and achieve computation speed-ups, we employ hyper-reduction via the Energy-Conserving Sampling and Weighting (ECSW) approach [13]. We evaluate the proposed coupling approach in the reproductive as well as in the predictive regime on a canonical test case that involves the dynamic propagation of a traveling wave in a nonlinear hyper-elastic material.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Soliton formation and topology manipulation of coupled spins via ultrafast re-magnetization

The major goal of the project was to explore the properties of magnetic order driven far out of equilibrium by optical excitations. These include fundamental questions related to the interplay of magnetic, structural and electronic degrees of freedom in materials that are optically excited. These problems break down in short term quenching of the magnetization as a results of the energy of the optical pulse studying how the energy of the optical pulse and the angular momentum of the magnetization flow between the different degrees of freedom. This is followed by the longer time re-emergence of the magnetism as the system cools. Within this goal we explored the formation of solitons, both with and without non-trivial topology, via rapid re-magnetization processes after optical-driven ultrafast demagnetization. Guided by theory, we predict that turbulence and modulational instabilities will drive the formation of solitons, including dispersive shock waves, magnon droplets, and skyrmions. In the case of topological defect formation, i.e. skyrmion generation, related processes have long been predicted based on general principles of symmetry-breaking phase transitions; the density of topological defects in a long-range-ordered phase can be controlled by varying the quench rate through the second-order phase transition, i.e. the Kibble-Zurek (KZ) mechanism. We, more broadly, had the goal to study a range of other emergent magnetic behaviors after optical excitation. While great attention has been given to ultrafast demagnetization, less is known of the subsequent spin dynamics and coupling to the lattice. What is increasingly appreciated is that ultrafast demagnetization leads to spin currents that can carry angular momentum from the rapidly demagnetized sample. These spin currents appear in many ways but fundamentally controls demagnetization, drives interactions between regions of the material, and control the spin resulting structure. They can be probed many ways including THz emission which, in turn, gives insight into the demagnetization processes. Simultaneously if there is magneto-elastic coupling ultrafast demagnetization can drive structural excitations that are not expected from thermal energy added to the lattice. We explored a range of complex phenomena that arise from photo-excitation of magnetic systems with the coupling of electronic, magnetic and structural degrees of freedom. We have made a number of fundamental discoveries that are reflected in our publications list with additional work still being prepared for publication. Highlights of this work include (i) ultra-efficient, nonlinear THz surface acoustics (ii) spin-current-mediated rapid magnon localization and coalescence, (iii) spin-wave soliton formation in ferromagnetic FePt nanoparticles, (iv) dynamic phonon coupling in elemental antiferromagnetic Cr, (v) THz emission from Co/Pt bilayers and FeRh/Pt bilayers, (vi) theoretical investigation of spin hydrodynamics, solitons and shock waves, and (vii) ultrafast perturbation of magnetic domains by optical pumping.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Coupling of the Electricity and Transportation Sectors - Part I: Sector Overviews

“Sector coupling” is a concept that addresses potential designs for the future power industry. Traditionally, the energy sectors, i.e., electricity supply, transport, and industry, have functioned largely independently from one another. Thus, the concept of sector coupling means that the electricity sector would become the central pillar of the energy system, supplying the other sectors – transportation and industry – with energy in various ways, a scheme described by the term “Power-to-X”. This report delves into the ambitious goal set by the United States to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with a pivotal milestone of making half of all passenger vehicles sold in America zero-emission by 2030. Central to achieving this objective is the electrification of the transportation sector, resulting in complex interactions between this sector and the electric industry. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, a shift in the dependency on electricity for vehicle charging emerges, alongside a reduction in the electricity demand associated with maintaining the fossil fuel supply chain. Both the electricity and fossil fuel have been identified as critical infrastructure sectors, the transportation sector's historical reliance on fossil fuels, and the mature supply chain supporting them are explored. This study emphasizes the existing sectoral coupling between the electric energy and transportation sectors, extending beyond vehicle charging to essential operations at refineries, pipeline facilities, storage, and fuel extraction. Recognizing the critical dependency of fossil fuel supply chain operations on the electric sector, this research underscores the need for a comprehensive view of the evolving dynamics between the transportation and electric sectors. This study has been split into two segments, Part-I provides an overview of the existing fossil fuel supply chain architecture and the electrical sector. We provide an in-depth analysis of the grid-transportation sectoral coupling, its interactions, the vulnerabilities and essential take-aways that would help us to address them and apply towards an electrified transportation sector in the future. We engaged with stakeholders to understand their expectations in enabling an electrified transportation. We accumulate the understandings from the current fossil fuel-based system in developing a risk matrix, by identifying all the threats and vulnerabilities and how would they apply to both the current and future transportation systems in Part-II of this report.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Coupling SCALE with DAKOTA for Axial Burnup Profiles Assessment in Burnup Credit [Slides]

