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At least 703 records · Page 39

Neural-Network-Enhanced COTSIM: Advancing Predictive Capabilities for Fast DIII-D Simulations

Sustaining fusion reactions in tokamaks requires heating plasma to thermonuclear temperatures while maintaining confinement and stability. Neutral beam injection (NBI) provides heating, current drive, torque, and fueling, while electron cyclotron (EC) waves are widely used for heating and current drive; together, these actuators shape the plasma current, temperature, and density profiles. The control-oriented tokamak simulator (COTSIM), a predictive, control-oriented code, has been enhanced with neural-network surrogates for transport and sources. Turbulent transport is predicted by MMMnet—a neural-network version of the updated multimode model (MMM 9.0.10)—with significantly reduced computation time relative to MMM; neoclassical transport follows the Chang–Hinton model. NUBEAMnet, a surrogate of the Monte Carlo NUBEAM module, predicts beam-driven heating, current, and torque. EC heating and current drive use a control-oriented, empirically scaled source model; plasma resistivity follows the Spitzer formulation; bootstrap current uses the Sauter model. Equilibrium is computed using both prescribed and fixed-boundary solvers (FBSs), and the pedestal structure is modeled with an empirical pedestal model. For a representative DIII-D discharge, COTSIM predicts electron and ion temperature and safety-factor profiles in close agreement with TRANSP predictive and interpretive simulations while extending predictions through the pedestal region to the plasma edge (versus 80% of the minor radius in TRANSP). Furthermore, the equivalent COTSIM simulation runs in under 3 min compared to about 2 h for TRANSP, enabling rapid scenario planning, optimization of tokamak operation, and between-pulse control design.

Control-oriented tokamak simulator (COTSIM)↗

UnsteadyKineticRotorDynamics.jl

SAND2026-22948O UnsteadyKineticRotorDynamics.jl is a Julia-based tool for time-domain unsteady rotor dynamics in wind and hydrokinetic rotors. The tool combines steady CCBlade aerodynamic calculations with low-pass dynamic state updates to model transient rotor response. 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.

Michelen Strofer, Carlos [Sandia National Lab. (SN↗

Energy Efficient Streaming Time Series Classification with Attentive Power Iteration

Efficiently processing time series data streams in real-time on resource-constrained devices offers significant advantages in terms of enhanced computational energy efficiency and reduced time-related risks. We introduce an innovative streaming time series classification network that utilizes attentive power iteration, enabling real-time processing on resource-constrained devices. Our model continuously updates a compact representation of the entire time series, enhancing classification accuracy while conserving energy and processing time. Notably, it excels in streaming scenarios without requiring complete time series access, enabling swift decisions. Experimental results show that our approach excels in classification accuracy and energy efficiency, with over 70% less consumption and threefold faster task completion than benchmarks. This work advances real-time responsiveness, energy conservation, and operational effectiveness for constrained devices, contributing to optimizing various applications.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Progress in the design of the future circular collider FCC-ee interaction region

In this paper we discuss the latest developments for the FCC-ee interaction region layout, which represents one of the key ingredients to establish the feasibility of the FCC-ee. The collider has to achieve extremely high luminosities over a wide range of center-of-mass energies with two or four interaction points. The complex final focus hosted in the detector region has to be carefully designed, and the impact of beam losses and of any type of synchrotron radiation generated in the interaction region, including beamstrahlung, have to be evaluated in detail with simulations. We give an overview of the progress of the whole machine-detector-interface-related studies, among which are the updated mechanical model of the interaction region, the plans for a novel R&D activity of a IR mockup which is just starting, the collimation scheme and evaluation of beam induced backgrounds in the detectors, evaluation of radiation dose in the experimental area, and MDI integration with the detector.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Novel Algae Technology for CO2 Utilization

