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At least 739 records · Page 41

Neural embedding: learning the embedding of the manifold of physics data

In this paper, we present a method of embedding physics data manifolds with metric structure into lower dimensional spaces with simpler metrics, such as Euclidean and Hyperbolic spaces. We then demonstrate that it can be a powerful step in the data analysis pipeline for many applications. Using progressively more realistic simulated collisions at the Large Hadron Collider, we show that this embedding approach learns the underlying latent structure. With the notion of volume in Euclidean spaces, we provide for the first time a viable solution to quantifying the true search capability of model agnostic search algorithms in collider physics (i.e. anomaly detection). Finally, we discuss how the ideas presented in this paper can be employed to solve many practical challenges that require the extraction of physically meaningful representations from information in complex high dimensional datasets.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

A Review of Quantum Computing Technologies in Power System Optimization

As modern power grids increasingly integrate variable renewable generation, distributed energy resources, and energy storage systems, classical optimization techniques are facing unprecedented challenges. This review examines the emerging application of quantum computing to overcome these challenges in power system optimization, including optimal power flow (OPF), unit commitment (UC), economic dispatch (ED), and intelligent switching and topology optimization (IS-TO). Recent research has introduced various quantum methodologies—such as gate-based, annealing-based, variational algorithms, and quantum-inspired algorithms—to address the combinatorial complexity inherent in grid reconfiguration and energy management. The review summaries the quantum algorithms, quantum devices and the power system test cases, highlighting hybrid quantum–classical strategies that leverage the complementary strengths of both paradigms. Some quantum advantages have been observed, including theoretical speedup, accurate simulation results, scalable qubit usage, efficient QUBO mapping. In particular, the review emphasizes the importance of integrating quantum optimization techniques with classical control frameworks, these hybrid approaches demonstrate the potential to improve real-time grid management and operational reliability. A significant portion of the analysis is devoted to the practical limitations of current quantum devices. Present-day quantum hardware, operating in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era, remains highly sensitive to noise and limited in qubit connectivity, which constrains the scale and accuracy of implemented algorithms. The review delves into specific challenges such as the need for qubit-efficient encoding techniques and error mitigation strategies that are critical for handling real-world grid optimization problems. In addition, the work draws attention to the performance discrepancies between theoretical quantum speedups and experimental validations, underscoring the importance of rigorous benchmark studies using representative power grid test cases. In summary, this review highlights both the promise and limitations of quantum computing for power system optimization. It provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art technologies, categorizes recent advancements in algorithm design, and discusses practical considerations for implementation, and serves as an informative resource on current research. Future research directions include developing robust hybrid frameworks, advancing qubit-efficient formulations, and scaling up experimental demonstrations to confirm the theoretical advantages of quantum methods in large-scale power system operations.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Evaluation of global teleconnections in CMIP6 climate projections using complex networks

In climatological research, the evaluation of climate models is one of the central research subjects. As an expression of large-scale dynamical processes, global teleconnections play a major role in interannual to decadal climate variability. Their realistic representation is an indispensable requirement for the simulation of climate change, both natural and anthropogenic. Therefore, the evaluation of global teleconnections is of utmost importance when assessing the physical plausibility of climate projections. We present an application of the graph-theoretical analysis tool δ-MAPS, which constructs complex networks on the basis of spatio-temporal gridded data sets, here sea surface temperature and geopotential height at 500 hPa. Complex networks complement more traditional methods in the analysis of climate variability, like the classification of circulation regimes or empirical orthogonal functions, assuming a new non-linear perspective. While doing so, a number of technical tools and metrics, borrowed from different fields of data science, are implemented into the δ-MAPS framework in order to overcome specific challenges posed by our target problem. Those are trend empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs), distance correlation and distance multicorrelation, and the structural similarity index. δ-MAPS is a two-stage algorithm. In the first place, it assembles grid cells with highly coherent temporal evolution into so-called domains. In a second step, the teleconnections between the domains are inferred by means of the non-linear distance correlation. We construct 2 unipartite and 1 bipartite network for 22 historical CMIP6 climate projections and 2 century-long coupled reanalyses (CERA-20C and 20CRv3). Potential non-stationarity is taken into account by the use of moving time windows. The networks derived from projection data are compared to those from reanalyses. Our results indicate that no single climate projection outperforms all others in every aspect of the evaluation. But there are indeed models which tend to perform better/worse in many aspects. Differences in model performance are generally low within the geopotential height unipartite networks but higher in sea surface temperature and most pronounced in the bipartite network representing the interaction between ocean and atmosphere.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Universal Nuclear Accident Dosimeter