This presentation found that the coupling methodology between SCALE and DAKOTA can be built within the NEAMS Workbench. This coupling provides a powerful and flexible toolset that increases the capabilities of the SCALE code system enabling the analysis of various engineering problems. This presentation presented is a specific application of this coupling methodology to axial burnup profile treatment in BUC, showcasing the usefulness of coupling SCALE and DAKOTA to perform criticality safety analyses.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗

Coupled SAM/Griffin Model of a Reference Fluoride-Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor for Multi-Physics Simulations

A multi-physics coupled simulation model of a reference pebble bed fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (PB-FHR) has been developed with SAM and Griffin computer codes for transient safety analysis. The reference problem of a prototypical reactor design serves as the foundation for the U.S. NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) to verify the adequacy of computer codes and evaluation models for specific reactor types. In this work, the previously developed SAM model for PB-FHR primary loop has been updated for the coupled simulation. The updated SAM PB-FHR model includes a 2-D axial symmetric core region and external core components in 0-D/1-D. In addition to the primary loop, a detailed model of the RCCS (reactor cavity cooling system) is added. The 2-D and 1-D domains are tightly coupled using the single-solve approach developed in SAM. In the pebble bed region, the SAM multiscale explicit pebble model is applied to calculate the pebble and TRISO fuel kernel temperatures. The Griffin model used in this work is based on a model developed at Idaho National Laboratory in collaboration with the U.S. NRC. The Griffin neutronics model and SAM thermal hydraulics model is coupled with the Comprehensive Reactor Analysis Bundle (CRAB or alternately BlueCRAB) application. Both steady-state and transient scenarios are simulated to demonstrate the model's suitability for multi-physics simulations of PB-FHR transients.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Prediction and Analysis of Utah FORGE Injection Activities using a Coupled Thermo-hydro-mechanical and Earthquake (THM+E) Modeling Workflow

A coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) numerical workflow that is capable of modeling seismic slip is critical for the successful development of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). By integrating key physical processes, this workflow enables accurate simulation of temperature and pressure diffusions, stress changes, and induced seismicity. As a result, it serves as a vital tool for predicting induced seismicity and optimizing reservoir stimulation strategies. The Utah FORGE (Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy) project, located near Milford, Utah, is a U.S. Department of Energy initiative aimed at advancing EGS technology. In April 2024, eight new stimulation stages (Stages 3R-10) were conducted in well 16A (injection well) subsequent to the first series of stimulation (Stages 1-3) performed in April, 2022. To monitor the induced seismicity, geophones were deployed in wells 58-32, 56-32, and 78B-32, while fiber optic cables were also installed in wells 16B, 78-32, and 78B-32 to collect microseismic data and detect frac hits Preliminary analyses of microseismic catalogs and fiber optic data suggest that the stimulated fractures in Stages 3R–6 closely align with that generated during Stage 3, indicating that the new stimulations were likely reactivating the previously stimulated fracture. To better understand the underlying process, a comprehensive modeling approach that can accurately capture thermal, hydrological, mechanical, and seismic responses is essential. In this work, we propose and utilize a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical and earthquake (THM+E) simulation workflow to numerically investigate the stimulation activities on well 16A. The specific objective is to confirm whether the new stimulation stages (Stages 3R–6) reactivated fractures previously stimulated during Stage 3. For this purpose, we perform THM+E simulations individually for Stages 3, 3R, 4, and 5, incorporating the discrete fracture networks (DFNs) created by the plane-fitting technique based on the microseismic catalogs. The simulation workflow consists of two separate models: a THM model and an earthquake model, coupled in a one-way manner. Detailed descriptions of the workflow are provided in Section 3. Simulation results are presented in terms of injection pressure, permeability evolution, and predicted seismic catalogs, which are then compared with field data for further analyses. This report is structured as follows. In Section 2, we present detailed analyses of the field data and propose the hypothesis that the new stimulation stages (Stages 3R–6) were probably reactivating the previously stimulated fractures in Stage 3. In Section 3, we introduce the coupled THM+E workflow and the problem setup to validate our hypothesis, followed by the simulation results for each stage in Section 4. Meanwhile, discussions are included to analyze the model predictions and their comparison with field data. Lastly, we conclude the report and outline future plans in Section 5.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Coupled Experimental and High-Temperature Discrete-Element Method Modeling Studies of Aluminosilicate Particle Handling in Concentrated Solar Power Environments

