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At least 613 records · Page 34

Thermal Model Heat Rate Predictions of the AGR-5/6/7 Experiment

Several fuel and material irradiation experiments have been planned for the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program, which supports the development and qualification of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel for use in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors. The goals of these experiments are to provide irradiation performance data to support fuel process development, qualify fuel for normal operating conditions, support development of fuel performance models and codes, and provide irradiated fuel and materials for post-irradiation examination and safety testing. Originally planned and named as separate fuel experiments, but subsequently combined into a single test train. AGR-5/6/7 will test low-enriched uranium oxycarbide (UCO – a heterogeneous mixture of uranium oxide and uranium carbide) TRISO fuel. The AGR-5/6 portion of the experiment will provide data to support qualification of the selected reference fuel design, while the AGR-7 portion will serve as a margin test, irradiating the fuel beyond normal operating conditions. During irradiation, the temperature in each capsule is controlled by varying the helium / neon gas mixture flowing through the capsule until the desired thermocouple temperature is reached. Further adjustments can be made by changing the lobe power and the neutron filter. Three neutron filters are available to use as the experiment burns up the fissionable fuel. A thermal finite element model has been created for the five capsules comprising the AGR-5/6/7 experiment. Heat rates from a physics analysis are imported into the model along with fast neutron fluence. Graphite shrinkage due to the fast neutron fluence is incorporated into the model. Gas gaps change as a function of fast neutron fluence. Radiation heat transfer is a major contributor in this model. This is a large model with more than 1 million finite element brick elements. More than 150 different parts are modeled in the finite element model and communicate with each other from a heat transfer sense. More than 50 thermocouples are used in the experiment and are compared to actual measurements. The experiment is composed of five separate stainless steel capsules all welded together. This paper presents a method used to predict the gas mixture in the event that all of the thermocouples fail in a particular capsule. Curve fitting of heat rates from previous cycles and projecting them into the future is the basis of the method.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A new method for predicting hurricane rapid intensification based on co-occurring environmental parameters

Abstract Tropical cyclones (TCs) that undergo Rapid Intensification (RI) can pose serious socioeconomic threats and can potentially result in major damaging impacts along coastal areas. Considering the complexity of various physical mechanisms that play a role in RI and its relatively low probability of occurrence, predicting RI remains a major operational challenge. In this study, we propose a simple deterministic binary classification model based on the co-occurrence of environmental parameters (MCE) to predict an RI event. More specifically, the model determines the possibility of RI based on a simple count of the number of environmental predictors deemed favorable and unfavorable. We compare our model results to logistic regression (LR) and decision tree (DT) models, well-trained using the same set of environmental predictors. Results reveal that at an RI threshold of 30 kt, the MCE exhibits a critical success index score of 0.233 which is 14% higher than DT and LR model performances. When tested at multiple RI thresholds, the MCE displays relatively higher skill scores across multiple metrics. By simultaneously evaluating the favorability of predictors, the MCE is able to comparatively reduce the number of false alarms predicted when certain predictors are unfavorable toward RI. Interpreting these model results to gain a physical understanding of how co-occurring environmental parameters can affect RI, we highlight future directions for using models based on the MCE approach to understand and predict TC RI as well as other meteorological extremes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Comparison of fixed charge and polarizable models for predicting the structural, thermodynamic, and transport properties of molten alkali chlorides