The United States, the world’s largest energy user and second largest CO2 emitter, is heavily dependent on fossil energy. In 2014, U.S. coal burning utilities emitted ~1562 million (MM) tons/year (TPY) of CO2 into the atmosphere, accounting for 76% of the total US power sector emissions1. Hence, reducing the CO2 emission footprint from coal plants is widely viewed as a key element in mitigating global warming. Despite significant interest, implementation of CO2 capture technologies has been constrained by the high capture cost which significantly increases the total cost of electricity. Not only is capturing CO2 with traditional technologies expensive, but generally the CO2 has little value and additional expense must be incurred for sequestration. This project funded by a SBIR grant from the U.S. D.O.E. to Helios-NRG in collaboration with the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) and Membrane Technology and Research Inc. (MTR) aimed to develop a novel, algae based technology to capture CO2 from the effluent of coal-based power plants and convert it to renewable bio-fuels and higher value co-products such as animal feed and nutraceuticals with the potential to enable a substantial reduction in the net cost of carbon capture. The Phase 2 project was aimed at further demonstrating the technical feasibility of the proposed multi-stage continuous (MSC) flow CO2 capture system and the generation of high-value co-products to offset the CO2 capture cost. The project was completed and the project objectives were met and exceeded. A first-of-a-kind integrated, laboratory scale MSC process unit was fabricated and tested in a greenhouse. The tests were conducted with the preferred algae species identified in Phase I and simulated flue gas containing contaminants at levels typically present in the post flue gas desulfurization (FGD) stream, including ~12% CO2, acid gas (SOX, NOX), and a large number of heavy metals. The tests were successful and demonstrated a 25g/m2/day seasonal average algae productivity and an 80% CO2 capture efficiency. Two new algae species were identified for high-value nutraceutical production. Studies to improve growth rate and nutraceutical content of these algae species were performed and a pathway for further improvements was identified. A new dewatering technology called DeAqua was further advanced. Significant improvement in the performance index was achieved. The anti-fouling membrane was developed and fabricated into a module. The fabricated membrane module was tested with algae slurry and demonstrated improved fouling resistant properties, that can potentially reduce the cost and energy of the critical dewatering step. Test data were used to simulate operation of the overall process. The preliminary economic analysis was updated and modelled based on a 5000-acre algae farm. To the extent possible, the financial and operating assumptions used were the same as those used in the DOE’s 2022 projections for algae technology for CO2 capture and utilization. The results showed the proposed technology’s potential to significantly reduce the cost of CO2 capture compared to current options and that the high value products generated from the CO2 captured can make a step change in the cost of carbon capture. Plans to advance the technology to Phase 2B were developed and potential end-user partners were identified.

Maloney, James↗

Recommended Updates to Solubility Controls for Modeling Leaching of Technetium, Uranium, Neptunium, Plutonium, and Iodine from the Residual Waste Layer of Closed Savannah River Site High Level Waste Tanks

The objective of this report is to relate waste leaching experiments by the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) to performance assessment modeling of release of several radionuclides from residual waste in closed high-level waste tanks. SRNL leached residual waste from Tanks 18F and 12H with solutions simulating the modeled evolution of pore fluids in residual waste layers of closed tanks through various stages of grout degradation. Tc-99, uranium isotopes, Np-237, plutonium isotopes, and I-129 were analyzed in the leachate multiple times over 90 days.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Assessing Low-Temperature Geothermal Play Types: Relevant Data and Play Fairway Analysis Methods

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) is supporting the Geothermal Heating and Cooling Geospatial Datasets and Analysis project conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as part of a broader effort to demonstrate the multi-faceted value of integrating geothermal power and geothermal heating and cooling (GHC) technologies into national decarbonization plans and community energy plans. Currently, there is a need to establish baseline low-temperature geothermal resource datasets and evaluate methods for deploying these technologies to provide the basis for supporting private sector investment. This project is focused on collecting baseline datasets, updating conceptual models, and creating Play Fairway Analysis (PFA) workflows for low-temperature (<150 degrees Celsius) geothermal resources of different geothermal play types (i.e., sedimentary basin, orogenic belts, and radiogenic geothermal play types) that could be used for geothermal heating and cooling (GHC), combined heat and power (CHP), and other geothermal direct uses (GDU) applications. Low-temperature geothermal resources are defined as reservoirs - natural or engineered - with temperatures <150 degrees Celsius. While the focus in the NREL effort is on GHC, resources at the upper end of this temperature range can also be used for small-scale power generation. This project does not include Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) technologies because they can be effectively developed almost anywhere. Low-temperature geothermal resources have not been studied as extensively as higher- to medium-temperature geothermal resources, but there is recent interest in improving understanding of these types of resources with an uptick of interest in geothermal technologies for decarbonizing heating and cooling systems. In addition, Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and other emerging technologies for exploiting petrothermal resources have opened the possibility of utilizing deep sedimentary basin systems, where porous media provide permeability and high temperatures can be reached at great depths. This project takes the approach of classifying low- temperature geothermal resources by geothermal play type (GPT). We defined and characterized three major classes of low-temperature GPT: sedimentary basins, orogenic systems, and radiogenic systems. We develop methodologies for evaluating and analyzing the potential for these resources building off the PFA approach to de-risking geothermal exploration and characterization. The proposed PFA approach for low-temperature geothermal resources includes: 1) identifying relevant data (e.g., datasets such bottom-hole temperatures from oil and gas wells, heat flow data, Quaternary faults and stress field data, geophysical data, etc.); 2) grouping and weighting of relevant datasets into PFA criteria (e.g., geological, risk, and economic criteria); 3) uncertainty quantification; 4) developing favorability or common risk maps for low-temperature geothermal resources to identify potential locations for more focused data collection; and 5) estimating electric power generation and heating potential at those locations using the GeoRePORT Resource Size Assessment Tool (RSAT). This project should facilitate future deployment of GHC, CHP, and GDU by providing data, tools, and a workflow applicable to low-temperature geothermal resources. Increased deployment of GHC and GDU will help achieve national and local decarbonization goals.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Main Shaft Bending Moment Analysis for a Gamesa G97 2-MW Wind Turbine

