Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “software testing”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 577 records · Page 32

Battery Performance, Thermal, and Life Modeling for Southern California Edison (Cooperative Research and Development Final Report)

The objective of this project is to develop battery performance models, thermal models and life models for SCE to use in simulation and analysis of grid services involving energy storage. NREL will fit the models to three separate chemistries using test data provided by SCE. The dataset for each chemistry will include electrical, thermal and aging response to different temperatures and cycling conditions, measured under a variety of cell-level and module-level experiments described in SCE test protocol documents. Once tuned to a test dataset, the battery system model software will provide predictions of battery energy and power loss, and thus cycle and calendar life, for any energy storage grid service power profile of interest to SCE. The automated battery life modeling and simulation tool can also be applied to any other grid battery systems as long as necessary input data is available to accelerate battery model development and battery lifetime analysis.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

CFD Analysis of RLUOB Zone 1 HEPA Filter Plenum and Testing Manifolds

The purpose of this computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis is to ensure that Camfil Farr’s upstream and downstream injection and sampling manifolds can meet or exceed the requirements outlined in the ASME AG-1 1997 a(2000) Code on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment for the testing of HEPA and adsorbent filters. This paper will present a numerical simulation of airflow in the Radiological Laboratory Utility Office Building (RLUOB) zone 1 HEPA filter plenum and testing manifolds using the commercial CFD software ANSYS FLUENT 2020R1. The CFD analysis focuses on the investigation of the air flow distribution and air-aerosol mixing uniformity. The evaluation was done for all steps of the modeling process: grid generation, physics setup, simulation, and post-processing. The mass flow rate in each section of the zone 1 injection and sampling manifolds is also reported.

42 ENGINEERING↗

FY20 Proxy App Suite Release: Report for ECP Proxy App Project Milestone ADCD-504-10

Version 4.0 of the ECP Proxy App Suite is practically unchanged from the previous release. The current set of proxies has proven useful for many aspects of benchmarking and co-design and we see little reason to alter the suite. Although there have been few changes to the ECP suite, the team has been hard at work in other areas. In the area of Machine Learning (ML) we have now created a separate proxy suite dedicated to this scientific applications of ML. The suite includes: miniGAN (Generative Adversarial Networks), miniRL (Reinforcement Learning), CRADL (inline inference), Cosmoflow-Benchmark (Convolutional Neural Network), and MLPerf-DeepCam (Climate Segmentation Benchmark). Section 3 contains more information about these proxies as well as the principles that are guiding the development of the suite. We have surveyed available proxies for several application domains including Computational Fluid Dynamics, Quantum Chemistry, Quantum Computing Simulation, Molecular Dynamics, Monte Carlo Transport, and Density Functional Theory to identify gaps in proxy coverage. Several new proxy apps are either already available or will be released soon to fill these gaps. Section 4 provides full details. Finally, section 5 reports on our continued collaboration with the ECP Continuous Integration (CI) effort to use proxy apps to help identify problems and roadblocks to cross-lab CI. We have also assisted the El Capitan Center of Excellence (COE) to stand up a CI system that will be used to test releases of HPE and AMD software stacks. We hope that the COE effort can serve as a model for ECP by showing how the Proxy App Team can work with AD and ST teams identify critical features, kernels, patterns, etc. and incorporate them into a CI system that will help ensure that Frontier and Aurora will provide those needed capabilities.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Advanced Monitoring and Control in the ANL METL Facility Using an Engineering Digital Twin