Results from extensive molecular dynamics simulations of molten LiCl, NaCl, KCl, and RbCl over a wide range of temperatures are reported. Comparison is made between the “Polarizable Ion Model” (PIM) and the non-polarizable “Rigid Ion Model” (RIM). Densities, self-diffusivities, shear viscosities, ionic conductivities, and thermal conductivities are computed and compared with experimental data. In addition, radial distribution functions are computed from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and compared with the two sets of classical simulations as well as experimental data. Here, the two classical models perform reasonably well at capturing structural and dynamic properties of the four molten alkali chlorides, both qualitatively and often quantitatively. With the singular exception of liquid density, for which the PIM is more accurate than the RIM, there are few clear trends to suggest that one model is more accurate than the other for the four alkali halide systems studied here.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

gLaSDI: Parametric physics-informed greedy latent space dynamics identification

A parametric adaptive physics-informed greedy Latent Space Dynamics Identification (gLaSDI) method is proposed for accurate, efficient, and robust data-driven reduced-order modeling of high-dimensional nonlinear dynamical systems. In the proposed gLaSDI framework, an autoencoder discovers intrinsic nonlinear latent representations of high-dimensional data, while dynamics identification (DI) models capture local latent-space dynamics. Here, an interactive training algorithm is adopted for the autoencoder and local DI models, which enables identification of simple latent-space dynamics and enhances accuracy and efficiency of data-driven reduced-order modeling. To maximize and accelerate the exploration of the parameter space for the optimal model performance, an adaptive greedy sampling algorithm integrated with a physics-informed residual-based error indicator and random-subset evaluation is introduced to search for the optimal training samples on the fly. Further, to exploit local latent-space dynamics captured by the local DI models for an improved modeling accuracy with a minimum number of local DI models in the parameter space, a -nearest neighbor convex interpolation scheme is employed. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is demonstrated by modeling various nonlinear dynamical problems, including Burgers equations, nonlinear heat conduction, and radial advection. The proposed adaptive greedy sampling outperforms the conventional predefined uniform sampling in terms of accuracy. Compared with the high-fidelity models, gLaSDI achieves 17 to 2,658× speed-up with 1 to 5% relative errors.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DME-Propane Ignition Delay Time Measurements at Mixing Controlled Compression Ignition Engine-Relevant Conditions

The blend of dimethyl ether (DME, CH 3 OCH 3 ) and propane (C 3 H 8 ) is a potentially renewable fuel mixture that has the potential to replace diesel in compression ignition engines. The combination can potentially reduce particulate and greenhouse gas emissions compared to a conventional diesel engine operating under similar conditions. However, detailed conceptual and simulation studies must be conducted before adopting a new fuel on a compression ignition engine. For these simulations, accurate chemical kinetic models are necessary. However, the validity of chemical kinetic mechanisms in the literature is unknown for mixing controlled compression ignition (MCCI) engine operating conditions. Hence, in this work, we studied the ignition of dimethyl ether (DME) and propane blends in a shock tube at MCCI engine conditions. Ignition delay time (IDT) data was collected behind the reflected shock for DME-propane mixtures for heavy-duty compression ignition (CI) engine parameters. Undiluted experiments spanning temperatures of 700 to 1100 K and pressures of 55 to 84 bar for various blends (100% CH 3 OCH 3 / 0% C 3 H 8, 100% C 3 H 8 / 0% CH 3 OCH 3 , 60% CH 3 OCH 3 / 40% C 3 H 8 ) of DME and propane were combusted in synthetic air (21% O 2 / 79% N 2 ). Some experiments were conducted at higher pressures (90-120 bar) to understand model performance at these conditions. Comparisons of IDT were made with the predictions of recent chemical kinetic mechanisms for DME-propane mixture, including the Aramco3.0, NUIG, and Dames et al. mechanisms. All mechanisms overpredicted IDT compared to experimental values. Sensitivity analysis was conducted with Dames et al. model, and critical reactions sensitive to IDT of DME-propane mixture near 100 bar are outlined.