In a collaborative project between Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a cost-effective method to measure dynamic main shaft torque and the influence of non-torque loads was applied to the gearbox of the Gamesa G97 2-megawatt (MW) wind turbine at the NREL Flatirons Campus and verified through a field test campaign that took place in 2023. The method involved the installation of fiber-optic sensors on the ring gear of the gearbox. Additionally, traditional strain gauges and a rotary encoder were installed on the main shaft to measure mechanical torque and orthogonal bending moments. We compare the measured total main shaft bending moments from the field test campaign to those predicted by an updated OpenFAST model of the G97 wind turbine for similar environmental conditions. We also assessed the sensitivity of the predicted bending moment to varying levels of turbulence intensity, shear exponent, and yaw error.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Timing Six Energetic Rotation-powered X-Ray Pulsars, Including the Fast-spinning Young PSR J0058-7218 and Big Glitcher PSR J0537-6910

Abstract Measuring a pulsar’s rotational evolution is crucial to understanding the nature of the pulsar. Here, we provide updated timing models for the rotational evolution of six pulsars, five of which are rotation phase-connected using primarily NICER X-ray data. For the newly discovered fast energetic young pulsar, PSR J0058−7218, we increase the baseline of its timing model from 1.4 days to 8 months and not only measure more precisely its spin-down rate ν ̇ = ( − 6.2324 ± 0.0001 ) × 10 − 11 Hz s − 1 but also for the first time the second time derivative of its spin rate ν ̈ = ( 4.2 ± 0.2 ) × 10 − 21 Hz s − 2 . For the fastest and most energetic young pulsar, PSR J0537−6910 (with a 16 ms spin period), we detect four more glitches, for a total of 15 glitches over 4.5 yr of NICER monitoring, and show that its spin-down behavior continues to set this pulsar apart from all others, including a long-term braking index n = −1.234 ± 0.009 and interglitch braking indices that asymptote to ≲7 for long times after a glitch. For PSR J1101−6101, we measure a much more accurate spin-down rate that agrees with a previous value measured without phase connection. For PSR J1412+7922 (also known as Calvera), we extend the baseline of its timing model from our previous 1 yr model to 4.4 yr, and for PSR J1849−0001, we extend the baseline from 1.5 to 4.7 yr. We also present a long-term timing model of the energetic pulsar PSR J1813−1749, by fitting previous radio and X-ray spin frequencies from 2009–2019 and new ones measured here using 2018 NuSTAR and 2021 Chandra data.

Ho, Wynn C. G. (ORCID:0000000260896836)↗

Universal lower bound on the axion decay constant from free streaming effects

We show that enhancement of the axion relic abundance compared to the standard misalignment contribution generically leads to the production of nonzero momentum axion modes, resulting in warm dark matter behavior and enhanced isocurvature perturbations. It leads to universal constraints on the axion parameter space that are independent of detailed model assumptions and cosmological history. For models enhancing relic abundance with gradient axion modes, observations of the Lyman-$α$ forest impose a lower bound on the axion decay constant, $f_a \gtrsim 10^{15} {\rm GeV}\,(10^{-18}{\rm eV}/m_a)$, from the free-streaming effect. For models relying on the delay of coherent axion oscillations, we obtain a slightly weaker bound, $f_a \gtrsim 10^{14} {\rm GeV}\,(10^{-18}{\rm eV}/m_a)$. We make relatively conservative choices to establish these universal bounds but also provide scaling parameters that can be calibrated for stronger constraints in concrete models and updated as observations improve.