The potential benefits of using an engineering digital twin to achieve greater autonomy for monitoring and control functions in advanced reactors was investigated for the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) liquid sodium facility at Argonne National Laboratory. The METL sodium purification system served as a representative system as it requires significant human in-the-loop interaction to accomplish its design function. The objective was to demonstrate how real-time operation could be automated while preserving oversight of the operator for ensuring that the system design functions are met. A digital twin model of the purification system was developed for both the cold trap purification loop and plugging meter diagnostic loop using information from the METL piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID). Automated monitoring and diagnosis of component degradation in the METL facility was demonstrated in tests using the PRO-AID health monitoring software with the digital twin model incorporated in the library of components. Component failures were introduced and were successfully diagnosed in real time. These tests serve to demonstrate an advanced monitoring capability able to differentiate sensor degradation from component degradation, to generate a rank ordering of probabilities of different failure mechanisms that serves to circumvent the false alarm problem with current anomaly detection methods, and how facility monitoring can be transformed from anomaly detection to identification of a specific fault. Automated control of the purification system was demonstrated through simulations that exercised a model predictive controller designed using the digital twin model. Results of these simulations compared favorably with experimental data showing very good reference tracking response with negligible overshoot. In conclusion, these pilot tests and simulations successfully demonstrated the use of a digital twin for improved automation of monitoring and control. It was shown how the digital twin enables switching between control modes from cold trap operation where impurities are removed to plugging meter operation where impurity concentrations are measured.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Design and Characterization of a Lens-Coupled System for Dynamic X-Ray Diffraction

X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a necessary technique for understanding states of materials under static and dynamic loading conditions. The higher-pressure Equation of State (EOS) of many materials can only be explored via shock or ramp compression at temperatures and pressures of interest. While static XRD work has yielded EOS measurements in the 100 - 200 GPa regime, dynamic X-ray diffraction (DXRD) can explore EOS phases in the TPa regime, which closely resembles inner-core planetary conditions. DXRD hinges on the ability to measure the exact phase or phase change of a material while under dynamic loading conditions. Macroscopic diagnostic systems (e.g. velocimetry and pyrometry) can infer a phase change but not identify the specific phase entered by a material. While microscopic (atomic-level) diagnostic systems (e.g. DXRD) have been designed and implemented in Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Laboratories complex, the unique nature of Sandia National Laboratories’ Pulsed Power Facility (Z Machine) prohibits the use of such devices. The destructive nature of Z experiments presents a challenge to data capture and retrieval. Furthermore there are electromagnetic interference, X-ray background, and mechanical constraints to consider. Thus, a multi-part X-ray diagnostic for use on the Z Machine and Z-Beamlet Laser system has been designed and analyzed. Portions of this new DYnamic SCintillator Optic (DYSCO) have been built, tested and fielded. A data analysis software has been written. Finally, the radiance profile of the DYSCO’s scintillator has been characterized through experiments performed at the University of Arizona.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Vision of Genesis of Presentation of Hi-Tech Project during Competitive Selection

The presentation of high-tech projects (including research and development projects) submitted to funding competitions is considered. Two-stage development of such presentations is proposed. The first step is to ensure that the selected set of characteristics is representative and may be estimated with sufficient precision. The next step is to introduce a mathematically formalized business model of the project, permitting its financial evaluation. This model must adequately and transparently identify the financial potential of the economic cluster that will implement the submitted project. Embodied in software, this model must support stress testing of the high-technology project and optimization of its characteristics.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Agile collaboration: Citizen science as a transdisciplinary approach to heliophysics

Citizen science connects scientists with the public to enable discovery, engaging broad audiences across the world. There are many attributes that make citizen science an asset to the field of heliophysics, including agile collaboration. Agility is the extent to which a person, group of people, technology, or project can work efficiently, pivot, and adapt to adversity. Citizen scientists are agile; they are adaptable and responsive. Citizen science projects and their underlying technology platforms are also agile in the software development sense, by utilizing beta testing and short timeframes to pivot in response to community needs. As they capture scientifically valuable data, citizen scientists can bring expertise from other fields to scientific teams. The impact of citizen science projects and communities means citizen scientists are a bridge between scientists and the public, facilitating the exchange of information. These attributes of citizen scientists form the framework of agile collaboration. In this paper, we contextualize agile collaboration primarily for aurora chasers, a group of citizen scientists actively engaged in projects and independent data gathering. Nevertheless, these insights scale across other domains and projects. Citizen science is an emerging yet proven way of enhancing the current research landscape. To tackle the next-generation’s biggest research problems, agile collaboration with citizen scientists will become necessary.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The LSST DESC DC2 Simulated Sky Survey