Mohammed, Zuhayr Pasha↗

DOE Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program Overview

Slides discussing the DOE Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program Overview to include focus on LEU UCO TRISO fuel in cylindrical compacts, with data for fuel qualification in support of reactor licensing and a path to establish a domestic commercial TRISO fuel fabrication capability. Timelines from 2004 through 2029. Major program highlights include: Developed fuel performance models based on past observed behavior, Study to understand differences between US and German (“good”) fuel, Developed and improved fuel fabrication and characterization methods, Fabricated lab-scale fuel (AGR-1) with very high quality; excellent in-pile and post-irradiation high-temperature fuel performance, Scale-up coating fabrication (AGR-2) with excellent in-pile performance, AGR-3/4 fuel fabrication and irradiation experiment to assess FP transport behavior, Scale-up matrix fabrication (AGR-5/6/7); & fuel performance evaluation in progress.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Experimental and kinetic modeling study of tetralin: A naphtheno-aromatic fuel for gasoline, jet and diesel surrogates

Distillate fuels contain significant proportions of naphtheno-aromatic components and tetralin is a suitable surrogate component to represent this molecular moiety. The presence of aromatic and naphthyl rings makes kinetic modeling of tetralin very challenging. Primary radicals formed during the oxidation of tetralin can be aryl, benzylic or paraffinic in nature. Using available information on reaction paths and rate constants of naphthenes and alkyl-aromatics, in this study a kinetic model of tetralin has been developed with emphasis on low-temperature chemistry and high-pressure conditions. Due to the lack of high-level quantum chemical calculations on reaction pathways of tetralin, analogous rates from ab-initio studies on benzylic and paraffinic radicals have been adopted here. Some modifications to the reaction rate rules are incorporated to account for the unique characteristics of tetralin's molecular structure. Important reaction channels have been identified using reaction path and brute force sensitivity analyses. In order to investigate the model performance at low temperatures, new experiments are carried out in a rapid compression machine on blends of tetralin and 3-methylpentane. Blending of low-reactivity tetralin with a high-reactivity alkane allowed the investigation of tetralin ignition at very low temperatures (665 – 856 K). The kinetic model developed in the current study is found to predict the current experiments and literature data adequately. The new model will aid in high-fidelity surrogate predictions at engine-relevant conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Inferring safety critical events from vehicle kinematics in naturalistic driving environment: Application of deep learning Algorithms

Advances in sensing technology has enabled the collection of countless terabytes of second-by-second kinematics data. Such data provides opportunities for real-time monitoring of driving behavior and identification of safety critical events (SCEs) including crashes and near crashes. The concept of volatility is relevant in this context, which identifies instability and erratic variations in driving behavior prior to involvement in SCEs. This study utilized vehicle kinematics from a large-scale naturalistic driving data to develop a deep learning approach based on 1D convolutional neural networks (CNN) for inferring SCEs. The data are unique in the sense that such accurate pre-crash data at high fidelity are not available in traditional crash repositories. This study contributes to the literature by providing a first attempt at predicting responses to SCEs by developing deep learning-based CNN architectures using novel driving volatility based kinematic thresholds for a sample of 9553 events. The key contribution lies in developing a volatility-based CNN input layout that is acceptable to CNN schemes and represents the motion kinematics such as speed, acceleration and volatility measures. Several 1D-CNN architectures were developed using layers, numbers of convolutions, layer patterns, and kernels. Shallow and deep architectures were tested, revealing higher accuracy of shallow architectures in detecting SCEs. The optimal number of epochs were identified using an early stopping method while the CNN performance was improved by increasing the number of epochs. The ensemble CNN had the highest predictive accuracy of 95.6% for detection of crashes and near crashes, which was 2.5% higher than the optimal CNN using 20% hold out test data. The ensemble CNN also outperformed classical machine learning models and model performance reported in past studies on detection of SCEs. Finally, these results have implications for identification of safety hotspots and providing real-time alerts and warnings in connected and highly automated vehicle environment including society of automotive engineers levels 3–5.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Field-theoretic analysis of hadronization using soft drop jet mass