Harigaya, Keisuke [Chicago U., EFI; Tokyo U., IPMU↗

Experiment D005: Star occultation navigation

The usefulness of star occultation measurements for space navigation and the determination of a horizon density profile which could be used to update atmospheric models for horizon-based measurement systems were studied. The time of occultation of a known star by a celestial body, as seen by an orbiting observer, determines a cylinder of position, the axis of which is the line through the star and the body center, and the radius of which is equal to the occulting-body radius. The dimming percentage, with respect to the altitude of this grazing ray from the star to the observer, is a percentage altitude for occultation. That is, the star can be assumed to be occulted when it reaches a predetermined percentage of its unattenuated value. The procedure used was to measure this attenuation with respect to time to determine the usefulness of the measurements for autonomous space navigation. In this experiment, the crewmembers had to accomplish star acquisition, identification, calibration, and tracking. Instrumentation was required only for measurement of the relative intensity of the star as it set into the atmosphere.

Silva, R. M.↗

The Pioneer Jupiter magnetic control program.

The Pioneer Jupiter spacecraft was required to have a sufficiently small magnetic field that accurate interplanetary-magnetic field measurements would not be compromised. In order to control the magnetic field throughout the program a running account of spacecraft magnetic fields was maintained by means of a periodically updated magnetic model. This model was used to make economic tradeoffs in subsystem magnetic moments within the allowed magnetic budget. The program was culminated with a measurement of the magnetic field of the spacecraft. A description of the magnetic tests and a comparison with estimates made with the magnetic model are also presented.

Sanders, N. L.↗

The calculation of theoretical chromospheric models and predicted OSO 1 spectra

Theoretical solar chromospheric and photospheric models are computed for use in analyzing OSO 8 spectra. The Vernazza, Avrett, and Loeser (1976) solar model is updated and self-consistent non-LTE number densities for H I, He I, He II, C I, Mg I, Al I, Si I, and H(-) are produced. These number densities are used in the calculation of a theoretical solar spectrum from 90 to 250 nm, including approximately 7000 lines in non-LTE. More than 60,000 lines of other elements are treated with approximate source functions.

Avrett, E. H.↗

SOYCHMBR.I - A model designed for the study of plant growth in a closed chamber

The analytical model SOYCHMBER.I, an update and alteration of the SOYMOD/OARDC model, for describing the total processes experienced by a plant in a controlled mass environment is outlined. The model is intended for use with growth chambers for examining plant growth in a completely controlled environment, leading toward a data base for the design of spacecraft food supply systems. SOYCHMBER.I accounts for the assimilation, respiration, and partitioning of photosynthate and nitrogen compounds among leaves, stems, roots, and potentially, flowers of the soybean plant. The derivation of the governing equations is traced, and the results of the prediction of CO2 dynamics for a seven day experiment with rice in a closed chamber are reported, together with data from three model runs for soybean. It is concluded that the model needs expansion to account for factors such as relative humidity.

Reinhold, C.↗

Correcting for Supports in Structual Dynamic Testing

Testing under variety of support conditions combined with computer analysis to update mathematical models to match test data. Report suggests dynamic characteristics of large space structures predicted, without full-scale testing, by method that combines experiment and analysis. Method, multiple-boundary-condition testing, developed for such large space structures as dish antennas, towers, and solar-cell arrays.

Wada, B. K.↗

Modifications to the 4x7 meter tunnel for acoustic research: Engineering feasibility study

The NASA-Langley Research Center 4 x 7 Meter Low Speed Wind Tunnel is currently being used for low speed aerodynamics, V/STOL aerodynamics and, to a limited extent, rotorcraft noise research. The deficiencies of this wind tunnel for both aerodynamics and aeroacoustics research have been recognized for some time. Modifications to the wind tunnel are being made to improve the test section flow quality and to update the model cart systems. A further modification of the 4 x 7 Meter Wind Tunnel to permit rotorcraft model acoustics research has been proposed. As a precursor to the design of the proposed modifications, NASA is conducted both in-house and contracted studies to define the acoustic environment within the wind tunnel and to provide recommendations or the reduction of the wind tunnel background noise to a level acceptable to acoustics researchers. One of these studies by an acoustics consultant, has produced the primary reference documents that define the wind tunnel noise sources and outline recommended solutions.

Source record↗