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Universal Nuclear Accident Dosimetry (UNAD) project is a four-year initiative aimed at advancing nuclear accident dosimetry methods. This article presents an overview of the research, key findings, and the progress made throughout the project. The primary goals included a background into the history of nuclear accident dosimetry, consolidating current dosimetry techniques within the NNSA/DOE complex, fostering collaboration among subject matter experts, and exploring novel technologies for potential implementation. The technical focus centered on investigating new and novel technologies, instrumentation methods, and analysis methods to develop recommendations for a potential nuclear accident dosimeter (NAD) to be universally deployed through the DOE complex. A multilaboratory and multinational Usergroup was established, conducting periodic meetings to facilitate knowledge exchange. The UNAD team has participated in two international nuclear accident dosimetry intercomparison exercises and one characterization exercise, where the existing LLNL NAD and a prototype alanine electron paramagnetic dosimeter NAD were deployed. Ongoing improvements are being made to the prototype NAD based on results from the exercises, laboratory studies, and collaboration with other laboratories. A machine learning algorithm to optimize the geometry and conversion factors of the current LLNL NAD is being implemented, and the resulting design will be tested in the next exercise. In conclusion, key lessons learned and future directions for the project are discussed.

Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy↗

Fail-Safe Logic Design Strategies Within Modern FPGA Architectures

Fail-safe computing refers to computing systems that revert to a non-operational safe state when a fault occurs. In this paper, we investigate a circuit level technique as mitigation for single event upsets (SEUs) and fault injection attacks on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and analyze the effectiveness of the technique as a fail-safe monitor for an encryption algorithm. The propagation of fault effects through FPGA primitives including lookup tables (LUTs) and programmable interconnect points (PIPs) is assessed within an FPGA architecture created using an open source tool, and validated using fault injection experiments on an FPGA. The analysis reveals additional vulnerabilities exist within reconfigurable architectures over those in equivalent fail-safe application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), thus requiring a more elaborate network of redundant circuits and checking logic. The configuration memory bits (CMBs), which configure routing and designate logic functions within the LUTs of the FPGA, add complexity to fail-safe design strategies by introducing additional fault conditions and fault propagation paths. A resource-efficient fail-safe circuit design technique called DEsign for Fail-safe in reCONfigurable systems (DEFCON) is proposed. The benefits and limitations associated with DEFCON are described in the context of fault injection experiments carried out as simulations and in FPGA hardware.

Bhakta, Priya A. [Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque↗

On the Hilbert-Huang Transform Theoretical Foundation

The Hilbert-Huang Transform [HHT] is a novel empirical method for spectrum analysis of non-linear and non-stationary signals. The HHT is a recent development and much remains to be done to establish the theoretical foundation of the HHT algorithms. This paper develops the theoretical foundation for the convergence of the HHT sifting algorithm and it proves that the finest spectrum scale will always be the first generated by the HHT Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) algorithm. The theoretical foundation for cutting an extrema data points set into two parts is also developed. This then allows parallel signal processing for the HHT computationally complex sifting algorithm and its optimization in hardware.

Kizhner, Semion↗

Enabling Intelligent Data Downlink Prioritization of In-Situ Observations through Generalizable and Computationally Inexpensive Anomaly Detection

High-fidelity measurements of magnetic fields and other observed properties, such as energetic particle fluxes, are a necessary component to our understanding of the highly dynamic near-Earth space environment. As our desire to study smaller-scale phenomena such as shocks and dipolorizations has increased, we have been driven to take and telemeter measurements at higher cadences. Unfortunately, many missions are unable to downlink all their captured data due to the well-known data transmission bottleneck at the DSN. These missions must then prioritize their high-cadence data such that the most scientifically useful intervals are transmitted. One simple prioritization technique uses the spacecraft position to telemeter data from only the region of interest. Although easy to implement, this method does not leverage the available scientific data and can omit intervals of useful scientific data when they lie outside the region of interest. The Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) uses mission-specific parameterization of several data products to automatically prioritize scientifically useful intervals. Then, MMS verifies the automatically selected intervals by having a domain expert manually select intervals for downlink. The overall complexity required by this technique make it prohibitive for deployment on low-cost platforms (i.e., CubeSats) or on future missions featuring large constellations of satellites such as the Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC). We present preliminary results for a simple, generic, and data-driven method of downlink prioritization for magnetic field (and other) measurements. Specifically, Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and One-Class Support Vector Machines (OC-SVMs) are used to detect intervals containing anomalous activity, which can then be prioritized for subsequent downlink. The computational simplicity of this algorithm makes it an excellent candidate for implementation on spaceflight hardware, as well as provide generalizability to a broad range of missions and data products. Initial analysis of this technique has been performed using magnetic field measurements from the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission and CASSIOP, where it automatically identified scientifically interesting intervals containing Alfvén waves and EMIC activity.