One of the greatest challenges in quantum chromodynamics is understanding the hadronization mechanism, which is also crucial for carrying out precision physics with jet substructure. In this paper, we bring together recent advancements in our understanding of nonperturbative structure of the soft drop jet mass based on field theory, with precise perturbative calculations at next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy of its multidifferential variants. This allows for a model-independent analysis of power corrections associated with hadronization in a systematic manner. We test and calibrate hadronization models and their interplay with parton showers by comparing our universality predictions with various event generators for quark and gluon initiated jets in both lepton-lepton and hadron-hadron collisions. Our findings reveal that hadronization models perform better for quark jets relative to gluon jets. Our results provide a valuable toolbox for precision studies with the soft drop jet mass and pave the way for future analyses using real-world collider data. The stringent constraints derived in our framework are useful for improving the modeling of hadronization and its interplay with parton showers in next-generation event generators.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Measurements and Model Improvement: Insight into NWP Model Error Using Doppler Lidar and Other WFIP2 Measurement Systems

Abstract Doppler-lidar wind-profile measurements at three sites were used to evaluate NWP model errors from two versions of NOAA’s 3-km-grid HRRR model, to see whether updates in the latest version 4 reduced errors when compared against the original version 1. Nested (750-m grid) versions of each were also tested to see how grid spacing affected forecast skill. The measurements were part of the field phase of the Second Wind Forecasting Improvement Project (WFIP2), an 18-month deployment into central Oregon–Washington, a major wind-energy-producing region. This study focuses on errors in simulating marine intrusions, a summertime, 600–800-m-deep, regional sea-breeze flow found to generate large errors. HRRR errors proved to be complex and site dependent. The most prominent error resulted from a premature drop in modeled marine-intrusion wind speeds after local midnight, when lidar-measured winds of greater than 8 m s −1 persisted through the next morning. These large negative errors were offset at low levels by positive errors due to excessive mixing, complicating the interpretation of model “improvement,” such that the updates to the full-scale versions produced mixed results, sometimes enhancing but sometimes degrading model skill. Nesting consistently improved model performance, with version 1’s nest producing the smallest errors overall. HRRR’s ability to represent the stages of sea-breeze forcing was evaluated using radiation budget, surface-energy balance, and near-surface temperature measurements available during WFIP2. The significant site-to-site differences in model error and the complex nature of these errors mean that field-measurement campaigns having dense arrays of profiling sensors are necessary to properly diagnose and characterize model errors, as part of a systematic approach to NWP model improvement. Significance Statement Dramatic increases in NWP model skill will be required over the coming decades. This paper describes the role of major deployments of accurate profiling sensors in achieving that goal and presents an example from the Second Wind Forecast Improvement Program (WFIP2). Wind-profile data from scanning Doppler lidars were used to evaluate two versions of HRRR, the original and an updated version, and nested versions of each. This study focuses on the ability of updated HRRR versions to improve upon predicting a regional sea-breeze flow, which was found to generate large errors by the original HRRR. Updates to the full-scale HRRR versions produced mixed results, but the finer-mesh versions consistently reduced model errors.

Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences↗

Survival analysis of localized prostate cancer with deep learning

In recent years, data-driven, deep-learning-based models have shown great promise in medical risk prediction. By utilizing the large-scale Electronic Health Record data found in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, we have developed an automated, personalized risk prediction model to support the clinical decision-making process for localized prostate cancer patients. This method combines the representative power of deep learning and the analytical interpretability of parametric regression models and can implement both time-dependent and static input data. To collect a comprehensive evaluation of model performances, we calculate time-dependent C-statistics C td over 2-, 5-, and 10-year time horizons using either a composite outcome or prostate cancer mortality as the target event. The composite outcome combines the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, metastasis, and prostate cancer mortality. Our longitudinal model Recurrent Deep Survival Machine (RDSM) achieved C td 0.85 (0.83), 0.80 (0.83), and 0.76 (0.81), while the cross-sectional model Deep Survival Machine (DSM) attained C td 0.85 (0.82), 0.80 (0.82), and 0.76 (0.79) for the 2-, 5-, and 10-year composite (mortality) outcomes, respectively. In addition to estimating the survival probability, our method can quantify the uncertainty associated with the prediction. The uncertainty scores show a consistent correlation with the prediction accuracy. We find PSA and prostate cancer stage information are the most important indicators in risk prediction. Our work demonstrates the utility of the data-driven machine learning model in prostate cancer risk prediction, which can play a critical role in the clinical decision system.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Observations of Offshore Low‐Level Jets Off the U.S. East Coast Reveal Systematic Biases in ERA5 and HRRR