Here, we describe the simulated sky survey underlying the second data challenge (DC2) carried out in preparation for analysis of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) by the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration (LSST DESC). Significant connections across multiple science domains will be a hallmark of LSST; the DC2 program represents a unique modeling effort that stresses this interconnectivity in a way that has not been attempted before. This effort encompasses a full end-to-end approach: starting from a large N-body simulation, through setting up LSST-like observations including realistic cadences, through image simulations, and finally processing with Rubin's LSST Science Pipelines. This last step ensures that we generate data products resembling those to be delivered by the Rubin Observatory as closely as is currently possible. The simulated DC2 sky survey covers six optical bands in a wide-fast-deep area of approximately 300 deg 2 , as well as a deep drilling field of approximately 1 deg 2 . We simulate 5 yr of the planned 10 yr survey. The DC2 sky survey has multiple purposes. First, the LSST DESC working groups can use the data set to develop a range of DESC analysis pipelines to prepare for the advent of actual data. Second, it serves as a realistic test bed for the image processing software under development for LSST by the Rubin Observatory. In particular, simulated data provide a controlled way to investigate certain image-level systematic effects. Finally, the DC2 sky survey enables the exploration of new scientific ideas in both static and time domain cosmology.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

PROTOCALC, a W -band Polarized Calibrator for Cosmic Microwave Background Telescopes: Application to Simons Observatory and CLASS

Current- and next-generation cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments will measure polarization anisotropies with unprecedented sensitivities. The need for high precision in these measurements underscores the importance of gaining a comprehensive understanding of instrument properties, with a particular emphasis on the study of the beam properties, and especially their polarization characteristics and the measurement of the polarization angle. In this context, a major challenge lies in the scarcity of millimeter polarized astrophysical sources with sufficient brightness and calibration knowledge to meet the stringent accuracy requirements of future CMB missions. This led to the development of a drone-borne calibration source designed for the frequency band centered on approximately 90 GHz, matching a commonly used channel in ground-based CMB measurements. The Prototype Calibrator for Cosmology, PROTOCALC, has undergone thorough in-lab testing, and its properties have been subsequently modeled through simulation software integrated into the standard Simons Observatory analysis pipeline. Moreover, the PROTOCALC system has been tested in the field, having been deployed twice on calibration campaigns with CMB telescopes in the Atacama Desert. The data collected constrain the roll angle of the source with a statistical accuracy of 0$^°_•$045.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

CACTI CSAPR2 Taranis Retrievals

Taranis is an end-to-end processing chain for radar data written in Python with C extension for computation performance. Features include: masking for quality control, specific differential phase (Kdp), attenuation correction for reflectivity factor (Z) and differential reflectivity (Zdr) in rain, and additional geophysical retrievals. Retrievals are mostly drawn from literature or open-source software when appropriate, and have been tested, tuned, and modified to work with one another cohesively rather than using isolated off-the-shelf algorithms. Incorporated algorithms include hydrometeor (echo) identification, rain water content, raindrop mass-weighted mean diameter (gamma size distribution assumption), and rainfall rate (QPE). Taranis data sets exist for CSAPR2 PPI, HSRHI, and sector RHI scans. Cartesian-gridded data sets were also produced as well as a near-surface rain rate retrieval. More details can be found in the README.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