Matthew G. Finley↗

Enabling Intelligent Data Downlink Prioritization of In-Situ Observations through Generalizable and Computationally Inexpensive Anomaly Detection

High-fidelity measurements of magnetic fields and other observed properties, such as energetic particle fluxes, are a necessary component to our understanding of the highly dynamic near-Earth space environment. As our desire to study smaller-scale phenomena such as shocks and dipolorizations has increased, we have been driven to take and telemeter measurements at higher cadences. Unfortunately, many missions are unable to downlink all their captured data due to the well-known data transmission bottleneck at the DSN. These missions must then prioritize their high-cadence data such that the most scientifically useful intervals are transmitted. One simple prioritization technique uses the spacecraft position to telemeter data from only the region of interest. Although easy to implement, this method does not leverage the available scientific data and can omit intervals of useful scientific data when they lie outside the region of interest. The Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) uses mission-specific parameterization of several data products to automatically prioritize scientifically useful intervals. Then, MMS verifies the automatically selected intervals by having a domain expert manually select intervals for downlink. The overall complexity required by this technique make it prohibitive for deployment on low-cost platforms (i.e., CubeSats) or on future missions featuring large constellations of satellites such as the Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC). We present preliminary results for a simple, generic, and data-driven method of downlink prioritization for magnetic field (and other) measurements. Specifically, Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and One-Class Support Vector Machines (OC-SVMs) are used to detect intervals containing anomalous activity, which can then be prioritized for subsequent downlink. The computational simplicity of this algorithm makes it an excellent candidate for implementation on spaceflight hardware, as well as provide generalizability to a broad range of missions and data products. Initial analysis of this technique has been performed using magnetic field measurements from the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission and CASSIOP, where it automatically identified scientifically interesting intervals containing Alfvén waves and EMIC activity.

Matthew G. Finley↗

Distributed Hierarchical Contour Trees

Contour trees are a significant tool for data analysis as they capture both local and global variation. However, their utility has been limited by scalability, in particular for distributed computation and storage. We report a distributed data structure for storing the contour tree of a data set distributed on a cluster, based on a fan-in hierarchy, and an algorithm for computing it based on the boundary tree that represents only the superarcs of a contour tree that involve contours that cross boundaries between blocks. This allows us to limit the communication cost for contour tree computation to the complexity of the block boundaries rather than of the entire data set.

Carr, Hamish A↗

Tactical Analysis for Calculating Contextual Risk at Boundaries: Summary of Laboratory Directed Research & Development Effort

The Tactical Analysis for Calculating Contextual Risk at Boundaries (TACCRAB) tool is an innovative digital twin (DT) platform and automated risk algorithm designed to transform operational decision-making in structured screening environments, with an initial focus on Southern Border Land Ports of Entry (POEs). The invention provides integration points for advanced artificial intelligence, predictive modeling, and real-time data analysis to produce a comprehensive risk management tool that enables proactive, data-informed security strategies. The core inventive features of TACCRAB center on its unique risk algorithm, which dynamically calculates contextual risk by synthesizing historical data, near real-time streaming data from the checkpoints themselves, and AI-generated predictions. Unlike traditional risk assessment methods, TACCRAB utilizes a DT to provide comprehensive operational insights, allowing stakeholders to visualize, simulate, and optimize checkpoint configurations with unprecedented speed and contextual awareness. TACCRAB's key innovation lies in its ability to combine multiple complex inputs - including technology detection probabilities, resource availability, screening pathway characteristics, and threat actor behavioral patterns - into a unified risk calculation and update these inputs based on changing operational and environmental conditions. By leveraging a DT that continuously updates and learns from linked data, TACCRAB can suggest adaptive mitigation strategies that minimize risk while maintaining operational efficiency. Particularly novel is the platform's approach to decision support, which goes beyond static risk assessment. The DT provides dynamic metrics such as wait times, resource allocation effectiveness, and potential emerging threat scenarios, enabling users to view sophisticated, relevant what-if simulations and optimize checkpoint operations in near real-time. The system's architecture allows for generalized application across different screening environments, such as secure facilities, ports of entry, and soft targets, making it a versatile tool for security and operational management. The invention distinguishes itself through its comprehensive integration of predictive modeling, AI-driven pattern discovery, and user-friendly interface design. By combining these elements, TACCRAB transforms complex risk data into actionable insights, supporting decision-makers at various organizational levels - from booth agents making split-second screening decisions to checkpoint managers optimizing the day's resource allocation to strategic planners managing long-term investments.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