Chemically inert, aluminosilicate based particles have been investigated as both a thermal transport and sensible energy storage medium for concentrated solar power facilities. These particles will experience a wide range of operating temperatures (300-1000 K) and handling conditions (dense to dilute falling particle curtains, dense granular flows, or dense structures), requiring specially-designed and optimized infrastructures. The relative influence of collisional and frictional interactions between particles varies based on temperature-dependent particulate properties and greatly impacts the bulk, granular flow behavior. These underlying physics are captured using discrete element method modeling tools. However, this modeling method is computationally expensive as each particle position and interaction is tracked during the simulation. These modeling methods are further complicated by introducing temperature-dependent particle properties, high-temperature radiative exchange, and directional irradiation sources experienced by granular flows in concentrated solar power environments. Coupled experimental and numerical studies of aluminosilicate particles in rotary kilns and dense particle curtains were performed for bulk temperatures up to 1073 K. The three particle types investigated included Carbobead HSP 30 /60, Carbobead CP 30/60, and Granusil 4030. Temperature, spatial, and velocity profile data were extracted from experimental runs using embedded K-type thermocouple probes and particle image velocimetry techniques. Experimental and numerical studies were compared using spatial temperature profiles, velocity fields, and shape profiles of the bulk, granular flows. Numerical models were developed using commercially available discrete element method modeling software, Aspherix®. Existing Aspherix® functionality was expanded by introducing coupled radiative exchange modeling tools. The laboratory-scale rotary kiln was developed to investigate the steady-state heat and mass transfer performance of aluminosilicate particles based on particle type, bulk handling temperature, and wall roughness. The rotational speed of the rotary kiln was varied to control the relative impact of collisional and frictional effects upon the granular flow behavior. Heat and mass transfer performance was categorized based on the Froude number and the observed flow regimes of slipping, rolling, cascading, and centrifuging. Coupled discrete element method modeling studies were used to evaluate the effects of temperature-dependent, particulate mechanical properties upon bulk flow behavior and upon the relative effects of radiative, advective, and/or conductive heat transfer. A high-temperature (< 1073 K) falling particle curtain was similarly fabricated to investigate the heat and mass transfer performance of aluminosilicate particles in particle handling situations dominated by inter-particle collisions. The impact of particle type, flow preheat temperatures (< 1073K), and bulk mass flow rates were investigated upon the particle curtain shape, temperature, and velocity profiles. Coupled discrete element method modeling studies were performed to evaluate the varying impact of temperature-dependent, particulate mechanical properties on the bulk flow behavior and the temperature profile of the particle curtain.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Pressure Evolution of Ultrafast Photocarrier Dynamics and Electron–Phonon Coupling in FeTe 0.5 Se 0.5

Understanding the coupling between electrons and phonons in iron chalcogenides FeTe x Se 1–x has remained a critical but arduous project in recent decades. The direct observation of the electron–phonon coupling effect through electron dynamics and vibrational properties has been lacking. Here, we report the first pressure-dependent ultrafast photocarrier dynamics and Raman scattering studies on an iron chalcogenide FeTe 0.5 Se 0.5 to explore the interaction between electrons and phonons in this unconventional superconductor. The lifetime of the excited electrons evidently decreases as the pressure increases from 0 to 2.2 GPa, and then increases with further compression. The vibrational properties of the A 1g phonon mode exhibit similar behavior, with a pronounced frequency reduction appearing at approximately 2.3 GPa. The dual evidence reveals the enhanced electron–phonon coupling strength with pressure in FeTe 0.5 Se 0.5 . Our results give an insight into the role of the electron–phonon coupling effect in iron-based superconductors.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Coupled Gas-Exchange Model for C4 Leaves Comparing Stomatal Conductance Models