ACHILLES: Heat Transfer in PWR Core During LOCA Reflood Phase

1. NAME AND TITLE OF DATA LIBRARY ACHILLES -Heat Transfer in PWR Core During LOCA Reflood Phase. 2. NAME AND TITLE OF DATA RETRIEVAL PROGRAMS N/A 3. CONTRIBUTOR AEA Technology, Winfrith Technology Centre, Dorchester DT2 8DH United Kingdom through the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency Data Bank, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. 4. DESCRIPTION OF TEST FACILITY The most important features of the Achilles rig were the shroud vessel, which contained the test section, and the downcomer. These may be thought of as representing the core barrel and the annular downcomer in the reactor pressure vessel. The test section comprises a cluster of 69 rods in a square array within a circular shroud vessel. The rod diameter and pitch (9.5 mm and 12.6 mm) were typical of PWR dimensions. The internal diameter of the shroud vessel was 128 mm. Each rod was electrically heated over a length of 3.66 m, which is typical of the nuclear heated length in a PWR fuel rod, and each contained 6 internal thermocouples. These were arranged in one of 8 groupings which concentrated the thermocouples in different axial zones. The spacer grids were at prototypic PWR locations. Each grid had two thermocouples attached to its trailing edge at radial locations. The axial power profile along the rods was an 11 step approximation to a "chopped cosine". The shroud vessel had 5 heating zones whose power could be independently controlled. 5. DESCRIPTION OF TESTS The Achilles experiments investigated the heat transfer in the core of a Pressurized Water Reactor during the re-flood phase of a postulated large break loss of coolant accident. The results provided data to validate codes and to improve modeling. Different types of experiments were carried out which included single phase cooling, re-flood under low flow conditions, level swell and re-flood under high flow conditions. Three series of experiments were performed. The first and the third used the same test section but the second used another test section, similar in all respects except that it contained a partial blockage formed by attaching sleeves (or "balloons") to some of the rods. 6. SOURCE AND SCOPE OF DATA Phenomena Tested - Heat transfer in the core of a PWR during a re-flood phase of postulated large break LOCA. Test Designation - Achilles Rig. The programme includes the following types of experiments: - on an unballooned cluster: -- single phase air flow -- low pressure level swell -- low flooding rate re-flood -- high flooding rate re-flood - on a ballooned cluster containing 80% blockage formed by 16 balloon sleeves -- single phase air flow -- low flooding rate re-flood 7. DISCUSSION OF THE DATA RETRIEVAL PROGRAM N/A 8. DATA FORMAT AND COMPUTER Many Computers (M00019MNYCP00). 9. TYPICAL RUNNING TIME N/A 11. CONTENTS OF LIBRARY The ACHILLES package contains test data and associated data processing software as well as the documentation listed above. 12. DATE OF ABSTRACT November 2013. KEYWORDS: DATABASES, BENCHMARKS, HEAT TRANSFER, LOSS-OF-COLLANT ACCIDENT, PWR REACTORS, REFLOODING

Source record↗

The Locus Algorithm IV: Performance metrics of a grid computing system used to create catalogues of optimised pointings

This paper discusses the requirements for and performance metrics of the the Grid Computing system used to implement the Locus Algorithm to identify optimum pointings for differential photometry of 61,662,376 stars and 23,779 quasars. Initial operational tests indicated a need for a software system to analyse the data and a High Performance Computing system to run that software in a scalable manner. Practical assessments of the performance of the software in a serial computing environment were used to provide a benchmark against which the performance metrics of the HPC solution could be compared, as well as to indicate any bottlenecks in performance. These performance metrics indicated a distinct split in the performance dictated more by differences in the input data than by differences in the design of the systems used. This indicates a need for experimental analysis of system performance, and suggests that algorithmic complexity analyses may lead to incorrect or naive conclusions, especially in systems with high data I/O overhead such as grid computing. Further, it implies that systems which reduce or eliminate this bottleneck such as in-memory processing could lead to a substantial increase in performance.

Creaner, Oisín↗

Spallation Neutron Source Proton Power Upgrade Low-Level RF Control System Development

The Proton Power Upgrade (PPU) Project is approved for the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and will double the proton beam power capability from 1.4 MW to 2.8 MW with 2 MW beam power available to the first target station. A second target station is planned and will utilize the remaining beam power in the future. The proton power increase will be supported with the addition of twenty-eight new superconducting cavities powered by 700 kW peak power klystrons to increase beam energy while increases to the beam current will be done with a combination of existing RF margin, and DTL HPRF upgrades. The original low-level RF control system has proven to be reliable over the past 15 years of operations, but obsolescence issues mandate a replacement system be developed for the PPU project. The replacement system is realized in a µTCA.4 platform using a combination of commercial off-the-shelf boards and custom hardware to support the requirements of PPU. This paper presents the prototype hardware, firmware, and software development activities along with preliminary testing results of the new system.