A direct algorithm for solution of incompressible three-dimensional unsteady Navier-Stokes equations

A direct, implicit, numerical solution algorithm, with second-order accuracy in space and time, is constructed for the three-dimensional unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations formulated in terms of velocity and vorticity, using generalized orthogonal coordinates to achieve the accurate solution of complex viscous flow configurations. A numerically stable, efficient, direct inversion procedure is developed for the computationally intensive divergence-curl elliptic velocity problem. This overdetermined partial differential operator is first formulated as a uniquely determined, nonsingular matrix-vector problem; this aspect of the procedure is a unique feature of the present analysis. The three-dimensional vorticity-transport equation is solved by a modified factorization technique which completely eliminates the need for any block-matrix inversions and only scalar tridiagonal matrices need to be inverted. The method is applied to the test problem of the three-dimensional flow within a shear-driven cubical box. Coherent streamwise vortex structures are observed within the steady-state flow at Re = 100.

Osswald, G. A.↗

Clean Energy Innovation Ecosystems Discovery - Measuring Innovation Through Data Analytics (MIDAS)

As part of the Mission Innovation rollout at the Paris COP 21, 20 countries announced to double their R&D budgets over 5 years to accelerate lab-to-market clean energy innovations. These innovations must address technical urgency and navigate complex institutional, social and financial environments. To inform budget and program development, policymakers need to understand existing clean energy innovation ecosystems (IE) and their characteristics at the local, state, and regional levels within the US. Researchers at ORNL have implemented a ground-breaking application of natural language processing, link analysis, and other computational techniques to transform text and numerical data into metrics on clean energy innovation activity and geography. The 'Measuring Innovation through Data Analytics' (MIDAS) application uses data to determine where clean energy innovation ecosystems exist and the underlying scoring algorithm "ranks" the strength of the ecosystem for several clean energy technologies. The selection of the data sources is driven by the fact that a clean energy IE can be identified as an intersection of nascent clean technology efforts and financing mechanisms and related large companies located in a geographically concentrated area with an enabling environment to encourage commercialization and networking assets to facilitate communication. MIDAS is a machine-assisted methodology that provides the user with a replicable method to rapidly identify, quantify and characterize clean energy innovation ecosystems. This software application and the underlying datasets have the potential to address many important policy questions. The initial broad list of U.S. clean energy ecosystems, with geographic area, technology focus, and list and types of involved organizations can help describe regional tech activities and capabilities. Other potential applications include understanding the effect of private sector investments on ecosystem activity, and trends analysis.

Chinthavali, Supriya↗

Unsteady Analysis of Separated Aerodynamic Flows Using an Unstructured Multigrid Algorithm

An implicit method for the computation of unsteady flows on unstructured grids is presented. The resulting nonlinear system of equations is solved at each time step using an agglomeration multigrid procedure. The method allows for arbitrarily large time steps and is efficient in terms of computational effort and storage. Validation of the code using a one-equation turbulence model is performed for the well-known case of flow over a cylinder. A Detached Eddy Simulation model is also implemented and its performance compared to the one equation Spalart-Allmaras Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence model. Validation cases using DES and RANS include flow over a sphere and flow over a NACA 0012 wing including massive stall regimes. The project was driven by the ultimate goal of computing separated flows of aerodynamic interest, such as massive stall or flows over complex non-streamlined geometries.

Pelaez, Juan↗

Generation and validation of comprehensive synthetic weather histories using auto-regressive moving-average models

As energy system design moves to more complex methods of optimization including machine learning there is a significant need for more weather data than is available. One method to solve this is using synthetic data models such as the auto-regressive moving-average (ARMA) model which has been frequently utilized to create such data. This paper looks at extending the ARMA algorithm to generate solar components through the use of clearsky detrending, maintaining vector relationships and by leveraging physical relationships. The method for the creation of entirely synthetic weather data files including key weather variables for energy system analysis is presented. Furthermore, a detailed comparison of energy system simulations utilizing both real and synthetic data is made using NREL’s System Advisor Model. Whilst good agreement is made for the solar variables, and other weather variables, ARMA methods often fail to capture the standard deviation and skew of annual weather distributions. Vector-ARMA is shown to maintain correlations between variables and thus generate data sets that perform similarly in energy system design. Here, it is finally shown that the ARMA method fails to preserve day-today correlations in weather variables and thus over-predicts optimal energy storage by 21% for a residential solar application.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Gradient-Free Construction of Active Subspaces for Dimension Reduction in Complex Models with Applications to Neutronics