Low-level jets (LLJs)—wind speed maxima typically occurring a few hundred meters above the surface—are common off the U.S. East Coast and influence many atmospheric processes with societal importance, including cloud formation, aviation safety, and search-and-rescue. However, their vertical structure and frequency remain poorly quantified due to limited offshore observations. This study presents new scanning Doppler LiDAR and infrared spectroradiometer data from the 2024 summer deployment of an offshore barge during the Wind Forecast Improvement Project 3. These coupled wind and temperature profiles provide unprecedented resolution to assess LLJ behavior and model performance. LLJs occurred in over 21% of observed profiles, with a weak diurnal preference for nighttime and early morning hours and maximum winds typically near 300 m. Both ERA5 and High-Resolution Rapid Refresh analysis underestimate jet wind speeds and misrepresent the boundary layer thermal structure. These results highlight persistent model biases and the critical need for high-resolution offshore observations.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Metallic Fuel Benchmark Simulations Based on the X430 Experiments

To gauge the accuracy of current BISON metallic fuel performance models and identify models that require further development, Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed benchmark problems based on two pins of the X430 experiment. These benchmarks recreate the experimental conditions of the X430 series of experiments with as much accuracy as possible given the available data. The benchmarks were implemented in the BISON nuclear fuel performance code and the simulation results were compared with the experimental results to quantify the simulation accuracy. Findings in this work were consistent with previous benchmark problems. The temperature profiles, burnup, and fission gas behavior were all as accurate as can reasonably be expected. The cladding radial growth was accurate enough to not affect the results of other measurements. The fuel axial growth was accurate for U-Zr fuel but not for U-Pu-Zr fuel, which appears to be caused by a lack of U-Pu-Zr data. Swelling correlations have not been developed for U-Pu-Zr fuel because there were not enough data on this fuel type, so BISON used the U-Zr correlations. Finally, recommendations were made for near-term BISON development.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

IEA PVPS Task 13 Techno-Economic Study of Bifacial Photovoltaic Systems on Single Axis Trackers

The International Energy Agency PVPS Task 13 has assembled an international team of photovoltaic (PV) researchers from government labs, academia, and industry to study the specific application of bifacial PV modules deployed on tracking systems. This configuration is of particular interest as it has been identified as the PV system design with the lowest Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for over 90% of the world [1]. As such, much research, development, and commercial activity are focused on further optimizing this system design for different regions and markets, including field deployment and advanced modeling activities. Despite these efforts, many challenges remain to overcome with this system design. This conference paper will report on several areas the team is working on as part of this project. The first part of this study focuses on extensive interviews with PV tracker companies (we have identified 35) and customers worldwide to identify emerging technology trends, design diversity, market environments, and the reliability and performance of these systems. We will provide a market summary of technologies such as advanced tracking algorithms, methods for dealing with topography within the PV plant, different system configurations and layouts, backside irradiance optimization from albedo enhancement, and ground sculpting. We will also review dual-use applications of tracked bifacial systems, such as Agrivoltaics and Building-Integrated PV. These interviews are underway now, and we will be able to report our initial findings at the conference. The second part of the study focuses on summarizing performance monitoring and evaluation methods, with particular attention to capacity and acceptance testing for such systems. The third part of the study reviews performance modeling and yield assessment methods for these tracked bifacial PV systems. The final part of the study covers reliability and operations, and maintenance data from these systems.

albedo↗

Linking leaf dark respiration to leaf traits and reflectance spectroscopy across diverse forest types