Crofford, Mark↗

Novel Radiometry for In-Pipe Robotic Inspection of Holdup Deposits in Gaseous Diffusion Piping - 19503

This paper details the first complete, DOE approved, deployed and operational radiometry for robotic nondestructive assay (NDA) of holdup deposits in gaseous diffusion piping. Some features, like peak-finding, Compton correction, detector efficiency, and material properties are characteristic of typical manual methods. Most features are specific to in-pipe robotic deployment. These include in-motion radiometry, self-determined location, geometric modeling of thick deposits, bounding of self-attenuation thickness and auto-checking of replicate measurements. Significant are the means for determining all the properties, equations, and constants for automatically computing and displaying all the quantities, uncertainties and information needed for NDA reporting, analysis, and review. Earlier work by this team demonstrated rudimentary but convincing robotic in-pipe NDA of holdup deposits in pipes. Cold testing with high-enrichment mat sources and hot tests with low U-235 loadings together succeeded to exhibit convincing proof-of-principle. This research-grade radiometry implementation lacked accurate odometry, efficiency calibration, high-fidelity detector modeling, attenuation modeling, forward geometric modeling, auto-segmenting, uncertainty modeling, replicate checking, deconvolution and much more. This work explains the technical basis behind robotic in-pipe NDA. It includes discussion of a new method for modeling of self-attenuation using in-pipe deposit geometry information, detail of the method's total measurement uncertainty, and explanation of calibration methods and results. Beyond development of automation-specific radiometric elements, the paper highlights analyses, testing, and technical bases specific to and supportive of the methodology. Examples include collimation characterization, detector efficiency determination, auto-calibration methodology, and odometric replicate-checking. Results of this methodology are formalized in a DOE EM Technical Basis Document, implemented in software, formally verified in review and acceptance testing and proceduralized as a means for D and D NDA at the Portsmouth enrichment facility. Measurement of U-235 quantity is a well-known cost and schedule driver in D and D of every defunct gaseous diffusion enrichment facility in the world. The radiometry methodologies and results detailed in this paper were the high hurdles. Having established the technical basis for this automated NDA, the opportunity is to apply this to many sizes and robot forms for addressing holdup deposit NDA throughout the D and D community. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

A hardware-in-the-loop approach for laboratory performance verification of flexible building equipment in a typical commercial building

The overall objective of the project is to develop datasets that measure the holistic load flexibility performance of a suite of commonly-used commercial building HVAC and thermal storage equipment using a hardware-in-the-loop test method. The development of the software side of the hardware-in-the-loop flexible load testbed is summarized in this paper.

Chen, Zhelun↗

Advancing \textit{otsdaq}: Enhancements for Usability, Accuracy, and Robustness

High-energy physics (HEP) experiments require data acquisition (DAQ) systems that can orchestrate complex detector operations, high data throughput, and responsive, real-time feedback to operators. Traditional DAQ stacks, which are often bespoke, command-line driven and highly specific, impose large learning curves on users. The Off-The-Shelf Data Acquisition (\textit{otsdaq}) framework was created to address these issues by offering a highly customizable and scalable browser-based ’desktop’ environment, in which experiment-specific control and monitoring applications can be easily deployed and integrated. Although the initial development of the \textit{otsdaq} software was aimed at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility, \textit{otsdaq} is now being leveraged for broader deployment, including the upcoming Mu2e experiment, where real-time monitoring of field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based Data Transfer Controllers (DTCs), Clock and Fanout (CFO) boards, and several other subsystems are critical. We contribute a set of targeted improvements to \textit{otsdaq}: bitmap visualization functionality for configured data, improved and corrected delta-based DTC throughput metrics, version control (VC)-backed source navigation for console messages, custom navigation hooks to eliminate disruptive user interface glitches, and copy-to-clipboard support for macro execution history. These changes improve usability, reduce debugging time, and increase accuracy in performance data as Mu2e moves toward commissioning.