Recent developments in the field of reduced-order modeling---and, in particular, active subspace construction---have made it possible to efficiently approximate complex models by constructing low-order response surfaces based upon a small subspace of the original high-dimensional parameter space. These methods rely upon the fact that the response tends to vary more prominently in a few dominant directions defined by linear combinations of the original inputs, allowing for a rotation of the coordinate axis and a consequent transformation of the parameters. In this work, we discuss a gradient-free active subspace algorithm that is feasible for high-dimensional parameter spaces where finite-difference techniques are impractical. This analysis extends the gradient-free algorithm introduced in [A. Lewis, R. Smith, and B. Williams, Comput. Math. Appl., 72 (2016), pp. 1603--1615] in two significant ways: (i) we introduce an initialization algorithm to identify lower-dimensional subspaces of influential directions to seed the gradient-free algorithm for high-dimensional problems, and (ii) we analyze dimension selection criteria to verify the algorithms. Finally, we illustrate the initialized gradient-free active subspace algorithm for a neutronics example implemented with SCALE6.1 for input dimensions up to 7700.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Workshop Report on Basic Research Needs for Scientific Machine Learning: Core Technologies for Artificial Intelligence

Scientific Machine Learning (SciML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have broad use and transformative effects across the Department of Energy. Accordingly, the January 2018 Basic Research Needs workshop identified six Priority Research Directions (PRDs). The first three PRDs describe foundational research themes that correspond to the need for domain-awareness (PRD #1), interpretability (PRD #2), and robustness (PRD #3). The other three PRDs describe capability research themes and correspond to the three major use cases for massive scientific data analysis (PRD #4), machine learning-enhanced modeling and simulation (PRD #5), and intelligent automation and decision-support for complex systems (PRD #6). The Priority Research Directions provide a sound basis for a coherent, long-term research and development strategy in SciML and AI. Over the last decade, DOE investments in applied mathematics have laid the groundwork for the type of basic research that will underpin key advances in the six PRDs. Such advances will build on the work from leading researchers in optimization, linear algebra, high-performance solvers and algorithms, multiscale modeling and simulation, complex systems research, uncertainty quantification, and the new basic research areas that will emerge from the pursuit of transformative technologies.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Brochure on Basic Research Needs for Scientific Machine Learning: Core Technologies for Artificial Intelligence [Slides]

Scientific Machine Learning (SciML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have broad use and transformative effects across the Department of Energy. Accordingly, the January 2018 Basic Research Needs workshop identified six Priority Research Directions (PRDs). The first three PRDs describe foundational research themes that correspond to the need for domain-awareness (PRD #1), interpretability (PRD #2), and robustness (PRD #3). The other three PRDs describe capability research themes and correspond to the three major use cases for massive scientific data analysis (PRD #4), machine learning-enhanced modeling and simulation (PRD #5), and intelligent automation and decision-support for complex systems (PRD #6). The Priority Research Directions provide a sound basis for a coherent, long-term research and development strategy in SciML and AI. Over the last decade, DOE investments in applied mathematics have laid the groundwork for the type of basic research that will underpin key advances in the six PRDs. Such advances will build on the work from leading researchers in optimization, linear algebra, high-performance solvers and algorithms, multiscale modeling and simulation, complex systems research, uncertainty quantification, and the new basic research areas that will emerge from the pursuit of transformative technologies.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Elevated Temperature Effects on Protein Turnover Dynamics in Arabidopsis thaliana Seedlings Revealed by 15 N-Stable Isotope Labeling and ProteinTurnover Algorithm

Global warming poses a threat to plant survival, impacting growth and agricultural yield. Protein turnover, a critical regulatory mechanism balancing protein synthesis and degradation, is crucial for the cellular response to environmental changes. We investigated the effects of elevated temperature on proteome dynamics in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings using 15 N-stable isotope labeling and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry, coupled with the ProteinTurnover algorithm. Analyzing different cellular fractions from plants grown under 22 °C and 30 °C growth conditions, we found significant changes in the turnover rates of 571 proteins, with a median 1.4-fold increase, indicating accelerated protein dynamics under thermal stress. Notably, soluble root fraction proteins exhibited smaller turnover changes, suggesting tissue-specific adaptations. Significant turnover alterations occurred with redox signaling, stress response, protein folding, secondary metabolism, and photorespiration, indicating complex responses enhancing plant thermal resilience. Conversely, proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism and mitochondrial ATP synthesis showed minimal changes, highlighting their stability. This analysis highlights the intricate balance between proteome stability and adaptability, advancing our understanding of plant responses to heat stress and supporting the development of improved thermotolerant crops.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