Leaf dark respiration (R dark ), an important yet rarely quantified component of carbon cycling in forest ecosystems, is often simulated from leaf traits such as the maximum carboxylation capacity (V cmax ), leaf mass per area (LMA), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations, in terrestrial biosphere models. However, the validity of these relationships across forest types remains to be thoroughly assessed. Here, in this study, we analyzed R dark variability and its associations with V cmax and other leaf traits across three temperate, subtropical and tropical forests in China, evaluating the effectiveness of leaf spectroscopy as a superior monitoring alternative. We found that leaf magnesium and calcium concentrations were more significant in explaining cross-site R dark than commonly used traits like LMA, N and P concentrations, but univariate trait–R dark relationships were always weak (r 2 ≤ 0.15) and forest-specific. Although multivariate relationships of leaf traits improved the model performance, leaf spectroscopy outperformed trait–R dark relationships, accurately predicted cross-site R dark (r 2 = 0.65) and pinpointed the factors contributing to R dark variability. Our findings reveal a few novel traits with greater cross-site scalability regarding R dark , challenging the use of empirical trait–R dark relationships in process models and emphasize the potential of leaf spectroscopy as a promising alternative for estimating R dark , which could ultimately improve process modeling of terrestrial plant respiration.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Multi-criteria thermal resilience certification scheme for indoor built environments during heat waves

With climate change, the indoor built environment is expected to significantly influence the occupant's safety and well-being. A novel multi-criteria thermal resilience certification scheme for indoor built environments during extreme heat events is proposed in this paper. The certification scheme considers overheating, thermal comfort, heat stress, and hygrothermal discomfort in built environments. These criteria are quantified using key performance indicators like indoor overheating degree, hours of exceedance, wet-bulb globe temperature, and heat index, respectively. This scheme is developed based on existing best practices like standards, rating systems, and literature. The scheme is implemented on a benchmark building energy performance model for detached post-World War II dwellings in Belgium as a case study using weather data measured from the City of Brussels. The indoor overheating in the reference dwelling is assessed with a static threshold of 27 °C for the bedrooms and adaptive thresholds for other areas. The analysis found that the building performance is within the defined threshold levels throughout the heat wave duration for all criteria. Therefore, the reference dwelling got a maximum attainable score of four points and is rated five-star for thermal resilience during heat waves. The proposed certification scheme is intended as a standardized framework and highlights the need for further revisions in building performance policies and guidelines.

Climate change↗

Neural networks for estimation of divertor conditions in DIII-D using C III imaging

Deep learning approaches have been applied to images of C III emission in the lower divertor of DIII-D to develop models for estimating the level of detachment and magnetic configuration (X-point location and strike point radial location). The poloidal distance from the target to the C III emission front is used to represent the level of detachment. The models perform well on a test dataset not used in training, achieving $F_1$ scores as high as 0.99 for detachment state classification and root mean squared error (RMSE) as low as 2cm for front location regression. Predictions for shots with intermittent reattachment are studied, with class activation mapping used to aid in interpretation of the model predictions. Based on the success of these models, a third model was trained to predict the X-point location and strike point radial position from C III images. Though the dataset covers only a small range of possible magnetic configurations, the model shows promising results, achieving RMSE around 1cm for the test data.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Uranium carbide properties for advanced fuel modeling – A review

Uranium carbides are receiving renewed interest as a preferred nuclear fuel composition for advanced reactors due to their numerous favorable properties. Like many other refractory and transition metal carbides these compounds exist in both hypo- and hyper-stoichiometric compositions which results in significant variations in physical, thermal, and mechanical properties. This manuscript surveys both historic and recent literature to compile important properties data mainly as a function of temperature and carbon content to support fuel performance modeling. Expressions and fits for such properties are also suggested when allowed by complete data sets. Finally, the manuscript also attempts to highlight gaps and discrepancies in the reported data to assist the nuclear fuels community identify key areas that may require further attention in terms of future research and development.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