Mohammed, A. [Unlisted, US]↗

CASTLE: Conflict Analysis Strategy Testing Laboratory Environment v.1.0.0

SAND2024-01743O The Conflict Analysis Strategy Testing Laboratory Environment (CASTLE) is a software framework that enables and simplifies building a novel, turn-based strategy game in which it can define its own rules, maps, pieces, and interactions. The software is for novice to experienced programmers with some knowledge of Unity3D, a tool used in game production. CASTLE includes a library of common game mechanics used for strategic wargames and traditional board games, such as cards, tokens, dice, and grid maps. It follows design principles popularized by the video game industry and uses singletons for managing portions of the code. CASTLE builds on Unity's component-based design and can respond to engine events during execution. Among the numerous user-friendly features: Build games quickly and cost-effectively Network in real-time and apply data to new games developed on the framework Host multiple participants online Connect rule- or machine learning-based agents to a CASTLE game to serve as opponents or to simulate games Collect data collection from players and in-game behaviors Create a survey to gather demographics or opinions from players Store data locally or save it to an external database through Representational State Transfer (REST) functions CASTLE, which was prototyped using Microsoft Azure, is also designed for easily distributing online games using popular cloud services. The multiplayer functionality includes an agent interface, allowing developers to construct AI players that can substitute for humans in any of the games. 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.

Fabian, Nathan↗

Silicon Carbide Temperature Monitor Processing Improvements. Status Report

Silicon carbide (SiC) temperature monitors are used as temperature sensors in Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) irradiations at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Although thermocouples are typically used to provide real-time temperature indication in instrumented lead tests, other indicators, such as melt wires, are also often included in such tests as an independent technique of detecting peak temperatures incurred during irradiation. In addition, less expensive static capsule tests, which have no leads attached for real-time data transmission, often rely on melt wires as a post-irradiation technique for peak temperature indication. Melt wires are limited in that they can only detect whether a single temperature is or is not exceeded. SiC monitors are advantageous because a single monitor can be used to detect for a range of temperatures that occurred during irradiation. As part of the process initiated to make SiC temperature monitors available at the ATR, post-irradiation evaluations of these monitors have been previously completed at the High Temperature Test Laboratory (HTTL). INL selected the resistance measurement approach for determining irradiation temperature from SiC temperature monitors because it is considered to be the most accurate measurement. The current process involves the repeated annealing of the SiC monitors at incrementally increasing temperature, with resistivity measurements made between annealing steps. The process is time consuming and requires the nearly constant attention of a trained staff member. In addition to the expensive and lengthy post analysis required, the current process adds many potential sources of error in the measurement, as the sensor must be repeatedly moved from furnace to test fixture. This time-consuming post irradiation analysis is a significant portion of the total cost of using these otherwise inexpensive sensors. An additional consideration of this research is that, if the SiC post processing can be automated, it could be performed in an MFC hot cell, further reducing the time and expense of lengthy decontaminations prior to processing. Sections of this report provide a general description of resistivity techniques currently used to infer peak irradiation temperature from silicon carbide temperature monitors along with some representative data, the proposed concepts to improve the process of analyzing irradiated SiC temperature monitors, the completed efforts to prove the proposed concepts, and future activities. The efforts detailed here succeeded in designing and developing a real-time automated SiC resistivity measurement system, and performed two initial test runs. Activities carried out include the assembly and integration of the system hardware; the design and development of a preliminary monitor fixture; the design of a technique to automate the data analysis and processing; the development of the communication, coordination, and user software; and the execution and troubleshooting of test run experiments using the box furnace. Although the automation system performed as required, the designed fixture did not succeed in establishing the needed electrical contacts with the SiC monitor.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