Plant simulation models are abstractions of plant physiological processes that are useful for investigating the responses of plants to changes in the environment. Because photosynthesis and transpiration are fundamental processes that drive plant growth and water relations, a leaf gas-exchange model that couples their interdependent relationship through stomatal control is a prerequisite for explanatory plant simulation models. Here, we present a coupled gas-exchange model for C4 leaves incorporating two widely used stomatal conductance submodels: Ball–Berry and Medlyn models. The output variables of the model includes steady-state values of CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, internal CO2 concentrations, and other leaf gas-exchange attributes in response to light, temperature, CO2, humidity, leaf nitrogen, and leaf water status. We test the model behavior and sensitivity, and discuss its applications and limitations. The model was implemented in Julia programming language using a novel modeling framework. Our testing and analyses indicate that the model behavior is reasonably sensitive and reliable in a wide range of environmental conditions. The behavior of the two model variants differing in stomatal conductance submodels deviated substantially from each other in low humidity conditions. The model was capable of replicating the behavior of transgenic C4 leaves under moderate temperatures as found in the literature. The coupled model, however, underestimated stomatal conductance in very high temperatures. This is likely an inherent limitation of the coupling approaches using Ball–Berry type models in which photosynthesis and stomatal conductance are recursively linked as an input of the other.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Beam Energy Dependence of the Linear and Mode-Coupled Flow Harmonics Using the a Multi-Phase Transport Model

In the framework of the A Multi-Phase Transport (AMPT) model, the multi-particle azimuthal cumulant method is used to calculate the linear and mode-coupled contributions to the quadrangular flow harmonic (v4) and the mode-coupled response coefficient as functions of centrality in Au+Au collisions at sNN = 200, 39, 27 and 19.6 GeV. This study indicates that the linear and mode-coupled contributions to v4 are sensitive to beam energy change. Nevertheless, the correlations between different-order flow symmetry planes and the mode-coupled response coefficients show weak beam energy dependence. In addition, the presented results suggest that the experimental measurements that span a broad range of beam energies can be an additional constraint for the theoretical model calculations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

A DG-IMEX Method for Two-moment Neutrino Transport: Nonlinear Solvers for Neutrino–Matter Coupling

Neutrino-matter interactions play an important role in core-collapse supernova (CCSN) explosions as they contribute to both lepton number and/or four-momentum exchange between neutrinos and matter, and thus act as the agent for neutrino-driven explosions. Due to the multiscale nature of neutrino transport in CCSN simulations, an implicit treatment of neutrino-matter interactions is desired, which requires solutions of coupled nonlinear systems in each step of the time integration scheme. In this paper we design and compare nonlinear iterative solvers for implicit systems with energy coupling neutrino-matter interactions commonly used in CCSN simulations. Specifically, we consider electron neutrinos and antineutrinos, which interact with static matter configurations through the Bruenn 85 opacity set. The implicit systems arise from the discretization of a nonrelativistic two-moment model for neutrino transport, which employs the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method for phase-space discretization and an implicit-explicit (IMEX) time integration scheme. In the context of this DG-IMEX scheme, we propose two approaches to formulate the nonlinear systems — a coupled approach and a nested approach. For each approach, the resulting systems are solved with Anderson-accelerated fixedpoint iteration and Newton’s method. The performance of these four iterative solvers has been compared on relaxation problems with various degree of collisionality, as well as proto-neutron star deleptonization problems with several matter profiles adopted from spherically symmetric CCSN simulations. Here, numerical results suggest that the nested Anderson-accelerated fixed-point solver is more efficient than other tested solvers for solving implicit nonlinear systems with energy coupling neutrino-matter interactions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Concurrent two-way coupling of global and local models across internal boundaries with non-matching discretizations

Coupling local and global models enables efficient simulation of multiscale systems, where global models capture large-scale behavior and local models, with enhanced physics, resolve finer details over a smaller region. Here, this paper presents a mathematically consistent method for coupling physics-based models of varying fidelity across adjacent, non-overlapping subdomains, even when discretizations do not match at the immersed interdomain interfaces. Incompressible Navier-Stokes equations (NSE) constitute the global model while residual-based turbulence model serves as the local high-fidelity model. In addition, a scalar advection-diffusion equation that models the convection of an active scalar field is appended to the turbulence model in the local domain. This scalar field does not have its complement in the global model, giving rise to unequal number of equations at the immersed boundary between local and global models. Interdomain coupling terms are derived via the Variational Multiscale Discontinuous Galerkin (VMDG) method with new developments in scale representation and efficient fine-scale estimation. While transient laminar flows modeled with NSE in the global domain can be resolved with relatively coarse mesh, turbulent flow calculations in the local model require much finer spatial discretizations as well as smaller time-step for appropriately resolving the turbulent flow physics. The proposed framework also accommodates non-matching meshes at the immersed boundaries. Test problems in 2D and 3D numerically showcase the concurrent two-way coupling of unknown fields across the immersed boundaries. The 3D test presents a case with an unequal number of equations, where the scalar field represents the convection of contaminant concentration. This provides more detailed physics in the local region and highlights its application in climate modeling and atmospheric sciences.

Variational Multiscale Discontinuous Galerkin (VMD↗